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Some of you guys that are whining about ONLY getting 8000 miles out of a tire must have never ridden high HP race bikes before. I was happy to get 1400 miles out of a set of $500 stickies on my GSXR 1000 which equated out to be about 4 week end blasts through the mountains.
8000 miles out of a great handling tire like the Metz is most certainly not a reason to avoid them.
Well, my Street Bob ain't no high HP race bike, probably only pushing low to mid 70s in the pony department; greater weight and torque might account for fast wear on the rear though, I guess. Agree that the better handling is worth less miles ( wallet don't like it though, but that's a Harley for ya). Gonna try to get a German made Metz on the rear next time and see if it goes a little longer.
I have used both. I get 7K to 8K out of the rears and about 10K out of the fronts on either brand tire. Even of different bikes. I can only assume it must be the way I ride. The 800s do feel a bit smoother in the begining but tend to cup faster.
One note of caution on new tires. They feel so good you may be tempted to test them. My rear dunlop broke free around a turn on the way home from the dealer with a brand new tire. Almost lost it. It takes a while to get all that slik new surface broken in.
I go through a 160x17 in about 5k. Really disapointed. Handles OK but very expensive at the sealer with new tube, etc. The stealer is only 2 miles away so service is quick but expensive. If I have a problem they are. Had to develop a friendship with them anyway. When I go in the say "Hi Ken, what can I do for you today." I don't want to drive all across Phoenix to a cheaper deal where I heard they put a bddies tire on backwards. When he had to go all the way back to the it fixed they told him "mistakes happen."
Anyway, good luck. I'll stick with the Dunlops although I hate the cost considering tube, that rubber thingy and labor. About $365.
I've had great luck with metzler and dunlops both . When you replace worn tires , handling comes back that has eroded away mostly unnoticed because it was gradual. pretty easy to blame whatever brand was on the bike until you consider it was worn out.
Smart man, here. That's the biggest differance with the "gains" riders feel.
I've ran both. IMO I liked the Dunlops better. Better price, better wear, and as for handling, it feels kinda like when a cheetah takes a corner in pursuit of a gazelle. And catches it. I'll be getting another set when these ones wear out.
A ME880 170/60/17 is going to cost $169 + $55 install from my local indy. I don't think that's too bad of a deal but someone correct me if I'm wrong. If I get 7-8K out of with better handling than the OEM Dunlop I'll be satisfied.
After all of my bikes had Dunlops over the years, and me never having a problem with them, I defended them. Once I got my new bike, and it came with worn 880s, I finally realized just how crappy the Dunlops are. The rear 880 is ready for replacing, I'll likely get another one. I will NOT be getting the Dunlops again.
For the folks complaining about 7k out of their tires, how many miles a year do you do? For me, two years out of a rear tire is AOK, especially if it keeps itself to the road like it's supposed to.
I just put Michelin commander II's on my bike. I like them a lot better than the Dunlops so far...
I thought about doing the same and did a lot of research. The only downside I read is they are narrower than other tires that are the same size. A few people said they would not have gone with them if they knew they were going to be that way.
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