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[hogasm]

B...we discussed this back when I was thinking about wheels/tires.  Looks like the Metz guy was right about the heat and longevity of that tire on our baggers, IF used for loaded touring.  What's going on with the center...if I remember, the overall diameter of the tire/wheel combo was not much different than the stock 16" and 'Lop

Terry, the 160 60 R 18 is used as a stock tire on one of the BMW's. They keep them in stock at most dealers. Did not know this till after this happened on the road.
In talking to the BMW dealer, they usually get 7500 to 10,000 miles out of this tire. They recomend 42 lbs air pressure in the rear.
Called Metzler, with a large motor you will get less mileage because you are spinning the rear tire when you let out the clutch, even when you are not trying to. Also if you downshift and let out the clutch you are using twice as much rubber as when you accelerate. So in his opinion, 5000 to 7000 miles are to be expected from a harley bagger.

[StreetDog]

 ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM : center of the FRONT tire has an ridge about 1 and 1/2 inches wide. The ridge is about 1/8 th inche higher than the rest of the thread on the tire. This causes the bike to be very unstable at slow speeds ( as in just before stopping ) and wobble from side to side as your riding on that edge. I thought it was something wrong with the rear wheel. But it's flat spoted all the way around, so I guess it's fine.    Just had the 5000 mi. service done back in June. 7700 on it now. The dealer says it's not under warrenty and I should have been checking my tire presure.... WTF... why isn't it checked on the 5000 service. It DIDN'T do all that in 2500 miles. Shouldn't this defected tire be covered ?  HELP

[Midnight Rider]

ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM : center of the FRONT tire has an ridge about 1 and 1/2 inches wide. The ridge is about 1/8 th inche higher than the rest of the thread on the tire. This causes the bike to be very unstable at slow speeds ( as in just before stopping ) and wobble from side to side as your riding on that edge. I thought it was something wrong with the rear wheel. But it's flat spoted all the way around, so I guess it's fine.    Just had the 5000 mi. service done back in June. 7700 on it now. The dealer says it's not under warrenty and I should have been checking my tire presure.... WTF... why isn't it checked on the 5000 service. It DIDN'T do all that in 2500 miles. Shouldn't this defected tire be covered ?  HELP

No tires you get on new vehicles of any kind are covered by the dealers, as a general rule.  The tire manufacturer is generally the go to for tire issues.  I would NEVER count on ANY HD dealer to check air pressure in my tires, service or no service.  Really, one should check the air pressure in tires at least once a week...and they should definitely be checked if it's been more than a week since the bike has been ridden.  When I wash the bike, and it's up on the jack with the wheels in the air, I check pressure, and also do a visual to make certain I don't have any objects in the tire that may cause problems down the road.  Tire pressure varies with ambient air temps, but should always be checked cold.  Cupping of the tire is usually a result of improper inflation (low) and/or poor suspension.  Since we already know the suspension is poor from the factory, you've got that working against your tire already, IMO.

[StreetDog]

No tires you get on new vehicles of any kind are covered by the dealers, as a general rule.  The tire manufacturer is generally the go to for tire issues.  I would NEVER count on ANY HD dealer to check air pressure in my tires, service or no service.  Really, one should check the air pressure in tires at least once a week...and they should definitely be checked if it's been more than a week since the bike has been ridden.  When I wash the bike, and it's up on the jack with the wheels in the air, I check pressure, and also do a visual to make certain I don't have any objects in the tire that may cause problems down the road.  Tire pressure varies with ambient air temps, but should always be checked cold.  Cupping of the tire is usually a result of improper inflation (low) and/or poor suspension.  Since we already know the suspension is poor from the factory, you've got that working against your tire already, IMO.

TCnBham , thanks for the reply, although it didn't make me feel any better about the front tire wear. I've had 8 or 9 bikes and NEVER had a tire wear like this one did with only 7700 mi. And now you tell me the suspension's no good ? What's wrong with the suspension ? And is that why Hoist and a few of you have changed the front suspension out, they know somehing I don't. Fill me in.

[SneakyPete]

So much for safety check prior to riding

Brian, seen the centerline mark before after a dyno run.  Seat bolt/fender nut making contact with tire.

Regarding Metzelers, I am running a 150/80-16 at 42 psi on the rear and have about 6K on that tire having riden to Yellowstone and back (one up, loaded).  I was surprised that I still have plenty of meat left on the tire, was expecting more wear.  This is the third rear tire I have put on the bike (all Metzeler, same size), others did not wear as well.  My theory is air pressure, ran lower pressure (38 psi) previously.  This go around Metzeler rep recommended max pressure (42 psi) at all times for best performance.

Also, when tire size exceeds 140-90, load rating is lower which makes side wall more flexible and perhaps subject to greater wear?

Anyway, I'll stay with Metzeler     

[Hugh Janis]

I'm glad I found this thread.  I noticed over the weekend some pretty good wear in the middle of my rear tire at 4,700 miles.  I was wondering what others on this sight thought were good after market tires.  I may need to stay with Dunlop since they are made locally.

I ran Continental on my Goldwing and had a blowout on the rear at 60mph with a passenger a couple decades ago.  It was pretty hairy but managed to get it to the shoulder upright.  It was about $$ then, now it's about safety....

