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[dicko]

Two days ago we were coming down the mountain in the Dixie National Forest near Panquitch, UT.  It was a wonderful ride but on a very sharp switchback, as we were leaned over, the bike hit one of the many tar strip repairs in the road and the front wheel lost traction.  We came as close to going down as I ever want to be and only my superior skill saved us.  Or was it luck?  Whatever.
Anyway, this has caused me to think about the problem and I think that given the numerous tar strips I should have hit the curve at a lower speed, reducing the lean and improving the traction.  Lesson learned.
I'm also wondering if there is a better tire for my 2014 CVO Limited?  Initial research suggests that the OEM Dunlop provided by Harley is the best tire for the bike but I am anxious to hear from anyone that has a suggestion.
I realize that tires are very emotional, much like the Ford-Chevy arguments but I would value the experience of others.
Thanks,
     -Dick-

[SDCVO]

Your right, tires are a very controversial topic but IMHO, they are a great tire.

[SmokeyJoe]

Great save story!

This just happened ot me over the weekend as well.  Although my save was pure luck as I rate myself as a mediocre rider.  I don't know if it was the right thing to do but I put my foot down to save myself.  But something tells me that was wrong and things could have gone really wrong.

[greglyon]

We call them 'tar snakes' and in the Arizona heat they melt and are very hazardous.  WE try not to make an aggressive maneuver on them.

[dicko]

Smokey Joe- I put my foot down as well.  It was purely reactive and I didn't even realize I'd done it until it was all over.  I think that is what saved us.
IROAR- Thanks for the info.  For whatever reason we don't have those tar snakes in Nevada and I wasn't really prepared for them.  We'll be going back and this time I'll be ready.
For those of you that ride in Nevada, we get lots of sand and gravel piled up in intersections that can drop you in a heartbeat so be alert.
     -Dick-

[Para Bellum]

I'm also wondering if there is a better tire for my 2014 CVO Limited?

The Michelin Commander II is a great tire; long lasting and superior traction.  Many of us would be using it if it came in an 18" with a high-enough load rating.  If you have 17" front and 16" rear, they make those sizes with sufficient load rating.

BUT don't know if they would have been drama-free on your adventure.

[lowflight]

Not sure that there is a tire out there that would deal with tar snakes effectively. Unless possibly you go with something that is more of a race tire with a very soft compound that won’t last very long, but then to find one in a size for our bikes with correct ratings would be a real challenge.
 

[SmokeyJoe]

About pooped myself again, this time on a loaner bike.  The tires made a god awful noise as the bike slide side ways this time, felt like a foot but was probably only a few inches.

[05Train]

If the bike stayed up and you're uninjured, then putting your foot down was the right move.

It'd be nice to have more tire options, but I like the Dunlops. 

[Rooster]

California is full of tar snakes as well.

[phato1]

Not sure that there is a tire out there that would deal with tar snakes effectively. Unless possibly you go with something that is more of a race tire with a very soft compound that won’t last very long, but then to find one in a size for our bikes with correct ratings would be a real challenge.

No tire will help. The issue is with the material used in the "tar snakes" it is very similar to a driveway sealer except it never truly dries - it stay pliable to allow for expansion and contraction of the road surface. If you have these "repairs" in your area go out there on a hot day = above 80* or so and stick your fingernail in the material it is very soft and will move with hand pressure. What happens on the bike is not really a lack of traction it's that the road patch moves with you, hence the sliding sensation and then your when tire hits the un-patched pavement it can result in a near "high side" type situation where the tire is still gripping well but now the pavement is offering up "normal" resistance to the forces at work.

And it really suxxx when you're on a Ducati - trust me 

[AMEDD_SFC]

Allcon:

Another reason I like this site:  Relevant information for safety.

I never would have known about tar snakes.  Another hazard to be mindful of.

Thanks!

M

[lowflight]

It isn't just tar snakes that will get you, there is host of em. Man hole covers while cornering is another that will get your attention real quick too. Any thing that changes your traction can cause trouble, keep a watchful eye and enjoy the ride.

[TinSpinner]

I ran up on an area where the DOT had decided to paint a large turn arrow in the middle of the road ahead of a sharp curve one day right after a light rain. The painted section was slick as ice and nearly put me down. I've seen people lose control on the center lines and balk strips as well. Be careful out there!

[Jswerve]

Lots of snakes here in the Midwest. We know on a sunny day to watch out for them.

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