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[grrr]

I have to replace my rear tire on my 08 fxstsse2. Any suggestions. The radial is expensive, but a Dunlop D407 200/55 17 is a lot less. Will a bias effect my handling? I don't ride hard or fast. Has anyone used any other brands?

[tjp]

I replaced my front and rear with Avon Cobras (AV72 rear and AV71 front). 

I am not an overly aggressive rider, but the Avon Cobras feel like they have better stick, and they have a better looking tread pattern, and the tread seems to be lasting longer.  I only got 7,500 miles out of the original Dunlops.  3,000 so far on the Avons and they look brand new.

[TheDangleShow]

I replaced my front and rear with Avon Cobras (AV72 rear and AV71 front). 

I am not an overly aggressive rider, but the Avon Cobras feel like they have better stick, and they have a better looking tread pattern, and the tread seems to be lasting longer.  I only got 7,500 miles out of the original Dunlops.  3,000 so far on the Avons and they look brand new.

I replaced mine at 7500 as well and they were well overdue. Put Metzelers on for the last 5000 and they appear to be about the same. Trying Avons next time.

[shortdog]

The wife and I both ride '08 Springers. We switched to the Dunlop 408 for the front and stayed with 407 for the rear. Over 20k on fronts and 12k/16k on rears. Why change?

[Wild Card]

The wife and I both ride '08 Springers. We switched to the Dunlop 408 for the front and stayed with 407 for the rear. Over 20k on fronts and 12k/16k on rears. Why change?

Agree.  Stuck with the Dunlops.  From what I've read and heard (including speaking with a Metzler rep) the Dunlop is going to hold up the longest.  However, the Avon and Metzler are a softer rubber so you'll have slightly better handling and traction in rain.  I've never found my Dunlop to be inadequate in either situation so I stuck with them. 

[Angry Pirate]

I run the Dunlop Elite 3 (E-3).  Triple the mileage of the stock "HD" Dunlop and I have no complaints about traction after riding in a wet climate like Western Washington.  Just ordered another rear 240" off of J&P for way cheaper than the dealer priced stock tire.  Stock rear made it to 6,000 miles.  The replacement E-3 took me all the way to 19,500 miles.  Front stock cupped and vibrated at 7,000.  Replacement E-3 grips like a champ and wears even.

AP

[ice6900]

The Harley Dunlops will give you the best mileage over any other brand but at the expense of traction, if you not happy in the wet then I suggest you change to the Avon tyres, I am very happy with mine. They seem to be holding up better than the Metzlers I have on my other bike.

[dlaws01]

I wasn't very happy with the Dunlops that came on the springer from the factory. Especially after they started cupping out on me after only 5k miles.  Went with the Avon cobras and haven't looked back yet. Very happy with them.

[Wild Card]

I wasn't very happy with the Dunlops that came on the springer from the factory. Especially after they started cupping out on me after only 5k miles.  Went with the Avon cobras and haven't looked back yet. Very happy with them.

The cupping issue with the front tires on the 08 & 09 models was a Dunlop defect.  Unfortunately, it was only covered by warranty for the touring models that had that front tire; we got screwed.  I've got the new model Dunlop on the front and it's been great so far. 

[dlaws01]

The cupping issue with the front tires on the 08 & 09 models was a Dunlop defect.  Unfortunately, it was only covered by warranty for the touring models that had that front tire; we got screwed. 



The biggest problem is that it seems that I'm always included in the "we got screwed" category when it comes to H-D.  Oh well.  It only makes me broaden my considerations about what my next bike will be.

[Zinister]

My front was replaced by HD. I have switched to Avon as well and wont go back to Dunlop!!!!

[grrr]

Wow some off you guys are getting big miles out off your tires. I only have 4500miles on mine. The middle got worn down on mine. The rest of my tire looks new. I ended up getting the stock replacement because I needed it to get inspected. The next set will be different. It took me 5 years to get to 4500miles, so I should be good for years. Thanks.

[Angry Pirate]

The Harley Dunlops will give you the best mileage over any other brand but at the expense of traction, if you not happy in the wet then I suggest you change to the Avon tyres, I am very happy with mine. They seem to be holding up better than the Metzlers I have on my other bike.

Not what I have seen.  I got 5500 on my stock HD labeled Dunlop rear.  I got 14000ish on my Dunlop Elite 3 rear.  I got 8000 miles then terrible cupping on the front stocker, and still working on 12000 on the Dunlop Elite 3.  Not even the same tire.  Traction was extremely improved as well.  I will not buy the stock tires.  When I buy a new RG the tires will not even leave the dealership on the bike.

AP

[slimdude]

How do the Avon Cobras look on the bike? The sidewall looks a little weird in the pics I've seen online.
I've got a 21 front and 200 rear.

[dlaws01]

Avon cobras have a very aggressive tread pattern that looks wicked on the springer. The side wall is molded in a snakeskin pattern that looks great too, IMHO.