[hogasm]

So much for safety check prior to riding

Brian, seen the centerline mark before after a dyno run.  Seat bolt/fender nut making contact with tire.

Regarding Metzelers, I am running a 150/80-16 at 42 psi on the rear and have about 6K on that tire having riden to Yellowstone and back (one up, loaded).  I was surprised that I still have plenty of meat left on the tire, was expecting more wear.  This is the third rear tire I have put on the bike (all Metzeler, same size), others did not wear as well.  My theory is air pressure, ran lower pressure (38 psi) previously.  This go around Metzeler rep recommended max pressure (42 psi) at all times for best performance.

Also, when tire size exceeds 140-90, load rating is lower which makes side wall more flexible and perhaps subject to greater wear?

Anyway, I'll stay with Metzeler     

Pete, started thinking about why my bike since having the new motor in it, has the worst wobble imaginable. Also this could be why I am not getting the mileage on these Metzlers your getting.

This is only speculation.....the new cylinders are .25" taller than stock. This makes the upper motor mount out of alignment, which as that degree of being out of alignment more exaggerated at the rear wheel. It would be like having toe in the rear wheel. This would cause the rear tire to wear significantly.

After having a tire almost leave me stranded on the Nelson trip, I have decided too go back to a 16" rear tire. Probably go with the same 150 metzler you are running, but if while on the road a stock 140 Dunlop from any dealer, will get me home.

[Hoist!]

Pete, started thinking about why my bike since having the new motor in it, has the worst wobble imaginable. Also this could be why I am not getting the mileage on these Metzlers your getting.

This is only speculation.....the new cylinders are .25" taller than stock. This makes the upper motor mount out of alignment, which as that degree of being out of alignment more exaggerated at the rear wheel. It would be like having toe in the rear wheel. This would cause the rear tire to wear significantly.

After having a tire almost leave me stranded on the Nelson trip, I have decided too go back to a 16" rear tire. Probably go with the same 150 metzler you are running, but if while on the road a stock 140 Dunlop from any dealer, will get me home.

Tech told me today that if you use a taller engine, you should have the whole thing realigned. You are probably on to something Brian.

Hoist!

[Midnight Rider]

TCnBham , thanks for the reply, although it didn't make me feel any better about the front tire wear. I've had 8 or 9 bikes and NEVER had a tire wear like this one did with only 7700 mi. And now you tell me the suspension's no good ? What's wrong with the suspension ? And is that why Hoist and a few of you have changed the front suspension out, they know somehing I don't. Fill me in.

For one, you've now got radial tires on the SERK, if I'm not mistaken.  Air pressure is critical in a radial tire, or any motorcycle tire, IMO.  Pressure unloaded may run a couple of PSI lower than with a load.  I have bias ply Metzlers on my Ultra, and when loaded two up, I run 50psi rear and 44 on the front, otherwise it's 42 on front and 46-48 on the rear.  This was recommended to me directly from Metzler on the phone for my bike and typical load.

I'm not saying that the HD stock suspension is worthless, but if all other things are not perfect...air pressure, balance of tires, etc...the front suspension will magnify the problem and can contribute to cupping, just like worn shocks on a car.  You may not even feel it while riding, but the front tire is not always in contact with the road surface with the stock front end.  With the Traxxion AK20 catridges many of us have had installed, you will immediately notice the night and day difference.  Night and Day.  HD front suspension is the cheapest thing you can get on a set of forks, and the CVO bike is no different than any other HD bike...same bottom of the line Showa springs.  The most important thing you can do is keep your tires aired up properly...like I said, check them at least once a week.  You're actually supposed to check them before every ride.  I do a visual check before every ride, but don't always put a gauge on them.

[hogasm]

So much for safety check prior to riding


Regarding Metzelers, I am running a 150/80-16 at 42 psi on the rear

Anyway, I'll stay with Metzeler     

Pete, is this tire a radial?   Are both front and rear tires radials, same or different?

[Midnight Rider]

Pete, is this tire a radial?   Are both front and rear tires radials, same or different?

B...I'm 99% sure that the 150 is a bias ply...it was one I considered, but because of what I do with the Ultra, decided on the 140/90.  It was all about load rating for me.  If I rode solo, the 150 would have been heavily considered.  If memory serves me, it was rated in the upper 700 lb range.

[SneakyPete]

Pete, is this tire a radial?   Are both front and rear tires radials, same or different?

No, both are bias ply.  If you go back to a 150, Dunlop makes the same size, so if you get stuck any HD dealer might have them as well as a 140.  I noticed more dealers are carrying Metzelers.  Bayside started when Dunlop went on strike, decided to continue carrying them due to favorable feedback from customers.

Hoist is right on realignment, had mine done when they pulled engine, trans, changed swing arm bushings, etc.  Didn't wobble before and doesn't wobble now.  Chris did the work.

[hdbrad03]

The wear on the FLHRSE3 E3 Radial sucks! I replaced the front at 9800 miles account uneven wear. I have received warranty on the tire. I was forced to use the same tire account the new D407 being used on the 08 RK and Springer was on National backorder. I expect to get warranty on that tire also.