I just replaced the rear tire my 02 FLST. Have always ran through two fronts for every rear but, my bike seems like it may be off track a little. Front tire still has good tread. Have at 12G on them. Had a buddy say ya gotta replace the front every time you replace the rear on heavy bikes....what does anybody think?

if you have good tread and it's not weather checked, I say leave it. You're just doin too many burnouts!

Oh yeah, by the way, Welcome to the boards.

Hellooo, I do agree, it is not necessary to replace front tire each time your replace the back tire. I have had many bikes over the years, from a 175cc up to my present goldwing trike...on the two wheelers I had, I always got close to around 15-17k miles on the front tire...I took extensive long trips in the summer, never had a problem at all...replacing both each time, gets rather expensive too....as long as there is not any dry rot, ya got good tread, and is aligned properly, of course check it often for proper amount of air-- there is no need to replace it--here is a site, I had bookmarked in tire maintenance, perhaps this will be helpful to you http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/maintenance/tires-tyres.htm

Welcome to the boards 02FL!

Thanks Phat, Knight and Mongo for the response and the welcome. I've been lurking awhile and thought this would be a good place to jump in.

I also have had numerous bikes and not had this problem. Not a hot rod at all so no burnouts. Just seems off a little. Anyway thanks again for your thoughts and I'll check that link.

Just seems off a little.

Know this might sound a bit off here too, but is there a possibility that the rim itself is warped?? uh? or perhaps not quite aligned and balanced good.
Perhaps a double check on that uh? Is it possible a rim can get warped, lol, not a mechanic here, I just ride 'em, but was just a brain storm question here
:rolleyes:

Thanks again for the thought Knight....I read the link and will have the balance checked, probably making this more complicated than need be...just seems a little off at speeds over 60. Balancing could very well be it. It is the original front tire and I've only replaced the rear so...it's been since it was new that the balance of the front tire has been checked.