Dunlop or Metzler
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 296
From: TEXAS
I went to Metzlers after I could not find a Dunlop D408 that didn't crack the sidewalls. Very happy with the ME 880's on the 12 RG Ultra
11 SG Dealer replaced front 4 times then put metzlers on it
12 RGU Dealer replaced with Metzlers at 500 miles
11 SG Dealer replaced front 4 times then put metzlers on it
12 RGU Dealer replaced with Metzlers at 500 miles
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 451
Likes: 3
From: Laurel,Ms USA
Dunlops for me, as I understand they are the only American made M/C tire. I have the American Elite on the rear with 14k on it and looks like it will go over 20K easy. Got 19k out of the stock Dunlops twice before trying the AE on the rear.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
Chunker.... We've got the same bike, so I'm really interested in hearing more about the Commander II's you put on. I've heard the claim that they'll last twice as long, but I've also heard they're crap in the rain. What are your thoughts about how they handle on the wet?
My opinion on the "double the tread life". On some bikes that's an easy claim. My 05 Kaw Nomad got 6K on stock Bridgestones. It would be easy to double that mileage. Many are getting 12-20K on the stock Dunlops. I am skeptical I'll see 25-40K on the Michs. But I am not going to get them solely based on wear claims. Dunlop has some sidewall cracking, the American Elites are essentially the same tire, read the description, and will wait till they fix the issues before going the Dunlop route. Maybe they make the 407 and 408 to a lower standard than the AE. If so they screwed themselves with reputation.
Last edited by Chunker; Nov 19, 2012 at 07:41 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Lafayette, IN
Last tire change I went with Pirelli Night Dragon Radials. Never looked back! Street glide with trunk. Loaded most of the time. I travel in all conditions. Have about 7k on these with good tread left. Handle great. Whatever you do buy, get away from the bias ply!
Enjoy!
John
Enjoy!
John
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 331
Likes: 27
From: New Brunswick
I used Metzlers on my 09 ultra and got a about the same mileage as the Dunlops but they are about $75 cheaper. The have good grip on both dry and wet roads. I will use them on my 2013 Classic when they need to be replaced.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 507
Likes: 5
From: Florida
Satisfied with the Dunlops. Will see how they wear in the upcoming year. The Metzlers are soft compound tires. Great and sticky but wears fairly quickly.
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well I run the E3s on mine but same difference