Put on 9000 miles on the Ol' sporty last month, got skinny skins on the back. cHarley used Metzlers, then switched to Venoms and wrote some good stuff. Maybe cant use venoms as it's "said" they don't do well off road, and I'm always goin where I should'nt. The stock D401 were OK but not real good, and the Stealership wants $165 for a NEW "9 dam_ thousand MILE TIRE. BS!!!

So am lookin at D404, Metzlers, Michelins or anything else you've run. As cHarley says - light travels faster than sound..." I'm lookin for light. someone who has tried some different brandes and has real world experience with them. Talk to me..., I need some good words - the minister of clarity is in muddy waters.

 

any one now a fairly cheap tire that's some what decent for the rear of my 05 xl1200c?
my tires beyond bald but moneys tight right now

 

Just ordered one myself. At $100, it's free shipping, but there is a $5 tire charge - so I guess it's not so free.
http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/tpl/ti...fCatId=&mmyId=

 

I run Metzler tires. Generally get 16,000 miles on the rear tire, and over 25,000 miles on the front.

 

The Metz ME880 150/80-16 is only $125.99 with free shipping and you get a Top Quality 15,000+ mile tire. They also ship pretty quick.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...Rear-Tire.aspx

 

I'm ordering a ME880 this week but I'm just curious what the difference is between the Dunlop D401 and the D404? Is it just the Harley branding?

edit: and, a stupid question... no problem to run the Metz out back with the stock D401 in front, right?

 

I asked a Dunlop factory Rep that same question. The only answer I got from him was the 401 is made specifically for Harley-Davidson.

 

The 404 has 2/32" less tread depth than the 401. That means about 20% less tread life.

There is no problem running the Metz on the rear and the Dunflop up front.

 

The word is out, Me880 is the way to go, our 2 sages have spoken. Thanks cHarley and Sportypig.

Sporty checked with the "M" man, the source, so is in the know on the 401 vs 404 issue. I'm "given to understand", with all which that implies, that the D404 is the metric equivalent of my stock D401 without the HD name on the side and with a couple of extra sipes to help with wet conditions. Same tread design and rubber compound - and $70 less at the motorcyclesuperstore.com than the stealership is asking for the D401.

You'll be fine running the M880 with your current front D402. They're both bias ply tires.

I may try the Michelin just to see how they are as no one else has tried or is offering data about them. They are outstanding on my cages and have been for 30+ years. I'm just curious, will post their wear and traction info as things progress. Thanks for your replies gents - Snarv.

 

I guess it may depend on the model, but FWIW, a riding buddy of mine just took off a Michelin that he bought to try out. He wasn't impressed with the mileage or handling and says he won't be doing Michelin again. I don't know what model it was but it wasn't cheap.