Hi, just about to bin my 160 70 17 Dunlop after my Low Rider's first 6000 miles and want to go for the 180 width. Having read some of the threads a number of riders avoid the SE and go for a Metzeler. However, all of these tyres appear to be 180 55 17 and do not have the same size wall. What size are you guys actually fitting? I want to get this right as I'd like to have a softer compound than the Dunlop.

Thanks chaps.

Johnct

 

If you are staying with the stock 17" rim, then your only 180 tire options are the SE Dunlop 180 or the Pirelli Night Dragon 180. They are the only tires designed to fit on the stock 4.5" rim. Most other 180's including the Metzler's will require a 5.5" width rim. If you want a Metzler, which I recommend, you can run the stock 160 or a 170 width with your stock wheel. Or you can do what I did and lace an 18x5.5 rim to your stock hub and run a Metzler 180 55 18.

 

The Dunlop D502 180 and the Pirelli Night Dragon 180 are the only 180 tires that fit the 4.5" wheel that I have seen. The Dunlop is a little wider than the Pirelli, but the Pirelli is Cheaper and sticks as well or better than the Dunlop. Neither of these will you ever use he full tread. Seems only a couple of forum members have reported any more mileage than 6 to 8K out of either tire. Good handling tire = less mileage. You are kind of SOL on the 180 going for mileage.
CB

 

Okay thanks guys, so the Pirelli would be sized how?

180 ? 17. Is this the Night Dragon?

Thanks again

Johnct

 

I used the 180-55-17 night dragon and love it!!

 

Sounds like you were looking at the sport bike tires - the ME880 is available in a 160/70 or 170/60, both 17"

 

The widest tire is the Screamin Eagle dunlop. The Night Dragon is a great tire but just isnt as wide as the SE Dunlop. The OEM rear rim is 17x3.5
If I were using the stock width rims i would definitely be using the SE180 with matching front tire GT502 Check this thread out

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...-tire-kit.html

 

The OE rear rim on a fxdl is 4.5".
In regards to the OP,
Unless your only tire concern is being as wide as possible for a 4.5" rim, by a whopping 5mm that will never see pavement, then you would be well served by the Pirelli ND. If you still have the front D401 on your bike then I highly recommend replacing it along with the rear! The D401 front is garbage and you will be more than surprised how well your bike will handle with a really good front tire! Not to mention, if you go with either the GT or the ND, it will put even more strain on an already low performing front tire causing the front to slip even more. This was my personal experience when I put on a new rear K591 with the stock D401 and I can only imagine what it would be like with an even stickier tire. When I did put on the the NDs front and rear it was like night and day, especially the front grip.

The ND rear is 180/60-17 front 100/90-19
CB

 

This tire requires a 5.5" rear wheel?
CB

 

CB...no, the night dragon is choice #2 for the stock 4.5" rim. Designed for a stock rim.