When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I would never go back to the 402's again after having my 880's. The ONLY advantage the 402's have is that they are available at about any dealer if you travel alot. The 880's handle better, ride better (even though they require higher air pressures), don't track grooves, and easily change from one type of road surface to another. I wouyld not be afraid to run the Dunlop Elite 111's either.
Once I learned to not freak out and tense up, the Dunlops have been just fine on grooved concrete.
I've never had a problem in the wet.
They have carried my fat butt around for over 12k miles so far and I think I can get another 1-2k before hitting the wear bars.
I keep looking at Metz's but I guess I'm happy with what I have, so I probably shouldn't change.
Keep them arms loose, and the back-end will not wobble around like you are experiencing.
I need to replace my rear tire. What size Metzler works best for the front and what size for the rear? 2006 SG. I do not like the way the stock tires track on the grooves and I want to try the Metzlers based on all of your experiences. I just need to know what size to order.
The 880 tire profile is different so a 140 fit on the rear of my 00 Standard with a 130 up front. I read somewhere that you can now put a 150 on the rear because of the newer bikes having the 1" drive belt.
I don't know of anybody that has dropped a bike because of the Dunlops handling on grooved roads but why would you put up with that wandering feeling if there is a option? Anything that makes you feel more secure while riding is worth the money IMO. The other thing I noticed was the low speed handling was better with the Metzler's. I don't know if the contact patch is larger or what but I noticed it the very first time I rode the bike after getting the Metzlers.
I am sure glad I changed and will put Metzlers on my 07 before too long. Everytime I ride the 07 acrss grooved payments I am reminded that it doesn't have to feel that way.
The Dunlop Elite III are supposed to be better than the 402's that come on HD. I have Avon's on mine and still feel some of the grooving and Iron Grates on bridges.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.