I had 16K on the stock tires when i put the new rims and cobras on, I'm sure the mileage wont be as good but we shall see!!

 

most radials dont have a high enough load rating for baggers.

 

While I haven't tried radials on my Harley, I have gone from bias to radials on other bikes and didn't see any increase in MPG, performance, longevity, or ride quality, so the big jump in cost wasn't justifiable.
That's just my experience and YMMV...

 

Bias ply tires absorb bumps better which is helpful in making the suspension feel more compliant in a bike with limited suspension (<4 in). Low travel suspension requires making the springing much stiffer than other wise. Radials have less lateral wiggle which makes them feel more precise on the road and improves handling. It's a case of ride vs handling.

 

I ride an 09 EG and currently have an e3 radial on the rear. This tire has 8500 miles on it and is right now half used up, believe me or not. True it is a little wider than stock and yes the load rating is not as great but I never come close to the GVWR anyway. The cost was only pennies higher than the e3 bias when I bought it at Jake Wilson last year. I cant tell any difference in ride but it does have a little more road noise than the stock Dunlop. I am looking at 17000 miles on this tire if all things stay the same, compared to 9700 miles on the stock Dunlop.

 

Those are very good tires. I had them on my Yamaha Roadliner and will be putting them on my 11 Limited when it needs them.

 

I ran a Venom X on my 07 and it was smooth, so was the Pirelli Night Dragon...the problem was longevity....5000-6000 miles just ain't enough...I am on a Commander now and i like it pretty good.

 

Interesting. What size E3 radial do you use on your 09?