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[Big C.]

  Can we use metzler's 880 200 rear and 140 front and what tire brand and sizes perform and work the best with this bike.

[North Star]

The only problem with going with anything other than the OEM Dunlops is that you wont be getting biased ply tires, and they will have a lower load rating. The only matching tires that are the exact same size are the Avon Cobras, but they are radials and the rear is a lower load rating.

[gordy]

Someone here runs the 200 Avon on the rear but it really should be on a 5.5 or 6" rim.  I run the 180 Cobra on the rear and a 130 on the front-both radial ply.  Don't get the life out of them because they are softer but they do stick to the road.

[North Star]

Someone here runs the 200 Avon on the rear but it really should be on a 5.5 or 6" rim.  I run the 180 Cobra on the rear and a 130 on the front-both radial ply.  Don't get the life out of them because they are softer but they do stick to the road.

Gordy, don't you have any concerns with the lowered load rating? Do you ride 2 up much loaded down?

[GregKhougaz]

I am by no means a tire expert nor mechanic so I googled "bias ply v. radial motorcycle tires."  Found this on the Dulop web site in the q & a section:

Can I change my tires from bias ply to radial or vice versa?
 
Bias and radial tires have significantly different dynamic properties. They deflect differently, create different cornering forces, have different damping characteristics, as well as other differences. In order for radial tires to be introduced into the two-wheel market, it was necessary to change certain characteristics of the motorcycle. The introduction of the radial tire led to such things as modified frames, new steering geometries and suspensions. Therefore, it is recommended that a motorcycle be used with the type of tire construction that it came with originally. If a change is to be made, then it should only be done if the motorcycle or tire manufacturer has approved the change. Above all, do not mix bias ply and radial tires on the same motorcycle unless it is with the approval of the motorcycle or tire manufacturer.