[retrocool]

I've had the front tire on my 07 roadking slide out on me twice in the last couple days in the rain. Once on a manhole cover (not the tires fault) and the second time on the freeway (raingrooves and standing water). These stock dunlop tires suck in the wet weather:sofa:
Its almost time for another tire change, and I'm considering either Avon Venoms or Dunlop E3's.
Which of these tires would be better overall for wet weather, two lane hwy's, and touring two up?
I've sworn never to put another Metzeler on my bike again (brazil issues).
So if you've got 'em, had 'em, or know anything about them, which would you recommend.
Thanks for your comments.
Ride safe.

 

[trooper113]

This topic has been discussed many times here. A lot of folks, including me, really like E3s. I've had two rear E3s and one front E3....I see no reason at this point to look elsewhere. Other folks like other tires.

 

[ViennaHog]

I've had the front tire on my 07 roadking slide out on me twice in the last couple days in the rain. Once on a manhole cover (not the tires fault) and the second time on the freeway (raingrooves and standing water). These stock dunlop tires suck in the wet weather:sofa:
Its almost time for another tire change, and I'm considering either Avon Venoms or Dunlop E3's.
Which of these tires would be better overall for wet weather, two lane hwy's, and touring two up?
I've sworn never to put another Metzeler on my bike again (brazil issues).
So if you've got 'em, had 'em, or know anything about them, which would you recommend.
Thanks for your comments.
Ride safe.

Have a look at the new style Metzelers, they come in alphanumeric designations and really different. Check here http://www.v-twinforum.com/forums/wheels-tires-suspensions/136315-new-metzeler-mt90-mu90-flhts.html

 

[toybox99615]

opinions are about as factual as you

will get on what tires are better than another. I've done thousands of miles on tour in the rain with Dunlap tires and I have not found any reason to change brands. I've got Michelin on one bike and Dunlap on two others. When it is wet it seems as if there is no difference. I believe it is the condition of the road surface combined with what ever might be on the surface that make it slippery on some roads and nasty on others.

 

[Jeffytune]

Dunlop Elite 3's on mine as well.

Life here in a Pacific Northwest means you either get used to riding in the rain, or you only ride 90 days out of the year.(That is how many day we get without the threat of rain, not how many days it does rain).

Change your tires.

 

[Coolmaker]

Avon Venom..................

 

[omgtkk]

I haven't run E3's, but have had Avon Venoms and Metzelers on my Eglides over the years, along with the stock Dunlops. I found that the Avons had the best feel in the rain. I never felt any hint of hydroplaning. They feel more 'planted' than the other two brands. OF all the tires I ran, they were my favorite overall. I didn't really feel much of a difference between the Stock Dujlops and the Metzelers.

 

[Harleypingman]

How much tread depth is on the front tire, retrocool? I ask because I've OEM spec Dunlop tires on my '04 EG for 3+ years/50K miles here in Georgia and haven't noticed any problems with wet weather riding. If the tread depth goes below 2/32" the tire should be replaced; I start planning replacement at 3/32" 'cause the tread depth prevents hydroplaning.

 

[MilesToGo]

Avon Venom..................

+1... I've been running Avons for a few years and never had a problem in wet or dry conditions. Just bought a new SG with the redesigned Dunlops - must say i'm impressed. Haven't had a chance to test them in wet conditions but on dry pavement they are much better than the old design.

 

[head]

i usually run dunlops on my road king. i have run a few sets on avon venom x's on it and have a set on it right now. the main difference i notice is in the rain. the avons are awesome. i just cant get the mileage out of them that i do the dunlops.

head

 

[route66paul]

Avons were designed in England and they know something about wet weather. My Venoms are much better than dunlops or the new Metzlers. Road paint and steel plate/manhole covers are always slippery, but the venoms can handle the first rain in 5 months in SoCal.

 

[geezerglide]

Sorry guy. This is friggn Oregon, if you don't ride in the rain you don't ride. It gets friggn slick sometimes on a bike. The stock dunlops are not any worse OR any better than any other tire. Adjust, avoid and adapt! Just my 2 cents!

 

[skunk237]

I have been riding on the Dunlop 402's for a long time and never a problem with the tire, wet, dry, or snow,,, Put 13,000 mile on rear before change and still have front with 21,000 on it on 2007 Ultra, 103 Big bore, SE Air, K&N. TMAX,,. 4" SE Mufflers with 2" fullsac baffles... 39mpg.....

Just depends on what you like and how you ride.. Friend has 07 Ultra with the E3 and does not look like enough tread pattern to evacuate the water to me... To each his own... Ride Safe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ADVNTR]

Time for a new front tire.

Dunlops like any quality tire [with adequate tread] work well in the rain
Manhole covers are the responsibility of the rider to avoid, along with road markings.

 

[CopperTop]

Another vote for the Avon Venoms but, as others have said, there is no magic tire spreading sunshine on the road under your wheels. Slick spots are slick spots. My gripe with the stock Dunlops is their susceptibility to rain grooves, which seem to be all the rage these days. They make a hard surface feel like an infinite grated bridge.

 

[driftgirl]

I had the Venoms on my Vtx and loved them, I felt like they gripped the road alot better than the stock dunnies..

On my streetglide that last few weeks, its been slick on the roads due to the fog in the mornings and at night, and I have been a bit nervous a few times, not really knowing how these stock tires will handle it.

but like another said before, you have to adjust to the road surface with any tire, but more than likely I am seriously considering changing tires to the venoms.

www.bikebandit.com is where I have always gotten my tires, they have the best prices.

 

[OldMsocko]

I have rode many miles with the OEM Dunlops and have had zero problems with them. One of the trips I took this year it rained 13 out of the 17 hours that I traveled.

 

[gscojo]

You stated that it's almost time for a tire change.
Perhaps it's overdue?
Any tire will be bad in the rain when it's thin.

 

[bob2002]

Tires

E3's for me,I have 13,000 plus miles on a set right now,if I was going on any trips I change the rear now but since it will only be 80-100 day rides in dry weather only I'll let it on a little longer.The rear tread depth is still more then 2/32, I rode in some wet weather with these tires and I trust their grip.

 

[88b]

I've never had a problem with the stock Dunlops. My RG has Brazilian Metzlers on it now, when they need changing I'm going Dunlop

But more to the point what oil should I use ?