Dunlop vs Metzler
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 103
Likes: 1
From: Central Michigan
Dunlop vs Metzler
I have a 05 RKC and have ran Dunlop 402 WW since I've owned it. I get about 7,000 to 9,000 miles on the rear. The front I change every other time I change the rear. I have 35,000 miles on now and before I get into the summer riding I want to change both tires. Because the rear is getting thin and piece of mind on the front. Most of my riding is two up with the motel to motel gear. Mostly highway at highway speeds. I would like to know opinions of people who have own both tires. Differences in milage , handling etc.
Thanks in advance for our your help.
Thanks in advance for our your help.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 62
Likes: 3
From: Jersey Shore...
Tires
I just changed out my stock Dunlops and went with the Pirrelli Night Dragon's. I have about 500 miles on them and love the way they handle.
I was going to go with the Metzeler's, but the rear tire was backordered. I figured why not try the Pirrelli for the next 7000-9000 miles.
Good luck!!
I was going to go with the Metzeler's, but the rear tire was backordered. I figured why not try the Pirrelli for the next 7000-9000 miles.
Good luck!!
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Land of Confusion
Most folks who prefer the Metzeler ME880 comment about the big improvement in the overall handling and ride quality of their bike over the stock Dunlops, and how they won't lock into grooves or grates in the road, again unlike the stock Dunlops. Performance on wet pavement has been reported as excellent. Mileage is comparable to the the stock Dunlops, but be aware that some ME880 sizes require higher air pressures than stock. As with any motorcycle tire, proper air pressure for the loads being carried are critical. With long-distance riding (including being 2-up and with gear for long distances) this is even more important.
The Pirelli Night Dragons that were previously mentioned are new and are a high-performance cruiser tire. Unless you are an aggressive street rider, it would likely be overkill for you. For lots of long-distance riding, the ME880 should be sufficient for your needs
Cheers
.
The Pirelli Night Dragons that were previously mentioned are new and are a high-performance cruiser tire. Unless you are an aggressive street rider, it would likely be overkill for you. For lots of long-distance riding, the ME880 should be sufficient for your needs
Cheers
.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 5
From: Currently the pig country of Arkansas
I'll be the bad guy and poo poo Metzlers with regards to tire wear/mileage...
First, let me say I've never had any problems with Dunlops... Ride comfort, cornering, wet riding, mileage, etc... All are good. Both on my Heritage and now on my RK Classic. My RK has 39,000 miles and I tend to get between 9,000 & 10,000 miles on a rear and between 20,000 & 25,000 on a front. Most of my riding is solo and I don't ride too hard, but I don't baby it either.
I put Metzlers on my Heritage about 2,000 miles prior to getting rid of it and they rode fine, however I didn't get enough miles on them to gauge mileage.
My second rear tire on my RK was a Metzler and at 7,800 miles it was showing cords. I've used Dunlops ever since and get great service from them.
I just changed out my rear tire yesterday (4th rear on this bike) and regardless of brand you will think you just got a new bike. The difference between a worn out flat bottom tire and a new round one is significant, regardless of brand.
OBTW, my wife's Boulevard has Metzlers and they are wearing much better than the one I put on the RK! Go figure...
Edmo
First, let me say I've never had any problems with Dunlops... Ride comfort, cornering, wet riding, mileage, etc... All are good. Both on my Heritage and now on my RK Classic. My RK has 39,000 miles and I tend to get between 9,000 & 10,000 miles on a rear and between 20,000 & 25,000 on a front. Most of my riding is solo and I don't ride too hard, but I don't baby it either.
I put Metzlers on my Heritage about 2,000 miles prior to getting rid of it and they rode fine, however I didn't get enough miles on them to gauge mileage.
My second rear tire on my RK was a Metzler and at 7,800 miles it was showing cords. I've used Dunlops ever since and get great service from them.
I just changed out my rear tire yesterday (4th rear on this bike) and regardless of brand you will think you just got a new bike. The difference between a worn out flat bottom tire and a new round one is significant, regardless of brand.
