Tire Recommendation
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,082
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RE: Tire Recommendation
Well I have had both, got basically the same mileage from the Metz 880's as the Dunlops. I went back to Dunlop because I found them cheaper than the Metzs. There are some differences you can feel in the handling of the tires but to me, nothing special about the Metzs, they did seem to handle grooves and tar snakes a little smoother, but again not enough difference to justify paying more for them. If you go with the 404 Series Dunlop, you can get them alot cheaper than the 401 or 402 Harley Series of Dunlop Tires. There are slight differneces in the tires the 404 21" front has a tread depth of 6/32" and a Rating of 48h which means 397 lbs and 130 mph,the 402 has a 5/32' tread depth is rated at 454 lbs and 130 pmh, the rear tires are rated 404 71H or 761 lbs and 130 mph tread is 9/32" and the 401 is rated 71H or 761lbs and 130 mph and the tread is 10/32" buuuuuu the 404's are much cheaper. I paid 108.00 for the 150/80/16" 404 and 64.95 for the 404 80/90/21". the metzs at the same place were 136.00 and 128.00, and the 401/402 Dunlops were 128.00 and 85.00 plus mounting i found each tire on the Internet about 20 to 30 bucks chep, but shipping was to be added. So shop around. I bought mine at a Metric Shop that had a sale going on.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,289
Likes: 3
From: Rowlett, Texas
RE: Tire Recommendation
What ****** is talking about.. The industry measures tires in 32nds of an inch. Most new car tires are measured at 12/32nds and worn out tires at 2/32nds of an inch according to the department of public safety.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
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From: Nashville, TN
RE: Tire Recommendation
raylow, that's interesting.
A couple of months ago, when I was shopping around for tires, I looked everywhere to find a difference between the 401 and 404 Dunlop tire. I couldn't find it anywhere. I even called and spoke with a customer service rep with Dunlop. She couldn't tell me a difference either. All she said was the 401 was a "somewhat better tire they manufacture exclusively for Harley-Davidson".
They sent me a large brouchure on all of Dunlop's motorcycle tires. It listed the speed rating, weight rating, tread depth, construction materials, and everything for each of their tires. In that publication, all of the specs for the 401 and 404 were identical. Except of course for that expensive Harley-Davidson that is on the side of the 401's.
Didn't really matter, by the time I got the info from Dunlop, I had already ordered the Metzeler tires. I am very interested in the mileage difference, if any,people get between the 401 and 404 tires. Because, as in your case, I found the 404's to be significantly less expensive. And I don't need Harley-Davidson on my tires to know what I'm riding.
A couple of months ago, when I was shopping around for tires, I looked everywhere to find a difference between the 401 and 404 Dunlop tire. I couldn't find it anywhere. I even called and spoke with a customer service rep with Dunlop. She couldn't tell me a difference either. All she said was the 401 was a "somewhat better tire they manufacture exclusively for Harley-Davidson".
They sent me a large brouchure on all of Dunlop's motorcycle tires. It listed the speed rating, weight rating, tread depth, construction materials, and everything for each of their tires. In that publication, all of the specs for the 401 and 404 were identical. Except of course for that expensive Harley-Davidson that is on the side of the 401's.
Didn't really matter, by the time I got the info from Dunlop, I had already ordered the Metzeler tires. I am very interested in the mileage difference, if any,people get between the 401 and 404 tires. Because, as in your case, I found the 404's to be significantly less expensive. And I don't need Harley-Davidson on my tires to know what I'm riding.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Tire Recommendation
I just had my mechanic put Kenda tires on my bike. Kendas are a bit softer than Dunlops. They look good and handle well and I didn't go broke paying for them. I spent under 200 for both, including the mount and balance. My guys treat me well. If you're in Pinellas County, FL I strongly recommend going to Performance Twin for all of your HD needs.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,525
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From: Wheeling, WV
RE: Tire Recommendation
Replaced the front stocker two years ago with the Metzler. Just replaced the rear yesterday with another Dunlop 402. I would have gone with a Metzler in the rear, but the shop where I got the front tire went out of business. It's funny though that my first Dunlop rear lasted for ~8K miles, but the second rear tire, (which was after the 1200 conversion), only lasted ~4K miles. 
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Nashville, TN
RE: Tire Recommendation
ORIGINAL: WVHogRider
Replaced the front stocker two years ago with the Metzler. Just replaced the rear yesterday with another Dunlop 402. I would have gone with a Metzler in the rear, but the shop where I got the front tire went out of business. It's funny though that my first Dunlop rear lasted for ~8K miles, but the second rear tire, (which was after the 1200 conversion), only lasted ~4K miles.
Replaced the front stocker two years ago with the Metzler. Just replaced the rear yesterday with another Dunlop 402. I would have gone with a Metzler in the rear, but the shop where I got the front tire went out of business. It's funny though that my first Dunlop rear lasted for ~8K miles, but the second rear tire, (which was after the 1200 conversion), only lasted ~4K miles.
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RE: Tire Recommendation
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 868
Likes: 6
From: Kentucky
RE: Tire Recommendation
I just had then do the stock Dunlop tire. The mechanic said that the Metzler is softer but will not last as long. He also told me not to put "Ride-On" in the tire as it will mess up the wheel and can mess with the balance.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,082
Likes: 8
RE: Tire Recommendation
ORIGINAL: bdavis
I just had then do the stock Dunlop tire. The mechanic said that the Metzler is softer but will not last as long. He also told me not to put "Ride-On" in the tire as it will mess up the wheel and can mess with the balance.
I just had then do the stock Dunlop tire. The mechanic said that the Metzler is softer but will not last as long. He also told me not to put "Ride-On" in the tire as it will mess up the wheel and can mess with the balance.