My 2009 XL1200C only has 14,000 miles on it, but today I noticed the front tire has quite a few cracks on the sidewall, close to the wheel. I still have 50% of the tread left, but the Dunlop D401 tires say Harley Davidson on them, so I'm guessing they are the originals and now 11 years old, so probably time to replace them.

In the warm Florida weather, can I get recommendations for "great" quality set of tires (not cheapest) for a weekend joyride bike, not a daily driver.

Thanks and happy new year to everyone.

 

I current have Metzeler ME888s on my ‘06 1200C and they are a good tire. I run Avon Cobra Chromes on my other 2 bikes and that’s another good tire to look into. Both are more confidence inspiring and overall superior to the factory Dunlops in my experience. I’m sure there’s more good options that I have not tried. I can’t speak to longevity between the two because I do a lot of clutch dumps, burnouts and launches which naturally accelerate the wear so unfortunately I can’t help from that perspective.

Your stock tire sizes are MH90-21 (really an 85/90) front and 150/80B16 rear. If you wish, you can run a 90/90-21 up front and a 160/80B16 out back if you prefer to fill out the fenders a tick more.

I run a 90/90 front and 160 out back on mine, happy to post pics if you’d like to see what that looks like.

 

Thanks, Matt. That's the 2nd time today I've seen Metzler. Another site mentioned the Metzler "Marathon" tire.

I'm currently running 100/90 - 19 - 57H in front and 150/80 71H in the rear. I don't have the typical front spoked rim, perhaps that's why the 100/90.

No clutch dumps or burn outs in my future, just cruisin.........




I would like to fill the fenders a little more.

 

Bike looks sharp! Definitely consider the 160 upgrade since you wouldn’t mind filling out the fenders more, it really does look better in my
opinion.

The 888 and Marathon are one in the same, I want to same the full name is Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra or something like that. You may also see information regarding the ME880 Marathon which was the 888’s predecessor. I like the ME888s but I do find the Avon Cobra Chromes to be a more attractive looking tire but that’s of course subjective.

 

I went with the 888's and love them, smooth rolling, good grip and they don't follow the tar snakes like the old Dunflops, I would definitely buy them again.

 

Avon Cobra Chrome are the popular choice in the UK but I don't know what availability is like elsewhere .

 

On the sporty i run mich.commanderlll on the v rod ran cobras on the warrior i rode the darkside and loved it! (245/45/17)

 

I'm like you, in Florida and only an occasional joyrider. My 2013 1200C has 7,000 miles and I did recently replace the tires as a preventative measure. Maybe over cautious but just wanted to take it off the list of things to be concerned about. I did put Dunlop tires on and was pleasantly surprised to learn after the purchase that Dunlop was sending out a $60 gift card based on my purchase. I took the gift card to the liquor store and it almost covered my liquor bill.

 

Avon recommend about 7 years for a tyre's life so you have had that.

In diameter the 19" tyre is a bit smaller than the 21" so unfortunately you are left with the gap. It would require surgery on the mudguard bracket.

80/90-R21 vs 100/90-R19 Tire Comparison - Tire Size Calculator (tacomaworld.com)