Alright, I've never liked Dunlops. Too soft, handle like crap, wet or dry, wear too fast, etc. What are you touring guys running. My personal favorite are Shinko, and I'll throw a set on when these are past it if I don't find a better alternative.

 

And they slide easy. Pulled a set off with less than 500 miles on them, crappiest tires I ever rode on. I'm using Avons on the Harleys, Bridgestones on a couple others, probably a lot of other tires that are good, too. I don't mind fast wearing tires if they're sticky on the road - Avons sure are. No wobbles on concrete cracks and tar snakes, either. I haven't ridden the newer Dunlop Elites, but won't experiment when Avons work so well; tires are expensive to throw away when you don't like the handling.

I've seen some good comments on Shinkos on this forum, think I'd try them before buying Dunlops. Some folks like Dunlop because it's an American company, but my daughter's bike is in my garage right now, getting new tires for it, and the back tire is a Dunlop with "made in France" on it. Replacements won't be French or Dunlop.

 

Glad I'm not the only one. I like Avons. Had a set on one of my other bikes. They do handle nicely but are pricey. Those and Pirelli. The Shinkoa handle just as good and last a little longer.

 

Well, every tire brand has its fans. And every tire brand has its haters.

However, based on the threads I've been reading over the last year, the Michelin Commander II tire seems to be the most popular. The most common opinion I've seen is this one: "I'll never own another tire".

YMMV.

 

Another Avon fan here. I've been using them on my Harleys since the '70s and always go back to them after I try another brand. Unfortunately many Harley owners seem to be fixated on getting high mileage, which distracts some brands from their core values. I'm happy with the Metzeler Z8s on my Buell, used their tyres for years on my MZ strokers, but wouldn't buy their dresser tyres for my Glide.

 

I've heard good things about Michelin and Metzler, but again, just not wanting to shell out that kind of money. I want good grip, handling and decent longevity for the price I'm paying. I don't do 10,000 miles a year, because of where I live, but I may want to go on a few thousand mile journey a couple times a year.

 

We highly recommend the Metzeler or Avon tires, we sell tons of wheel packages and 99% of the time we throw these in there. Customers are always satisfied!!!

 

I've never had an issue with Dunlops but I don't ride all that aggressively. However, come new tire time I generally go with Metzler, they seem to me to have a little better grip.

 

I figured this thread would be like an oil thread. Everyone had their own personal preference and reason they use what they use. I was just wondering if anyone could give me a recommendation on what tires handle particularly well for this style bike. First large cruiser/touring bike I've owned. Kinda looking for someone who's put a lot of miles on one.

 

We've already told you that - Avons! There are other brands that members like and all the popular ones have been mentioned above. Take a pin, close your eyes.......