Dunlop/H-D's new D407 rea...
Dunlop/H-D's new D407 rear.
Dunlop/Harley-Davidson
Since 1984, Dunlop tires have been Original Equipment on all Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Dunlop is recognized as a world-leader in motorcycle tire design, engineering, and manufacturing excellence. Harley-Davidson encourages the use of H-D approved tires. In addition to Dunlop, Harley-Davidson also has tested and certified a select group of tires from Michelin and from our Screamin' Eagle Performance line. Using non-approved tires or mixing approved tires from different manufacturers on the same motorcycle can adversely affect stability; we encourage customers to locate a Harley-Davidson dealer for information on what tires are best for your Harley.
HB: What's your newest tire offering(s) for the H-D/custom V-Twin market? What type rider is this tire directed toward?
The newest tires are the D407F/D408F front tire and D407 rear tire for the FL Touring models and select Softails, and CVO bikes. The tire is directed at both Touring and Cruiser.
HB: Tell us about tread design. What's new? Benefits?
The new D407/D408 series is a Harley-Davidson/Dunlop co-branded tire that is exclusive to Harley-Davidson. It features a long-wearing compound in the center of the tire that runs cooler and provides long life, excellent handling, and traction. The outer edges of the tire feature a softer compound for better grip during cornering. The tire provides bold angled grooves for water evacuation on wet roads. The tire carcass is multi-layered, which adds strength and stability at high speeds and high lean angles.
HB: What about your tire compounds and/or tire structure? Anything new? Benefits?
True tire innovation benefits a wide range of riders, a fact proven with the Dunlop exclusive MT Multi-Tread technology. From the track-going Sportmax GP-A to the sport-touring Roadsmart and the new D407 for 2009 H-D touring models, Dunlop's MT Multi-Tread technology makes for a better ride. By locating a tough, cool-running and long-wearing compound in the center of the tread and flanking it with lateral grip compounds that enhance traction at higher lean angles, MT Multi-Tread technology tires carry riders in the future of motorcycling today. The MT rear tire incorporates a tough tread compound in the center that runs cooler to provide stability, excellent traction under braking and long life, and to each side is a section of lateral-grip compound that enhances traction at higher lean angles for great grip while cornering. A reinforced multi-layer tire carcass gives the tire maximum strength for long life and provides great handling at all speeds and lean angles and is developed and tested jointly by Dunlop and Harley-Davidson engineers in the lab and on the road.
HB: Do you have new tire sizes you are offering for H-D/custom V-Twins?
We have the new FL Touring 130/80B17 D407F/D408F, 180/65B16 D407, and for CVO's the 130/70B18 D407F/D408F and 180/55B18 D407.
HB: What would you say is your most popular tire for the H-D/custom V-Twin market?
The D402 series tire is our best-selling tire.
HB: Do you offer replacement tires for H-D Touring models? If so, what's the estimated mileage of these tires?
We have a full range of tires for Harley-Davidson and Buell products. We also carry a number of high-performance and custom whitewall tires for those who want a different look. We carry tires from Dunlop, Michelin and Pirelli.
Metzeler's ME880s on 16-inch...
Metzeler's ME880s on 16-inch H-D wheels.
Metzeler
Metzeler says "We are V-twin". V-twin enthusiasts looking to roll the avenues on rubber of respect choose Metzeler ME 880 tires, available in a billion sizes. Well, actually around 85 sizes, but that means there's a fitment for every V-twin on the street from skinny fronts to muscle rears. Metzeler has also been a V-twin trendsetter, hosting industry roundtables and custom contests, and driving custom style with an ever-growing line of specialty tires.
HB: What's your newest tire offering(s) for the H-D/custom V-Twin market? What type rider is this tire directed toward?
For the ME880 line we have the new 140/70-21 for custom bagger applications. And we recently introduced the New 160/70-17 D spec ME880 for Dynas and Deuces. We are also introducinga new 140/70-18 front, 150/70-18 rear, and a 150/80-16 rear later in 2009 that feature a new reinforced carcass design. The MH90-21 whitewall front is important to the old-school and bobber market as it can be matched with six different whitewall rears for the perfect custom in the eyes of the builder.We feel the ME880 rider is looking for stability, reliability, and mileage.
HB: Tell us about tread design. What's new? Benefits?
The ME880 has a high level of riding comfort due to the machine-specific optimized carcass construction as a result of reduced tread curvature in the center of the tire tread. Benefits include a larger contact patch when running straight, higher mileage, reduced rolling noise, and increased riding comfort. Convincing straight line stability is achieved due to specifically developed tread design for dedicated touring sizes. Reliable handling comes by using high-grip tread compound, while at the same time, providing high mileage due to increased tread depth. The tread pattern also provides confidence to the rider when riding over bridge gratings and grooved pavement
HB: What about tire your compounds and/or tire structure? Anything new? Benefits?
The ME880 has an advanced silica compound which reduces rolling resistance, while increasing performance. These advanced compounds improve grip while retaining good mileage. This advanced silica compound combined with the tread pattern significantly increases wet grip. The ME880 0-degree steel belting resists centrifugal growth and tire deformation, creating more stable contact patch, aiding traction, and extending the tire life.
HB: What would you say is your most popular tire for the H-D/custom V-Twin market?
The ME880s are typically most popular with OE replacement or Stage 1 (direct bolt-on with no frame/sheetmetal modifications) upgrades.
HB: Do you offer replacement tires for H-D Touring models? If so, what's the estimated mileage of these tires?
Yes with the ME880 line we have up to the 2008 touring models. 2009 touring bikes are currently being evaluated. Typically with OE replacement or Stage 1 ME880 upgrade tires, the riders tell us the mileage is equal toor better by up to 20 percent than the OE tires.But they like the easier handling, better wet performance due to compounds and tread patterns, and more confidence when riding over bridge gratings and grooved pavement, and anoutstanding difference that you can feel.