99 Road King Classic

1. Have always run Dunlop 402's but thinking of a change. Either Metzler ME880 or Avon Venom. Any thoughts?

2. Have heard Metzlers run thinner than Dunlop. True or false?

3. How wide can you safely go on the stock rim?

4. Anyone have any experience with IRC tires? Heard they are together with Bridgestone.

thanks

 

I've run ME880's in the past. Was nothing wrong with them, other than short on mileage. No experience with Avon Venom's.
I'm currently riding on Dunlop Elite-III's. Not many miles yet, but cornering traction is incredible!!
I'd say that a 140/90-16 is about the biggest you can stuff under the rear of your bike w/o modifications.

 

Google " metzeler motorcycle tire air pressure" and you find their recommended
pressures which are higher than called for in your owners manual. Metzeler also
makes several "reinforced" models with higher load carrying capacity. I've ran
them and think their the best but price has driven me to the Avons - both the
Venoms and AM26's. I play so no matter what I buy it gets burnt off. BTW -
Metzeler ME880's are made in Brazil now and not as good as German balance wise.

 

I've thought about the same thing. I have an 02 Road King Classic with 42K miles. I've put 20k miles on the front tire (Dunlop 402 WWW). I only get (consistently) about 8K miles out of the rear tire. Also Dunlop 402 WWW. I'm happy with the front tire wear, but wish I could get more than 8k miles out of the rear. I've heard of the Dunlop Elite 3s, but I don't think they are available in WWW. I would say try those if you're not concerned with white walls. Myself...I think the RK Classics look a little funny without the wide white walls. JMO. Try www.motorcyclesuperstore.com for good prices on tires with free shipping.

 

I JUST bolted on the Metzelers today on the RKC. I havent had a chance to ride them yet but everyone I talked to said to follow their tire pressures, not HD's.

We'll see......

 

Thanks. Went with the Metzlers 880 WWW. Actually ordered them through my HD dealer and got them for the same price as Motorcycle Super Store and they have a $25 per tire install deal going.

 

Got 12,000 miles on Dunlops and worn out at 6,000 miles on Metzlers.

 

Give Michelin Commanders a try sometime. I don't think you'll be dissapointed. I've turned at least three other riders on to them now. The ride is much better than the Dunlops IMO and they still get excellent mileage. I had 21,000+ on the front and 11,000+ on the back I just changed out today for another {4th set} of Commanders.

 

I ran 402's for years,nothing else.
After running E3's for 4k I would say that ANYTHING is better than the 402's.
I don't care how long they last!!
The handling improvement was that big!

 

1. I use Avon Venoms. If you try them check Avon's website, as they recommend slightly higher pressures than in your handbook.

3. Try a 140/90 or MU on the rear. If you ride 2-up a lot it gives a better load rating. Might improve wear a little. The wider tyre will get very close to the belt guard and I trimmed mine, although I have read some owners who have not had to. You can go to a 150/80 on a 3" rim, but I couldn't get one in my bike without also changing to a narrow belt.

Can't help on 2 and 4!