hello, I just bought a 2006 harley ultraclassic and I would like to know if I should change the tires that it comes with... could you advise me how to know if my tires need a change? And if so, what tires should I buy?

 

What is the date code on the tires?


older than 5-6 years, replace em.

 

^ This, and do the obvious checks for tread depth, signs of cupping and cracking.

As to type, everyone has their favorite brand but a very popular tire for Harley touring models is the Dunlop American Elite.

 

https://www.utires.com/articles/read...orcycle-tires/

 

Great question and well a needed ask. I love smart questions.. The good thing is search history in the forum. Theres a number of tire questions on what works well on which models. ALSO - I am certain theres needed maint that needs to be performed. Theres also a ton on this topic too. We're all glad to help. Ride safe!

 

Do a good inspection of them, if they are not cracking and show age deterioration run them till worn out. have seen many tires 10 years and older that are still in good condition.

 

Commander II's were a good tire if you can still find them, do not go with the commander III's, and why most are just going with Dunlop American Elite.

And remember, your on a Bike that is way heaver then most other manufacture touring bikes, as unless your reading about a tire tested on a Harley touring bike to start with, it really does not count what merit they give the tires.

As for saving money, the huge one is learn how to pull the rims so you can take them down to have the new tires mounted and balance, which will be either free, or run about $30 a rim. If you take the bike to HD to pull the rims, that is where it gets spendy instead. Plus with rims off, give you a chance to check the brake pads to see if they need to be replaced as the same time.

The last one, is the bearings, and on say timkin bearings, want to pick up a new seal kit, since you want to pull the seals, then clean and check the bearing and races, lash check, and if the bearing and races are fine, re-grease, install the bearings and then install the new seals. Also, check the spacers to clean them up if needed, and if they are too grooved by the old seals, replace them.
On sealed bearings, you can do the finger spin test to get an idea of they are still good, R&R the outer seal on the bearing to add more grease, but since they are cheap enough , better off just replacing the bearing every tire change instead.

To sum it up, by the time HD pulls the rims to change out the tires, changes the wheel bearings and seals, lash check (or just clean and repack with new seals), maybe the brake pads if need as well, you could be close to a grand in the end.

 

Hello and welcome to the HD Forums from West Virginia (USA). Glad you have joined us all here. Great suggestions above. Can’t add much to what’s already been said.