I have finally had it with the Dunlap tires (D407 & 408) that came stock on the new touring bikes. Has anyone ran any other brand tire? And if so, what did you put on and how do you like them. I am split between Avons or Michelins

 

I haven't had mine long enough to change tires, but when I do, I'll be trying out the Michelin Commander IIs.

I've heard great things about the Avons as far as traction. But most say they are no better than the Dunlops on longevity. The Michelins are supposed to last twice as long.

 

The alternative brands that get mentioned most often on here are Avon, Continental, Michelin and Metzeler. Having owned Harleys since the 70s I always go back to Avon, although I must admit I haven't tried the latest from those other brands.

 

I am leaning more toward the Michelins. I have read alot of reviews on other sites, and most like the Michelins

 

I just installed front and rear Michelin Commander II's on my 07 Road King. Only have a few hundred miles on them, but they feel great so far.
If you do a search here on the forum, you'll get tons of information on tires.

J

 

Avons on my Road Glide. Got rid of Dunlop's for good. Better handling tire. Seems to grip more. Wears more evenly. Tire takes a lot of the shock of a bump so I was able to take some of the preload off my rear shocks. Takes corners like no Dunlop could. Just my .02 cents

 

Thanks for your replies. My rear 407 has only 5000 miles on it. I have taken it back to the dealer 3 times since I installed it last fall. I went to the shop for the 3rd time last Monday and was told the warranty girl in the service dept would call me back, but she never did, so I finally called back on Friday. She told me there was nothing that could be dont because my bike was not under warranty anymore. I alked what difference that made,, and she said, sorry,,,, there is nothing I can do...
so I called HD customer service, I got a ref #, and they called the shop. The girl at the shop told them I had a bald tire and 16,000 miles on it (NOT TRUE AT ALL). I asked my service dept warranty girl why she lied to HD,, and she said it wouldnt have a made a difference because its not a Harley issue. so I reammed her *** for lying and hung up,, never to go back there again.
Now take in mind. I just retired last spring with 26 yrs in the military. I have purchased 2 bikes from this dealer in past 5 yrs and referred countless new customers to them also. They offered me a job last summer as a salesman, and I took them up on it and sold 96 bikes for them. So they know me well but not willing to help. so F&^k them. my buisiness will elsewhere

 

I actually like my Dunlops.

Got 51K out of the front, average about 17K out of the rears.

You have to pay close attention to tire pressure and adjust accordingly for single and 2 up riding. A lot of people like to keep 40psi in the rear all the time so they won't have to adjust every time they haul a passenger. That's to much for rider only and will wear out the center of the tire.

 

Just my 2-cents here, Nothing Wrong w/Metzler, and Dunlop OK also...
but I am thoroughly sold on & gotta go either Avon or Michelin from now on.
altho, I think alot has to do with which models in each Mfg.
I have had mid-to-low price range Michelin that were awful, handling, bumpy, and did not last long.
That said, the top of the line Mich. are probably the best tires I've ever owned.
BTW, All the Avons I have ever had, even the base model / entry level Avons have been a fantastic ride, sticky as heck, and held up fairly well for me also.
jack

 

Michelin Commander II here. Feels like I upgraded my suspension strangely enough. No more wooden wheel feel. My rear stock Dunlop made it 13k miles and could have probably made it another 1-2k.