FL tires in 2022?

[Finn]

Now that there is no actual need to put money on headers (other topic) I might want to change the tires.

Current ones are D402 with lots of tread left but they are a bit old, especially the rear one. And the feel is...well...there is not much feel.

Two years ago, when I got the Heritage, I agonized for days what tires to get and finally went with Michelin Commander III Cruisers. I have liked them a lot.

Back then my short list was:

- Michelin Commander III Cruiser
- Dunlop American Elite
- Avon Cobra Chrome

Has there been any major development in tires ie. are these three still comparable with each other or are there now new products on the market to consider?

[calif phil]

Those are still the top three choices, Avon for handling, Dunlop for best all around tire with the longest tread wear. CIII comes in 3rd.

[Finn]

Thanks. 

Getting prices and availability for all three alternatives tomorrow.

Never had Avons before, Bad Boy had Dunlop AEs - they felt very good - and as said, FLSTC has Michelins.

[Hossamania]

I've been running the AEs since they came out but always wanted to try the Avon's.

[fbn ent]

I've been running the AEs since they came out but always wanted to try the Avon's.

Hoss, I like Avon and have always wanted to try AEs. 

[Finn]

Yes, I'm interested in Avons too. For some reason none of my buddies either have tested Avon tires yet.

[BigT]

I switched over to Avon Chromes on my Street Glide. Great tire for handling as Phil said. I am on my second set and got about 10k on the rear before it needed to be replaced. The front could have gone another year but nothing like a new set

[Finn]

How do the Avons do in wet conditions or when it is a bit colder?

[fbn ent]

The only thing I have had is they are slippery on wet grass/mud. Never had any issues in wet unless it's cold enough to not be wet.

[SixShooter14]

agreed, I had Avons on my old Softail. No complaints, but only put 5k on them. I have the standard HD Dunlops (D402)? on my Road King. They are now 2 years old with nearly 7k and are starting to wear. Only issue with them is they are a bit hard when cold, I notice the back end locks up a bit easier than I'd like. I will replace them this winter with AEs (most likely)

[Finn]

Thanks guys. 

[PC_Hater]

How do the Avons do in wet conditions or when it is a bit colder?

AVONs work very well in the wet and cold!
Why do you think I use them here in the UK?
They have kept me alive in vile conditions for nigh on 50 years.

They might not be the high mileage choice if you live in Nevada...

[Finn]

AVONs work very well in the wet and cold!
Why do you think I use them here in the UK?
They have kept me alive in vile conditions for nigh on 50 years.

They might not be the high mileage choice if you live in Nevada...

That is good to hear. Acceptable grip is a must, mileage comes secondary.

Went to see my dealer. Strange situation in Europe with tires as it is not that easy to find what you want. Avons were not available, same thing with Dunlop AE. Michelin Commander III you would have got Touring front and Cruiser rear - no thanks. 

I'm contacting this independent shop tomorrow with details. They have different channels for tires and parts.

I mentioned my mechanic that things get a bit lively when you pass a truck and cross center lane markings and/or tarmac edges etc. Scared myself to bits when this happened the first time.

He recommended to increase pressures and we went from 36 to 40 front and 36 to 43 rear.
This helped a bit.

Also, shock air pressures front and rear were 0. We put 10 psi in both. Not too hard now, more stable I would say.

[fbn ent]

Yep...38/40 Front and 40/42 Rear. Avon says more.

[kd]

Yep...38/40 Front and 40/42 Rear. Avon says more.

That's about where I am at on my RGU with Commander II's (38 / 40) .  I have TPMS and they will build at least 5-6# on the ride. Especially when hot out.

[Hossamania]

AVONs work very well in the wet and cold!
Why do you think I use them here in the UK?
They have kept me alive in vile conditions for nigh on 50 years.

They might not be the high mileage choice if you live in Nevada...

That is good to hear. Acceptable grip is a must, mileage comes secondary.

Went to see my dealer. Strange situation in Europe with tires as it is not that easy to find what you want. Avons were not available, same thing with Dunlop AE. Michelin Commander III you would have got Touring front and Cruiser rear - no thanks. 

I'm contacting this independent shop tomorrow with details. They have different channels for tires and parts.

