Harley Davidson Dyna Cruisers, Car Tires, Help!

Hello, I just registered but I've been paying close attention to this dark-side thing for awhile now and this forum has been a big part of my quest for facts. Thanks to all for sharing your experience's and your opinions.

Best I can tell, very few if any, dyna cruisers are running with a car tire under them. I also think the reason is because those of us that would like to try, can't find a car tire to fit. Until now, maybe, hopefully. I found a tire that will fit for sure but I'm not so sure it will work.

I'm riding an 08 dyna low-rider with laced wheels. The stock tire is 160/70/17. The tire I found is 165/45/17. (no easy task)

http://www.nankang.com.tw/home.php?fn=eng/product_1&no=8&pno=6

My first concern is tire quality. I think the name on the tire will be Sonar. Anybody know anything about this tire or manufacture?

My second worry is, will this tire mount and bead-up properly and stay safely sealed on my rim. I think my rim's width is 4.5". (anybody know for sure?) The specs for the new tire says "rim width 5.5" Is that a recommendation and is there a range here, like anywhere within 1" of 5.5"? Any opinions whether this tire's bead will mount, seat and seal to my rim?

I have some other concerns, like the laced rim and the new tires low profile, I'd like to deal with if I'm able to resolve my first two concerns affirmatively.

Thanks for your considerations, ~dyna t~

dyna t wrote:Hello, I just registered but I've been paying close attention to this dark-side thing for awhile now and this forum has been a big part of my quest for facts. Thanks to all for sharing your experience's and your opinions.

Best I can tell, very few if any, dyna cruisers are running with a car tire under them. I also think the reason is because those of us that would like to try, can't find a car tire to fit. Until now, maybe, hopefully. I found a tire that will fit for sure but I'm not so sure it will work.

I'm riding an 08 dyna low-rider with laced wheels. The stock tire is 160/70/17. The tire I found is 165/45/17. (no easy task)

http://www.nankang.com.tw/home.php?fn=eng/product_1&no=8&pno=6

My first concern is tire quality. I think the name on the tire will be Sonar. Anybody know anything about this tire or manufacture?

My second worry is, will this tire mount and bead-up properly and stay safely sealed on my rim. I think my rim's width is 4.5". (anybody know for sure?) The specs for the new tire says "rim width 5.5" Is that a recommendation and is there a range here, like anywhere within 1" of 5.5"? Any opinions whether this tire's bead will mount, seat and seal to my rim?

I have some other concerns, like the laced rim and the new tires low profile, I'd like to deal with if I'm able to resolve my first two concerns affirmatively.

Thanks for your considerations, ~dyna t~

I can't help you with the tire size however about 95% of everything I've read when it comes to Harley's and car tires is they will not work because of the narrow frame and the belt.If you do get one to work be sure to post back here with pictures if possible.

If you get that tire to work, you will be a hero to lots of Harley riders.

Jerry

Actually ..... there is someone around here riding on that tire on a wide glide. Nanking is actually a good tire and the sonar with it's rounded edges does a good job. Seating and staying beaded are not problems. Use the stock tube and lots of lube putting it on. The low profile will run you at higher RPM's some but not too bad.

See you out there
Smokey

Thanks Smokie, that's encouraging info. I'm hoping the wide glide guy see this and responds. I've e-mailed the tire company asking where I can buy this tire retail but haven't heard from them yet.

Regarding your comment about the inner-tube. This new tire has a 2.97" smaller diameter and 9.34" smaller circumference. I figured I'd have to buy a new smaller and better fitting inner-tube. With this much size difference do you still think the stock tube would be safe?

I got these numbers from this "tire size conversion calculator" http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.dos

Thanks again to those the respond.

~dyna t~

I found a 175/55/17 car tire with the name Mirada Sport GTX. Has anyone heard or know anything about it? Any information about this tire would be appreciated, like who's the manufacture and particularly any opinions about it's quality?

http://www.mariontirecenter.com/tire_uhperf_mnm.html

I now have a choice between two tires. (I haven't bothered to check prices or availability yet)

My stock tire is a: 160/70/17
My choice A is a: 175/55/17 (Mirada Sport GTX)
My choice B is a: 165/45/17 (Sonar)

I'm wondering which tire others would choose between A or B. Which one, in your opinion would be the safer of the two? How about mounting and beading-up properly? I have an opinion but I'd like to hear others. Thanks, here are some facts I'm dealing with;

I have 15/16" clearance on each side of my stock tire. .9375"
The 175 is .59" wider or .295" wider on each side, leaving me with .6425" clearance on either side.
The 165 is .2" wider or .1" wider on each side, leaving with .8375" clearance on either side.

Do our tires change shape at our moderate speeds? If so, it seems like the tire would only get taller and thinner, but not by much. I don't do burn-outs.

Thanks again.

~dyna t~

I couldn't find any specs on it but I would think the 175/55 would have a norrower bead width and stand a better chance of seating. JMHO

Jerry

Dyna T,

No our tires do not change shapes at we ride.

I am interested in seeing how this comes out, so keep us posted. You are going were no one has gone before...LOL

I would say your best bet would be choice A ..

Anybody familiar with this tire? Dunlop SP Winter Sport ROF 185/55/17

http://www.stylintrucks.com/parts.aspx?INID=hpwinter09&partfamilyid=22806&attribute_value_string|Published+Tire+Size=185%2f50R17 &canned_results_trigger=

I'm thinking about trying this tire on my 08 low-riders stock 160/70/17 rear tire.

I'm wondering about the noise factor, seems like it will be louder than average. Also the looks of the tread and the way it's cut makes me worry the tire might feel squirmy in the corners. Opinions welcomed.

Thanks, Terry