Top Tier Tyre

Back in the days when Shovelheads ruled the road and Jap bikes were cheap there was not a lot of choice in the motorcycle tyre world...

- Brum

Original factory tyres were, in the main, less than optimal. Like every-thing else, OE (original equipment) tyres were selected mainly on the basis of cost. H-D fitted different brands, depending on model, but they were meant to give good mileage rather than enhance road-holding. Japanese tyres were not regarded as premium replacements back then. It was the European tyre manufacturers that provided a quality alternative for riders who had more interest in cornering than cruising.

One of the best known Euro manufacturers to this day is Metzeler. Metzeler have made tyres since 1892 and are widely regarded worldwide. The ME33 Lazer front and ME99 rear were the choice for sports riders along with ME88 Marathons for high mileage use, back in the day. Having innovated in motorcycle tyre design for decades it was no surprise when they recently announced the Cruisetec. Cruisetec has been designed as a genuine performance tyre for the cruiser/tourer market. Now, that may sound like a contradiction in terms but consider how far Harley-Davidson and Indian have progressed in chassis design and performance parameters in the last 10 years.

The H-D Touring and Softail range have both received enormous updates since 2014 including redesigned chassis’ and a new engine, the M8, which kicks out a lot more grunt, even in standard trim. Indian have been applauded for their sweet handling 111 range and – more recently – the agile and powerful Scout. Add in the benefits of electronic rider aids like ABS braking and traction control and older tyres will be unable to fully deliver those benefits.

So, it would seem obvious that some riders will be looking for a tyre which allows them to explore the performance envelope.