Best value on a front tire?

Tire recommendations

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1957flhchop
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Best value on a front tire?

#1

Post by 1957flhchop »

Hopefully this is ok here. I didn't want to join another forum just to ask this one question.

What would you guys recommend as a good replacement for the 21" front tire on my Softail? I believe the complete size is MH90-21.
After the original Harley labeled tire wore out, I bought another one labeled Harley(don't know for sure who actually made them - Dunlop maybe?). Since then I have had Dunlops. The have all ridden well enough, but the original Harley labeled tire seemed like it lasted significantly longer than the others. I suspect this is just par for the course? I'm hesitant to go with one of the Chinese ones because Chinese products are not known for high quality and my Son rides with me most of the time.
So what are the best tires(safety and wear)?

I appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks
FL54
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Re: Best value on a front tire?

#2

Post by FL54 »

No offense but not really a Shovelhead topic. If it’s not 5.00 x 16, I don’t have any experience. Avon Mark 11 is the tire I’ve been using.
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Re: Best value on a front tire?

#3

Post by Frankenstein »

I work in an independent shop part time, and Everyone's favorite tire there for "Crusier"(vs sport) bikes is the Michelin Commander II tires. they're a dual compound tire that give excellent mileage and Very good grip. They're not the cheapest nor most expensive. I don't like riding in the rain, but I get caught in it enough here in Upstate, and the Commanders' give very good grip in the wet, much better than the Dunlops you're presently using. I can give you a great deal on a pair of half used HD Dunlops' I'm about to pull off my '86 FLHTC for the Commanders. I'm not going to wait for the Dunlops to wear out before I change them, they've scared me too many times on wet roads, and I mean like just pulling out of the car wash! Life's too short.
I just bought the FLHTC, my friends convinced me I needed at least one bike with electric start, and this one was kept by the original owner in his living room every winter for it's 20 some years.
But I digress, Go with the Commanders you won't regret it. Good life and a very secure feeling on the road.
DD
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Re: Best value on a front tire?

#4

Post by RooDog »

DD....
5-Speed, E start, belt drive, what's not to like? same features on my home built Big Red Evo, + 100 inches....
....RooDog....
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Re: Best value on a front tire?

#5

Post by PanPal »

Didnt want to start a new thread, so what are good options for 4.00 x 18 tires for a late 30's early 40's U model? The tires on it now are old Goodyear sport specials. Front tire is blown out the side and worn down tread. Rear is holding air and has tread, but its dried out. Both have a simple X pattern tread.
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Re: Best value on a front tire?

#6

Post by RooDog »

FL54 wrote: Wed Jun 17, 2020 2:22 pm No offense but not really a Shovelhead topic. If it’s not 5.00 x 16, I don’t have any experience. Avon Mark 11 is the tire I’ve been using.
Mark Eleven?
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Re: Best value on a front tire?

#7

Post by RUBONE »

PanPal wrote: Tue Oct 06, 2020 2:41 pm Didnt want to start a new thread, so what are good options for 4.00 x 18 tires for a late 30's early 40's U model? The tires on it now are old Goodyear sport specials. Front tire is blown out the side and worn down tread. Rear is holding air and has tread, but its dried out. Both have a simple X pattern tread.
You can still get Dunlop K-70s or Avons that fit. Then there are plenty of repro options as well from Croker and Shinko. Also Heidenau such as their K-34.
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Re: Best value on a front tire?

#8

Post by neilw »

There is a video on you tube , where the Dunlop rep, says that the dunlop tire without the Harley name in the exact same tire has more tread life .
He was being asked by the host of the channel who has loads of Harley topics .
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Re: Best value on a front tire?

#9

Post by FL54 »

RooDog wrote: Tue Oct 06, 2020 2:50 pm
FL54 wrote: Wed Jun 17, 2020 2:22 pm No offense but not really a Shovelhead topic. If it’s not 5.00 x 16, I don’t have any experience. Avon Mark 11 is the tire I’ve been using.
Mark Eleven?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Avon-SM-Mark-I ... SwAHde-exe

Don’t want to confuse the issue Roo. Just another way of writing 2.
RooDog
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Re: Best value on a front tire?

#10

Post by RooDog »

I remember getting those Avon rear tires for $35.oo....
FL54
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Re: Best value on a front tire?

#11

Post by FL54 »

You're dating yourself Roodog.
RooDog
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Re: Best value on a front tire?

#12

Post by RooDog »

Yes sir, been doing this shit since 1967. with the same bike, more or less....
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