Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories Need a new rear tire

Its time to get a new rear tire. The tire on the bike now is 170/80/15m/c stock new with the bike. I replaced the front a while back with a pirelli I picked up at the dealer and noticed a BIG difference in handling.My America is going in for the 25000 mile check up and I plan on having them install it then. My question is should I just pick up a tire through the dealer or can I save some change if I get it on line somewhere, and if so, where can I start. Is it necessary to stick with that size or do I have some room to 'move' so to speak.I am not looking to modify anything I just want a GOOD tire.

ummmm..... 25000 miles on the stock tire?!?!? I would get exactly the same thing!

Might try motorcycle superstore, but remember that you also have to get it mounted and take that into account.

In general, unless you have the means to mount them yourself, I'd say buy them where they'll mount them. Once you find a deal on the tires you'll usually find the guy who's willing to do the labor is going to do it for a jacked up price because you didn't buy his tires. As a side, I like to throw some money in the direction of my dealer when I can. He treats me right and his support is worth the few extra it might cost me.

http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/

Cheaper than a cheap thing.

For high mileage, try a Metzler Marathon.
Low price/higher grip/less mileage- IRC Wild Flare.

consider matching tires. pirelli for the rear. 170 80 15

Rear tires are available from most all manufacturers. The front is when you have may have to bring it up one size.

Do your research for price and then weigh the cost. chances are the dealer will come close to what it costs you to bring them a tire. If not, try dropping a hint about what you could buy one for.

Any motorsickle shop can mount a tire. Better ones won't scratch your rim and have a dynamic balancer.

Always check the DOT date on the tire 1208 = 12th week of 2008 you really don't want a three year old tire. I prefer under a year.

25,000 miles = new tube

this link may help, I had it posted in Misc.
http://www.foreven.com/motorcycles/Tyres/Descriptions.htm

ah man you are no fun! at least he'll have matching tires.

Seems to me that about the time the front is half worn out the front end starts to wobble. Which is a major bummer and usually sees me replacing the front when I replace the rear.

1. 25000 on a rear tire!!!! For certain stick with what you have.

2. I have never paid the slightest attention to matching brands or tread patterns. Never had the slightest problem, not even with sport bikes.

3. Avoid the stealership. Shop around and look for a local independent. They usually have better prices on both tires and mounting.

Yankee Dog


Yankee Dog

Thanks alot guys. I'll just go the same route as before, get it where it will be installed, the dealer.They had no problems with matching brands or tread patterns and I noticed much improved handling when the pirelli was put on with the old dunlop or bridgestone, not sure, in back. Really only have 24 grand on the rear tire. But thats still good from what I can gather. Basic riding, no hot doggin it, up and down the interstate.

I can understand your position Yankee, but my dealership is small and what I would call a family operation. We gotta keep them around. Besides, by the time I pay shipping, tube, valve, I might save 10 bucks. I would rather give it to them than someone I dont know.

25K is unreal! You must ride really easy and always run your tires at a good psi.It's that or you run them until it looks like a racing slick,which I hope you do not for your safety.I seen it here earlier but try www.americanmototire.com I have been buying my tires from them.I bought Avons front and back.I am on my second Avon on the back and my first front Avon.They are a little less exspensive that the Metzlers and they seem to last just as good for me.I tryed a Bridgestone on the front and it lasted 21,000 miles,I did not like it though.Good luck.

I not only run them until smooth I usually run them until I see nylon and even at that I only got about 13,000 out of my Metz Marathon.20,000 on the front metz Laertech (I think it's Lasertech without looking)and still have tread left.

I've got a question, just how many miles can a guy expect to get if like me, you ride on oil and chip roads. And how can you tell when it's time to replace one on a speedmaster, cain't see any wear bars?

Well you are supposed to change a tire when it gets to the wear limit but you can actually run quite a bit farther. If you run it smooth be careful in wet weather when the tread is gone.

As far as wear time, that really can't be answered simply. In addition to the road conditions there is the way you ride and the compound the tire is made of and even the weather. A tire will wear a little faster on very hot roads than on cold roads with the same rider/tire/road surface. Then there is also the weight of the rider and bike.

Don't mean to change this thread but the question does have to do with installing a rear tire. I will be changing mine next season. I currently use tubes on my America. Would like to try the Metzler tires. Ok to use tube in a tubless tire?

Yes.

Well guys, I went to the dealer and ordered my new tire. I got the same brand, Bridgestone, that came with it. I'm going to stick with what I have on it now. It cost about the same as if I were to buy it online. The dealer overheard the mileage I had on the old tire rear and was quite surprised to say the least. I never gave it much thought. I have never worn out a tire on any of my bikes. Still a little bit of tread showing too. The other bikes I have had just never got the riding time or distance of the ride as with the America. I guess I ride more now than I did in my younger years. Now I have to look into chain and sprockets. He suggested that I consider a chain now as well. His recomendation was about 18000 to 20000 miles on a chain, and I am looking at 24.It also has a tight spot in it. It seems to have a bit of a noise or click in one spot as it rotates.