Tire Opinions Please : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

BDuncan · 01-05-2009, 08:03 PM

V Rod owners, I would appreciate your opinions on rear tire brand. I use the standard V Rod size tire (180/55/18) on my '02 Duece with a 5.5 x 18 custom wheel. I am about to replace a Metzler ME880 but would consider other tires. I am not unhappy with the overall mileage (about 6000) but my Metzler rear tire wore very badly on both sides of about a 2" wide center section. Some of this wear could have been due to under-inflation at some point.
When I first went with this tire and wheel, most forum posters using a 180 or 200 tire were split between Metzler and Avon, with Metzler said to handle far better than the stock Deuce Dunlop.
One of the leading MC tire suppliers recently suggested I try Dunlop D207 or Bridgestone. I also have a Metzler on the front so that's a little incentive to stay with Metzler. These days, I ride very easy, mostly country roads, always solo and almost never on interstates or higher speed - way too old to go to fast or too far.
I'd very much appreciate any tire opinions or experiences.

1hagop · 01-07-2009, 07:36 PM

I have a metzler and love it, sorry to hear about your bad luck. When I switched tire I went with a 200, I do know that if you use Avon that the size is a 205.
The change from Dumflop to Meztler was like night and day.

TonyJ · 01-07-2009, 08:31 PM

Does Avon make any in your size. I have nothing but good luck out of Avon,

BDuncan · 01-10-2009, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyJ

Does Avon make any in your size. I have nothing but good luck out of Avon,

Avon does have this same size but I have read that Avon are the softest compound (quickest wearing) on this type/size tire??

chriscalabro · 01-10-2009, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1hagop

I have a metzler and love it, sorry to hear about your bad luck. When I switched tire I went with a 200, I do know that if you use Avon that the size is a 205.
The change from Dumflop to Meztler was like night and day.

no question about the improvement

CRAZY_TRAIN · 01-12-2009, 05:53 PM

metzeler all day long

fatbob · 01-13-2009, 08:16 AM

I'm running one size over rear (160) ME880 Metzlers on a Super Glide with about 12,000 miles on the rear and probably about 1k left on the tire. I've never gotten over 9-10K on any tire before. No complaint about the handling. Because of the soft sidewalls, Metzler needs a little higher pressure than most, that might be your wear problem.

hankbron · 02-19-2009, 04:58 PM

The Metz which I use are great and have also heard the Avon's are great to. Hank

Hugh_Jass · 02-19-2009, 11:51 PM

I can't say much really since I have low miles and little experience with tires at this point, but I think the elite 3 that came stock on my "F" is a really nice tire, exceptional traction and great handling, even with the rod's.

nacnud67 · 02-24-2009, 06:17 AM

Had good luck w/ Dunlop Elite 3. If it isnt broke dont fix it. Went with same tire as came stock. Dave

Chillichugger · 02-27-2009, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BDuncan

Avon does have this same size but I have read that Avon are the softest compound (quickest wearing) on this type/size tire??

It is a softer compound, but avons last longer than the much harder dunflops in real world conditions. Why? because they aren't unintentionally spinning. Not to mention they are faster/safer.