I mentioned my mechanic that things get a bit lively when you pass a truck and cross center lane markings and/or tarmac edges etc. Scared myself to bits when this happened the first time.

He recommended to increase pressures and we went from 36 to 40 front and 36 to 43 rear.
This helped a bit.

Also, shock air pressures front and rear were 0. We put 10 psi in both. Not too hard now, more stable I would say.

For the rear shocks on the touring (RoadKing) try running more air pressure. I run mine at 35 psi solo, up to 45 with passenger. Try yours at 25 and go from there. I know it seems counterintuitive to a softer ride, but give it a try.
As far as the wobbling when crossing the paint stripes, that is when I know it's time to think about new tires. Pressure helps, but when they start to be affected by paint, they are getting marginal.

[Finn]

Thanks for the tip. I'll tinker with shock pressures to see how it responds.

[kd]

AVONs work very well in the wet and cold!
Why do you think I use them here in the UK?
They have kept me alive in vile conditions for nigh on 50 years.

They might not be the high mileage choice if you live in Nevada...

That is good to hear. Acceptable grip is a must, mileage comes secondary.

Went to see my dealer. Strange situation in Europe with tires as it is not that easy to find what you want. Avons were not available, same thing with Dunlop AE. Michelin Commander III you would have got Touring front and Cruiser rear - no thanks. 

I'm contacting this independent shop tomorrow with details. They have different channels for tires and parts.

I mentioned my mechanic that things get a bit lively when you pass a truck and cross center lane markings and/or tarmac edges etc. Scared myself to bits when this happened the first time.

He recommended to increase pressures and we went from 36 to 40 front and 36 to 43 rear.
This helped a bit.

Also, shock air pressures front and rear were 0. We put 10 psi in both. Not too hard now, more stable I would say.

For the rear shocks on the touring (RoadKing) try running more air pressure. I run mine at 35 psi solo, up to 45 with passenger. Try yours at 25 and go from there. I know it seems counterintuitive to a softer ride, but give it a try.
As far as the wobbling when crossing the paint stripes, that is when I know it's time to think about new tires. Pressure helps, but when they start to be affected by paint, they are getting marginal.

There's a difference between the early and later shocks in the air pressure tolerance.  Be careful.  As Hoss said, the later versions appear to be upgraded in the seals to accept more air safely.  If the shocks are still OEM for that bike go by the numbers on the tag in the saddle bag.  My 98's take a max of
35# and the 2011 is 50# max.  The owners manual gives suggested levels for weight.

[Hossamania]

I believe they are the same shock, just new max ratings as info was gathered over the years. I have an '01 and run it in the 40's with a passenger.

[Hossamania]

I believe they are the same shock, just new max ratings as info was gathered over the years. I have an '01 and run it in the 40's with a passenger.

Just looked up the numbers, they are different, but not sure how much of a difference there is between them. Maybe they do have different seals. There doesn't seem to be a difference in how lousy they ride.

[Finn]

Dunlop AE was out of stock and no delivery date was available.

Michelin Commander III was troublesome as well: would have needed to take a Touring front and Cruiser rear (or was it the other way around?) so no thanks.

So Avon Cobra Chrome it is. Bonus was that they were also considerable cheaper than the other two. Which is nice. 

[Finn]

The out of stock situation is/was for big European distributors such as Parts Europe etc.

[IronButt70]

Dunlop AE was out of stock and no delivery date was available.

Michelin Commander III was troublesome as well: would have needed to take a Touring front and Cruiser rear (or was it the other way around?) so no thanks.

So Avon Cobra Chrome it is. Bonus was that they were also considerable cheaper than the other two. Which is nice. 

Finn,
IIRC you have a 2016 softail. You can put touring front and rear with the MCIIIs if you use a MU85B16 on the rear. The difference in size is negligible from the stock size. I'm on my second rear on my 17 softail. Last one went 20k miles. There will always be a difference of opinion on which tires last longer but I've pretty much tried them all and always go back to MCs.

[Deye76]

I had the AE's on my Roadglide, they weren't bad, recently installed Dunlop E4 on my FXR, very good grip as long as the pavement is dry, scary even in a light rain. Back to Avon next set.

