slim rear tire replacement
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 266
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From: Central New Jersey
slim rear tire replacement
So after 13,000 miles its finally time to replace the rear tire on my scoot. I have a slim and definitely looking to up it to a 150. Looking at the dunlop 401's but my concern is the load rating. The factory tire has a load rating of 77 (according to hd website) but the dunlops have a rating of only 71. I frequently ride with a passenger and occasionally make the long road trip. Anyone with this tire have any problems with the tire load? Also if anyone knows of a better tire with a similar tread pattern I'm open to suggestions 
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Central New Jersey
Ok so i did some research and math. Figuring worst case my bike will weigh 1100 pounds with 2 passengers and gear. I'm not sure what the weight distribution is but from what i've read i'm thinking 60-40 (60% over the rear) is a safe number. 60% of 1100 would put 660 lbs over the rear tire. With a load rating of 71 (760 lbs) I should be able to take all the road trips i want fully loaded without worry correct?
Supporter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 73
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Michelin Commander II now comes in this size (150-80B-16) with a 77H rating...
http://motorcycle.michelinman.com/ti...n-commander-ii
http://motorcycle.michelinman.com/ti...n-commander-ii
Last edited by jam436; Feb 12, 2014 at 11:54 AM.
Supporter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 73
From: Pittsburgh, PA
When my rear wore out last summer and I just put another Dunlop on it for the same reason - I didn't want to mix them, being as the front still had 1/2 its tread left.
Next year I'll go ahead and get the pair of Michelins - now if only they came in raised white letter...
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Central New Jersey
Ive reading about the commanders and like what i hear about their rain performance. I think its the tire i wanna go with. Still concerned on mix matching tires tho. Aside from difference in grip, are there any other problems with it?
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Los Angeles
Thanks for the tip on the Commander IIs. When Im due for a new set this will come in handy. I like the tread pattern too.
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Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Centennial, CO
Some tires between different brands don't play well together. I ran the Commander II on the rear of my Standard with the 'Lop up front and didn't have any problems, but I did notice a difference when I put on the matching front.