Rocket Touring Tyres

Not sure what to attribute the big differences in mileage we're getting from the same tires. Road composition, heat, speed, inflation, all come into play. But that said, my R3T makes 142HP.149TQ, I ride in 100+ degree temps, at speeds occasionally beyond the posted limits(often invoking the speed limiter) and I'm getting great mileage from the Metzler. They seem to lock the rear easier, and not handle as well as the Avon. That and the mileage I'm getting would suggest a harder compound than the Avons.

But, others seem to be getting the opposite result. As far as I know, the Metzlers and the Avons are the only MC tires that will work on the R3T. I would love to have a V rated tire available, but that would probably get even worse mileage. As they say, there's no free lunch.

Oh, and nitrogen will do nothing to increase your mileage. It may slightly reduce the fluctuation in air pressure but if you're checking your pressures as you should, it will not make much of a difference. We use it in our race car tires, but going from cold to sustained 170+ speeds we need to be able to predictably manage the increase in pressure. Not nearly as important on a street tire.
 
Hey GPM, you have an R3T, will a 200 series tire work on the stock wheel? Or is it too narrow? I'm sure it would have a
higher load capacity/rating. It probably wouldn't diminish the handling characteristics very much. Does anyone out there
in Rocket land run a 200 series rear on an R3T? Give a shout out and tell us how it's working.
 
Hey GPM, you have an R3T, will a 200 series tire work on the stock wheel? Or is it too narrow? I'm sure it would have a
higher load capacity/rating. It probably wouldn't diminish the handling characteristics very much. Does anyone out there
in Rocket land run a 200 series rear on an R3T? Give a shout out and tell us how it's working.

I asked that question recently and the answers were generally negative. The rim on the R3T is 5.5 inches. All the 200's I found required at least a 6 inch rim. I'm too old and set in my ways to consider a CT. Besides, one of the reasons I chose the R3T was the improved handling of the 180 rear tire. It is a shame that there's not enough demand for a 180 tire that will get decent mileage from an 800 lb motorcycle with 150 ft lbs of torque. Maybe if HD ever decides to put the VRod motor in their touring bikes we'll get some better choices.
 
I'm sure you're right. I was going from memory, which sure isn't what it used to be.
 
The Dunlop 491s on my '99 and '02 Victorys would go about 16K rear, 23K front. ME88s would go about 14K on rear, don't know how long on front. The Vic's don't have weight or torque of R3T, but you'd think 10K would be possible.
Don't the new Harley baggers use a Dunlop in a 180 or 200 that is meant to last?
 
I am at 16k for mileage on 08 tourer, I am on my 5th back Metz and 4th front. First set was the recalled bridges. I usually buy the tires at cycle gear, always seem to be in stock when I walk in. Dealer will mount it for 45 bucks, lately been putting beads in as well. I am thinking that this will be the last metZ. So will mount a CT next. I only know a few other tour guys with CT.
 
I have found a couple of 195/60/16 going to try it to see how it goes but won't be till the fall by then my last tire will be done.
 
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