Tires
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 280
From: Russellville, Arkansas
Tires
Just wondering what tires are being run on their Touring models.....
I’ve have run mainly the D402 front and rear....does its job. Just cannot get decent mileage out of the rear.
Ran a Michelin Commander some years ago....didn’t last no time. Partly my fault...I knew the tire was a few years old prior to install.
I was recommended the American Elite...got one on its way.
Anyways....just curios what others are running....
I’ve have run mainly the D402 front and rear....does its job. Just cannot get decent mileage out of the rear.
Ran a Michelin Commander some years ago....didn’t last no time. Partly my fault...I knew the tire was a few years old prior to install.
I was recommended the American Elite...got one on its way.
Anyways....just curios what others are running....
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
On a vehicle with only 2 wheels longevity takes a back seat to traction IMO.
That said I will never ride on a bike that has Dunlop 400 series tires again.
However I consistently run Dunlop Elite series.
Night and day difference between the two IMO.
That said I will never ride on a bike that has Dunlop 400 series tires again.
However I consistently run Dunlop Elite series.
Night and day difference between the two IMO.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,404
Likes: 2,605
From: NC USA
The year of your bike has a bearing on what you can run, size/brand wise. The later Evo Touring uses a bigger tire and guys I've talked to say 7-8K is best they can do (Dunlop) but if you ride coast to coast, you need a new one when you leave and it's shot when you get home. Screw that! An Alaska trip from the east coast would leave you at the mercy of a shop for a new tire before you got home.
Mine can only run MT90 (130) and with D402s, I get 12-14K on the rear, and change the front after every 3rd rear and have yet to actually wear one out. After 140K miles, about 25/35% were wet road miles and I have no complaints. And I am totally neurotic about keeping the pressures to spec. (Check them cold, every day I ride)
You might try the Touring Section of the forum for some other, possibly more informed opinions.
Mine can only run MT90 (130) and with D402s, I get 12-14K on the rear, and change the front after every 3rd rear and have yet to actually wear one out. After 140K miles, about 25/35% were wet road miles and I have no complaints. And I am totally neurotic about keeping the pressures to spec. (Check them cold, every day I ride)
You might try the Touring Section of the forum for some other, possibly more informed opinions.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6,849
Likes: 1,389
From: Florida
Michelin commander 2's for me. I have about 16k on mine right now. I don't have any traction problems. I was told by Michelin during biketoberfest that they were coming out with the commander 3's after the new year
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 3,438
From: SW WA.
I've had great handling and decent wear from the Metzler 888's,always liked the 880's handling but they didn't wear well.
The 888's wear like a Dunlop E III and handle like Metz 880's, great tires IMHO.
The 888's wear like a Dunlop E III and handle like Metz 880's, great tires IMHO.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Avon tyres - none nicer! When Dunlops were still British old chap they were fine, but I wouldn't give a thanks for them nowadays. 
Trending Topics
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 6,635
From: Gruene Texas
The stock Dunlops that came with my Limited got changed out with close to 20,000 miles and there was still good thread left up front. Regular riding. No wheelies or burn outs. I replaced with the same.
On my 95 the back Avon looks like it's new when I bought it and I put an Elite on the front.
Dunlops had a bad rap back in the day. YUUUUGHE improvement the last 5 or so years.
On my 95 the back Avon looks like it's new when I bought it and I put an Elite on the front.
Dunlops had a bad rap back in the day. YUUUUGHE improvement the last 5 or so years.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 842
Likes: 47
From: New Hartford CT
I'm with THC - traction and performance far outweigh mileage concerns when it comes to motorcycle tires. I went from the stock Dunlops to Continental Milestones for a few years, and found them to be a big improvement. My last two sets of tires have been Avon Cobras. They haven't given me high miles (none of these tires do), but they feel great on the road.
