Tires and Mileage?

[bighouse]

Does anyone notice that if they go to a wider or taller tire that they get worse gas mileage out of their bike, and if the handling was adversly affected?

Also would a vstar 1300 be able to clear a 200 rear tire? Just curious

[Vulcan2K]

Does anyone notice that if they go to a wider or taller tire that they get worse gas mileage out of their bike, and if the handling was adversly affected?

Also would a vstar 1300 be able to clear a 200 rear tire? Just curious

A wider tire shouldn't have any noticable affect on gas milage, a taller tire will result in higher gearing so you may see a change in mileage due to lower revs. A wider tire will require more steering input, but may not be noticable for some riders. I don't think you would notice different handling with a taller tire. I don't know what size tire would fit your bike, sorry.

[Intruder1400]

Theoretically a larger tire dimension (taller) SHOULD increase your gpm somewhat... your results may vary :smiley_drinkcoffee:

[Cruisinferburgers]

I don't know what would fit your bike, specifically. I have noted that my bikes handled best and got best mileage (tires and gas) with stock size tires at maximum cold pressure.
Nice bike. The 1300 is the first V-Star that I really like.

[Cruisinferburgers]

I think I am talking to myself. I just realized this thread is a year and a half old.

[markk53]

Don't feel bad. It's quite common on forums to reply to old posts, we never look at the dates.

Besides take solace in the fact that you'd probably have been talking to yourself anyway, since most riders don't want to hear they shouldn't or can't put a wider tire on their bikes and will ignore comments to that effect. It's all about rationalization and justification... but it is always good to "let the air out of some balloons" in this area of change should someone rational read it.

Here it is should someone like that read this:

Wider = heavier slower handling, possibly pinched up profile on the narrower rim. May increase MPG due to larger diameter, but maybe less due to rotating weight, bogging engine down a bit, or wider footprint if it actually should fit the rim properly. Wider width will require more effort to turn as will larger diameter.

[Cruisinferburgers]

Yeah, I hear you. I have been flamed more than once for posting my opinions about motorcycle tires. I usually just read all the posts in the thread, but say nothing at all.

[The Tourist]

Yeah, I hear you. I have been flamed more than once for posting my opinions about motorcycle tires. I usually just read all the posts in the thread, but say nothing at all.

Unfortunately it's becoming a bad trend.

I think we ought to form one of those "cyber cycle clubs." We could call it "The Banned of Brothers" because I think I know where this unrest usually leads.

One trick I use is to post a picture of the example you wish to portray. It might seem childish, but it does demonstrate information that some sincere rider might need.

[Cruisinferburgers]

Ha, Ha. Use pictures. That is both funny and a good idea!

[markk53]

Occasionally I've flamed Tourist, but apparently he realizes it's debate from me... or he's ignoring me.:D

[RideN]

This is a newbie question so bear with me.....

Do you need to rotate tires on motorcycles like you do on cars, or do they not last long enough to worry about it?

[4Raven]

NO! Do not Rotate, one tire is made specifically for the front and the other the rear! Glad you asked....I don't know of a motorcycle that has the same tires...someone out there might...


My tires are wide and I get up to 60+ mpg...all depends on the terrain and the riding....my tires are also the same ones ....stock....15K miles on them...

Check your pressure....tires may last a little longer...


Uh...guys just hit the ignore button on people you don't want to hear from...

[RideN]

Thanks for this info. I too am glad I asked. I just bought the bike so don't need to worry about replacing them yet. Haven't been on one in 12 yrs and really can't remember half the things about up keep, etc. Thanks again

[internationalballer]

My tires are wide and I get up to 60+ mpg...all depends on the terrain and the riding....my tires are also the same ones ....stock....15K miles on them...

You have gotten 15k out of you stock rear dunlap? Wow, congrats Raven that's impressive, you making your tires last like Dodsfall does. I got 14k out of my first front tire and I get about 8k out of a rear dunlop 404.

[4Raven]

You have gotten 15k out of you stock rear dunlap? Wow, congrats Raven that's impressive, you making your tires last like Dodsfall does. I got 14k out of my first front tire and I get about 8k out of a rear dunlop 404.

Nope I have Bridgestones...love them...have almost 15,600 miles on them after today...

I am surprised you got that much mileage out of the 404s;)...this guy that wants to sell his 1100 said he has to change his after 4K...but he may ride 2 up more...

[The Tourist]

Nope I have Bridgestones...love them...have almost 15,600 miles on them after today....

In that case the tires on my Sportster 48 will out-live me. I don't know what compound they use, but it's a case of "durability vs. grip."

These tires took forever to scrub in. I had to corner a tad harder and harder for most of the first 1,000 miles. Interestingly, I've noticed that temperature has a unique effect.

If I take a round-about right after I fire up the bike on a cold day, the tires almost feel "buttery." They don't totally slip, but the back end feels unstable until the tires get warm.

Now granted, to some degree all tires might undergo this issue. However, I've never felt it to this extreme. If you check out my chicken marks, it appears that the back end is cornering deeper than the front end. (?) On a 48, the tires are the same size.

I'm at +5,500 miles on these tires. I don't think there is any measureable wear, at all.

[internationalballer]

Is HD still using the dunlap 402's on the new sporty's? My dunlaps feel the same way when they're cold, I have to remind myself to take it easy until the tires get warmed up.