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[kojack]

Is there any difference in the D402 you buy from the H-D dealer and the D402 you buy from places like J&P?

I have a couple of people saying there is differences and I don't believe it.  The tire is the same as far as I am concerned and the dealership is charging 296.00 for the tire alone and I can get them for 107 from one supplier chain in Canada.

[grc]

Is there any difference in the D402 you buy from the H-D dealer and the D402 you buy from places like J&P?

I have a couple of people saying there is differences and I don't believe it.  The tire is the same as far as I am concerned and the dealership is charging 296.00 for the tire alone and I can get them for 107 from one supplier chain in Canada.

The one from the dealer is probably branded Harley-Davidson, and of course the one from J&P is branded Dunlop.  But be very careful to compare apples to apples when buying tires, and make certain the tire you're looking at online is the right size and load rating (and isn't ten year old stuff from the back of the warehouse).

You can look up the specs and the Dunlop part number for the tire on the Dunlop site.

http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tire-catalog/harley-davidson/dunlop-harley-davidson-tire-series/d402/

Jerry

Btw, the Harley catalog MSRP for a D402 16 inch rear is 212 USD.

http://www.harley-davidson.com/store/dunlop-16-rear---d402-mu85b16-pa-17-43200001--1

[Chief2505]

I get my tires from JC WHitney. Just got a rear for my 13 Ultra SE and it says Harley Davidson right on it and was $150 bucks cheaper than the dealer.

[kojack]

The one from J&P is branded HD too.

[T-Hawk]

I don't know how much of what I've heard over the years is true, but here goes.

Factory installed 'Best'... same exact tire, Harley branded 'Better'... same exact tire, Dunlop branded 'Good'.

The only real difference I ever noticed was changing from Factory to aftermarket... and even then only by a couple thousand miles.

I switched to the Metzler M880's as aside from handling, didn't get that much of improved mileage.

I switched to the Michelin Commander 2, and not only gained improved handling, but have gained, IMO, significant mileage.

On these 'hard-on-tires' roads in Alaska... and my riding habits, I've averaged 7,000 to 9,000 on the Factories and Metzlers.  Since I installed the Commander 2s, I'm currently sitting at 9,000 and have about another 2,000 or so to go before I hit the magic Lincoln Head.

Not a significant number for some, but if I was in the Lower 48, my mileage would be close to some of yours... in the 14,000 to 18,000 range I would hope.  I do remember getting 26,000 out of a set of Dunlop GT Qualifiers on my little Kawi 750 back in the day, but those days a long gone.

[efrbc1]

IMO the only difference is the price you will pay.  I have always run Metzeler tires and always bought them online - and often on sale.  I have always pulled my wheels and taken them to a dealer for mounting and balancing as they "guarantee" they won't scratch my Thunderstars.  Recently put a set of ME888 on and love them.  Metzeler finally made a size that will fit my RK so I ordered a set.  Took the wheels to the dealer (same one for 6 years) and was told that because I did not buy the tires from them they would not mount them.

NOT HAPPY.  Was told the their insurance would not allow them to install parts (any) that were not purchased from their dealership.  He cited the concern of "10 year old tires" to which I reminded him that all tires have a "born on date".  Tried everything but in the end they lost my business.  What got my attention was that they used an example of purchasing OEM parts from another dealer who often has weekend specials.  What really pissed me off was the fact that they would not assist me to find an Indy who would mount them - even though the owner referenced the fact that were several of them who brought them tires/wheels for balancing.  He suddenly could not remember any of their names.

Metzler tires are imported by Parts Unlimted.  I have gotten them from several online sources and seen them in dealerships.  They ALL have Parts Unlimited stickers on them.  The ones in the dealerships are usually $100 to $150 more.

Found an Indy and got them mounted - no scratches and cheaper than the dealership.  Still trying to figure out how they think this will benefit their business............

Chris

 

[Rooster]

As a business owner I personally would rather get a little money for a service than no money at all. Because the next time might be a bigger job but if you let them walk you don't get a next time. As Hubbard says there endeth the lesson.

[Chief2505]

The "we will not install parts we do not sale" must be a Harley thing because I have seen that sign in a lot of dealerships.

I go to an Indy for all of my work now or do it myself unless it is a warranty issue. Then I am forced to go to a dealer somewhere.

[kojack]

I am going to be an indy soon.  I would never turn away any business.  dealers have a complex sometimes.  hell, I had a dealer who would not do work on parts I did buy there. 

[Dead_Reckoning]

The one from the dealer is probably branded Harley-Davidson, and of course the one from J&P is branded Dunlop.  But be very careful to compare apples to apples when buying tires, and make certain the tire you're looking at online is the right size and load rating (and isn't ten year old stuff from the back of the warehouse).

You can look up the specs and the Dunlop part number for the tire on the Dunlop site.

http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tire-catalog/harley-davidson/dunlop-harley-davidson-tire-series/d402/

Jerry

Btw, the Harley catalog MSRP for a D402 16 inch rear is 212 USD.

http://www.harley-davidson.com/store/dunlop-16-rear---d402-mu85b16-pa-17-43200001--1

I have also heard that there can be a difference in the Country of Origin for the MFG, I belive they can be US Mfg or Indonesian MFG.

As far as dated, there is a box on each tire that shows the Week and year the tire was mfgd. If older than 5 years, send it back.
Example of tire date "2614" Mfgd 26th week of 2014.

In Maine the HD Dealers want $118 just to change a tire.
You can go to some and show them a print out of and online sale price and some will match that price. Frequently when you then buy the tire from them at the online price they will also give you a break on the tire change.