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[baddog652]

I need a consensus on tire life. I run D402's on my '05 Ultra and my wife's '03 Heritage and need to know at what tread depth you all are replacing them. We ride one up if it makes a difference. I'm getting ready for a 2,500 mile round tripper to the NC mountains and want the tires to be adequate. Dunlop says to replace at 1/32, the dealer says 2/32 and a repair shop I use says 4/32. What say you?

[grc]

I need a consensus on tire life. I run D402's on my '05 Ultra and my wife's '03 Heritage and need to know at what tread depth you all are replacing them. We ride one up if it makes a difference. I'm getting ready for a 2,500 mile round tripper to the NC mountains and want the tires to be adequate. Dunlop says to replace at 1/32, the dealer says 2/32 and a repair shop I use says 4/32. What say you?

Running D402's on my SEEG, I get 10-11k on the rear tire and 20k+ on the front, while not going below 3/32".  Mostly one up, mostly sane speeds (less than 80 mph).  Next change I plan on trying the E3 Dunlops, better tread pattern that shouldn't track rain grooves and other road variations as much as the D402's do.

I personally believe the 1/32" spec is meant to make tire life look better than it is, and it should not be taken seriously.  Sure, if you never ride in the wet you don't necessarily need tread, but unless your crystal ball is much better than mine it's pretty hard to guarantee you'll never get caught in the rain.  I use 1/16" as my personal absolute minimum, and normally change at 3/32".  I would want considerably more than that if I were heading out on a long trip.  JMHO.

Jerry

[smkymtnboy]

listen to jerry error on the safe side. your life may depend on it!

[mr_magoo]

Never question it replace it.

[DICKW]

When in doubt replace them, I don't want to say the rear is more important then the front but that is your drive tire.
I used to get 7500-10,000 on my rear and 20,000 out of the front. But if you have any sort of dry rot and are questioning the tires ability to perform while your away......Just get them done you will enjoy the trip more.


The jury is still out on my 09 I have 12,000 on the tires, front looks fine....the rear is just a little flat but that is normal and there is plenty of tread.
I have to tell you though I am thinking about changing the rear before MV 09 just because. My tires on the 06 were about 165.00 no big deal your life does depend on them.

I know the rear tire on the 09 increased to about 210.00 still.....safety first!

[Hoist!]

Below 3/32" fails inspection in NY anyway. I'd NEVER let a bike tire go to 1/32"! Did ya ever have a blowout on a bike? Well you DON'T WANT TO EVER EXPERIENCE IT! Don't ask me how I know what it's like!

Hoist!

[Cvostu]

I need a back tire really soon. Are the Elite 3's any good? I have the D402 tires on all the time. Thinking about trying somthing new. Are the 402's radials?  I don't think the Elites are and does it matter?  Thanks for the help.

[grc]

I need a back tire really soon. Are the Elite 3's any good? I have the D402 tires on all the time. Thinking about trying somthing new. Are the 402's radials?  I domt think the Elites are and does it matter?  Thanks for the help.

The stock 402's are belted bias tires.  The E3's come both ways, belted bias and radial, but you would want to stick with the belted bias.  Sizes and part numbers below:

Front:  MT90B16  72H   Dunlop part # 4079-90
Rear:   MU90B16  78H   Dunlop part # 4079-95

Jerry

[Cvostu]

Got a question. Why not go for radials?

[grc]

You could do radials I suppose, but the E3 radials don't come in sizes to readily fit a SEEG.  Follow the link for available sizes:
http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tirecatalog_tire.asp?id=91

Jerry

[Cvostu]

Thanks Jerry. Have you any experience with the Elites? Do they last as long or better and how are they in the rain?  Thanks.

[REGGAB]

Tires.  There's two things on my machines with which I will not gamble.  Mileage received from a tire takes a back seat to condition.  When measured from the wear indicator(s), if the top of Lincoln's head shows, the tire gets changed.

Michelin Commanders on both of my machines.  Great tires.

[timo482]

i had a rear tire blowout in 06

i hope it was my first and last time

now i change tires as soon as i can tell they are worn - get too nervous

to

[Cvostu]

can't blame you there...  I had a rear tire go flat on me at 50 mph...  no fun at all.  Someone in a firetruck was behind me and watched the whole thing happen.  I was able to bring the bike to the edge of the higway (with my BSR on board of course) and got a "that was amazing" reply back from my follower. Don't want to do that ever again.

[GOMO]

I averaged around 9k on the rear and just changed the front at 26K  - that's with the stock Dunlops. I am trying the Metzlers this time around to see how they work out, so far they feel good. I haven't had much of a chance to see how they handle the wet weather yet.