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Tires

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by bguillory66, Mar 24, 2011.

  1. bguillory66

    bguillory66 Active Member

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    this has probably been discussed before, but couldn't find it. whats a good way to judge the wear on my tires, and when should I replace them. My bike has right at 20k and I think the HD Dunlops are probably original. Just got the bike about a year ago. Also open to suggestions on tire brands and where to get the best deals.
    Last edited: Mar 24, 2011
    bguillory66, Mar 24, 2011
    #1
  3. Fatboy128

    Fatboy128 Well-Known Member

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    From what I've been told by dealers, it's past time to replace them. They claim the rubber gets hard and traction suffers. I don't know if I buy that. BUT, it takes only 1 hp to get a vehicle moving, but it takes good brakes and tires to stop it! My Fatboy Harley gets about 10k on the rear and 12k on the front. Depending on riding habits... I replace the front when I see "chopping" (uneven wear) on the tread blocks.
    Fatboy128, Mar 24, 2011
    #2
  4. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    Yep with 20K on them it's time to put new shoes on her ,Tires are like oil , you'll get a lot of different answers to whats best I run the metzlers on my 03 E Glide get about 20K out of the front & around 15K out of the rear ,I like the way they hold the road dry or wet & I don't feel the tar snakes, corner's real good for a bagger :cool:
    cowboy, Mar 25, 2011
    #3
  5. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    i run dunlop elete 3's on my geezer glide...........very good mileage, traction, price!!
    chucktx, Mar 25, 2011
    #4
  6. sarge7

    sarge7 New Member

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    Can't go wrong with the E3's - good tire!
    Metzlers are OK too if ya don't buy the ones made in SA.
    sarge7, Mar 25, 2011
    #5
  7. Lucifer

    Lucifer Well-Known Member

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    When inspecting your tires check the tread wear bar. Look towards the center of the tire to locate the actual tire wear bar which will be located in the tread groove itself, as a raised bar. When the tire is worn to this indicator it is time for a new tire.
    Lucifer, Mar 25, 2011
    #6
  8. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    too add a bit.....sidewall checking/cracks will occur in aged tires. not good for use.
    chucktx, Mar 25, 2011
    #7
  9. bguillory66

    bguillory66 Active Member

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    thanks for the great info, after taking a closer look it seems the tires must have been replaced before I got the bike. The tread is not down to the wear bar. But I also noticed the front tire rotation arrow is facing the wrong way(another indicator the tire was probably replaced) what problem will this cause, and do I have to have the tire remounted, or since the 96 FXDL has dual disk can I just flip the whole wheel around?
    bguillory66, Mar 26, 2011
    #8
  10. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    Stick a penny in the center tread and if Lincolns head is showing better replace them. E3 tires are an excellent choice.
    FLHTbiker, Mar 26, 2011
    #9
  11. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    the reason for the arrow is tread pattern. the tread works better in the direction of the arrow....traction in wet or dry..... putting the wheel on reversed will put the valve stem on the wrong side and i dont believe the axle will go through the bearings correctly. i think they are different from left to right..........not sure.....
    chucktx, Mar 26, 2011
    #10
  12. voodoochild

    voodoochild New Member

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    I run the Metzeler 880's and love them. Got 10K outta the rear and the front still looks good. Can you guess why the back wore first?? :D
    voodoochild, Mar 31, 2011
    #11
  13. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    Cause the OL was riding with you! ;)
    FLHTbiker, Mar 31, 2011
    #12
  14. voodoochild

    voodoochild New Member

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    See that!! He knew......:D
    voodoochild, Apr 1, 2011
    #13
  15. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    Before the wife started riding her own she rode with me, tires wore out before they should have. She went on the Medifast diet lost 60 pounds, down to 125 looks great became a health coach for Medifast and now she rides her own.:D

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Apr 1, 2011
    FLHTbiker, Apr 1, 2011
    #14
  16. voodoochild

    voodoochild New Member

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    Congrats to her that's awesome! My tires actually wore out from the burnouts I do......still can't get the stupid kid outta me yet!!!
    voodoochild, Apr 1, 2011
    #15
  17. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    he never leaves, he just hides out for a bit....:D
    chucktx, Apr 1, 2011
    #16
  18. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    Lets face it there is a kid in all of us from time to time, even in JB's case. :roflmao:
    FLHTbiker, Apr 1, 2011
    #17
  19. sarge7

    sarge7 New Member

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    JB - ain't a kid - he just hasn't grown up into a big boy bike yet. still in training by HR. :roflmao:
    sarge7, Apr 2, 2011
    #18

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