One thing you need to make note of, the '09 tires cannot be used to estimate mileage on the previous years tires. The '09 tire has a dual compound tread that should significantly increase mileage (harder compound in the center, softer compound on the sides for cornering traction) compared to previous editions.
Tire mileage with the stock Dunlops is very dependent on how you ride. If you ride two up and fully loaded most of the time, mileage will suffer. If you ride at warp speed on a regular basis, mileage will suffer. And if you don't religiously maintain proper air pressure, mileage will suffer. I ride pretty conservatively and my original rear tire went more than 11k before I changed it with still more available before the tread wear indicators would have shown. The replacement has about 8k on it, and it looks like it will outdo the original if I don't swap it out early. The front still has plenty of tread and isn't showing any flat spotting or other issues. It will be changed out when the next rear is changed, regardless of tread condition.
It has been my experience there is no magic tire formula that sticks like glue and wears like iron at the same time. When you go with a performance tire like the Avon, you get better grip but you lose mileage. Many of the Metzler's tend to fall somewhere in the middle, better wear than the Avon's but less grip, and better grip than the Dunlop's but less mileage. Pick your poison, and if you don't like the results just ride awhile and you'll have the opportunity to try something different next time. That's the only silver lining I can think of, motorcycle tires wear out so quickly compared to car or truck tires that if we make a bad purchasing decision it isn't long before we get another chance to try something else.
Jerry
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Topic: What tires? (Read 3945 times)