I have compiled some information based on reading these forums. I am looking to buy rear or maybe rear and front tires for my 2006 XL883C and made a spreadsheet with the following stores and their prices. They all have free shipping so I suppose it comes down to best price/service. The couple questions I have for you guys is, whats the difference between the same tires but different designations? For instance, I read on here that Metzeler's are the best (to some people) but it looks like I have choices within choices! Theres 3 different Metzeler 880's from the first store! It looks like the battleaxes (bridgestones) and the michelins are the cheaper ones to get. I am looking at the battleaxes based on my only experience buying new motorcycle tires but they were on my ninja250 and I have not seen them mentioned here on the Harley forums. Thanks for taking the time to look and answering some of these questions for me


http://www.americanmototire.com/cata...2cec445af81705
Rear
AVON AV46ST 150/80ZR-16 M/C (71W), REAR $144.88*
AVON VENOM-X 150/80B-16 M/C 77H, REAR $149.18
AVON VENOM-X 150/80B-16 M/C 77V, REAR (CUSTOM WIDE PROFILE) $156.53*

BRIDGESTONE BT45 150/80-16 M/C 71V, REAR $119.20

METZELER ME880 150/80B-16 M/C 71H, REAR $134.66
METZELER ME880 150/80B-16 M/C 77H, REAR (HIGH LOAD) $148.13
METZELER ME880 150/80B-16 M/C 71H, REAR $134.66

MICHELIN COMMANDER2 150/80B-16 M/C 77H, REAR $127.73

http://www.tireexpress.com/prod.cfm/cid/6701/pid/5594
Rear
Avon AM42 Venom Tires - Rear
150/80-16 H-Rated *** (AV-VXR-15/8H16R) $155.19
Bridgestone Battlax BT-45 High Performance Touring Tires - V-Rated - Rear
150/80-16 V-Rated *** (BR-45R-15/8V16) $131.84
Metzeler ME880 High Mileage Touring Front Tires
150/80 - 16 *** (ME-880F-15/8H16)* $159.07
Michelin Commander 2 Tires Rear
150/80-16 *** (MI-C2R-15/8X16R) $129.49

https://www.denniskirk.com/metzeler/...prd/540238.sku
Metzeler*Rear ME 880 150/80HB-16 (71H) Blackwall Tire $160.91
Metzeler*Front ME 880 MH90H-21 Blackwall Tire $87.92
Michelin*Rear Commander II 150/80HB-16 Blackwall Tire $120.94
Michelin*Front Commander II 80/90HB-21 Blackwall Tire $99.99
Avon*AM42 Venom Cruiser/High-Load Touring Rear Tire *$169.19
Avon*Front AM41 Venom 80/90H-21 Blackwall Tire $104.95

Bridgestone*Rear Battlax BT45V 150/80V-16 Blackwall Tire $136.04

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...Rear-Tire.aspx
Michelin - Commander II Cruiser Rear Tire $129.99
Metzeler ME 880 Marathon Touring Rear Tire $153.99
Avon AM42 Venom Rear Tire $164.99

 

You need to study the makers websites to get the fine details on tyres. As an Avon fan I can tell you that the 77V tyre has less tread, is softer and wider than the 77H. You may get a bit more street cred from the 77V, but more miles from the 77H! Both of those tyres are suitable for dressers, while the 71W may be suitable for a Sporty.

Other than price, what are you looking for in your new tyres?

 

Thanks for the input! Number one for me is good traction in wet conditions, number two is longevity or tire life, and number three for me is price. It is so hard to know which tire truly is the best performer because they are all so much better than stock. We are comparing each one separately to the stock ones instead of all the top ones against each other. I am sure there are some with that experience but it seems to me that when someone finds one that works for them, they seldom change because there is no need to... compared to stock.

 

I've owned Harleys since the 70s and always go back to Avons. They are more compliant, giving a smoother more comfortable ride, give better grip and stability in all conditions and I feel very confident of them in the wet. Frankly the European brands are less a slave to high mileage than Dunlops, so while most of them will give less mileage, you should find their other qualities are better. Hope that helps a little more!

My SuperLow came on Michelins, which is a departure for Harley, but my Glide is firmly rooted on Avons!