Tire Speed Ratings (Dunlop response)

johnb · 05-30-2009, 08:40 AM

A while back when my dopey stealer mounted a "rear" tire on my "front" wheel, I had it corrected and had Dunlop D251 put on (match to the rear). I was "psyched out" by the whole thing and emailed Dunlop about the speed ratings since the front was a 150VR80x16 and the rear was a 180HR70x16. Their response was that they..."generally do not recommend mixing speed ratings." Well...I was just looking at different sources for tires and found out that the Triumph Rocket III uses these sizes. When I went to the fitment guide on Dunlop, what do I find......they recommend the same tires for the Triumph that I am using on my Nomad. Dopey bastards and probably their legal departments. Seems like the people that probably know the most about tires have their hands tied (both the Bike companies and the Tire comanies).

cactusjack · 05-30-2009, 04:35 PM

I'd bet these gutless turds would tell you not to mix black wall and white walls on the bike if they figured it would keep them from getting sued.

**ringadingh** · 06-01-2009, 03:59 PM

Our bikes don't run fast enough for a speed rating to be warranted, I doubt it would make any difference at 70 - 80 mph.

barrynfla · 06-01-2009, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I'd bet these gutless turds would tell you not to mix black wall and white walls on the bike if they figured it would keep them from getting sued.

johnb · 06-01-2009, 07:33 PM

I just found it curious that they would give me that "we usually don't recommend...." and then their "fitment" guide indicates the combination I'm using for another bike. It sure doesn't feel like it makes any difference. I've had it up to speed on some "fun" curves on the parkway, kinda like an 800 lb. sport bike and it's fine!

**schoeney** · 06-02-2009, 03:19 AM

Don't forget to give credit where credit is due.....to the attorney's that cause this CYA mentality (better known as risk management).

cactusjack · 06-02-2009, 09:19 AM

No motorcycle manufacturer will recommend using a car tire on a bike. [/*:m:r9hnqvhb]
No car tire manufacturer will recommend using a car tire on a bike. [/*:m:r9hnqvhb]
No motorcycle magazine will recommend using a car tire on a bike. [/*:m:r9hnqvhb]

Even with overwhelmingly positive evidence, nobody will stick their neck out because they are all afraid of liability.

I say to them: people used to think the world was flat, too.

**ringadingh** · 06-02-2009, 05:04 PM

I think if its done with some forethought as is the case here, the guys have minimized any shortcomings. Its been done so much on a wide variety of brands that I wouldn't hesitate to try. Im just waiting for whitewalls to get popular on cars again.

05-30-2009, 08:40 AM	#1
johnb Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Yonkers, NY Posts: 271	Tire Speed Ratings (Dunlop response) A while back when my dopey stealer mounted a "rear" tire on my "front" wheel, I had it corrected and had Dunlop D251 put on (match to the rear). I was "psyched out" by the whole thing and emailed Dunlop about the speed ratings since the front was a 150VR80x16 and the rear was a 180HR70x16. Their response was that they..."generally do not recommend mixing speed ratings." Well...I was just looking at different sources for tires and found out that the Triumph Rocket III uses these sizes. When I went to the fitment guide on Dunlop, what do I find......they recommend the same tires for the Triumph that I am using on my Nomad. Dopey bastards and probably their legal departments. Seems like the people that probably know the most about tires have their hands tied (both the Bike companies and the Tire comanies). Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

05-30-2009, 04:35 PM	#2
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	Tire Speed Ratings (Dunlop response) I'd bet these gutless turds would tell you not to mix black wall and white walls on the bike if they figured it would keep them from getting sued. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
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06-01-2009, 03:59 PM	#3
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	Tire Speed Ratings (Dunlop response) Our bikes don't run fast enough for a speed rating to be warranted, I doubt it would make any difference at 70 - 80 mph. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
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06-01-2009, 07:33 PM	#5
johnb Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Yonkers, NY Posts: 271	Tire Speed Ratings (Dunlop response) I just found it curious that they would give me that "we usually don't recommend...." and then their "fitment" guide indicates the combination I'm using for another bike. It sure doesn't feel like it makes any difference. I've had it up to speed on some "fun" curves on the parkway, kinda like an 800 lb. sport bike and it's fine! Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

06-02-2009, 03:19 AM	#6
schoeney Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NW Region Posts: 5,222	Tire Speed Ratings (Dunlop response) Don't forget to give credit where credit is due.....to the attorney's that cause this CYA mentality (better known as risk management). __________________ VBA #659 2003 Nomad 1500 (Gone but never forgotten) 2005 Honda ST1300 - Sweet and still kickin 2006 Honda Goldwing - Best Boat in the Marina
	0

06-02-2009, 09:19 AM	#7
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	Tire Speed Ratings (Dunlop response) No motorcycle manufacturer will recommend using a car tire on a bike. [/:m:r9hnqvhb] No car tire manufacturer will recommend using a car tire on a bike. [/:m:r9hnqvhb] No motorcycle magazine will recommend using a car tire on a bike. [/*:m:r9hnqvhb] Even with overwhelmingly positive evidence, nobody will stick their neck out because they are all afraid of liability. I say to them: people used to think the world was flat, too. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
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06-02-2009, 05:04 PM	#8
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	Tire Speed Ratings (Dunlop response) I think if its done with some forethought as is the case here, the guys have minimized any shortcomings. Its been done so much on a wide variety of brands that I wouldn't hesitate to try. Im just waiting for whitewalls to get popular on cars again. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
	0

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