After 10000 miles on Dunlops...& having read the opinions of the Metzelers....I'm not overly impressed with the Dunlops and can't wait to try out the Metzeler 880's that are mounted on RC Component Assasins shortly after the new RG arrives!

 

Ok, to answer your question, you will have no problems putting a Mez 880 on the back.
After reading pages of tire threads, this is what I came up with.
Stock Dunlop, good tire, good wear when taken care of, average.
Metzler 880, good performance/handling (doesn't follow grooves), average to below average wear, looks great
Dunlop E3, fairly new (needs morereview time), average to above average tire wear, decent looks, decent handler (doesn't follow grooves), decent looks (seems Goldwingers like them)

 

For the average rider the Metz rear with the Dunlop front is not a problem. If you run hard in the turns, I would change them both. The Metzlers stick better than the dunnies and I definitely want to feel that little slip in the rear first. Not in the front. Also the metz tires, usually a 140/90 replacing the MU85 Dunnie are larger in diameterwhich changesthe handling of the bike somewhat as well. A little larger diameter in front is hardly noticable, but with the larger and stickier metz in the rear, if you ridethe turns hard or on wet pavement it will be noticable. And usually not in a good way. Run the speed limits or close, then no problem. If you like running at the edge, change them both.

One more thing to remember. The recommended inflation for the metz tires are much higher than the dunlops. I believe 44 on heavy touring bikes and up from there fully loaded to 48. Look at their charts on the website. The higher numbers are due to different belt materials than most manufactures and most dealers (especially Harley) aren't aware of factory metz recommendations so you get the bike back from the dealer way underinflated. Usually 36-40 lbs. Check it and follow tire manufacturer guidelines pretty close. They spent a lot of time a money coming up with those recommendations.http://www.us.metzelermoto.com/web/p...s/default.page

Recommended Minimum Tire Pressures (PSI)

Touring/Cruiser

ME880
Solo
2 Up Light
2 Up Heavy

Front
38-40
40-42
40-42

Rear
44-46
46-48
46-48