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[Big Erik]

Just rolled over 7k miles on my 2014 CVO Ultra and am about to head out on a 2 week trip from SC to SD and back.  7k miles doesn't seem like a ton, and there's still good tread, but I'm thinking of getting a new set front/back before I go.  I'm looking for any observations or recommendations on replacement tires.

I'm 230 lbs geared up, and I ride hard in the twisties, right up to the last 1/8th inch of tire.  My buddies all ride sport touring bikes and ride Michelin Pilot 4.  It's a great sticky tire, but all they ever get out of them is 5k miles on the back, 7-8k on the front.

Does anyone have any recommendations on either tire lifespan or replacement brand vs factory set up?

By the way, last weekend in the Smoky Mountains was outstanding riding.  Always discovering new routes up there and rarely disappointed.

Thanks in advance for any counsel.

Big E.

[Boatman]

Everyone has an opinion but I wouldn't change them before the trip.  On my 10 with the stock tires I got 17,500 out of the rear tire and over 20K on the front tire.  Neither tire was worn out, just cupping.

I had the stock Dunlops, American Elite's, and Michelin Commander 2's on the 2010 and they were all good tires.  Couldn't go wrong on any three.

Have 5,500 on the 14 and will probably go American Elite or Commanders on it when the time comes as I hate giving the money to the dealer for the stock tires.   Like that the Dunlops are made in New York and hate that the Michelins are made in southeast Asia.  Just my phobias.

FWIW.  Travel safe.

 

[Big Erik]

Sweet feedback. 

I'm surprised about the Michelin manufacturing.  I aassumed they did something with the small tires in Greenville, SC.  Guess that's just their big tire facade for the nearby BMW plant.

E.

[Gnarl78]

I'm running Avon Cobra's on my '08 CVO Ultra. They are very responsive in the twisties and have good stiction (sp?).

[Camojeeper]

X2 Michelin commander 2. Very happy with mine

[ultrafxr]

X2 Michelin commander 2. Very happy with mine

X3 on the Michs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[08glide]

Like Boatman stated, I would run the tieres you have. should get 15-18k out of rear & 20k + out of frt. I'm running Mich commder II on 08 glide. just cahanged rear on cvo ultra (after MVGTG) to american elite. it seems ok, but I still like the Mich.will be curious as to mileage on american elite

[Big Erik]

Great feedback guys.  I'm sticking with the Dunlops for my ride from Charleston, SC to the Black Hills in 3 weeks via the Appalachians to West VA, Columbus, OH, the Great River Road to Minneapolis, Sioux Falls, SD to the Hills.  Gonna try to join the IBA with a Saddlesore 2000 attempt on the return.  That oughta put the Dunlops through most of their paces by the end.

Thanks again.

E.

[jimz2003]

Not sure how people say they are getting 15 to 18k from the stock dunlops. I got thru a back tire at 5 to 6K and front tire at 10K. At 40K miles I have put on my 7th back tire and my 6th front tire. But as far as how far you should ride on a tire is up to the individual we all have different riding styles just need to keep an eye on the tread depth. I have always used the factory Dunlop's until now I decided to try the American Elites and I will tell you that I will probably not buy any other tire. On my 10 cvo ultra I have the best ride I have ever felt it didn't feel this good when I was new. My wife on the back even mentioned that it was a much smoother quieter ride. And to me if the passenger notices a difference there must be something to it. JMHO

[Ghost__Rider]

I'm running michelins also. so far best wearing tires I've had.

[MrSurly]

Not sure how people say they are getting 15 to 18k from the stock dunlops. I got thru a back tire at 5 to 6K and front tire at 10K. I decided to try the American Elites and I will tell you that I will probably not buy any other tire. On my 10 cvo ultra I have the best ride I have ever felt it didn't feel this good when I was new.

Jim, I have the twin of your bike that I bought two years ago with 3000 miles. The stock rear lasted until 12K and I ride fairly aggressively. I. too, switched to the AE (Gen 2) and so far, it's good with about 9K on it. I have a MV ride in June and will likely add around 3500 miles on it on that trip.
This AE looks good enough that I don't plan to change it until I get back. I'll let you know how that works out.
Two thousand miles after the rear I swapped the front original due to cupping though not close to worn out at 14K. i switched it also to the AE Gen2. 7K later the front looks like this (dirty, yes I know)

[Panhead_Jimmy]

Not sure how people say they are getting 15 to 18k from the stock dunlops.

I've gone 17K miles on a stock D407 Multi-Tread rear tires five times (twice on a '09 RG, once on a '10 CVO Ultra and twice on a '11 SG).  Not even close to bald.  I love 'em.  I run Michelin Pilot Road 4 on the BMR and am lucky to get 10K but they're an unbelievably good rain tire.  I do run them a little "worn" .... just not in the rain.

[Jswerve]

Not sure how people say they are getting 15 to 18k from the stock dunlops. I got thru a back tire at 5 to 6K and front tire at 10K. At 40K miles I have put on my 7th back tire and my 6th front tire. But as far as how far you should ride on a tire is up to the individual we all have different riding styles just need to keep an eye on the tread depth. I have always used the factory Dunlop's until now I decided to try the American Elites and I will tell you that I will probably not buy any other tire. On my 10 cvo ultra I have the best ride I have ever felt it didn't feel this good when I was new. My wife on the back even mentioned that it was a much smoother quieter ride. And to me if the passenger notices a difference there must be something to it. JMHO

Having no trouble getting 18-20k out of the rear and more than that out of the front. 

[SBB]

Everyone has an opinion but I wouldn't change them before the trip.  On my 10 with the stock tires I got 17,500 out of the rear tire and over 20K on the front tire.  Neither tire was worn out, just cupping.

My tire mileage experience is the same as Boatman's.
That was on an 09 SEUC, a 11.5 SEUC and the 12 SERGC is showing the same example of wear.
The old style 130/140 I was lucky to get 10K miles on the rear.

SBB

[RonandJanet]

Having no trouble getting 18-20k out of the rear and more than that out of the front. 

I am the same (~20K on the rear) with day to day riding to work and two up on everything else including trips.  I don't ride aggressively we are mostly cruising.