I have been looking at new tires for an 08 Fatboy. I have read all sorts of reviews on the Metzlers and Dunlops. I really dont like the OE Dunlops on the bike now and only have 5000 miles and the back is getting kinda thin. Whats the best tire to put on.

 

I love the Metzler ME880's. They seem to be the most popular after market tire, next up would probably be Avon's.

 

the back will look thin but you should get about 10,000 miles on it if you run 42 on the air. I liked the Metzler better than the Dunlop but it only lasted 4700 miles. My front Metzler lasted 16,000 miles running 38 air. I went from a larger than stock Metzler to a smaller than stock and I like it much better as it handles as if you have power steering. try a 130/70 Metzler on the front and a 210 on the back

 

wow 5000 miles and you're already thinking of changing the rubber? I guess this
is a question I never thought about asking before but what is considered average
for riding on a set of tires (in this case the OE dunlop)? Looking at my tires now,
I would've thought 10k easily?

 

Dude I have to ask. What are you doing that the tires are wearing out at 5K? I just looked at mine and they look mint with almost 10K on them.

 

I got about 11K out of my last metzler rear tire. The front has 11K on it, and it will probably go for another 11K. Most of those miles are highway miles.

 

I got 5900 miles on my stock rear tire and I was at the tread wear indicators. Have to admit that I was a slacker when it came to checking tire pressures. Also ride it like I stole it too much of the time and I use the rear brake more than I should. Replaced rear with Dunlop D205 that I purchased at Cycle Gear for about $135-140 on sale. This tire is a harder compound than the stock D407. If you ride as hard as I do you won't like it. I don't. It's too easy for me to break the rear tire loose. Accelerating hard from a stop and turning at the same time I frequently break the rear loose. I also drag my floorboards often so what can I say. That's what they are there for aren't they? If you just cruise and take it easy most of the time the Dunlop D205 might work ok. Mileage should be better because of the harder compound. That's why I bought them, I just do not like how much grip I gave up. Next time I replace the rear I'll do something different. Maybe the stock rear but the stealer wanted about $200. Metzeler has more grip than the stock tire, just concerned about getting less than 5k. Avon? Could be wrong but most of the people getting 8k+ on a rear are running narrower tires than the 200/55R-17. I know I was surprised by the tire mileage compared to my old 2000 FatBoy. It just boils down to more grip less tire mileage and making a choice as to which is more important to you. If you have to buy a tire every 5-6 months it will get expensive. Good luck!

 

has anyone tried the new dunlop roadsmart? hard center and soft outer tread.
http://www.americanmototire.com/cata...ath=33_120_825

 

Well I had the bike dynoed and that probably took some mileage but the major problem is I have a shudder on deceleration at about 40 mph. I have had the bike checked several times upper neck bearings, fall away, tire balanced and the wheel checked no problems there. I saw some posts here that several guys have had the same problem and changing the front tire corrected it. All had the OEM Dunlops. I offered my dealer an option to change the front tire, if the shudder went away they pay for the tire, if it didnt I pay. They wouldnt even try it and suggested I go to Dunlop and check with them. Dunlop didnt even reply to my e-mail or phone call. So I am leaning toward the Metzelers. Thanks For the Help

 

i had the same shutter and was told nothing wrong. i went to another dealer and they checked it and asked me not to drive it and they would fix it while i waited. they replaced the front wheel beerings and the problemn never returned. I can only think it was unsafe to drive it why they wanted me to get it fixed and would do it while i waited. They said the beering could freeze up. i wonder what would happen if i was doing 70 and thet happened