Dunlops have worked well for me, got 11k on the back and just replaced it and the front is still looking fine. I have been in rain and hail and so far no complaints on traction. Whatever works!!

 

I have an 07 RG with 20,600 miles. That includes x-ways, mountains, US Routes and back roads. The rear stock Dunlop is almost at the point where it needs to be changed. I run the tire pressure at 40psi and check it often. I'm staying with the Dunlops.

 

Huh? Check the Metzler web site for info.

 

Dunlop E-3's..like them a lot. Tread pattern is similar to the 09 stock dunlops. Must be some reason they switched the 09 stock tires.

 

Within reason I dont give a rats a$$ how many miles I can squeeze out of a set of tires. As long as the tire performs well, I am happy. If a Metzler ME880 lasts me 10K miles (and even on my Deuce I know they will), I am very happy. The Metzlers have very good grip in both wet and dry conditions. The Metzler ME880 Marathons give ok service life.....and like I said I would much rather change a rear tire every 10K, than ride around on a tire that is not giving me the performance that I know is available from the Metzler.

 

Damn thats some good mileage! I ride two up and loaded down quite often, maybe thats why I only gt 11k. Plus the roads are **** around here and I am sure that doesn't help much.

If I was having problems with traction the mileage would not matter much to me either, but no complaints here.

 

I have checked the Metz site.


http://www.metzelermoto.com/web/fitm...omeMotoFull.do

When you go to the Metzler site and check their fitment chart for a 2007 Road King, it comes back

" No Tyres found

According to your choice, we weren't able to identify a product matching your needs. Please contact the nearest Metzeler dealer for further advice."

Gives the same answer for a 2008 Ultra.

Now, you can check with a Metzler dealer and they will recommend a tire with a Load Index of 71.

The Dunlops and Michelin's both have a Load Index of 77.

77=908 lbs

71=761 lbs

Perhaps a load index of 71 is sufficient for some people riding touring bikes. I spend a lot of hours two up, loaded down, and sometimes pulling a trailer. I am much more comfortable with a tire that has a load index of 77 (which is what Moco says is what is the proper fitment for a Tourer).

 

Avon Vipers are 77 rated tires.
A definite improvement in traction, but its just an opinion, and we all know the rest of that tune.

 

Versions of Avon Vipers and Metzeler ME 880 Marathons are available that most definitely ARE load-rated for our touring bikes.



Avon Viper front tire = MT90B16 74H
Avon Viper rear tire = 140/90B16 77H

Metzeler ME 880 front tire = MT90B16 72H
Metzeler ME 880 rear tire = MU85B16 77H (140/85B16)

When my OEM Dunlops are used up, I'm going to try a set of Vipers.

 

I've got about 8K on my E3's they are wearing very well, in fact not showing wear at all on the rear. I read somewhere that the rubber compound was mixed on the E3. A harder compound in the center for mileage and a softer compound on the sides for grip. A much better tire than the stock crappy lops.