My rear tire probably won't pass inspection this month - I have about 6,200 miles on it. It says "Harley Davidson" on the tire - and was made by Dunlop - it's a wide tire - 200/55 R17. Both front and back are original tires on bike. Should I just get a new one of the same tire or what are you guys getting on your CrossBones or other Softails? I do mostly country road riding - some of which is in less than optimal condition.

 

I done 2 sets of the OEM dunlops then went with Pirelli Night Dragons. I'm just about to replace those with another set of NDs.
They are much stickier and they must be a different shape because they don't need to be forced into a turn like I found on the Dunlops.

My softail has the same 200 rear but the skinny 21" on front.

 

Michelin Commander IIs have made a huge difference on my Slim.

Better corners, can't feel ruts in the road, good slow speed stability. Didn't know what I was missing. The stock Dunlops don't even compare.

 

Personally, I am a big fan of the Metzler 880's.

 

I will second the Michelin Commander IIs. I have had good luck with them over the years.

 

Your original rear is a D402...and yeah, the average life span is 6-7K. Some have gotten much more out of them. I've gone thru two D402s and some other Dunlop which lasted about 3K and that pissed me off bad. I'm not a hot rodder and a tire should last longer than this.

I just installed a Michelin Commander II... like it alot so far. Hear lots of good input on this tire.

 

Another big vote for Commander IIs. Made a huge difference on my Deuce. So much so that I had to get used to it being so much more responsive in turns! Completely different bike and have heard I'll get good life outta the tires as well. Soooooo much better than the stock Dunlops.

 

I agree.....though the 888's supposed to be improved.

 

I thought you couldnt get the 888's in the size for the XB?

 

Avon makes a classic ribbed speed master MKII and safety mileage MKII that might be worth a look Iam thinking about a set for my next tire change