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Oh No - Not Tires

I use Dynabeads for balancing. Been using them for five years on my Honda ST1300, my Ducati Diavel and now the Cali.
 
has anyone experimented with 180s instead of the 200 rear tire on the 1400?

anyone want to speculate about how it would impact handling -- a 180/65-16 would leave the speedo within 1-2 percent of factory size 200 tire

specifically, would it make 1400 more nimble? impact stability, gas mileage?
 
Plenty of examples here says that the handling improves greatly but I just like the tyre big (as well as how it left the factory) not sure if it would affect insurance.
 
I fitted a Dunlop D407 180/65 3,000km ago, having worn out the original Dunlop D251 in 6,000km, followed by a Bridgestone Exedra in 7,000km. The new tyre is stamped 'Harley Davidson' and is multi-compound. On the 6.00" rim, the profile is clearly flatter than it was with the 200/60 tyres. I was conscious that the tyre change might affect the bike, but I haven't really noticed much difference.

I have 2,000km of riding in the mountains, hundreds of corners of every shape and size, on this tyre, and I can't fault it. I loved the handling on the original tyres, and I love the handling on this 180/65. I have only been on dry roads so far, so I can't comment on wet road grip. Stability is fine. Milage was unchanged. The wear rate is very low so far.

Stephen
 
Smartleynz said:
I put an Avon Cobra 180/70/16 on the rear on Friday and headed of to the Anzac rally at Tahora [just past Whangmomona} on Saturday, wow, what a difference it has made, heading along the Wiremu road it was noticeable instantly, cruising along there at 120 - 150s was so much better not having to crank it over to get round the bends it just turned in so nice, on to the Forgotten World Hwy and it felt even better as I was getting used to it. The 180 has made a huge difference on these tight roads, will have to wait and see how long it lives for, my last 200 Avon did 8500 ks and could have been pushed to 9500 at a pinch, Well worth trying the 180. Thanks for the post.
Click to expand...
 
I'd be curious to see what the back of the bike looked like with a 180 on it. I like that the handling seems to improve but I still do like the look of the big tire. Can't have it both ways I guess.
 
At 14k KMs time to change the original Dunlops. Got a decent price on Bridgestone Exedra Max Radial, 300 CAD for both. Hope I get another 14k.
 
mikeaedmonds said:
At 14k KMs time to change the original Dunlops. Got a decent price on Bridgestone Exedra Max Radial, 300 CAD for both. Hope I get another 14k.
Click to expand...

That's gotta be close to a record for the Dunlops. If you're that gentle on tyres you get more on the Exedras. I've got 12k on my Bridgestone Battleaxe 020, and I'm hoping for another 2-3k.
 
Perk5560 said:
I'd be curious to see what the back of the bike looked like with a 180 on it. I like that the handling seems to improve but I still do like the look of the big tire. Can't have it both ways I guess.
Click to expand...

I put stock sized Avon Cobras on mine when I did the last change. The Avons handle very nicely.
 
Guzzinista said:
has anyone experimented with 180s instead of the 200 rear tire on the 1400?

anyone want to speculate about how it would impact handling -- a 180/65-16 would leave the speedo within 1-2 percent of factory size 200 tire

specifically, would it make 1400 more nimble? impact stability, gas mileage?
Click to expand...

I just noticed in the 2016 MG Eldorado ad it states that the rear tire on it is a 180. Being basically the same bike other than the rims I'd say we might be good to go with the 180.
 
Perk5560 said:
I just noticed in the 2016 MG Eldorado ad it states that the rear tire on it is a 180. Being basically the same bike other than the rims I'd say we might be good to go with the 180.
Click to expand...
Incorrect in that the rims sizes are different. Both narrower 16" rims, front and rear:
3.50” x 16” - 130/90 R16ʼʼ
5.50” x 16” - 180/65 R16ʼʼ
 
GT-Rx® said:
Incorrect in that the rims sizes are different. Both narrower 16" rims, front and rear:
3.50” x 16” - 130/90 R16ʼʼ
5.50” x 16” - 180/65 R16ʼʼ
Click to expand...
Sorry for my lack of specificity. I was focused on the 180 tire width which is less than the 200. I suppose to be fair we would also have to look at rim size too to evaluate performance.
 
Perk5560 said:
Sorry for my lack of specificity. I was focused on the 180 tire width which is less than the 200. I suppose to be fair we would also have to look at rim size too to evaluate performance.
Click to expand...
I missed your rim comment in the first post, but yes, rim size is as important. That said, I have already mounted and recommend the 180/65 in the 6.0" Cal Custom/Tour/Audace rear rim.
 
I know someone else also mentioned their concern with the look of the 180 from the rear as compared to the 200 and having seen both on the bike, do you see a marked difference in the look of the bike from the rear?

Thanks,

Dave
 
Perk5560 said:
having seen both on the bike, do you see a marked difference in the look of the bike from the rear?
Click to expand...
Yes, the steam-roller look is gone, leaving a good looking, ever so slightly narrower 20mm/.77" tire.
 
GT-Rx® said:
Yes, the steam-roller look is gone, leaving a good looking, ever so slightly narrower 20mm/.77" tire.
Click to expand...
Haven't done the photo yet but I agree with Todd in that the look is very much the same, really hard to notice the bit of width missing, handling vs looks? Highway load carrying maybe the 200 is best, tighter NZ type roads 180 seems best, I gained 1.9% circumference and also 5% sidewall, but haven't noticed any distortion going on. Will do pic.
 
Smartleynz said:
Highway load carrying maybe the 200 is best, tighter NZ type roads 180 seems best, I gained 1.9% circumference and also 5% sidewall, but haven't noticed any distortion going on.
Click to expand...

Not doubting your experiences, but I'm assuming correctly the better handling is due to the 5% sidewall increase allowing a slightly better lean angle? Or is it something I've missed?

I'm contemplating doing the same as you.
 
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