I would rather throw away half good tire and half good oil, if meant I could do a trip without screwing around.

 

I put on a new set of tires for the trip, old ones at 17k miles still looked like could go another 5k but just for peace of mind.
Was out that way in 2022 and found a nail in the rear. called the HD dealer in Gillette, Wy about a new one, they are scammers for sure as they asked me what brand of tires I had, told them Dunlops and they said could not install a HD brand tire because have a Dunlop on the front. . Think they just want to sell 2 tires when only 1 needed, called the dealer in Billings, Mt and they said no problem, would do it. Ended up riding home with a nail in as was holding air ok but not a smart thing to do.

 

Hi Flo is one of the Best Oil Filters made! They make all the Oil Filters for K&N. Do a little research.

 

 

I've learned my lesson in regard to long trips and tire changes. A few years back I left on a 3000 mile trip. The the tread on the rear tire of my touring bike was getting down but still looked okay before I left so I decided to chance it. When I got home, the cords were showing through in one spot so the tire was well and truly done. Installed a new rear tire and immediately noticed the bike rode and handled so much better. Concluded that I would have been much better off to replace the rear tire earlier and enjoy the improved ride and handling on my trip vs trying to eke out every last mile. Live and learn.

 

So you didn't change the tire before the trip?

 

Like most of the folks here, if I am getting ready for a long trip and am close to miles on a tire, I will change them.

I have a 2021 Ultra that was converted to a trike. Around 10K, I took thew original front tire off and had an Avon installed. Original was just fine - just wanted to go with the trike tire.

Just got back from Milwaukee - now have 17.5 K on the bike and all is still fine. I have 3 short trips planned - so, another 2K this year. Based on my tire review, looks like I can ride the rest of this year and most of next. I usually get about 19K out of a tire.

 

This ^^^ 100%

 

I already have. Thats why I tagged hattitude, he has multiple posts on them.

 

2 years ago best friend and I were headed to North Carolina from Texas. I have a fully equipped shop, including a tire machine. Tire changes are free for friends.....

He stops by to drop off the tires, then was going home to get his bike. I only see one tire. What are you doing I asked? Changing the front, I think the rear will be good for this trip. OK, your call. Usually ends up being about a 3,500 mile trip by the time we do all of our running around, I believe I would change them both. Nope, just the front and off we go.

We're hauling *** about to get into Little Rock, and he passes me and pulls over. He starts freaking out about his rear tire, which looks worse than he thought. His bike at the time is a Victory Vision, so we need to find an Indian Dealer as they're the ones still working on Victory at the time. We locate an Indian Dealer via GPS, and off we go. Pull in and they agree to get his bike right in since we're on the road. They have a nice lounge area with a TV and recliners, so off I go....

After about an hour and a half, they call him to the front and hand him his invoice. I see him turning red, so naturally I inject myself into the conversation.....

The Indian Dealer in Little Rock charged him $650 for a rear tire change only.....

All it would have cost him pre-trip was the cost of a rear tire. I usually change mine long before they start getting thin, but I'm fully equipped to do it myself at home. Moral of the story is if you need tires changed on the road, you better be ready for some sticker shock....