OK, from my last tire thread, I got the point that I need tires.

My bike came with the stock aluminum wheels, as well as spokes.

For pure ridability, braking, and turning, should I be thinking about using the aluminum wheels, tubless?

Also, I don't want to open a can of worms, but what is the best tire for a road king? Performance is the main criteria, not durability. Is anything much better than the Dunlops?

I'll make up my own mind about the white walls, or not.

And thanks everyone for their comments on my "13 year old tire" thread.

 

You can't feel any difference in the ride between spokes or mag wheels.
With spokes you'll be spending an extra $20 plus every time you change tires per wheel for tubes, a new one is needed every time. A tubeless tires on mag wheels is an easily do it yourself repair on the side of the road. While a tubed spoked tire is not. Being stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, trying to get cell phone reception, waiting for a costly tow truck ride, emergency tire repair cost, lost time etc.
Been there, done that.

 

<p>Michelin Commander IIs are popular for good reason. Dunlop American Elites get good reviews as well.</p>

 

I've had both these tires on my bike and I will definitely stick with the Michelins from here on out. Love these tires. Plus, the awesome mileage I'm getting out of them doesn't hurt.

 

I love the look of spoked wheels but I hate, really hate cleaning them. That's why I running the stock aluminum wheels. My last set of tires I went with Michelin Commander IIs. So far I've been very happy with them.

 

If you run tubeless tires a tire plug kit and small air compressor will get you back on the road should you get a flat out in the boondocks. As for which wheels, you're going to be limited with your older bike. They aren't very wide, and your options are fewer. If it were me, I'd put a call in to forum sponsor Hogpro and pick Drew's brain. He knows more about it than most of us. Personally I like the look of the 14 and up Enforcers, but there's no way to put one out back without serious skills and/or money.

 

Every major tyre brand makes suitable tyres and they all have their champions. There are plenty of tyre threads in here! My own favourites are Avons.

 

I already have both the optional spokes and stock aluminum wagon wheels, so I'm not interested in spending big money for style. Plus most of the wheel is covered by brake rotors, sprockets and bags, and I can't even see them anyway.

What I'm thinking about is rideability between tubed and tubeless, and ease of upkeep. You are right though, a big plus of tubeless is that a plug will usually get you going.

It sure would be nice to have some objective testing of tires. It seems like for every tire option, there are people who say that they are no good. I'm more concerned about getting something sticky, as long as they last for a while.

 

If you get any of the modern dual compound tires they will have soft (sticky) rubber on the outer parts of the tread, hard (long lasting) rubber in the middle. You really can't go wrong with any of the name brands...

 

I have a spoke on the front and it's tubeless. 3 riding seasons and no issues at all, it's a Avon tire.