Tire Poll
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 367
Likes: 5
From: Draper, Utah
Tire Poll
I have been looking over the different tires available and it is mind boggling. So what better way to do my research then with the forum. I have been running the standard Dunlop D402 on my 07 RG, they're ok but I would like a little better grip on the road especially on the summer tar snakes.. I average 7500-8000 miles per rear and change the front every other tire change. I can live with that type of wear but preferably not less. I know a lot of you like the Metzeler, it's a softer rubber and handles better but I have heard you sacrifice mileage I've heard under 6000mi. I put an average of 20K per year on my bike (that's usually 2-3 rears and 1 front per year) so I need a tire I can get some mileage out of. I am looking for some first hand knowledge on tires you have ridden, how they handle in rain and at high speed cornering, what kind of wear you get out of them and generally why you would recommend them. I have been researching Metzeler-Bridgestone (because they are great tires on my truck just not sure about motorcycles)-Avon-other Dunlop's-Michelin and Continental. Thanks in advance for the Help all.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 178
Likes: 2
From: Halton Hills
My Metzler Marathon's are good for milage but lack in wet riding conditions. I have a little over 20,000km on the rear and it's almost showing wire. Fun for burnouts now though but not so much fun in the rain. I'm looking for another brand myself as I dont like the wet riding the Metzler gives but for distance you can't go wrong.
Chop
Chop
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 404
Likes: 1
From: Athens, Georgia
I have found that its really hard to find both a really good tire performance wise (especially on wet roads) and get a lot of miles also. Its a trade off, personally I'm kinda "skiddish" of wet roads to the point that if I have to buy 2 sets of tires a year its cheaper than bikes, skin, broken bones. I have found that Avons work as well as any I have used for both. Just my deal, I'm sure if you ask 10 guys you'll get 10 answers and all are probably OK.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
Lots of good tire post lately. I have been reading them all both my tires were due. After all the reading I went with the Dunlop Elite 3's. Just a couple hundred miles so far and have noticed improved grip. I'll be real happy if I get the 20 to 30% more miles out of them as many have been reporting.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I'm elated with the performance and durability of the E3 rear, which has been on the bike now for 16k miles with 4/32" tread remaining in the center (9.5/32" is new). The previous two D402's lasted 10k each, so this is a radical improvement. I just installed an E3 front tire about 6k ago and groove tracking is reduced considerably. This tire is a winner all-round and I see no downside to them unless you must have WW, as they are only available in BW.
Last edited by iclick; Aug 10, 2009 at 07:53 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Southeast, TN
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From: Snow Hill, NC
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
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From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
I'm sold on the Dunlop E-3's. On my second set, and I've been through all the rest. These are working great for me. I highly recommend them. I got my last set from DennisKirk.com = free shipping, and the first set from RonAyers.com = free shipping. A lot of tire for a very reasonable price, and they hold up great, and handle superb for me.