Ready for a rear tire on my 07 FLHRC. Front tire is stock & still good. I wan't to go with a 150 80/16 Metzeler ME880. Do I need to replace the front as well? Someone suggested I would have handling problems if the front & rear did not have the same tread pattern, type. etc.

 

Many tire threads on here, and the search should reveal alot for you. Even though I personally have never mixed brands/types of tires, I've read over and over about guys that have, and have never had a problem. I know mfg's do not recommend it, but I'm not sure if there isn't some proprietary issues involved in those recommendations. You can check out the tire threads, and I'm sure you'll find plenty of interesting reading.

 

I've done the same research because I'm ready to replace my rear tire. The concensus is that it does not matter if you mix brands. I have yet to hear a story where mixing of tire brands/compounds caused a real problem. I too believe it's a manufacturer recommendation essentially to get you to buy two tires at a time.

I'm putting an Avon Venom on the rear and keeping my stock Dunlop front for one more season.

 

That's what I thought. I'll try the new rear wider from stock & go from there.

 

I've mixed tire brands over the years. Never gave it a thought. Never had a problem.

 

+1. I'm doing that exact thing now. Metzeler 880 on the back and the stock Dunlop on the front. Will prob go both Metzeler when it's time for a front & back (hoping both will be ready for a change at the same time as I have a set of chrome 9 spokes waiting to go on...)

 

Just swapped to elite 3 black walls on the rk, do not know if a 402 and a 3 (or metzler) would have compatibility issues, but I decided not to risk it. I only got about 8700 from the stocker. Of course you know the most economical option would be to buy stock rear and swap them both when that wears out.

I bought 2 E3 online and had the local shop M&B for 310 out the door.

Good luck!

 

If I'm sticking with the current brand I'll replace just what's needed. But if I want to go with a new brand and my other tire is well used anyhow I usually swap out both because I love the handling of a bike with new rubber.

 

If the tire pattern is a big deal to you get a D401 150/80/16. It's wider and retains that HD logo and all on the side. It will fit your bike and it's a Nice tire.

I went and got the Dunlop E3s. Better tire pattern and wear rate but the rear tire ended up pretty narrow. I got a 160/80/16 and it's as narrow as the stock D402. Tricked!!

lp

 

This is good to know due to I changed out to Metzeler 880's on the 07 EGC I never thought about leaving the front one on, just changed them both out. I really liked the Metz 880 really soft tire only got about 9,000 miles out of the back.

Now that I have the 09 Ultra if I change out I might do that.