The mechanic just told me my tires were starting to cup and I needed to look at some new ones. I ride in the mountains mostly but do put on some highway miles getting there... I have the stock rims that came with the bike. What recommendations do you have with the stock rims, fenders, etc...? Upsize?
I put the Metzler 888 on the back and the Dunlop American Elite series 2 on the front. ( Metzeler didn't make an 18 in the 888 series at the time. Both have 18 k and still look great. The American Elite felt a little softer than the Metzler , not sure if it had anything to do with being a front tire compared to the rear though. The combo provides a good ride and decent grip.
Like you, my stock HD Dunlop's started cupping around 17 K
The Avon tires will be the most sticky but you'll be changing them every 7- 10 K
Until this year the only tire to fit my rims were Dunlops. Everyone has cupped (5) but I have run them down to the treadwear indicators. As per Dunlop cupping does not affect the integrity of the tire.
It does however affect the ride somewhat on curves but I have never felt unsafe with them and have been across the Dragon 10 or 12 times this year.
However I only get 9 or 10 thou out of a rear and 12 to 15 on the front. The bike is usually loaded to the max so that makes a difference in tire wear.
Here in SoCal., I do a lot of freeway, highway and my favorite canyon riding.
I have always been a big fan of Metz, but I have to say, the Stock Dunlops on my 2015 RGS are great all around tires for me.
They wear well as long as I keep the tire pressure level where it should be.
They also do well in braking at high speed.
I dig the grip.
I say why change what I already like.
Swomack
Has anyone used the pirelli's night dragons? I mean you guys keep recommending tires with very boring names. Night Dragons.... yeah that's how I ride 0 lol
I echo the Avon votes. I have them on 3 out of 4 bikes. With the baggers I'm getting around 10,000 miles on the front and 8-9,000 on the rear. I don't abuse my tires too much although the corners are fun and I use more of the side than I could with the Dunlops. The cornering bonus is worth the early wear of the tires. STICKY and I keep buying them.
So I ended up going with the Pirelli Night Dragons based on previous Pirelli experience and am happy with the result. Cornering and ride is night and day compared to my cupped way to quickly oem dunlops. If they get more than 8K miles I'll probably stick with them.
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