[twincamzz]

I just traded for a 01 FLHPI that came with a Dunlop D402P tire on the rear. The Harley site mentions these bikes have "blow out" proof tires, that they can lose air and not come off the rim at speed. I thought this was great until I read in the HD Police service manual that if the bike has been changed over for 2 passenger use (mine has) that the tires need to be changed out with regular D402s. The weight rating on these tires is 770 lbs. Talked to several dealers and they all say not to worry about it. (With the little woman on board, we don't weigh 280 lbs combined.) The tire in question is in like new condition. I am not certain what the answer is. Hopefully someone can tell me if I should change the tire out now, or wait until the tire needs replacing.
Thanks for any information.
twincamzz

 

[FLHPI]

i not worried about the police tires blowing out by riding two up. my wife and i don't add up to the weight of some officers that ride the cycles.
not saying all police officers are over weight (just stating the facts) i have a close personal friend that rode cycles for detroit pd he stands 6'6" all of 350lbs.

 

[HIPPO]

Don't trust the "blow out proof" tires.
I believe the spec is that they have to stay on the rim long enough for one emergency stop from 100 mph, that's all.

When riding two up the weight is distributed differently. All the weight of the passenger is over the rear tire, the weight of a heavy rider is split between the tires. It doesn't make sense to take a chance over a $100.00 tire.

 

[twincamzz]

Hippo, thanks for the word...after not getting any response on this thread for a few days, I decided to go ahead and change out the tire. Like you said, it's not worth the grief over 100 bucks.
twincamzz

 

[harleyhog]

99/2000 police tyres FL models

Heres the text from a Harley service bulletin
dated Feb 15th 2000
For 99/2000 models. Don't know if its revelent
to you but here goes;


Police Model Tires
(FL Models Only)
The rear tire on 2000 police model motorcycles is fit for solo
riding only. If converted to a two-up bike, that is, configured
for passenger use (with luggage), then the rear tire needs to
be changed to one with a higher rating. Since it has long
been Harley-Davidson policy not to mix different types of
tires on the same vehicle, we strongly recommend that both
front and rear tires be replaced. In order to alert the
customer to this safety issue, the following warning appears
on a label fitted to the rear fender (approximately 1/4 inch
behind the seat mounting hole).

 

[rarose13]

I just acquired a FLHPI (Police Road King) which has the warning sticker on the rear fender. I also came to the conclusion that it wasn't worth taking the risk and will likely replace the 'run flat' police tires with some ME880's as I'm converting it to 2up. Any comment's on the ME880's vs Dunlop 402's? Thanks:

 

[HIPPO]

The strongest suit of the ME880's is their wet handling, so you live in the right place.

They are very good tires.

 

[HIPPO]

And use Metzeler's pressure recommendations. The Dunlop's have real stiff sidewalls, so you have to run a little more pressure with the 880's.

 

[rarose13]

Hippo,
Thanks for the replies it always helps to get feedback from someone with experience on these things. I have heard good things regarding Metzeler's from a number of sources now. The Dunlops seem to be in short supply right now anyway.

 

[rarose13]

Tbone, thanks for the info!