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[Sharkbiker]

With 10k mikes on my '13 FLTRXSE3 I've started the hunt for a replacement rear tire. All of the posts I've read state the Michellin Commander II is the best all around performance tire.  So now I find out that not only does Michelin NOT make the 180/55 18" tire but on the front tire size of 130/60 19" Dunlop is the only manufacturer that offers these sizes.  Has anyone with a CVO RG Custom replaced their Dunlops with another brand and what did it do to performance and speedo accuracy?

[Jswerve]

With 10k mikes on my '13 FLTRXSE3 I've started the hunt for a replacement rear tire. All of the posts I've read state the Michellin Commander II is the best all around performance tire.  So now I find out that not only does Michelin NOT make the 180/55 18" tire but on the front tire size of 130/60 19" Dunlop is the only manufacturer that offers these sizes.  Has anyone with a CVO RG Custom replaced their Dunlops with another brand and what did it do to performance and speedo accuracy?

Wow that sucks I have over 13k on my rear and still lots of tread left. You do a lot of burnouts?

[grc]

The wheel sizes were obviously chosen by Harley to lock you into buying their H-D branded tires at their inflated prices.  Changing the wheels to a more common size is a possibility, but you can wear out one heck of a lot of Dunlops before the cost would justify the price of new wheels. 

Jerry

[fastfreddy]

i know it sux only got 9 thousand miles on mine and it was shot... thinking about changing my riding style so this one can last a lill longer... NOT  

[Jswerve]

i know it sux only got 9 thousand miles on mine and it was shot... thinking about changing my riding style so this one can last a lill longer... NOT  

Haha ride it like you stole it it's your $$ Freddy! What's shakin in Council Bluffs? Any good riding over there? I live about 3.5 hours NE of there.

[FlaHeatWave]

The wheel sizes were obviously chosen by Harley to lock you into buying their H-D branded tires at their inflated prices.  Changing the wheels to a more common size is a possibility, but you can wear out one heck of a lot of Dunlops before the cost would justify the price of new wheels. 

Jerry

Jerry,
You are right as usual. In my nightly prayers, I always plead for alternative tires

'Use the '09 SERG for "Sport Touring" (90+ 2-up, loaded, for hours) the load range is very important to me.
For those that just barhop with their baggers, load range might not be a consideration.

[fastfreddy]

Haha ride it like you stole it it's your $$ Freddy! What's shakin in Council Bluffs? Any good riding over there? I live about 3.5 hours NE of there.

  J you know what they say a bad day riding beats a good day at work any time . Ya we got miles & miles of those twisting two lanes , only thing going on in CB now is cabin fever cant wait for this weather to break. 

[Jswerve]

  J you know what they say a bad day riding beats a good day at work any time . Ya we got miles & miles of those twisting two lanes , only thing going on in CB now is cabin fever cant wait for this weather to break. 

Heard that! I'd love to hit up that Quaker Steak and Lubes bike night!

[fastfreddy]

Heard that! I'd love to hit up that Quaker Steak and Lubes bike night!

my girl & i never miss it , mid summer is the best time. bikes, bands & bootee , oops 

[Jswerve]

my girl & i never miss it , mid summer is the best time. bikes, bands & bootee , oops 

Thanks man! Hope I can make it this year!

[DtyHarry]

My Front tire, made by Dunlop, is a 130/60-19 and the rear is a 180/55-18 with the agitator wheels.

Anybody find any tires that will fit beside the stock Dunlop?  Seems like these tire sizes are only made by Dunlop for Harley, at least per "Motorcycle Superstore" that carries all brands.

Thanks for any help.

[DtyHarry]

I just posted the same question here... You have any luck with alternative tires??

[brassspike]

I see several 200x18 tires out there. Will these work on our bikes?

[grc]

I see several 200x18 tires out there. Will these work on our bikes?

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

[xsdbs]

Dunlop is the only manufacturer that offers these sizes.

My local Harley Dealer usually has a "Spring Sale" on tires...

All Tires 15% OFF!
Buy a set of Tires and receive a $40 Gift Card!
Get them installed for only $49 per tire!

If you can "time it right", you can save a few dollars....