2006 FXSTS now with 21K miles. Bike had an Avon Viper (MH-90-21) front and Dunlop D401 (200/55-R17) on the back when I bought it. I have put 8K miles on it since May and need new tires. My dear wife bought me a Dunlop Elite 3 for the front for my birthday; I was going to have it put on but running into some strange issues at the local Harley shop.
Service writer quoted a high price to mount and balance - said when removing the front caliper the caliper plate (the plate the bottom mounting bolt is threaded into) should be replaced. He couldn't explain why.
Second, he said the front and rear tires should be of the same make and tread and he didn't want to put on the front without replacing the rear as well. OK, I'm retired and won't be able to afford the rear tire for about three weeks. Question in my mind, the Avon ran just great with the Dunlop for 8K miles so why the big concern now? Something happen recently like a law suit against a shop for mixing tires or what? Feels like I may be paying a penalty for not buying tires at the dealer (dealer quoted $70 more than she paid for the tire plus $78 mount/balance/install). The tire is new and has a September 2015 manufacture date.

 

I've often heard it's better to match tires. Dealers are always going to recommend it for their liability reasons and to sell you their tires.

That said I ran a HD Dunlop rear (that my dealer put on) and a Metzler front. They didn't say anything to me about it nor did I have any trouble.

I have an Indy shop that sells and installs tires much cheaper I learned after I bought that tire. You might ask around here for recommendations for a local Indy who can install your tire for you.

 

I run a Dunlop on the back of my 97 and a Metz up front. I feel no difference. Bike rides smooth. As far as the brakes. Never heard of that one either. Sounds like dealer just wants to sell you stuff. Go check an Indy shop.

 

I have an 05 Springer and I like to experiment with tires to see which ones give me the most bang for my buck. Since the front and rear tire don't always need changing at the same time, I've mixed tires up on occasion too and never felt/saw any issues what so ever with the comfort or handling of my bike at any speed that I chose to ride in. Also, my Indy does the service on my bike and they are way cheaper and do better work than any dealer around. Also, on occasion, they have looked at my brake pads to see if they needed changing but that's all. If you are unhappy or uncertain about what your dealer is trying to do, check around and see if you have an Indy in your area, sometimes it pays to shop around.

 

Springer, I'd be very interested to know the results of your research, did you post up a thread or anything? I ride a fair amount and tires are expensive particularly white walls.

 

Thanks for your responses guys. I've owned several bikes, Brits and Harleys, and never had so much resistance from the dealer to mixing tire brands/tread pattern. I thought something new had come about or the springer front end might be more sensitive to tire match up. Haven't found a good Indy yet but the local Polaris dealer is reported to do good work so I'll check him out. May not save any money but I can avoid the grief...and look at the Indians he just put on the floor while I wait.

 

No problemo, granted everybody has their own style of riding but I'll try to help ya out. My Springer is a FXSTS. I've experimented with the original Dunlops, then Avon Venoms and now Mich. Commander 2's and for me, the MC2's have been the best. I got a little over 21k off the rear and early this summer I finally had enough mileage to change out my front and I changed it to a MC2 also. So far only about 11k on the front but time will tell cause my riding has slowed down some. I ride a mixture of freeway, country roads and twisties so there is plenty of variety of road surfaces to experiment on. I've even ridden them in the rain and never had any issues with gripping the wet road. On dry payment, for me, they do a great job in gripping the corners and I can power into them at a higher rate of speed than recommended and feel perfectly safe doing it. Just a side note and my Indy can verify this, I usually got around 14-15k out of the Dunlops and the Avons so maybe my style of riding and how I maintain my tire pressure has something to do with it also, hope this helps.

 

Are you saying he wants to charge you $150 to mount the from tire? Usually that's what they share for both front and rear. If so, tell him where to go and find somewhere else, an independent shop. Better yet, reprove the front tire yourself and bring it in. Not very hard to do....and if your not sure find someone who knows to help you. Once you see how you'll do it every time. You do not have to match your tires brands. Good luck.

 

^^^ 21k is amazing! Thanks for the tip Springer. I'll keep Michelin in mind when its time for tires on my Springer.

 

I would go the MOCO website, and complain about that dealer. Or find an Indy. Or both!