I have read thru dozens of tire threads here. There is a high emphasis on how long the tires last.

This is not my top priority, or even number two priority.

I have been running Dunlop 402's. Riding a RK Custom, 75% of the time 2 up with weight in saddlebags and tourpack. (I'm 200 lb, wife is 135 lb, saddlebags and tourpack have anywhere between 20 and 60 lb)

First priority is a tire with better traction---for when I end up in the rain or an emergency situation.

It appears that many have experienced this with the metz 880's.

My second priority is the stability of the tire in case of a flat while at highway speeds.

I have not seen many, if any comments regarding tire stability in case of failure at speed.

Any and all comments, experience, links are appreciated...oh, another tire that seems interesting is the Elite 3.

Got only 1k left on rear tire, still got 10k on front. Need to replace rear tire in next week or so.

Thanks.

 

Metzeler 880's, NO question.

 

I would doubt there are any studies on motorcycle tire failure at highway speeds. Unless its a slow leak, it would be quite a ride to get it stopped. May have happend to some on this forum, be interesting to hear about it. I'm happy with the me880's...good balance between traction and wear.

 

Hey Mississippi Bagger if you haven't read this thread https://www.hdforums.com/m_2355753/tm.htm I suggest you do. Chuck 211 tested many tires and explains the pros and cons of several brands. I agree with you about tire life! I would rather have a better performing tire than longer lasting. I am going with the Michelin Commanders for their superior traction and handling in the rain. I had a friend who was bragging that he put 32,000 miles on his original Dunlop front tire and it was bald!! I just can't see risking my life to get more life out of a tire.
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Thanks for the link to that thread...I just went back and re-read it. (got lost in my memory after reading so many other threads lol)

Those of you that really like the Metzler 880's--can you tell me why you like them more than the Michelin Commanders?

Thanks!

 

I had bad performance from Metzlers on the rear of my wing, but loved them on the front, after testing dunlop E III's Bridgestones and Metzlers, I have gone with Metzler 880 on the front and E-III's on the rear. I am not sure how that will compare on the Ultra. I had no more slippingor cupping on the front, No Michelins avail for the Wing, We will have to see how it plays out on the Ultra. Anyway goodpost on tires.

 

I had a rapid and total deflation on a D402 front tire once at 60 mph from a broken valve stem, and I hardly knew it had deflated until I slowed down <10mph, at which time it wobbled severely. Above that speed it was stable and to my surprise the tire bead never left the rim. Never had such an experience on the rear and don't want to.

I am switching to E3's, but only for the extra wear factor they provide. Feedback on this forum and a Gold Wing forum (E3's originally developed for GW's) indicate the handling is excellent, especially in wet. People who own ME880's seem happy with them, so if durability isn't a priority I'd say you have several good options. After 10 years of riding through 33 states on D402's I've had only two tense moments, and in those cases the bike never went down. I would also say that any tire would've been tense in those situations.

 

Never thought I would agree with a Honda rider but I have the ME-880's and would agree. I love the front. Better grip than the Dunlops. Thefront end stays planted and does not hunt or wander as much in corners as it did with the Dunlop's. The reardoesn't feel as stable. It breaks loose alot.The Metzler's have better wet weather grip. Best thing about the Dunlop's are locking beads. In the event of a flat a Dunlop will notbreak the bead, or come off the rim. Just like iclick said in the event of a flat you have time to get slowed and to the side.

Did I ever tell you what Honda stood for? "Hop on nothin' dumb a#*".