I used to hoon around on the Iron without any regard to wet conditions because it stuck like glue. On the Fatboy though I have had so many traction losses I'm now very cautious about riding in the rain. I know it's a heavy bike but is this normal? The rear tyre only has about 1,000ks left (it has 8,500 ks on it at the moment) but is still legal. They are the original tyres though so they have been on the bike since late 2004. Do they harden up with age?

I guess I'll answer all these questions once I change the tyres, so what's a good wet weather tyre? I'm more interested in grip (wet and dry) than in longevity. I figure the durability is irrelevant when the bike is smashed.

As always, thanks for your advice everyone.

Taffy I do believe you have answered your own questions--1,000k's left and 7 year old rubber.
Don't know what's best in the wet but I can tell you to stay away from Khumo, Maxxix, Chingshit and all other cheap Chaiwanese stuff.

Sure some others will chime in with the goods.

Get a new tyre Taffy , and get out and hoon

Yeah, Metzeler 880's I've had em on Ultras, Road Kings and my current Superglide

 Great feedback thanks everyone. I'll fit Metzelers ASAP. Roughly what cost do you reckon?

Steamer I'll ask for the seniors discount next time I'm at your lawn bowls club. 

+1

A set of Metz 880s cost me $500 fitted in our little town

Brian Connors at Brookvale has the Metz in stock so I'm having them fitted Saturday. A little dearer than yours Firey, but he knows his stuff so I'm interested to hear what he says about tyre pressures with these. There is a lot of debate on this on US forums with people running anything from 42 to 50 (!) psi on the rear. I think there might be some confusion over the exact model so they are not compariing like with like. I'm running 36 F and 40 R on the Dunlops.

To get the best out of the Metz, you need to keep your pressures up and 38/40 is on the money. Bear in mind, your bike has a bit of weight and if the pressure gets down, you will feel her wallowing.

You all talk about metz ? what type ? I've used the marathon. it was crap.!Stick with dunlop.

I live in the twisties and have just put Metz 880's they feel great - I'm only a light weight 11 3/4 stone and run 38 - 39 and 36-37 in the front

metzlers for me , i was never confident riding in the rain , then done a 6 day journey in pizzing down rain and thunderstorms , the metzlers handled it so well , and inspired me with so much confidence , that now i don't give a fuck if its rainng or not i still ride hail or shine .

Go the metz and buy some wet weather gear , its actually more exillerating riding in the rain.

any tyre over 5 years old is probably stuffed. UV eats them. Use them before they go bad

 Just took the new Metz's for a run so here's my report - a very flawed comparison because the Dunlops were more than six years old and the rear was pretty well cactus. Keep that in mind plus (if it's relevant) the tyre pressures are now 38 and 40 (I was running the Dunlops at 36 and 40):

Very skittish for the first 30 or 50 ks - normal, but you really need to take care. Once they got to 100 they really started coming good. Now with 185ks on the clock:

Quieter than the Dunlops. I didn't even know I had tyre noise over the pipes and engine rattle until it disappeared. Lower rolling resistance. Tracks very well but the steering is now significanly quicker (weird?). Contrary to other reports here I reckon they are a bit harsher ride than the Dunlops. Very very confidence enspiring though - they stick tighter than you would to Angelina Joli - and since grip is what I was after I am mega happy with them. Can't wait to test them in the wet which is where I was coming unstuck before.

 

 

 

heritage softail, tried Metzlers but found better traction wet or dry with Venoms, I fang her a bit and get around 15-16000 rear with 2xrears to 1xfront.......my mates use and swear by Metzlers and Dunlop as do many on this thread....up you I guess...