Before I make my virginal trip to Sturgis this year, I plan to replace the rubber on the 09 RK Classic. I did a search and found some great info from Dave and Chasarms on aspect ratio and the like. My question concerns the tire profile. If I replace the OEM with a lower profile tire, will that affect the handling and ride? Would the bike sit a hair lower? If so, that would be a good thing. It sounds like any effects to the speedo would be very subtle. Thanks in advance for all the wisdom you fellas dish out; it's greatly appreciated once again.
As far as a lower profile , look's cool , handling may also improve but you will sacrifice ride quality with a shorter sidewall , last thing you want on a long road trip IMO.
Agree with Deuce. The lower profile will most likely ride a little stiffer. It will improve clearance between the tire and the fender, but is a possible stiffer ride on a long trip worth that? Your call.
And I know you didn't ask about brand, but I have to agree on American Elites. Had them on my Fat Boy and again now on my Ultra Limited.
My first experience with American Elites, I usually get 402's. I put front and rear WWW's on @ 26,400 on the od, I'm now at 40,100 and there's still 3-4,00 left on the rear. This is the most millage I've got out out a rear tire, and it gives a great ride and control in wet or dry weather.
I recently installed Metzler ME888's. Good feel on the road. I went over a grated draw bridge the other day and not so much as a wiggle. My brother has been riding on ME888's for a while now and says the same thing about their feel in the road, especially those "snakes" in the pavement. He seems to get good mileage out of his so far.
Lower profile tires = slightly smaller diameter which means the speedometer will read a little too high. Example: Speedo reads 55, you're really going 50.
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