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[metalgrind]

Need to replace the tires on my 2008 FXSTSSE2. Looking for input as to which tire brand to go with Dunlop OEM or Avon Cobra Front and Rear Tires. Appreciate any input with regards to traction, braking, wet and dry handling and tread wear. Thanks! Metalgrind.

[08CVOSPRNGER]

You cant go wrong with the metzeler me 880. I just put one on my 08 springer. The ride and handling is so much better. I've run dunlops, metzeler, michleins on my bikes over the years. The metzelers have been the best over all tire. Due to mileage, handling, and size availablity. The michleins I ran on a 2001 springer. Great tire, would have went with them if the size was available.

[North Star]

Be sure to consider load rating. There are  no tires of the same size that have the same heavy load rating other than the OEM Dunlops.

[shortdog]

I have stayed with the Dunlops. The one change is on the front. Use the D408 replacement for the D407.

[tjp]

I replaced my tires a few weeks ago; Went with Avon Cobras, AV72 rear and AV71 front ; only have a hundred miles on them, in good conditions ; but they work great so far and have much better looking tread pattern than the stock HD Dunlops.

[MC88]

Im taking mine in tomorrow for the same Avon setup...

I looked at the Pirellis but the size for front was too big , I was reccomended the Avons from a friend and happy to be agetting away from Dunlops again.

[Cvostu]

I like the metzlers.   Just sayin. 

[metalgrind]

Thanks for providing the input, much appreciated! Decided to go with the Dunlops 408F / 407.

[MC88]

The Avons are light years ahead of the Dunlops ,  The difference is amasing and thats just riding home from the dealer on them .

[shortdog]

I had issues with my first two Dunlop 407 front tires. They cupped badly at 8 to 9 thousand miles. The 408 I just took off gave me 29,000 miles and just started to cup in the last 2,000. As for rear tires, again 407 I get any where from 14 to 16 thousand miles.
Why would I change?

[dlaws01]

Any more comments out there?  I'm shopping for new tires for my 08 and am weary of the Dunlops.  How are those Avons holding up now that you got some miles on them?

[tjp]

I have about 200 miles on my Avon's now, and it may just because they are new, but they seem to grab the road much better than the Dunlops; despite warning of new tires beeing slick for first 100-200 miles. 

I do not ride my bike that hard and my rear Dunlop was worn out at 6,000 miles (about ~2,500 from straight freeway driving).  If I can get at least that many miles out of the Avon's, I will be sticking with them from now on.

[dlaws01]

I think I will go with the avons on my 08. Did you have any balancing done or not? I'm thinking about using the Dynabeads or nothing at all because I'm not going to have any visible weights on the wheels. Does anyone know about the Dynabeads as far as how much and what size for front and for rear tires on the springer. A website would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[dlaws01]

tjp, did you have any fitment issues changing over to the Avons as compared with the Dunlops?  Areas like where the tire passes by the swing arm or near the belt? Did you get the Avons from the place that mounted them or did you order them over the Internet? And not to play 20 questions with you but could you post the part numbers or sizes front and rear of the tires you got?  Hey man, I really appreciate your input on the Avons and I will be glad to get rid of the Dunlops. I agree with you that they look much better with nicer tread pattern.

[tjp]

No fitment issues at all, plenty of clearance in all areas (even with swing arm bag/strap around the swing arm).  I bought them and had them mounted from a local shop in San Diego (Cycevisions).  I do not have any part numbers, but the model and sizes are:
Rear AV72 , 200 / 55 R17
Front AV71, 130 / 70 R18

So far I like them much better.

[dlaws01]

I went with the Avon Cobra set up on my 08.  Installed 1.5 oz. of dynabeads in front tire and 2.5 oz. in the rear.  Have put about 250 miles on them and lovin' it.  I can actually see clearly in my mirrors.  Ride is smooth and sure in the twisties and I'm pretty sure I've put pavement to every square inch of aggressive tread and have cut through the slick silicone skin.  I would recommend this set up to any one and every body that has seen the Avons on my bike love'em.

[ice6900]

I have just had the Avon Cobra tyres fitted last week, so I test rode them over Klausen mountain pass today, I have alot more confidence in the grip and handling when compared to the stock HD Dunlop.

The long footpegs are my excuse for the "chicken lines" unused tread at each side of the tyre, I have been working on this issue, after todays ride the left foot pegs is somewhat shorter lol