Bias Ply Tires on an 1800?

[am3098]

I received a suggestion to try running bias ply tires om my 1800. Dunlop makes a tire called the American Elite which is designed for Harley touring bikes. The front is offered in the same size as the 1800 (130/70/18) and the rear is close, but slightly taller; the 1800 uses a 180/60/16 vs. the 180/65/16 American Elite. I'm told that the 185/65/16 being slightly taller actually corrects a speedometer error on the 1800. The American Elite bias also carries a little higher weigh rating (1019 lbs. vs. 992 lbs.) I've been riding on bias ply tires for the last 15 years on my 1500, but I haven't really had many miles on the 1800 because I got it last year just before winter. The guy who suggested the bias runs them on his 1800 is a somewhat aggressive rider and has had no issues; he says he gets more miles out of them vs. radials. Has anyone else tried bias on their 1800? Looking for some feedback.

[Wingsconsin]

If you are looking to change to a Bias ply tire that some have used (not me) with decent reports of success
Look at the Michelin Commander II - it comes in sizes that will work with the rear being the same slight oversize.
I run them on my Suzuki GS850GL which was designed for bias ply tires in 1983 -
I run the radials on the GL1800 (Avon Cobra right now and Bridgestone G707/709) -

What are you hoping to accomplish by going to bias ply ?

[MikeB]

What are you hoping to accomplish by going to bias ply ?

I'm curious about that as well.

[am3098]

The guy who suggested the American Elite bias says that a bias will last longer. He showed me his rear tire with 17K on an 07, and it's still in pretty good shape. I'm used to getting 10-12K out of the Avon's on my 1500 for years, and would like to do better with the 1800.

[Wingsconsin]

The guy who suggested the American Elite bias says that a bias will last longer. He showed me his rear tire with 17K on an 07, and it's still in pretty good shape. I'm used to getting 10-12K out of the Avon's on my 1500 for years, and would like to do better with the 1800.

The 1800 is a notorious tire eater -
Longevity ?? uhh...no.
Avon Cobras ~~~ 15,000 to 16,000 ($$)
Dunlops E4s ~~ 16,000 to 18,000 ($$)
Bridgestone G704/709 series --($) ~~8000 to 10000 (but cheap enough to but 2 sets instead of 1 on the others)

I put on a new set of Bridgestone every year now -- new rubber always feels wonderful-
But I own 2 front rims and 3 rears so changing a tire is SO EASY for me - I ALWAYS have fresh rubber mounted and ready to go
I run Centramatic balancers cause they work and it's easy
I have burned up a set of Cobras but they got cupped about 11K miles
E4s are on my Sons bike right now and he really likes them - stick well and deliver good mileage..?

Sooner or later some will weigh in on the car tire rear -
Consider your options after doing a LOT of research -

I tired the dark Side for 30,000 miles adn decided it was not for me.

After riding Goldwings for 20 years averaging 14K per year I have just come to the realization that there are no cheap motorcycles and new rubber is easy and cheap so I just buy a new set when I need to...watch for Sales (rebates) in the spring and order a set

Your mileage may vary

[GoldWingrGreg]

Even on cars, and this is also true on GL1800s, bia-ply tires ride rough.

[Kurt J]

I'll stick with the Avon Cobra's. Rad. Tires ride so much better and I have no problem replacing them at 12000 miles.

[oilboy1162]

Loving my E4's. just not at this moment!!!! BRRRRRR!

[mmartin_tdc]

I run a bias ply Metzler on the rear of my 08. It has a higher load rating than any radial I have seen for the bike.
With the wife and I, on a radial, we are at capacity if we carry no gear. Hook on a trailer or load up the bags and we are over loaded on the rear.

My 2cents worth.