What would you do???
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 7
From: Ft. Worth, TX
Just went through this process myself. Found a nasty 1 1/2" crack all the way to the cords in the tread of the rear D402 at 10K right before a big trip. Deliberated a while and went with the new Pirelli Night Dragons on the front and rear. Wow! what a difference. After 1600 miles of 2 up riding on 2 lane, 4 lane and back roads, I couldn't be happier. Handling is superb and the ride is very comfortable even fully loaded. We rode hwy 1 from hwy 61 on the lake Superior shore to Ely, MN and back, which is one fine motorcycling road, and my wife actually got tired of me constantly repeating how great these tires handled. I had no idea what I was missing with the old 402s.
So, my $.02 worth is change them both, but get some tires that really make a difference in the way your bike handles. I can't speak for the E3s, ME880s, or the Commanders, but from what I have read they are all way better than the stock 402s. Unless something bad happens in the next 9-10K, I will replace with another set of Pirellis.
Oh, and just in case someone thinks I might have not been watching my tire pressures on the stockers and hence my ill feelings towards them - I not only check my tire pressures before each ride but have a Doran tire pressure monitor installed. A good tire really does make a difference.
So, my $.02 worth is change them both, but get some tires that really make a difference in the way your bike handles. I can't speak for the E3s, ME880s, or the Commanders, but from what I have read they are all way better than the stock 402s. Unless something bad happens in the next 9-10K, I will replace with another set of Pirellis.
Oh, and just in case someone thinks I might have not been watching my tire pressures on the stockers and hence my ill feelings towards them - I not only check my tire pressures before each ride but have a Doran tire pressure monitor installed. A good tire really does make a difference.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,932
Likes: 4
From: 46th State, USA
I wish I had the luxury of changing both tire if only one needed to be replaced. If I don't have the money when it come to needing new tire(s). I park the bike until I can affford a new tire(s).
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
Even if your front is not worn, I would at the least give it a thorough inspection.
On my last bike, after only 2 years from brand new the front had dry rot cracks in it. Rear was worn anyway but I had to change the front with it because of that. Not sure if HD had some old tires that year or what.
Worth a good thorough inspection for sure.
Current bike has an E3 160 on the back and stock tire on the front. No dry rot this time around. LOL
On my last bike, after only 2 years from brand new the front had dry rot cracks in it. Rear was worn anyway but I had to change the front with it because of that. Not sure if HD had some old tires that year or what.
Worth a good thorough inspection for sure.
Current bike has an E3 160 on the back and stock tire on the front. No dry rot this time around. LOL
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 563
Likes: 0
From: Allen TX
Hey all:
I have about 15,500 on the ultra...I am riding stock 402ss whitewalls.
Overall they have been a good tire. The front which has NEVER been replaced still probably has several thousand or more miles on it and the rear which was replaced at 6500 is now due for replacement.
Would you just replace the rear with the 402 or would you replace both with E3s which so many like but now I'm hearing about noises.
I would appreciate opinions if this were your ride.
Thanks,
I have about 15,500 on the ultra...I am riding stock 402ss whitewalls.
Overall they have been a good tire. The front which has NEVER been replaced still probably has several thousand or more miles on it and the rear which was replaced at 6500 is now due for replacement.
Would you just replace the rear with the 402 or would you replace both with E3s which so many like but now I'm hearing about noises.
I would appreciate opinions if this were your ride.
Thanks,
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 702
Likes: 1
From: U.S.S.A.
If you don't want white walls any more, go with the E3's. For me, the WWW was a factor, so I went with Metzlers and the improvement over the 402's is amazing. I've also been very happy with Avons.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
Likes: 283
From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
Quite Happy with the E3's Front and Rear a total different Ride although am sure Metz and others are fine as well.. As don't care about the Whitewall thing will probably stick with E3's ..
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 619
Likes: 2
From: Midway, UT.
Terry