[Finn]

Finn,
IIRC you have a 2016 softail. You can put touring front and rear with the MCIIIs if you use a MU85B16 on the rear. The difference in size is negligible from the stock size. I'm on my second rear on my 17 softail. Last one went 20k miles. There will always be a difference of opinion on which tires last longer but I've pretty much tried them all and always go back to MCs.

Thanks for the tip. 

[smokein]

Yep...38/40 Front and 40/42 Rear. Avon says more.

Agreed! I constantly hear people complain about tread life on Avons but they all look at me confused when I tell them u can't run OEM PSI. Avon has a handy chart that shows exactly what to run and it's higher.
My first set was on an 11 RG with an S&S 124" HC 640 setup and they were excellent. Sold bike with over 10k on those tires and they had plenty of meat left after my abuse.
Stay safe.

[fbn ent]

Yep...38/40 Front and 40/42 Rear. Avon says more.

Agreed! I constantly hear people complain about tread life on Avons but they all look at me confused when I tell them u can't run OEM PSI. Avon has a handy chart that shows exactly what to run and it's higher.
My first set was on an 11 RG with an S&S 124" HC 640 setup and they were excellent. Sold bike with over 10k on those tires and they had plenty of meat left after my abuse.
Stay safe.

Many guys I dealt with are going to Avon radials. A little smaller aspect in the rear but they give good handling/mileage.

[Finn]

Avons arrived on Tuesday. Will take two weeks before we get them on. They look really nice.

[calif phil]

Avon's also don't use the yellow dot that most other tires manufactures use.  They say, if you make them round you don't need it.   

You should love the Avon's, stick like poop on a baby blanket. 

[RKRuss]

I recently put a set of Commander III touring on my Victory prior to a ride from Far North Queensland to Tasmania (Australia) and return. It was a trip of around 9000kms (around 5600 miles).

I rode through a bit of rain down in Tasmania and then on the way home, had about a 1000km stretch of fairly decent rain. I found that these tyres are absolutely lethal in wet weather. They hydroplane terribly, to the point that I nearly put the bike down on one occasion on a pretty much straight stretch of highway at the posted speed limit of 100 kph (60 mph). It just lost all grip front and rear and went into a full on lock to lock slide.

I'd run Commander II previously and whilst they weren't brilliant, were much better than the III's. Definitely won't be buying another set. 

[Schex3x]

I been on Avons for years, I run tpms on all my bikes and get 12k on rears and about 17 on fronts, due to availability issues, I changed brands and loving them, best handling tires I've run yet,if they do good through the life of the tire, they will be my new favorite tires, what brand?, I can't tell ya, I'm hoarding them, don't want to start a shortage on them too, sorry

[kd]

I been on Avons for years, I run tpms on all my bikes and get 12k on rears and about 17 on fronts, due to availability issues, I changed brands and loving them, best handling tires I've run yet,if they do good through the life of the tire, they will be my new favorite tires, what brand?, I can't tell ya, I'm hoarding them, don't want to start a shortage on them too, sorry

So you're throwing Avons under the bus for another brand that you won't even name?     An interesting way to contribute (or not) to a discussion.  I hope they work well for you.

[Schex3x]

Not throwing Avons under the bus at all, sitting on a set for one of my bikes, bought before the price hike that was obviously going to happen, I tried to get a set for another bike and the 19's were not available, so researching I decided to try a set of Bridgestone Battlecruise H50's, so far, they're everything Bridgestone claims on their site, I liked them enough to pick up another set and install them on my '17 RG and did a 1250 mile trip last weekend around the Ozark's, they passed that little test with flying colors.
Another plus is they are less expensive than Avon & Dunlop, for now anyway, but don't tell anyone.

[Fugawee]

Mums the Word...

[kd]

Not throwing Avons under the bus at all, sitting on a set for one of my bikes, bought before the price hike that was obviously going to happen, I tried to get a set for another bike and the 19's were not available, so researching I decided to try a set of Bridgestone Battlecruise H50's, so far, they're everything Bridgestone claims on their site, I liked them enough to pick up another set and install them on my '17 RG and did a 1250 mile trip last weekend around the Ozark's, they passed that little test with flying colors.
Another plus is they are less expensive than Avon & Dunlop, for now anyway, but don't tell anyone.

