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[ozarke]

Lets talk about tires!

First set of HD tires were changed out after 8k with the back wore down and front worn and cupped.   Second set is starting cupping again with around 7.5k.   So its about time to drop some cash on new tires, again. 

Yes,  I am aware of tire pressure and other tire issues.  Not mad at HD, just want to consider other options as I don't like only 1 choice.

I did a search and found that some have Metzeler 880 on their ride, but internet search doesn't come up with a 200/50-18. What size do you run?

Dunlop Elite-3's do have the correct sizes, but say they are designed for a goldwing.  Anyone have Dunlops on?

Are you aware of any other good alternatives to HD Dunlops?

Please share your views of tires for CVO convertables.   

[Lever]

i have a set of metz  prepaid   just wanting to put another 1500 miles or so on these  oem tires 

metz  does make a tire for  our bikes  me 880 marathon 200/50 ZR 18 M/C (76W) TL

i have  had metz in the past on my old bike and i like them very much

[ozarke]

Thanks for the reply Lever, what tire do you have for the front on hold?

Called metzeler and found, as you said, the rear tire.    Was told that they have just produced a front tire 130/70 R18 m/c (63v) to match this rear tire.   Have not been able to locate one yet.

[kevin]

I have the Elite 3's on my 2010 with 5,500 miles on them. Nice tires, handle & wearing well. Put dynabeads in them when mounted. Much smoother than originals.

[Nalle]

http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=75032.msg1030636#msg1030636



 

[ozarke]

Thanks Nalle:

Called Metzeler and was informed that they do not produce the (metzeler 130/70r-18 m/c 63v) tire in the USA and do not import.  They are available in Europe.     

Also informed that the Elite 3's are not designed for harley's.   Both of these brands have front tires that are "designed for GoldWings".

Both have rear tires which are designed for harley's,  so are " OK " to put on the Convertible.

Here is where I would like to hear the opinions of others.   Lever has metzeler's on?   Nelle is from Germany with correct tires.  Kevin has elite 3's on?     

I AM CONFUSED    does this really make a difference?

[Lever]

i will try and get the tire size info 4 ya  2marrow and post it

[Lever]

ok my tire size is a metz me 880 130-70-18 
drag spec. part# 110-13141

hope that helps

[ozarke]

Thanks Lever for your reply.

I looked up the tire,  here is the link  http://www.dragspecialties.com/products/?lfr=product%2F75202 .  It I am not mistaken the tire is a bias tire, not a radial.

Here is a quote from this page.  "NOTE: It is not recommended that a radial front tire be used with a bias-ply rear tire."

Here is the Metzeler site for ME 880,  http://www.us.metzelermoto.com/web/catalog/moto/moto_catalogo_schedaDescription.page?categoria=/catalog/moto/custom/none&vehicleType=MOTO&product_id=882603&uri=/metzeler/en_US/browser/xml/catalog/moto/Custom_ME_880_Marathon.xml&menu_item=/products/catalog/custom

You can see the choices for the 130/70 18  and there are 3,  only one that seems to be in USA is the bias tire.  the other 2 are made and sold in Europe.

What is wrong with me??         Can someone educate me?

Thanks in advance...

[xbigallenx]

Im got something to throw in. you said you know about the tire psi. What is the deal with tire PSI. do you go by what the bike says to run of what the tire says. I get mix information from folks. also didn't some or the Screaming Eagle come with elite 3 on them with the Screaming eagle logo on the side wall.

[Lever]

ozarke  you found some very important info  there  ...gonna need to talk to my indy  and see what i'm gonna do  i will not mix radial and bias tires on any thing i drive  i will keep ya in the loop  when i get more info




as far as tire psi  if the bike has oem tires i will go by my manual  ..how ever  if i have aftermarket  tires  i will use there recommendation  on psi  not the manual   hope that helps ya

[ozarke]

"as far as tire psi  if the bike has oem tires i will go by my manual  ..how ever  if i have aftermarket  tires  i will use there recommendation  on psi  not the manual."
[/quote]

x2 on that.

It seem to be agreed that psi should remain at recommended levels.  The explanation that is given by dealers and manufactures for this is to avoid cupping issues and also to have the best tire footprint.  It is said that lower psi accelerates cupping.

I have a lot of questions about this "rule" in general, as I have been very annal  about psi on both sets of HD Dunlops and they started to cup at about 6-7k.

#1 question.  Would the tire pressure be different for load?   ie.  1 or 2 up
#2 question.  When tires start to cup, when is there a loss of safety?
#3 question.  How much difference would there be in a tire "designed" for a goldwing and one "designed" for a FLSTSE, if the size and tread are the same?

[Mr. Warlock]

I cannot see where there would be any difference other than the load rating? I wouldn't want to run a sidewall rated for an 1100lb bike on our 700lb bikes.

I run my tires 2-4lb under recommended and have no cupping and the ride is just tick smoother.

[paconico1992]

I have the Dunlop Elite 111's on my bike and love them, great grip. 530.00 for tires only from a Honda dealer

[xbigallenx]

What do yaw do to get life out your tires. I got 19000 miles and I'm on my third rear tire. my second front tire.  getting about 6000 miles out of them.