I have owned Harleys since the 70s when they came on Goodyears and always go back to Avons. They ride better, handle better and are better in the rain. I haven't tried the latest Metzelers, because older ones used to have worst 'grip' than the Goodyears!

 

I was getting about 7000 out of the stock tire, went to the Perelli Night Dragon at the last change, I have over 5000 miles on them, and hoping to get 5000 more, the wear looks great, and to top it off I should check my air pressure more often, but I don't, been known to ride with the front tire about 3psi light and the rear about 5psi light.

 

i haven't tried out any other tire yet but i have a few friends who run Avons on their bikes and they say it's a much smoother ride.

 

I have the night dragon on the rear, and the metzeler on the front.
Not enough mileage to comment about wear.

However, I can promise you from my experience so far, I would NOT go back to original tires ever.
These handle so much better it's unbelieveable. Way more 'sure footed' in the turns, and no tracking in grooves whatsoever.
The stock tires were crazy about tracking, and i always felt like I was scooting while turning.

My local indy's tell me the metzelers are great tires, and a lot of guys are getting between 8-12k depending on your riding style.

I have heard a lot of good about Avon's too.

You will be fine with any of these, but I wouldn't go back with stock for sure.

Good luck!

 

i got 8500 out of 1st tire,but got 12000out of next 3 sets of rear tires{same model tire}15000 out of 1st front,25000 out of front,seams the fac.tire is softer compound?

 

oh 2006 sg,44,000 miles and riding

 

no matter what brand, B U Y A M E R I C A N

 

I'm with you, got 14k on the first D407 170/60R17 . Looks like about the same for the second. Only got 7k out of the Dunlop 180.

 

Thanks, again, everyone!

I'm saving all this info for future reference as it's good to get some real world feedback.