I looked at them and like the extra grooves and sidewall grip.  Grooves are good for rain.  I did look a little further and noticed when you search their website for "touring" the "Battlecruise" does not show.  Their touring tire is "Battlax".  You may want to look into using the "cruise" version on your 900# touring RG.  They mention the Battlax is constructed especially for the heavier touring bikes.  The "Cruise" tire appears to be for cruiser weight (softail and FX size likely OK) and may not be as strong as you would like.

[Schex3x]

https://www.bridgestone.com/products/motorcycle_tires/products/detail/pr140/

180/B65 16 is a 81h and max pressure is 49lbs

[kd]

https://www.bridgestone.com/products/motorcycle_tires/products/detail/pr140/

180/B65 16 is a 81h and max pressure is 49lbs

Read the info in the link you attached.  It says in the very first recommendation, "Recommended for riders with American cruisers"  They average 200# less (or more) than your RG touring bike with empty saddle bags. 

Here's what they say about their Battlax tires.

https://www.bridgestone.com/products/motorcycle_tires/products/detail/pr181/

Notice the reference to touring bikes is first recommendation and the different tread pattern as well as the mention of the contact patch.  I expect if you have a catastrophic failure issue with the "Cruise" version you'll be on your own (if you make it).  Is it worth the risk?      I don't really see what the max tire pressure has to do with it either.

Oh yeah, FWIW, the Bridgestone and the Avon seem to be priced about the same where I have looked it up.  I sure do like their Sport touring tread style though.

[Schex3x]

The Battlecruise 180/65-16 is the same 81(1018lbs) load rating as Avon and Dunlop
The front 130/60B19 for all three are the same 61
That is the size and load rating on the downtube of the RG

Battlax does not have those sizes or load ratings

Cobra Chrome set 412.80
Battlecruise set 377.90

[Finn]

Someday I will try a set of Bridgestone H50 on a Harley - their Exedra G704 and G709 under my Honda GL1800 make a very, very nice and neutral ride.

[TN]

Avon (venom) used to be my go to tire for years for pre 2009 Harleys I've owned, I tried a set of cobra chrome with the 180/55-18 the proper load rating for my bike 80, the rear called for 50psi,  soft sidewalls I noticed this when mounting them. I replaced them at 6400 mi due to cupping and cracking all around the perimeter, I emailed Avon several times before I got a response,  I won't be trying them again. For now it's the dunlop AE, which are tough to find in certain size these days.

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[Finn]

What a change a set of new tyres can make.

Drove 100 kms to my dealer today to get the Avons on. On my way there bike handled as I have described earlier ie. very sensitive to squirm from longitudinal grooves, tarmac repair patches etc.

With new tyres all that is now gone and bike steer effortlessly and feels very neutral. Seems to roll lighter as well. Need to scrub them well now for couple of hundred kilometers and then just enjoy.

I'm really happy with the result. 

[HogMike]

I had the AE's on my Roadglide, they weren't bad, recently installed Dunlop E4 on my FXR, very good grip as long as the pavement is dry, scary even in a light rain. Back to Avon next set.

We don't get much rain in SoCal and I've been pretty happy with the AE tires.
Sticking with them on my 2019 Limited.
My rear lasted just over 19k miles and going to change the front next week with just over 21500 miles. Not on the wear bars yet but I'm going on some long trips and feel better with new rubber.
This is a bike 2 up 50% of the time and not easy on the throttle .
My current bikes all have AE and they work well for me, even on my softail.You cannot see attachments on this board.

[Oclaf]

Now that there is no actual need to put money on headers (other topic) I might want to change the tires.

Current ones are D402 with lots of tread left but they are a bit old, especially the rear one. And the feel is...well...there is not much feel.

Two years ago, when I got the Heritage, I agonized for days what tires to get and finally went with Michelin Commander III Cruisers. I have liked them a lot.

Back then my short list was:

- Michelin Commander III Cruiser
- Dunlop American Elite
- Avon Cobra Chrome

Has there been any major development in tires ie. are these three still comparable with each other or are there now new products on the market to consider?

what am i missing? you say the 402's are old but have tread, yet when you bought the bike you put on MC3's and love them???

just what tires are we being asked about???

