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[styrsnake]

I am looking at putting new tires on my 08 Springer and was looking for some opinions.  I called two different dealers and both of them recommended a Dunlap 408 for the front and a Dunlap 205 for the rear.  I asked them why they would put two different tire models on the bike and they said that Harley isn't stocking the D407 rear tire and the D205 is what they are recommending.  I understand that the 408 is the new 407 for the front, but don't know anything about the D205.  Has anyone had the 205's put on their bike, are they as good as the 407's?  Has anyone else had the dealer replace their tires and if so, what type of tire did they put on?
Thanks,
Steve

[Ed45]

Last summer I put Avon Cobras on my '06 FX Springer and I really like them. Ed

[GregKhougaz]

Steve, I've had some issues with dealers "mixing" Dunlop tire series.  See here:  New SERG Front Tire " Warranty" Replacement  Dunlop says emphatically, "Don't!"

I doubt very much that Dunlop would agree with these dealers.  Maybe I missed it but I looked at Dunlop's web site and could not even find a "D205."   Here is Dunlops HD Tire Series.  There's nothing about a D205.  You can e mail Dunlop via their website to get their recommendation.  Worked for me. 

[grc]

The D205 isn't in the Harley branded lineup, but it is a legitimate Dunlop model.  Look under "O.E. Replacements, Radials" on the Dunlop site.


Jerry

[grc]

I agree with Greg; check directly with Dunlop for tire recommendations and compatibility.  I would trust the typical dealership employee about as far as I could throw them when it comes to recommendations affecting safety, handling, etc.  This is when you should go directly to the horse's mouth, not the other end.

Jerry

[styrsnake]

Thanks everyone for the help.  I called the dealer back today after reading Gregs link about tires.  They are going to order the 408f for the front due to them not having it in stock.  As for the rear again they told me the part number was 43242-06a and was the Dunlap D205 rear.  They said they had it in stock and I asked them if they would go in the back to see what model number is on the tire.  When he came back he said it was a Dunlap D407.  I went to Harley Davidson. com and typed in the part number and it lists that part as the D205, so I guess this is where he was getting the model number.  Anyways I bought the 407 rear and ordered the 408 front so they should be good to go.  I only got about 8500 miles on the original tires and even though it seems kind of low to me, I liked the way the tires rode.  The parts guy also gave me 15% off of the tires for the hassle, can't beat that, 168 for the front and 169 for the rear.
Thanks again for the help.
Steve