09 Heritage- I just had the dealer replace the rear tire.

The tire that was on the bike was a D402.
When I was putting my saddlebags back on I noticed the new tire is a D401.

I see the price difference is minimal and they both appear to have similar tread patterns.

So my questions:
1) What's the difference between the D401 and D402.
2) Should I go back to the dealer and complain that the same tire wasn't replaced.
3) The front tire is a D402, is there an issue with a D401 being on the back?

Thanks,

 

401 is a softer compound and will have better grip than the 402.

The same tire was not replaced, it should have been a 402. Will it make a big difference, I don't think so.

In any case there are better tires.

 

[In any case there are better tires.[/quote]


I already bought the tire, but thanks for your opinion.

 

The 401 is softer for lighter bikes like Sportsters and Dynas.

You won't get 6000 miles out of it.

That is indeed the wrong tire. I would take it back and point out their mistake, and I wouldn't care that after they install the correct tire, their 401 now has some miles on it.

(And the softer 401 on the rear with a stiffer 402 still on the front will effect the handling somewhat too btw.)

 

OK, I'm heading to the dealer this afternoon to complain about how they put the wrong tire on.

I did have a D402 previously on and I did asked to have a D402 put on, but as noted in the opening threat they put a D401 on instead.

But before I go and complain, I still would like some comments as to what the difference is between the two and if in fact I should complain.

I understand the D401 is used primary for small bikes and cruisers and has better grip. I understand the D402 is a touring tire but that's all I know about it.

I ride 2up about 50% of the time and take 5 hour + round trip rides about 30% of the time.
Also I got about 10K out of the previously installed D402 so apparently it wears good.

Can I get some more opinions?

Thanks,

 

This is from the Dunlop website :
http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tire...n-tire-series/

The D401 is the approved Harley-Davidson cruiser tire.

• An advanced tread pattern and specifically formulated compound helps deliver impressive grip in wet and dry conditions and helps provide long tire life.
• D401 tires use bias or bias-belted construction and incorporate a computer-optimized tread profile to help promote even wear.
• Available in 90/90-19 and 100/90-19 front sizes and 130/90B16 and 150/80B16 rear sizes and 200/55R17 rear radial tire size.
• Wide Whitewall (WWW) available from OEM dealers only

The D402 is the approved Harley-Davidson touring tire.

• Built with a three-ply polyester casing with two fiberglass belts, the D402 helps provide stability for touring riding.
• Computer-optimized tread profile with offset center groove improves rider confidence over rain grooves and steel-grated bridges, while helping to reduce cupping for enhanced wear.
• The D402 is available in front and rear black, single-white-bar and wide-white sidewall, all with an H speed rating.

I would be inclined to just keep it on. This would give you a good opportunity to compare the D401 to the D402. You may just like it better than the D402. It's going to need replacement in several thousand miles anyhow. Depending on your riding, that may only be several months. If you are concerned about the effect on handling then I would return to the dealer to change it to a D402. If you decide to keep it, it certainly wouldn't be wrong to let the dealer know that the wrong tire was put on (to your surprise).

 

You may find that the dealer doesn't have the 402 in stock at the moment so they gave you the 401 as an alternative to get you back out riding. They don't want your bike in the shop waiting any more than you do.

 

Did you purchase the tier at the parts counter first (What did you purchase.) and then go to the service dept. for installation?
Or did you go to the service dept and have them do it all? What is on the service ticket?
Did you even read it before you signed it?

 

be reasonable when you talk to dealer...tell them you want some adjustment on the price and leave the tire on. you might really like the tire better than what you had before.

 

I would ask to swap it as with 2 up riding that tire will not last as long.