Tire Danger ?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,318
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From:
Tire Danger ?
I had a new rear tire put on about 2000 mi's ago, and just discovered today that due to my not checking, I now have the wrong tire on.
I was gonna give a riding buddy the details on the "good" price I paid, and when I looked at the receipt, and then looked in JP Cycles book, found out I have a Dunlop D404, not a D402 (elite touring). It even states in the book the 404 is
"not for use on HD big v-twins". I didn't buy it from JP, just was looking at prices, and found out this info.
So, my question is, should I yank this tire and replace, is there any danger in just leaving it on?
worried,........Jim
I was gonna give a riding buddy the details on the "good" price I paid, and when I looked at the receipt, and then looked in JP Cycles book, found out I have a Dunlop D404, not a D402 (elite touring). It even states in the book the 404 is
"not for use on HD big v-twins". I didn't buy it from JP, just was looking at prices, and found out this info.
So, my question is, should I yank this tire and replace, is there any danger in just leaving it on?
worried,........Jim
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 2
From: Houston (Area)
RE: Tire Danger ?
If it says not for use on HD Vtwins then I wouldn't use it. Go back and complain. It's not your fault you didn't check....You had it put on by an "expert" to have piece of mind and you shouldn't have to check their work.....They need to give you the correct tire for your bike. You only have 2 wheels and your shouldn't chance one.
Administrator Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,704
Likes: 252
From: Walker Basin, CA
RE: Tire Danger ?
The 404 is not the correct load range rating for the touring bikes. If you ride at full gross vehicle weight, the 404 will be overloaded.
IMHO you sould replace the 404 with a 402. If you ride solo and never fill your bags, you may never have any trouble. If you are riding two up and have all the gear loaded for a trip this summer, it is a formula for tire failure.
A new tire now is far less money than the deductible on the insurance, not to mention messed up vacation plans.
Sell the 404 to a buddy who doesn't ride a bagger.
IMHO you sould replace the 404 with a 402. If you ride solo and never fill your bags, you may never have any trouble. If you are riding two up and have all the gear loaded for a trip this summer, it is a formula for tire failure.
A new tire now is far less money than the deductible on the insurance, not to mention messed up vacation plans.
Sell the 404 to a buddy who doesn't ride a bagger.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 4
From: Oklahoma
RE: Tire Danger ?
ORIGINAL: Grover
The 404 is not the correct load range rating for the touring bikes. If you ride at full gross vehicle weight, the 404 will be overloaded.
IMHO you sould replace the 404 with a 402. If you ride solo and never fill your bags, you may never have any trouble. If you are riding two up and have all the gear loaded for a trip this summer, it is a formula for tire failure.
A new tire now is far less money than the deductible on the insurance, not to mention messed up vacation plans.
Sell the 404 to a buddy who doesn't ride a bagger.
The 404 is not the correct load range rating for the touring bikes. If you ride at full gross vehicle weight, the 404 will be overloaded.
IMHO you sould replace the 404 with a 402. If you ride solo and never fill your bags, you may never have any trouble. If you are riding two up and have all the gear loaded for a trip this summer, it is a formula for tire failure.
A new tire now is far less money than the deductible on the insurance, not to mention messed up vacation plans.
Sell the 404 to a buddy who doesn't ride a bagger.
Second the above quote. I looked into Dunlop tire ratings when I was looking at new tires for my Superglide. Dunlop was even nice enough to send a booklet with all the info. You're definitely taking a chance with a D404 on a touring bike. You don't specify who sold you the 404, but sinceit is significantly cheaper, I'mwondering whetherthis was an innocent mistake.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,560
Likes: 2
From: Arizona
RE: Tire Danger ?
Exactly what Grover and Dynageezer said, it's the wrong tire for the application. It's not even a HD OEM tire. Check this link http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tire...tire.asp?id=37.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 23
From: Mishawaka,Indiana
RE: Tire Danger ?
I have a riding buddy that uses the 404 on his road king with no problems 30,000 miles (3 TIRES) . He rides mostly solo without a tourpak. The 404 is rated at 780lbs and the 402 is rated at 908lbs. I ride a ultra with the ol lady mostly, so i opted for the 402.
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
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From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: Tire Danger ?
I put a 404 on the rear of the wife's Heritage a couple of years ago because thedealer told me there was no real difference. Didn't have any failure problems, but the tire only lasted 5,000 miles when she usually gets 12,000.
The 404 is inferior to the 402 both in load rating and wear. I have been posting about this for the last year, but most that I tell seem to think that saving money is more important than being right.
If you already have 2,000 miles on it, it is probably half worn out anyway. I would replace it if I were going to be at full load on the bike. If just one up and no touring load I would run it until it was wore out and then replace it with a proper tire.
Bill
The 404 is inferior to the 402 both in load rating and wear. I have been posting about this for the last year, but most that I tell seem to think that saving money is more important than being right.
If you already have 2,000 miles on it, it is probably half worn out anyway. I would replace it if I were going to be at full load on the bike. If just one up and no touring load I would run it until it was wore out and then replace it with a proper tire.
Bill
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 280
From: Russellville, Arkansas
RE: Tire Danger ?
True, the D404 is nearly identical to the D402. The D404 is definately not recommended on Heavy bikes that carry extra weight. Bikes such as Dyna's, Sportsters, and many Metrics could use the D404....but the life of the tire will be decreased.
You will probably be ok with the D404 installed on the Electra Glide. You already have 2,000 miles on it and nothing has happened. At this point, nothing will probably happen. Handling may or maynot be as good as the D402. I would just wait and replace when the D404 is worn out....which is not going to take long at all. You are gonna find that this tire is gonna be worn out before you know it. Just ride and check the tire for wear and pressure often.
Next time though....just pay more attention. Next tire purchase, I would suggest the D402 Police Version tires. Many times, you can find these for much less than the Civilian D402's.
You will probably be ok with the D404 installed on the Electra Glide. You already have 2,000 miles on it and nothing has happened. At this point, nothing will probably happen. Handling may or maynot be as good as the D402. I would just wait and replace when the D404 is worn out....which is not going to take long at all. You are gonna find that this tire is gonna be worn out before you know it. Just ride and check the tire for wear and pressure often.
Next time though....just pay more attention. Next tire purchase, I would suggest the D402 Police Version tires. Many times, you can find these for much less than the Civilian D402's.