Tire FAQ???

[knewsom]

Ok, there's an OIL FAQ, and a NEW BIKE FAQ, but no TIRE FAQ??

I'm hereby officially requesting one, since I've been reading for hours and STILL don't feel like I have a clue what tires are still available, and what size tires my 78 standard will take.

[Harleychanic]

Front tire = 100/90 19

Rear tire = 130/90 17

I just finished reading all those tire posts last week and ordered a set of Dunlops since I needed a new set of tires for the Beast.

1978 XS 1100 E (Standard)

[knewsom]

richeous! I'm glad to have the correct sizing info finally!

Let me know how those Dunlops treat ya - I think I'm going to try and go with Metzler.

[Harleychanic]

No problem, Will do. I don't know how well they will hold up to my more spirited riding on the Beast (once I fix the charging issue!) But, during my tenure as a Harley mechanic (can I say that on this site?) all the bikes are shod with dunlops and they seem to hold up fairly well even with the occasional smokey tire "Break-In" session.

[mason79]

Originally posted by knewsom
richeous! I'm glad to have the correct sizing info finally!

Let me know how those Dunlops treat ya - I think I'm going to try and go with Metzler.

don't you have a repair manual and an owners manual? lots of info...

[knewsom]

Sadly no - I ordered the CD, but it didn't work!

I think I'm going to Amazon the Clymers tonight and just get the overnight shipping.

The other thing is that I've heard people using other sizes due to availability and other reasons, and I was curious as to whether or not there was any resolution on what would work with what.

[GNEPIG]

..

all the bikes are shod with dunlops and they seem to hold up fairly well even with the occasional smokey tire "Break-In" session.

i have been a harley mechanic for the past 4 years and i am going to agree with this statment. i have the dunlop 591's on my special, not a big milage tire but they handle real good

[Harleychanic]

Gnepig, What dealership do you work at?

[Jerry]

I've been running Dunlop K491 Elite II front and back since 2001. If any one has run this combo then switched to the Elite 3 series I would like to hear your comments on handling, wear, overall impressions of the 3 vs the II.

[knewsom]

100 or 110 for front???

Hey guys,

Just got off the phone, I'm about to order new tires (front and rear) for the the Baboon, I'm gonna go with the Dunlop 404's - inexpensive, good traction, good wear. The big question is this: the guy says that his computer is sizing my bike at a 110/90 19 for the front tire, and not 100/90 19. I've read a bunch of people running 100's on the front, I was wondering if he was wrong, or if maybe some folks are running too small a tire up front.

Thanks,

Kris

[DeanR]

I got the 404's two years ago for the same reasons. My mechanic/racer friend couldn't get the 100 front at the time, so on his recommendation he got me the 110 for my Special and it has been fine.

[JWSanders]

I'm running the Dunlop 404's right now as well. 100/90 18 on the front and 130/90 16 in the rear. I think next time I'll go with the elite series tires.

[sixtysix]

Tires change so often it not really worth it to make a tire FAQ.

Specials have a 16 inch rear and standards a 17, don't assume you have on or the other.

Dunlop K491 EliteII's were the best think going a few years back but the have an EliteIII now.

Stay away from discount rubber and you will be fine.

[yadada]

Jerry - I have the II's on my HD and I have the 3's on my XJ. Got about 11,000 miles on the II's. Expect to get at least 13,000 mile out of the II's. Got about 1100 miles on the 3's now. I expect them to last just as long, we'll see if they do. I don't ride super fast or slow. No burnouts or wheelies. The 3's have just barely gotten the look where tires get that flat spot in the middle. You have to really look to notice. Performance wise it's hard to tell due to different bikes, but I have more confidence in the 3's just because they are on the XJ, which handles more sportily, and doesn't have that silly skinny 21" wheel like the HD. They aren't kidding about not being affected by rain grooves. The II's will wander. 3's don't. Could be the 21" wheel again, but I don't think so. When I put new tires on the HD I will put 3's if I can get the 21" tire for the front, they don't list it now. Whoops I was looking at radials, they have a 21" bias ply

[shotgun]

I sold tire for a couple of years. The best all around tire I have found seems to be Avon Venom. Yhe work great on heavier bikes. Installed several sets on Harleys and everyone that bought them said the were far superior in ride and handling. They also should last a few thousand miles longer.