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[rcamp2009]

I ran a Metzeler 200/55-18 on my 2010 SESG, on stock Agitator wheel for 12k miles no problem. I have a Metzeler 200/50-18 on 2012 SESG with stock Agitator and have 6k miles on it no problem. I have at least 4 riding friends that run the same tire on Street Glides CVO and Non. I'm sure the techno wanna be engineers on here will give you 10 reason's not to run them. But in the real world not only do they ride and handle better than factory Dunlaps. They look way cooler too. My 2 cents.

[brassspike]

Which was the same height as the Dunlop?  50 or 55?

[skratch]

the 200 is about an inch overall taller, which would make the bike sit 1/2 higher.

[rcamp2009]

I believe that is the Avon. Which is taller. Metzeler 200/50-18 is same size. I will check later today when brother comes buy and measure both.

[grc]

I ran a Metzeler 200/55-18 on my 2010 SESG, on stock Agitator wheel for 12k miles no problem. I have a Metzeler 200/50-18 on 2012 SESG with stock Agitator and have 6k miles on it no problem. I have at least 4 riding friends that run the same tire on Street Glides CVO and Non. I'm sure the techno wanna be engineers on here will give you 10 reason's not to run them. But in the real world not only do they ride and handle better than factory Dunlaps. They look way cooler too. My 2 cents.

You could probably also fit a bicycle tire to a front rim, mount it on a Harley, and manage to make it down the highway with that as well.  People do ill-advised things every day, and many somehow manage to survive through nothing more than dumb luck.  As for the smartassed "techno wanna be engineer" thing, let's hear your qualifications for handing out bad tire advice. 

Jerry

[rcamp2009]

Your not baiting me like you do everybody else on this site. Glad you know which group you fit in. Have a nice day.

[grc]

So I'm guessing that reply means you have no qualifications and are just spouting a lot of hot air.  I had that figured out already.

Jerry

[Jswerve]

You have to look at several factors, not just the size.  First, make sure the tire is designed to work with your stock rim size (5.00" width).  The ones I've researched are not, and they require a wider rim.  Then make sure the tire has the same or higher load rating as the original.  Once again, the ones I've researched do not have high enough load ratings because they were designed for bikes that are much lighter than a Touring model Harley.  Then you have the speed rating.  In this regard most of the tires have a speed rating higher than the stock tires, so that's not a problem.

Harley really did stick it to you guys when they designed this setup.  Most 180 series tires are designed for a 5.50" or wider rim, so of course Harley used a 5.00" rim and had Dunflop design a special proprietary tire to fit the Harley wheel and set up the contract so that Dunflop could only sell the tires through Harley.  Folks who persist in buying Harley's just have to understand the game they play and suck it up.  And tires  are just one of the many areas where they have customers over the barrel. 

Jerry

Jerry you nailed it here. Good post. Personally I will just suck it up and run the intended tire just too much hassle and I actually have had good look with them and like the look.

Jesse

[rcamp2009]

Ok. As close as some dumb Buckeyes can come up with. Buddy's came by for short cold ride this afternoon. Between us there were 5 09' up Street Glides. We measured from ground to center of rear axle. 2-Stock Harley Dunlap 13". 2-Metzeler 200/50-18 13 3/8". 1-Avon 200/55-18 13 7/8". They mount right up with no changes needed. No one has any rubbing issues. We guesstimate somewhere around 100k miles between us with no problems since 2010 on several different Street Glides and Road Glides. All with 200 series tires. Are they to factory spec. NO. Did we use scientific gages for these measurements,NO. Do they look cooler, ride better, and cost less than factory spec. tires,HELL YES. Take this for what it is.

[brassspike]

Thanks for doing the measurements! I'm going to have to replace the stocker this summer so this will be a definite consideration. I didn't want to go tall so this tells me what I need to know. Maybe someone will come out with a higher load range before I have to replace mine. Thanks!

[skratch]

i picked up a set of chrome agitators, 19 front, 18 rear, about 9 months ago.  the rear tire had a 200/50-18 mounted, while the front had the stock 130.  the big difference was that both tires were radials.  obviously, they are not stock for the touring bike, but they are stock for a softail.  and the rear tires is not the multitread compound so i'm sure that i won't be getting the mileage out of it that the mt tire gets.

i have several misgivings about the tire.  since my cvo came with the contrast cut, these wheels ended up on the wife's bike.  obviously, i don't want to do anything that would endanger her.  i rode the tires for about 6 months, didn't notice any issues (wobble, etc) but am a little nervous after having put them on her bike.  not worried so much about the quick wear on these tires as i want to replace them with the stock tires.

[DtyHarry]

thanks for the replies... guess I can live with the Dunlop - one good thing Harley always has them in stock and occasionally does have a good tire sale.

[SDCVO]

I personally think the Dunlop's are very good. Of course I would like it if we had options but at least the tire we are "stuck with" perform well overall