Harley tyres for grip...

Fast Eddie · Mar 7, 2021

Standard fitment Harley tyres are amazing for mileage, but don’t really need 40-50k out of my tyres. And would happily trade some mileage for more grip and increased agility.

And before any bright spark chimes in, yes I know it’s not an R1 and never will be, but a bit quicker turn in, increased feel, and increased grip, would enhance my confidence and enjoyment with my bike (2016 Dyna Low Rider S).

Pirelli Night Dragons and Avon Cobra Chrome seem to come highly recommend for the above.

I know we have some Harley riders on here, so I thought I’d ask if anyone has any experience and / or recommendations on this topic.

Bernhard · Mar 8, 2021

Ask the tyre depots who do motorcycle tyres if they know of any make that do one that comes with a "race compound"

Fast Eddie · Mar 8, 2021

Race compound... on a Harley...?!

I know I said I’m prepared to trade mileage for grip... but I’d like to make it to the end of the drive before the tread has worn away...

ILLF8ED · Mar 8, 2021

These Harley tires which are original fit on my ‘07 XL1200R wear about 80% farther than the Avon AM26 behind on my ‘72 Commando. Not really what I would want on the Commando however. Same size tires for the front, but Dunlop does not make a rear in this model for a Commando.

Fast Eddie · Mar 8, 2021

I’ve got Michelin Scorcher’s on there currently. Whatever they are !?

EstuaryBoy · Mar 8, 2021

Sounds like a cocktail or a burger

Bernhard · Mar 9, 2021

Fast Eddie said:
Race compound... on a Harley...?!

I know I said I’m prepared to trade mileage for grip... but I’d like to make it to the end of the drive before the tread has worn away...

Nothing wrong with the context.
I had a Metezeler ME1 on the rear of one bike which gave 5_6 k miles. As it was what they called a Comp K compound I ordered a ME 33 for the front with the same CompK , I I raced this bike on the track against other who had the same bike but Dunlop KR124 full race tyres and beat a few of them.
I wish Metezeler still makes them, they were an excellent road tyres, but I stress they were Metezeler's competiton race compound.

Fast Eddie · Mar 9, 2021

Oh yeah, had Metzler Comp Ks on a few bikes.

Harleys are a tad on the heavy side though.

And some have extremely torquey power delivery.

So whilst I want more grip, it’s a kinda different conversation compared to putting Comp Ks on a sports bike.

I honestly think that Comp K mileage would be measured in hundreds, rather than 1000’s of miles on my Harley.

Bernhard · Mar 9, 2021

I regularly got 5K on the rear with a ME1.

Al's#5 · Mar 9, 2021

Fast Eddie said:
Standard fitment Harley tyres are amazing for mileage, but don’t really need 40-50k out of my tyres. And would happily trade some mileage for more grip and increased agility.

And before any bright spark chimes in, yes I know it’s not an R1 and never will be, but a bit quicker turn in, increased feel, and increased grip, would enhance my confidence and enjoyment with my bike (2016 Dyna Low Rider S).

Pirelli Night Dragons and Avon Cobra Chrome seem to come highly recommend for the above.

I know we have some Harley riders on here, so I thought I’d ask if anyone has any experience and / or recommendations on this topic.

I've got Avon tyres on my Sportster, Cobra rear and Venom-X front, std. sizes, no complaints so far. Sidestand or exhaust bracket ground first so tyres not really being tasked but seem ok wet or dry.

Fast Eddie · Mar 9, 2021

Bernhard said:
I regularly got 5K on the rear with a ME1.

On a 1800cc, 115ft lbs torque, 700lbs Harley ??

Fast Eddie · Mar 9, 2021

Al's#5 said:
I've got Avon tyres on my Sportster, Cobra rear and Venom-X front, std. sizes, no complaints so far. Sidestand or exhaust bracket ground first so tyres not really being tasked but seem ok wet or dry.

Thanks for that.

Bernhard · Mar 9, 2021

Fast Eddie said:
On a 1800cc, 115ft lbs torque, 700lbs Harley ??

Wouldn't know, and I believe they didn't make those tyres for an Harley.

grandpaul · Mar 9, 2021

See if you can find a Dunlop 501. I have those on my race bike (classic Bonneville)

mean gene · Mar 9, 2021

Never had any luck with Dunlop's on Harley the size you need and the compound they think you need are different, They think mileage when Harley is involved Worst tire I ever owned was Dunlop Touring tire that had two compounds the center was hard for mileage, in rain all it did was spin Immediately took it off and put on a Pirelli

ILLF8ED · Mar 9, 2021

Al's#5 said:
I've got Avon tyres on my Sportster, Cobra rear and Venom-X front, std. sizes, no complaints so far. Sidestand or exhaust bracket ground first so tyres not really being tasked but seem ok wet or dry.

That’s novel...a Sportster in England.

Bernhard · Mar 9, 2021

illf8ed said:
That’s novel...a Sportster in England.

Yea......we keep the stars and stripes flag flying in England, how quaint.

Al's#5 · Mar 9, 2021

Bernhard said:
Yea......we keep the stars and stripes flag flying in England, how quaint.

Well, with 3 others and 2 cars flying the Union Jack I'm allowed a little indulgence.

robs ss · Mar 10, 2021

Bernhard said:
Yea......we keep the stars and stripes flag flying in England, how quaint.

That turn of phrase reminds me of a story of when Bette Davis was introduced to Jean Harlow.
Apparently she said "...oh, silent "T", how quaint!"

Fast Eddie · Mar 10, 2021

mean gene said:
Never had any luck with Dunlop's on Harley the size you need and the compound they think you need are different, They think mileage when Harley is involved Worst tire I ever owned was Dunlop Touring tire that had two compounds the center was hard for mileage, in rain all it did was spin Immediately took it off and put on a Pirelli

Which Pirelli ?

Harley tyres for grip...

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