[Finn]

Tyres I was asking about were for the Evo Road King. Michelins are on my 2016 Heritage Softail.

I guess my main reason for asking was if there were updates or something affecting earlier opinions of tyres.

Availability of some brands have been quite challenging this year over here.

[HogMike]

Tyres I was asking about were for the Evo Road King. Michelins are on my 2016 Heritage Softail.

I guess my main reason for asking was if there were updates or something affecting earlier opinions of tyres.

Availability of some brands have been quite challenging this year over here.

Don't know about availability overseas, but I've had good luck finding AE here.
I'm running those on my 1995 evo standard. Bike tracks very nice unless I get on the gas hard into long sweepers. Just the nature of the frame/swingarm on the evo's in those years I guess.
This bike has 150,000 miles but I keep up on the maintenance.
Original neck bearings, wheel bearings changed at 100k. Bike still tracks nice and no wobbles.
JME

[IronButt70]

I recently put a set of Commander III touring on my Victory prior to a ride from Far North Queensland to Tasmania (Australia) and return. It was a trip of around 9000kms (around 5600 miles).

I rode through a bit of rain down in Tasmania and then on the way home, had about a 1000km stretch of fairly decent rain. I found that these tyres are absolutely lethal in wet weather. They hydroplane terribly, to the point that I nearly put the bike down on one occasion on a pretty much straight stretch of highway at the posted speed limit of 100 kph (60 mph). It just lost all grip front and rear and went into a full on lock to lock slide.

I'd run Commander II previously and whilst they weren't brilliant, were much better than the III's. Definitely won't be buying another set.

What tire pressures were you running. Sounds like too much with what you experienced. I live in Fl. where it rains pretty much every day this time of year and I've never had the issues you reported. The one and only time I lost grip is when I got caught in what's called here a microburst. Weather went from light drizzle to 60+MPH crossing winds with hail. Luckily I saw the change coming and was almost stopped when I was literally blown off the road.

[Schex3x]

Bridgestone H50 update, 11,400 miles, 100% 2-up, 98% with full load for trips, this is our travel bike, 74K on the clock.
No cracking, very little cupping, the Dunlops and Avons would've looked like mud grips by now.
Started to hear them in corners at about 10k, but nothing like the other brands I've run, wet road performance is still very good.

[Ohio HD]

I'm glad that you posted about these. I plan to try a set on my Ultra when they need replaced. Your pics show a decent tire still at 11,400 miles.   

[14Frisco]

I have run Bridgestone Battlax BT45 tires on my Sporty for 20 years and really like them. I may try these Bridgestone Battlecruise H50 on my Road King and on my XL next time.

[calif phil]

I just got a new Avon Speedmaster 21" for an old style Chopper.  But most sizes are still unavailable. 

[IronButt70]

FWIW I just put a new set of MCIIIs on the softail after the engine work. Old rear had 20k on it and was almost to the wear bars. Front had 32k on it was also just getting to the wear bars. 

[Hossamania]

Impressive mileage! About double what I get out of mine, maybe more. I run a little heavy on touring frames though.

[tbird]

I have Shinko HD777's on 2 of my bikes. Sticky and great handling, used to run the old cobras,Last about the same as the old cobras.

[motorhogman]

I have Shinko HD777's on 2 of my bikes. Sticky and great handling, used to run the old cobras,Last about the same as the old cobras.

I put a Shinko 777 on the front of my 01FLHT last August. The handling is so much better than than the D402's I've used from day one I bought a Shinko 777 for the rear which I hope to get started on changing this week..

[Schex3x]

Bridgestone H50 update, 11,400 miles, 100% 2-up, 98% with full load for trips, this is our travel bike, 74K on the clock.
No cracking, very little cupping, the Dunlops and Avons would've looked like mud grips by now.
Started to hear them in corners at about 10k, but nothing like the other brands I've run, wet road performance is still very good.

Three more road trips, another 6,092 miles. Road trips are done for this year, been sitting on a new set I'll install in early spring. Zero complaints, 17,492 miles total.

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[HogMike]

Good mileage loaded!

My 2019 cvo will get a front this winter sometime between shorter road trips.
16,243 on my front AE so far. Tread still looks good. No noise, no issues.
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