I posted this in the tire section but I kinda feel like that doesn't get read as much as the general.

I have done a couple of searches to no avail.

2011 FLHP with Dunlop D407/D408
My rear tire is worn down but front looks virtually new...
It looks to me like i will get one more long run out of the rear.
Next week We are doing a little over 1200 miles to Niagara falls and back.

once I get back I will need to change them because I have a 3000 mile trip scheduled for July.

???Do I spend over $200 and just replace the Dunlop on the rear???
Or
???Do I spend $320 and get the Michelin Commander IIs and replace both???

I do the Mount and Balance myself so thats not a problem.


Any Thoughts and Experiences

Thanks in advance

Brian

 

It seems to me (since you do your own mount and balance) that it would be whatever you are comfortable and feel safe with. I've heard stories from people who get the dealerships to change tires that under certain circumstances they require you to change both for liability reason. I guess it's just a judgement call.

 

Mach

Thats why I was looking for Popular Opinion.
I have been riding and wrenching on my own stuff all my life and its been my personal opinion not to mismatch tires. Partly because I am OCD and can't even have Different tires front and back on my cars or trucks....LOL... and partly due to possible ride deterioration. so with that said do I change both and waste a front tire with plenty of tread or Buy the expensive Rear to match the front?

 

We all cross that bridge. As a general rule, I run 2 rears for every front tire. I switch tire brands only when it's time to change both the front and rear. That's just me. SJ Ron

 

^^^ Like SJ Ron said.

I would replace the rear and then change brands when you need both front and rear.
My 2 cents.

d1n0

 

I have always heard don't mix tires...main reason it will ride different one brand grips better....one is harder, ect...changes the ride of your bike......at this point I would just change out the rear...save some cash...change them both when the front wears out...then install a new set of Michelin's

 

This made me chuckle... "My rear tire is worn down but front looks virtually new..." That's like being "sort of dead."

I'd do both at the same time, with the same brand. It's nice that you can mount and balance them yourself. That'll save a bunch.

 

Had a similar dilemma. At 5700 miles my rear OEM Dunlop was toast while the front looked barely used. Getting so few miles out of the Dunlop I went with the Michelin CII for the rear hoping to get more. Now at 9400 miles and the front still has plenty of life and the rear looks like I've got a few thousand more to go. I haven't noticed any difference in ride/control with the different tires.

My local dealer will price match online sellers and I was able to get the Michelin CII for the rear for $219 from them.

 

I have a Dunlop in front and a Michellin Commander ll in back with no change in ride what so ever! I've tried several tires in mixed patterns and have not noticed any difference and I ride every day!

 

I am confidant the majority of riders change theirs tires as they need changing without respect to timing front and rear together.

When it is time for a rear, put it on. when it is time for a front, put it on.

I've never once changed both out at once.
Right now I am running Metzler front and Michelin Commander rear. No difference in handling.

The nannies in here will tell you I am flirting with certain catastrophic tire failure and sure death. (I'm a rebel, I also run plugged tires)