Tire Advice?
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 144
Likes: 2
From: Chicago, IL
Tire Advice?
I was working on my 97 RK today - replaced a defective fuel gauge, checked battery cables etc. Anyway; I finally took at look at the manufacturing date - on the front and rear tires.
The Tires are both Dunlop D402 white walls. Both were born on January of 2007. The tires look fine to the eye, but going on 7 years, I suspect they need to be replaced? How long do you all at the Evo forum, go on a set of tires? I know a lot depends on miles ridden per year, as well as how aggressive you ride etc. I was always told; that 5 years should be the longest a set of tires should be on the bike, no matter how good they looked? So; I guess I need to start shopping for a new set of tires.
The Tires are both Dunlop D402 white walls. Both were born on January of 2007. The tires look fine to the eye, but going on 7 years, I suspect they need to be replaced? How long do you all at the Evo forum, go on a set of tires? I know a lot depends on miles ridden per year, as well as how aggressive you ride etc. I was always told; that 5 years should be the longest a set of tires should be on the bike, no matter how good they looked? So; I guess I need to start shopping for a new set of tires.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
Cheer up, it means you can buy a decent set! 
I never tire of recommending other brands of tyre! My own favourites are Avon, who have recently introduced nice new Cobras just for us.
I never tire of recommending other brands of tyre! My own favourites are Avon, who have recently introduced nice new Cobras just for us.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
Likes: 283
From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
5 Years is a good Rule of thumb although that only works for me with my old truck that only run about 5-6K a year.. Never had a set of tires on any Bike owned last a year don't let them sit that much, one of the Joys being Retired .. I just put a set of Michelin Commander II's on the FXR4 and Love them ..
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
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From: Haslet Texas
While we are recommending tires.
When I changed from 402's to the 491 Elite 2's I noticed a remarkable improvement.
They last a lot longer and grip 100x's better than the 402's.
The Elite 3's are supposed to be like the 491's.
I will stay with the 491's as they are a great tire and I try to buy American when I can.
When I changed from 402's to the 491 Elite 2's I noticed a remarkable improvement.
They last a lot longer and grip 100x's better than the 402's.
The Elite 3's are supposed to be like the 491's.
I will stay with the 491's as they are a great tire and I try to buy American when I can.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 259
Likes: 1
From: Kingston, Ontario
Two years on the front and one on the rear if I am lucky. I ride a quite a bit (600 miles to and back from work and then fun) and might have an aggressive style 
As already pointed out 402's are a ripoff just because the mc uses them dosn't mean they are good just expensive. If you feel your bike tracking on the lines, road snakes (tar) or are doing a dance over a graded bridge you probably are still running 402's.
As far as seven years well my life is worth more then a couple bucks even if the OL disagrees. Good excuse for an upgrade and he will thank you after the first ride.
As already pointed out 402's are a ripoff just because the mc uses them dosn't mean they are good just expensive. If you feel your bike tracking on the lines, road snakes (tar) or are doing a dance over a graded bridge you probably are still running 402's.As far as seven years well my life is worth more then a couple bucks even if the OL disagrees. Good excuse for an upgrade and he will thank you after the first ride.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,080
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From: Ohio
BB, were did you get a fuel gauge? they are getting hard to find
Avon Venom is better then a Dunlopper on the rear although currently pulled a new Venom off the rear that is out of round, company I purchased it from is taking it back but the Venom is discontinued and going to try the new Cobra, we will see how it does.
Didn't like a Venom on the front, it was all over the road until it had couple hundred miles on it, unfortunatley I was in Sturgis and it danced all other the channeled highways until it broke in. If the new Cobra does ok will try a Cobra on the front next go around
Avon Venom is better then a Dunlopper on the rear although currently pulled a new Venom off the rear that is out of round, company I purchased it from is taking it back but the Venom is discontinued and going to try the new Cobra, we will see how it does.
Didn't like a Venom on the front, it was all over the road until it had couple hundred miles on it, unfortunatley I was in Sturgis and it danced all other the channeled highways until it broke in. If the new Cobra does ok will try a Cobra on the front next go around
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 144
Likes: 2
From: Chicago, IL
Thanks again to all here for some great input! When I bought my 97 RK last April, I totally forgot to look at the manufacturing date on the tires. If I had; I would have talked the owner down a few hundred on his price - as I had cash on hand. Oh well : ( I have read a lot of positive input on forums - regarding Avon and Metzler (sp) tires. I had Continentals on my old Honda CB 350F, and loved them. I will probably go with Avon - just don't know which model yet? Unfortunately; I am doing a lot of home remodeling on my elderly parents home (as they don't have the $ to hire contractors), so I will probably have to have a local Indy take off and mount the tires. I normally do all my own wrenching, but will be on a time crunch this late spring and summer. Anyone know on the web, who would have the best deals on Avon - Amazon?