200 tire
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington, NC
RE: 200 tire
here is what was in another post by Frisco42,
Originally posted by Frisco42;
Some numbers:
I rigged up a set of calipers to measure the actual widths of the tires, mounted on the rim, on the bike, with 38psi air pressure.
The 200/55-17 Dunlop D407 eom tire: 199mm.
The 210/50-17 Metzler: 206mm.
The difference is about 1/8 of an inch per side.
I measured the distance traveled in 2 revolutions of each tire mounted on the rim.
Worn Dunlop: 161"
New Metzler: 157"
Conclusions: The Metz is a little wider, but It is smaller in curcumference. I mounted my GPS on the bike and went for a ride. The GPS speed vs. the Speedo reflect the slightly smaller diameter of the Metzeler. With the 200 Dunlop the Speedo was about 1.5 MPH higher at 60MPH than the GPS speed. With the Metzler it's 2.5 MPH. 60MPH on the Speedo is actually 57.5.
My major concern was belt clearance. Would the 210 Metz interfere with the belt? I took the whole rim assembly, rim, sprocket, and brake disk to the shop. The tire guy told me that it looked close for the belt clearance and to pay attention to it.
After putting the wheel back on the bike and alligning and adjusting the belt, the clearance between the belt and the tire was about 3/16ths of and inch. It's close.
The Metzeler has a steeper profile near the center, but is flatter on the sides than the Dunlop. It falls into turns with less effort than the Dunlop, but the flat side then resists going deep into a turn. It's different, but it will work.
< Message edited by frisco42 -- 8/23/2007 8:13:45 PM >
Originally posted by Frisco42;
Some numbers:
I rigged up a set of calipers to measure the actual widths of the tires, mounted on the rim, on the bike, with 38psi air pressure.
The 200/55-17 Dunlop D407 eom tire: 199mm.
The 210/50-17 Metzler: 206mm.
The difference is about 1/8 of an inch per side.
I measured the distance traveled in 2 revolutions of each tire mounted on the rim.
Worn Dunlop: 161"
New Metzler: 157"
Conclusions: The Metz is a little wider, but It is smaller in curcumference. I mounted my GPS on the bike and went for a ride. The GPS speed vs. the Speedo reflect the slightly smaller diameter of the Metzeler. With the 200 Dunlop the Speedo was about 1.5 MPH higher at 60MPH than the GPS speed. With the Metzler it's 2.5 MPH. 60MPH on the Speedo is actually 57.5.
My major concern was belt clearance. Would the 210 Metz interfere with the belt? I took the whole rim assembly, rim, sprocket, and brake disk to the shop. The tire guy told me that it looked close for the belt clearance and to pay attention to it.
After putting the wheel back on the bike and alligning and adjusting the belt, the clearance between the belt and the tire was about 3/16ths of and inch. It's close.
The Metzeler has a steeper profile near the center, but is flatter on the sides than the Dunlop. It falls into turns with less effort than the Dunlop, but the flat side then resists going deep into a turn. It's different, but it will work.
< Message edited by frisco42 -- 8/23/2007 8:13:45 PM >
Novice
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
RE: 200 tire
I called Metzeler yesterday a spoke with a guy named Bill (customer/tech rep). He said the 880 Marathon XXL (210/50-17) is a 1/2" shorter than the stock Dunlop and the additional width would not pose any fitment issues. He also made it quite clear the 880 is a softer rubber compound and would not last as long as the Dunlop, which according to your post is your main concern - FYI. Hope this helps?
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Blandon, PA
Metzler 210mm
Well, I love the handling of the Metzler ME880 but it almost left me stranded on my vacation in Ocean City Maryland. I only got about 2500 miles out of that tire. Never again! The belts were worn through the tire. I noticed it while cleaning my bike. I called Ocean City Harley Davidson for assistance on the 4th of July. They hooked me up with another stock Dunlop. I was just happy to get a replacement tire on during the holiday. I still had another 250 miles to get home. And I don't think that tire would have lasted another 5 miles...that's without burn outs! I called Metzler and the rep told me that this tire was specifically made for metric sport bikes, and that 2000 miles was average for a Softail.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
I replaced mine with Dunlop but it has a different pattern from the stock.www.jakewilson.com I like it alot. Used alot of different tires when I had sportbikes. Softer tires are great for racing and kneedraggin but for cruisin I'd pick a harder compound. Thats just me.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From:
I recently replaced my original rear tire with another Dunlop D407 at 7000 miles. No burnouts. It was a slick in the center but not down to the secondary rubber yet. Probably could have run it longer but it needed inspected.
Replaced the front as well since it was borderline and technically illegal in some spots.
Replaced the front as well since it was borderline and technically illegal in some spots.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,438
Likes: 6
From: Gulf Coast of Mississippi
I've always run dunlops... from Sportsters to ElectraGlides...
Never a better tire for a Harley as far as I'm concerned, all things considered...
Of course I don't go head-long into a curve hoping the tire will hold traction and keep me out of trouble... But thats just me...
Charlie D.
Never a better tire for a Harley as far as I'm concerned, all things considered...
Of course I don't go head-long into a curve hoping the tire will hold traction and keep me out of trouble... But thats just me...
Charlie D.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,364
Likes: 3
From: East TN
ya'll getting A LOT more out of tires than i do. I got 3500 on my night train and it prolly won't make 4500. on my heritage i never got more than 5k out of a rear. no burnouts. they say it's riding habits. i live at the dragon and ride it often.