OBTW, my wife's Boulevard has Metzlers and they are wearing much better than the one I put on the RK! Go figure...
Edmo
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
From:
I run the ME880's on my '07 dyna with saddlebags, T-bag, and the lady on the back, and they work great.
Also, I run slightly higher tire pressure (+2 lbs) with the ME880's than I did with Dunlops.
I'm on my third set of ME880's...
Also, I run slightly higher tire pressure (+2 lbs) with the ME880's than I did with Dunlops.
I'm on my third set of ME880's...
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 2
From: USA
On my 02 RK, Metzeler Marathon 880s are a much smoother ride than the ‘lops. Turning and cornering is "easier" at both low and high speeds. They are also sticker and ride better in the cold ('Lops got hard and slick).
As mentioned elsewhere in the Forum, they eliminated the rain grove wiggle and reduced the effect of a tar snakes. So far I love them!
Here is some info I compiled I did when I was in your boat:
1. Metzeler Marathon 880 have a lower weight rating than the stock Dunlops (see chart):
http://www.metzelermoto.com/web/fitm...2424&consent=Y
ME 880 Marathon
Front 130/90 - 16 M/C 67H TL 67= 677 lb rating
Rear 130/90 B 16 M/C 73H REINFTL 73= 805 lb rating
Dunlop
http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/fitmentguide.asp
Front: D402F MT90B16 72H 72= 783 lb rating
Rear: D402 MT90B16 74H 74= 827 lb rating
__________________________________
2. June 2008 best on-line price for Metzeler 880 Marathons:
http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/
METZELER ME880 MT90B-16 Rear $112.29 $120 with shipping
METZELER ME880 MT90B-16 FRONT $103.41 $111 with shipping
Tires $215.70
Shipping 63303 (16.79)
_____________________________________
3. Recommended Tire Pressure P.S.I
ME880 Marathon Touring/ Cruiser
Solo/ 2 Up Light/ 2 Up Heavy
Front 38-40/ 40-42/ 40-42
Rear 44-46/ 46-48/ 48-50
As mentioned elsewhere in the Forum, they eliminated the rain grove wiggle and reduced the effect of a tar snakes. So far I love them!
Here is some info I compiled I did when I was in your boat:
1. Metzeler Marathon 880 have a lower weight rating than the stock Dunlops (see chart):
http://www.metzelermoto.com/web/fitm...2424&consent=Y
ME 880 Marathon
Front 130/90 - 16 M/C 67H TL 67= 677 lb rating
Rear 130/90 B 16 M/C 73H REINFTL 73= 805 lb rating
Dunlop
http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/fitmentguide.asp
Front: D402F MT90B16 72H 72= 783 lb rating
Rear: D402 MT90B16 74H 74= 827 lb rating
__________________________________
2. June 2008 best on-line price for Metzeler 880 Marathons:
http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/
METZELER ME880 MT90B-16 Rear $112.29 $120 with shipping
METZELER ME880 MT90B-16 FRONT $103.41 $111 with shipping
Tires $215.70
Shipping 63303 (16.79)
_____________________________________
3. Recommended Tire Pressure P.S.I
ME880 Marathon Touring/ Cruiser
Solo/ 2 Up Light/ 2 Up Heavy
Front 38-40/ 40-42/ 40-42
Rear 44-46/ 46-48/ 48-50
Last edited by Kbore; Apr 25, 2009 at 09:43 PM.
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I have a 05 RKC and have ran Dunlop 402 WW since I've owned it. I get about 7,000 to 9,000 miles on the rear. The front I change every other time I change the rear. I have 35,000 miles on now and before I get into the summer riding I want to change both tires. Because the rear is getting thin and piece of mind on the front. Most of my riding is two up with the motel to motel gear. Mostly highway at highway speeds. I would like to know opinions of people who have own both tires. Differences in milage , handling etc.
Thanks in advance for our your help.
Thanks in advance for our your help.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
Likes: 283
From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
Dunlops Elite 3's will be my next choice of tire... although have over 7,000 trouble free miles on the stock 402's... With lots of tread left .. but changing them when do my 10,000 mile service...