I am a long term biker (30+ years riding big twins), I was hit in 95 on one of my restored shovels. The 80 year old bat ran through her stop sign and directly into me at full speed. Long story short, I was banged up really bad and in the ER a few weeks, died in the helicopter to ER twice. The point to that is to say this, I ride safely and I try to use the safest parts I can (when affordable), tires for example.

Now over the 30 years, I have had 16 big twins, but mainly shovelheads with a few Evo in the mix. My 07 SG is EFI and brand new to me (EFI), so I'm not as familiar with the tires of the modern years. I've always just bought what was available for my tubed rims. My 07 is tubeless, etc, so I'm looking for reviews on a few choices I found (and they're not all the most expensive). I based my choices off safety reviews (the best I could) but I'm a little clueless here trying to choose a good safe tire, but one that will last.

I ride every day I can, all year round, in NYC area so safety is paramount as is longevity with tread wear. Right now, I'm getting roughly 7,500 to 9,000 miles before I fear loosing traction (based off the treads left). I mainly ride short trips with constant stops but I never speed, I never burn out or do anything like that, I ride like an old man now!

first idea:
Bridgestone Exedra Max Front Motorcycle Tire for Harley-Davidson
140$

second idea:
Dunlop D404 Front Motorcycle Tire
95$

third idea:
Dunlop American Elite Front Motorcycle Tire
160$

I'm open to ideas

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Michelin Commanders, front and rear.

 

Thanks! I'll definitely look into them!

 

Dunlop doesn't recommend the D404 for Harley Davidson motorcycles.

 

Hey neighbor, I’ve been changing between Elite and the 402. Haven’t tried anything but Dunlops. Some in Evoland have liked the Avons.My mileage is around 16k on the Elites and around 14k on the 402s if this helps.

 

I personally had bad luck with Michelin Commanders on my Superglide. They are well liked here on the forum though, maybe I got a bad set? I ended up getting rid of them while they still had lots of tread after only 5,000 miles. Mine had very little grip, and were terrible on tar snakes. YMMV, as I said, lots of people like them.

I tried the Dunlop American Elites, I thought they were pretty good. Same thing with Avon's, but I can't remember the model of the Avon's.

My favorite have been Metzler, first the 880's and then the 888's. I keep coming back to those after trying others. For me on the roads I ride, they seem to have the best combination of grip, handling, wet road performance, and durability.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

I'm partial to the Metzelers, too. Not so much the Dunlops...
Had Avons on Brit bikes, never on a Harley. Good tires, though.
I put a Michelin Commander on a bike I'm building. Looks like it may age out before I get to ride it...

 

Thanks everyone for the replies, I am going to look into Metzler. I wasn't sure about Dunlops, kept getting mixed reviews but no way a front tire isn't safe so I'll spend more, if needed

 

I'm definitely looking into Metzler! Thank you!

 

Thank you for the heads up, I had no idea