Uh, time doesn't wear out a tire, mileage does.
I never get more than 9 months out of a rear tire, but I ride an average average of 20,000 miles per year. That's 14,000-15,000 miles on the tire.

 

Unless you're doing burnouts, or not maintaining proper inflation pressures, that's unusually low mileage. While some people may get more or less, the average 401 rear tire seems to go around 10,000 miles.

I switched to Metzler ME880's and I get 14K-15K out of my rear, vs 10K using Dunflop 401's.

 

My buddy had 401's got 12,000 outta the back tire,,
Changed front and rear
Got the 404,,,this tire won't make It to 7,000,,,,,,

 

Here is my worthless opinion...invest in a tire depth gauge. It will save you from the guess work of how many x/32nds you have left on tires. Saying that you have 3/4 gone is not an accurate measurement. A good quality tire pressure gauge is also helpful. My stock 401's have gotten just over 12,000 miles and they were JUST at 3/32nds when I changed them. ( I was going on trips)

 

I have 14,500 on my year old Sporty, rear tire is just now in need of replacement. I've been quite happy with the 401. Front tire still has plenty of life left.

 

not 3/4 gone,3/4 is almost bald.. the whole center is almost flat..d404's say they arnt for harley big twins,but the bike shop it came from told me it was the same as a 401 with out the harley sidewall..why would it be good for a gold wing,but not electraglide.a harley has less weight,less power,less braking.should last longer.i dont know how many miles i have ridden,but not much..2 summers,never more then 100 miles at a time.1-3 rides a week.

 

And cHarley rides the hound out of his. Was behind him this past Monday on the Tail of the Dragon and Cherhoala Skyway.

My indy said Wednesday when I went to get a new rear as mine was finished off Monday that the 404 is not as good as the 401. One of the differences between the 401 and 402 is that the 402 has a stiffer side wall for the touring class bikes. I run them on my bike for that reason when I ride 2 up. I normally get about 1 year out of my tires. I worry less about miles then I do about tread. I ride all year so I watch my tread. If you base your riding and tire wear on miles you may start worrying on a ride.

 

I just went through this same debate. I needed a tire for my 21" front wheel and wanted a dunlop to match my rear tire. After several calls and research, I settled for the 402 because, as I was told, the 404 or the 401 is made for lighter sportbikes. The 402's construction is specifically made for the heavier harley davidson cruisers. Also, either the 404 or the 401 doesn't come in a 21" size. I also did not want to compromise my safety for the sake of saving a few bucks.

 

My 02 WG came with 402's front and 401's in back. I'm getting about 10 thousand on the rear, and about double on the front. Every year, I'm changing out the rear tire... and every year I read up on what people are doing. I always end up staying with the 401. I "grew up" with the tire, and I know what my bike can do with them. Even though I would like to go out there with something completely different (like a set of Pirelli's for example)... in the end my mussel memory is well trained with the 401. If it aint broke... I just got a rear today from dennis kirk. I do my own tires (a skill worth having), so it's not that big of a cost compared to other things we spend bike money on.

 

WOW, this is an old thread. I did eventually end up going with Metzler tires shortly after my original post. I was happy with Dunlop tires, UNTIL, I had Metzlers on my bike.