I have a 2011 Heritage Softail with original rear tire of size 150/80 B-16. I ordered a replacement Metzeler rear of MU 85-16. the MU tire specs show it slightly narrower then the 150/80 oem tire, but overall diameter of the MU85-16 converts to a 1/2" taller tire, which will allow a 1/4" less clearance between top of tire and fender. I would like to use the MU 85-16 tire due to the increase in tread depth and weight capacity. Has anyone installed an MU85-16 on a Softail? Any fender clearance issues? I do ride 2 up and dont know when rear suspension bottoms out if 1/4" less clearance will be and issue with the fender. May have to send back tire and exchange, but only as last resort. Before you ask me why I ordered the MU 85-16, it was because I screwed up and didnt look to verify, went by memory, my bad.

 

it will fit, it is the same size rear tire that is standard on a SLIM

 

I have a Dunlop D402 MU85B16 WWW tire on the rear of my 2012 Heritage. It is a good choice. I ride 2 up with the wife frequently and I have never bottomed out. There are no problems with fender clearance.

 

Thanks to both of you for the info. I ordered the tire from Dennis Kirk in the Metzeler ME-888 (Their newest model) The MU85-16 was $137.00 bucks shipped in a blackwall. I will use it as per your feedback. Once again thanks.

 

How bout some pictures when you get them on Dude? Do you have any good pictures of your tires Bone Doc? Will those hit the fender when slammed, yes or no if you had to guess? Thanks in advance if you have a few and post them.

 

A MU/85/16 tire is a 140/85/16 and you will have no
problems bottoming out. I run a 140/90/16 on my 2010 Heritage, to correct my speedo. It was 4/5 miles fast. My bike came with a 150/80/16 also. I have never bottomed out, and have used this size tire for the last 40K miles.

 

Tony,

Hope your feeling good and the recovery is going well. Same for your Deluxe mods. Can't wait to see the bike. Here are some pictures from several months ago that show the tires the best. I happened to take pictures without the bags. I do not believe the fender would bottom out when the bike was slammed with the Shotguns.

I had planned on putting on the Shotgun shock during the winter, but, like you, I had some unexpected expenses. Tires on a tractor, one of the horses required surgery, Uncle Sam will ream me a new one in a week and I have to fill the barn with hay in early June.

 

The new Michelin Commander II 150-80-16 that a lot of us are using now (me included is also 1/2 taller) than the stock LOP 150-80-16.

Ride two up most of the time and I have no issues at all...

I'll add that the Michelin C II's have a higher Load cap also..

I am still out on the mileage so far... IMO I don't think its gonna be near what that are claiming. Using my tire depth guage, I figure it will get about 10k if it wears as the first 2/32'nds did (got 2k) on the rear.


..

 

I have seen (at least according to the measurements on J&P) that the Commander II's are significantly wider than their stated width. The 150mm listed on J&P is shown to have a width of 6.5" (165mm)... Is this true with anyone's experience?

I have metz880 150mm on the rear currently and I measured it at roughly 140mm...

 

I haven't measured my Commander II, but if what you say is true, I haven't had any clearance issues, if that is your concern.
EDIT: Just measured my tire at approximately 145MM on a 16 X 3 wheel.