I have a 2001 FXDXT, which has a new Dunlop on the rear. I've read a lot of posts that say Metzelers are a better tire.
Is it advisable to put a ME880 on the front, live with the mismatch until I replace the rear? Or am I asking for trouble?
I don't want to replace an almost new (800 mi) rear tire, so I could live with a new DLOP on the front, but I eventually want to try the Metz.

 

I have ran dunlops and a avon front, without any problens.
RWP

 

Gliderider,
I have done the opposite on my 98 Roadking. I put a new Metzler on the back with a fairly good Dunlop on the front, with no concerns.
Tom

 

OK to put a radial on back, and bias on front, not OK the other way around.

 

Differant brands and types of tires have varying handeling charectoristics. That's kinda the poitn. If you have differant tires front and rear, it will handle differant. One end may give up sooner than the other, or handle rough pavement, water, corners differantly than the other. One end of the bike will behave differantly than the other.

HOWEVER, it's been my experiance that these differances are subtle. Very subtle. Unless you're riding on the ragged edge, you'll never notice them.

Can you still buy bias ply street tires?