Tires on the 1700 Nomad

[nomadpilot]

If I read my owner's manual correctly, the Nomad uses bias ply tires. My question is, does anyone use radial tires on the their Nomad, and if so, how are they compared to the bias tires? I come from years of using radials on my Gold Wings and other bikes, and not particularly in love with the way the OEM tires feel. Maybe I just need to get used to them. I'm thinking of replacing them with Avon Cobras when the time comes, and I'm wondering how those work out, cost, tread life, etc.

Oh yeah, I read an article on the 1700 Vulcan Classic vs. HD Fatboy Lo, and they listed the Vulcan as having radial tires. I believe that is incorrect. Lemme know. Thanx.

[sakirider]

I owned a 2009 Nomad. I replaced my rear 'stones' tire at about 9,835 miles with a radial Elite 3 brand tire. I find no difference in handling, but immediately noticed a soft ride and easy lean of the bike around corners. I read treads that indicate that this tire should last over 15,000 miles. I will see. This is my first Elite 3 tire, and I intend to replace my front tire with an Elite 3 tire too.

[dbaliko]

They are radials.

[nomadpilot]

Originally Posted by dbaliko

They are radials.

Which ones, the stock tires or the E3's?
Actually, the stock tires are bias ply tires. I was just wondering if radial tires could be successfully used on the Nomad--both front and rear. I have reservations about mixing bias and radial ply tires.

[gv550]

The stock Bridgestone tires are bias ply.
The 160/80B-16 rear E3 and MT90B-16 front E3 are bias ply.
The 180/60R-16 rear E3 is radial ply. I don't think there is a front radial E3 to fit the Nomad.
I'm sure there are advantages to using radial tires, but I don't think they could be detected by a rider on a slow, heavy touring bike like the Nomad (compared to sport or sport/touring bikes). The radial E3 costs more and won't last as long as the bias E3.
The Nomad owners manual, service manual, and placard on the bike says to use only bias tires.