I'm pretty sure I know the right answer but...

I definitely need to replace my oem rear dunlop tire. It's got 13k miles and the tread is getting dangerously worn. I'm looking at the ME880 160/70-17. Since my stock front tire seems fine, can I ride it out or do you think it's better to replace both? Will there be any danger riding with different tread types? I've always tried to stick with similar tread on other bikes I've owned.

I know the stock front tire is an MH90-21. In the jpcycles catalog they show an MH90 equalling an 80/90-21. I'd like to think they're correct but want to make sure before purchasing.

 

if you got 13 out of the rear, you're on track to get about 17 or more from the front. Its up to you if you want to change it or not.
It sounds like the J&P tire is the same as the one you have on now. If the total width of the original tire is 3-1/8", then both are the same tire.

 

The tire differences should not cause an issue.
The ME880 performs much better than the stock dunlop.
If it was me - I'd replace it

 

SC, Metzeler makes an MH90 as well. Their 80/90 is a little narrower than their MH90. Take a look at their brochure here:
http://www.us.metzelermoto.com/en_US...IN_UPGRADE.pdf
If you're going to replace the front with a Metzeler, I'd go with the 90/90. It's about a half inch wider than the 80/90. I replaced both tires on an '03 Wide Glide with Metzerers at about 12,000 miles, putting the 90/90 on the front. Handling was much better than with the Dunlops. Nothing wrong with leaving the Dunlop on the front if you want, though.

You can do better than J&P if you want to shop around.

http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/
http://www.swmototires.com/
http://www.ronayers.com/

 

If your bike will accept a wide rear tire, I would install a Dunlop S.E. 180 tire and run it until you are ready for a new front. They only last 4-6 thousand miles, so you would be ready for both tires about the same time. That is what I did. After that I went to Michelins.

 

That seems wasteful to spend +/- $180 on the se180 as an interim tire.

 

I know there are better prices than JP offers, but they have some other parts I'm in need of so I won't just be ordering a tire from them. The one other major part I need is only $35.00 (taillight/license plate bracket) and am trying to order enough to get free shipping. Since JP does business in SC (MB bike week), they have to charge sales tax which sucks.

They do have a good price on Thunderheaders which is something I really want, but with Xmas just around the corner, I'm resisting the urge...for now.

 

you will be fine with the diff tires back and front... only really makes a huge diff if you are ALWAYS riding in the rain... i say just get the new rear... i replace my front ever 2 - 3 rears

 

Thinking more about this, you're always going to be buying a rear before a front because the rear takes most of the weight, and is also the part that pushes you forward. I supposed if I was doing more 2-up riding I would have needed a rear much sooner. Actually, I went out riding yesterday to sign an offer on a house and as I rode though my downtown and turned right onto another street there is a coblestone-type crosswalk. I felt my rear slip a bit on the bricks. Was pretty damn interesting. Glad they weren't wet or I'd a been suckin face with the pavement.

I do like the idea of the 180 but just seems like a waste of cash to me.

 

murphdog,

I don't see the 90/90 in the brochure, only the MH90. Where did you find it from them? Also you noted that the front was about 1/2" wider than the stock front... What about the rear? What size did you use and is it the 1/2" wider also? That would be perfect if there are no mods needed and good fitment.

Thanks man...