Hey all,

I'm due for tires. Currently the bike has ME880's on it, 140-90-16 on the rear, 77H rated, 130-90-16 67H rated on the front.

Bike is 2005 Road King Police.

In my shopping I've found most common suggestion is HD replacement Dunlop 402's, at a cost of $180 (front) $230 (rear). One other shop I called gave me Dunlop 404's as a suitable tire at a cost of $104 (front) and $127 (rear). Shop 2 with 404's say they're the same as the 402's but without the HD embossing on them. Called first shop to see why such a difference in price, whats the difference in the 2 tires. Fellow states that the 402's have a similar weight rating as the current ME880's I have.

Here's what I've found...

Cheaper by far**\/\/

D404F 130-90-16 -- 67H rating = 677lbs capacity (same as now)
D404R 140-90-16 -- 71H rating = 761lbs capacity (147lbs less cap than now)

Double the price of above**\/\/

D402F MT90B16 -- 72H rating = 783lbs capacity (106lbs more than now)
D402R MU85B16 -- 77H rating = 908lbs capacity (same as now)

Take into consideration that 85% of my mileage is solo, the other 15% would be 2 up with 150lb-ish person + more luggage.

Is there that much difference in quality of the two tires in question? Would my ride quality suffer if I went with the lower rated tire? Would I be putting me and/or my passenger at risk with the lower rated tire?

I guess the biggest question is, is the difference in weight capacity of the tires worth paying double the price?

Thanks for all your EDUCATED input!!!!

 

My experience with the 404s on a touring bike is that they wear out faster than the 402s. As you stated, the load capacity is lower on the 404s so they cant be the same tire as the Shops state they are. I dont see the 404s as a good alternative to the 402s. I follow the school of staying within the factory load specifications or go higher. But Im sure someone will offer a differing opinion.

I prefer the Dunlop E3s on a touring frame. For the MT90B-16 size, the load rating for the front is 770 lbs & the rear is 830 lbs. If you go to the MU90B-16 rear the load rating jumps to 930 lbs. Granted the E3s are more expensive but they usually last alot longer than the 402s and handle better as well. Again, there will be differing opinions here as well.

However, it is your money so buy what makes you happy.

 

I have emailed Avon (my preferred brand) about load ratings. The traditional 130/90 MT tyres are rated 74 both ends. My wife and I take occasional long trips with the kitchen sink and get close (I estimate) to 1200 pounds ready to roll and Avon recommended I fit an MU 77 at the rear. I plan this winter to install a Deuce wheel which will give me a 79 (that's not the only reason for fitting it!).

Tyres for the touring Harleys are usually reinforced and I suspect the cheaper Dunlops you refer to are not. On the other hand for solo use the load ratings seem reasonable, but I personally would not be happy fitting them, for those occasions when the two of us ride.

 

check your prices at jakewilson.com.. you can get the hvy rated Dunlop E3's for the cheaper pricing of the 404's and free shipping....

 

Thanks all for your replies. I checked out jakewilson.com and they have the 402's in stock for about $150 less than buying local, shipped to the door. They have a listing for an E3 front tire, but not for the rear. I will probably go this route with the 402's, get some dyna beads and do it all myself.

Thanks again.

 

I also got the Michelin Commander MU85B16, 77H rating for 59 bucks at Jake's.

 

get the E3's the MU90-b16 is the size you have on the rear ....

 

Whats the difference between the 140-90-16, MT90B-16, and MU85B-16?

 

MT is the long-standing traditional Harley tyre, which is 130/90x16. MU is essentially 140/85x16, so is a little wider, similar in diameter to MT, with a higher load rating. 140/90x16 is slightly larger in diameter than MU, but often has the same load rating.

Hope that helps!

Something that may be of interest is 150/80x16, which is a little wider still, will fit the same 3" wide rim and also comes with MU load rating and similar in diameter to MT and MU tyres.

That is about all I can squeeze out of that subject!

 

Great answer, thanks!! Should give me a bit more selection to choose from with those extra sizes.

Will there be any clearance issues if I went with the 150/80x16? Wider tire has some slight benefits...