Tire question

[XL883]

Some have said that the ME880 is an excellent tire. What I would like to know...is the 880 a better "quality" tire than the OEM Dunlop 401F I have on my '03 now (still orig. tires with 5400kms on them)? When it comes time to change tires which way should I go? My riding is mainly city and short weekend backroads rides. Tks.

[avnsteve]

it's SOOOOO hard to say which is the "best" tire. it's like the oil argument. there are many that are VERY passionate about the rubber they roll on, so, hang in there, one the passionate ones should chime in shortly.

[Moved On / My Own Choice]

Metzlers have improved the handling of every Harley (and a few other brands) that I've put them on.

Wear quality was usually equal to or better than the Dungflops in my experience, but I always used the ME 88 Marathons, and not usually ME 880s (not sure how similar they are).

Personally I wouldn't put another Dungflop on a Harley unless I had no other choice.

K

[csgant]

I agree, I'll never buy another Dunlop tire. I put Avon Venoms on the Sporty, have about 4K on them and they're great. The handling difference is like night and day. They apparently don't wear as well as the Dunlops, but that's a small price to pay for the improved handling.

[Shu]

For the type of riding you described, the Dunlops are fine. Dunlops get a bad rap because they are stock and so many think that anything stock sucks LOL. Anyway, Dunlops provide good all around performance (wet, dry, wear, puncture resistance, handling). I think the ME880's provide similar all around performance as the Dunlops with maybe a little better handling and a little less wear. Have you been happy with the Dunlops?

[Lone Wolf in Canada]

I've got 21,500 km's on my 05 custom. I do all highway riding through rolling country- sides. My original Dunlops have held up really well even in heavy rain. There's still tread on them and they grip the road good. But I think I'll try the Metzeler 880's next to compare the two brands. I'm going to wait until next Americade and buy them down in the States.

[cantolina]

Harleys are tested and specified with Dunlop....

Maybe its because there's a Dunlop manufacturing plant here in Buffalo, but I swear by my 402's....long lasting tire, and good in all weather...

I really can't comment on the other brands, as I won't really consider them....never used them.....my understanding is that the 880's are "stickier", but I have no personal knowledge...

Even on the bikes I service and repair, its almost always Dunlops and the occasional Venom......

401's kinda suck, but the 402's have been a staple for me since I've owned a Harley.....

[cwissler]

I run the 880's and I am sold on them. One thing I haven't seen anyone else mention is the deep tread depth the metzler's have, alot more than the dun-lappeds. But I believe them to be softer, and this results in the same tire life for me. I like the deep treads, makes feel better when it rains. But like was said before, most here are sold on what ever they are running after trying the others. If you do go metzler, be aware they run a higher air pressure 38-42 psi on the front,44-50 rear. Most HD techs will send you on your way with dunlop 32, they have every time I've had them mount 'em.

[Navigator]

Stock Dunlop tires are like Flinstone tires compared to Metz.

[jwbradbury]

I've found it's best to talk with your tire guys about the type of riding you usually do. They can help with the decision process.

I like to ride through the twisties of our local mountains, so my indy put the 401 on the front since it gives a little better traction as I'm going through the turns. But he suggested the 402 for the rear tire since it allows the same type of "bite" while providing a little deeper tread for longer freeway runs.

I've only had Dunlops, so I can help with the other brands.

- - - Ride safe... With fists in the wind....

J.W.