Harley tyres, which brand will hack the pace?

[smartley]

Hi, I am having trouble finding a tyre that will stand up to hard riding on a Harley, you may laugh but I am sick of tyres that either don't grip [ HD Dunlops} or fall to bits, crack and pit { Metzeler ME880} I am riding a 2008 FXD Dyna ,shocked but otherwise standard sick of paying through the nose for tyres that aren't doing the job, has anyone got any ideas.

[Geeen]

These maybe? I run Conti's on my Speed Triple.

http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/en/continental/motorcycle/themes/motorcycletires/cruiser/milestone/milestone_en.html

[cs363]

Mate of mine who gets along impressively well on his V-Rod swears by these:
http://www.dold.co.nz/Products/Avon/Avon_Tyres/Cobra_Radial_Custom--Cruider.aspx reckons the grip is unreal (especially in the wet) with very good mileage.

These may be worth a look too: http://www.dold.co.nz/Products/Avon/Avon_Tyres/Venom__Custom--Cruiser.aspx

[Flip]

These maybe? I run Conti's on my Speed Triple.

http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/en/continental/motorcycle/themes/motorcycletires/cruiser/milestone/milestone_en.html

+1

I'm also running Milestones. Much better grip than the HD Dunlops. Don't last as long.

[DEATH_INC.]

I believe Pirelli do a couple of tyres specifically for the harley.

[smartley]

Thanks for the feedback, still a curly question, is there such a thing as sportier cruiser tyres? Any tyre importers interested in replying? There are a few Harleys out there, must be a market for a tyre for NZ road conditions.

[tigertim20]

Hey. A few friends of mine on cruisers have used the Pirelli night dragon (or something like that, im sure ill be corrected if i got the name wrong) and reckon theyre good for spirited riding, and they get good milage out of them.
Havent used them myself, but thats a name of something you can look into.

And nah, Im not laughing, I know a couple guys that are fucking quick on their harleys!

[Kickaha]

There are a few Harleys out there, must be a market for a tyre for NZ road conditions.

We're way to small a market for anyone to build tyres specifically for NZ road conditions

[sinfull]

Whichever way ya go, you're going to be giving away grip for longevity or vise versa !

I'm quite happy only getting 5 or 6 k out of a lazertech rear, to have it bite into the tarmat after i fuck up and bounce off the frame two up, as did happen when i first found the bikes limits !

Been reshocked now and of course the limits have increased lol

Was only thinkin just now about trying the ME 88 as i'm needing a full set this time round, you surely must have copped a bad tyre for it to fall to bits ? Have you checked the date stamp on it ?

[cs363]

Thanks for the feedback, still a curly question, is there such a thing as sportier cruiser tyres? Any tyre importers interested in replying? There are a few Harleys out there, must be a market for a tyre for NZ road conditions.

Did you not check these out:http://www.dold.co.nz/Products/Avon/Avon_Tyres/Cobra_Radial_Custom--Cruider.aspx ?

Quote "•Incorporates sports tyre technology for nimble handling"
& "WCTA - Wide Custom Tread Arc - is Avon's new tyre profile that gives Cobra a nimble characteristic once reserved only for agile race-bred bikes, all without disrupting all-important stability."

[smartley]

Thanks for the reply, checked out the Avons look good but not the right size, Me 880's, must have got 2 bad ones and I am not the only one, don't mind paying and wearing tires out but when they pack up after less than 1000k's not so keen, first tyre was replaced by importer, was thinking of going to Lasertec rear as I run one on the front and it is great.
We are indeed a small market but we are the market for those who import tires, surely there is something suitable out there?

[Shadows]

I always ran Conti Milestones when I had my Sportster Sport and I pushed that bike pretty hard without any problems.

[cs363]

Thanks for the reply, checked out the Avons look good but not the right size, Me 880's, must have got 2 bad ones and I am not the only one, don't mind paying and wearing tires out but when they pack up after less than 1000k's not so keen, first tyre was replaced by importer, was thinking of going to Lasertec rear as I run one on the front and it is great.
We are indeed a small market but we are the market for those who import tires, surely there is something suitable out there?

Could still be worth checking out the Venom's http://www.dold.co.nz/Products/Avon/Avon_Tyres/Venom__Custom--Cruiser.aspx
Avon makes a bloody good tyre that is often overlooked these days with the mainstream popularity of brands like Pirelli, Michelin & Metzeler.
Lasertec's are a damn good tyre as well though if you're limited to old school sizes, no argument there.

[GrayWolf]

Hi oddly enough I ended up using HD specific tyres on an FJ1200. Not as weird as it sounds, heavy old school bike and ripped the crap out of more modern tyres. (Dunlop do a series of High load rating tyres (HD specific) I think there is a very high load rating version as well,) ,,, the carcass is substantialy more rigid than a standard tyre. I found the bike was actualy more stable in handling and gained milage.... I think Bridgestone are doing a series of dual compound touring tyres (high load) but they are not cheap.
The handling of a cruiser is never going to use a sport tyre to its maximum... but the weight and loading on a soft tyre will rip it to bits.

[bluebird]

I have had Avon Cobras on my Boulevard M109 for 20k they are the best tyres I have ever had on a bike. I was told that these are the tyres of choice for custom choppers in the states.

[scumdog]

+1

I'm also running Milestones. Much better grip than the HD Dunlops. Don't last as long.

+2

Used Conti Tours and Conti Milestones for years, good value & grip. .

[smartley]

Thanks for the replies, Dold industries have recommended Storm 2 Ultra as the wheel size is 17 inch so bit limiting. Drury Performance Center have been most helpful, they are saying the Dunlop k591, Bridgestone BT023 and are looking around for more options. So ask a question and get 5 answers, any Harley riders on Kiwibiker used any of the above?