Metzlers or Dunlops?

[artyboy]

I need to get some new tires for my bike. It's a 92 Virago 750. Dunlop D404s have been the cheapest tire at every dealership that I've been to and they've all recommended them. They get bad reviews online, though. A buddy of mine highly recommends Metzler. The ME880 costs twice as much but gets good reviews. Do any of you have any suggestions?

[Schneiderman]

Metzelers are far superior, and the cost is justified as they tend to last longer than most other brands.

[Nitelord]

I've always gone with Metzler.

However, I'm thinking something really sticky this time around. :)

[Smoke]

they are both good, but the dunlop maybe softer rubber, maybe better for rain

[iamgumby]

My only complaint about Dunflops is that they did not last. They have great grip and are very predictable. Surprisingly they're not that good in the rain. I changed over to Avon Storms. They are a multi compound tire. They did last better than the Dunlops (back tire is down to the wear bars now and front...uhmmm); handle great in the rain and were not that much more expensive than the Dunlops. I'm considering either Perelli Multi Strada or Michellin Road Pilots for my next set.

[weezerfan84]

I have Perelli Diablo Strada tires are great. I have them on my 600 Bandit and they have worked like a charm. Took them out for a wide open run yesterday and they performed well on fresh paved ground and the nastiest uneven cracked asphalt that I could find. I was also riding on these cracked roads for about 20 miles. I've put almost 3k miles on them so far and I see myself reaching 7k no problem.

[Speedzter2000]

I had Metzelers on my Beemer. Never again. Price does not equal quality.
With that said, I bought the Bridgestone Spitfire, and after about 1,000 miles, I can say it was a very wise investment. The Metzelers squared off due to highway riding, but the Bridgestones are dual compound, so they will (hopefully) last longer. Who gets on there bike and does only twisties anyway??:cool:
Riding the Metzelers was downright scary. Spend the money if you like, but I got about 5,000 miles out of them, and I don't do burnout's and all that other nonsense.

[RonK]

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I got my Metzlers from Dennis Kirk (http://denniskirk.com/jsp/common/Frontpage.jsp) as they were the best price with free shipping and real fast service. On my RoadStar cruiser, they have been on for two months and 6,000 miles, plus, and haven't had any problems. Never failed me yet. I would buy them again.

RonK

[jesse v]

I had Metzelers on my Beemer. Never again. Price does not equal quality.
With that said, I bought the Bridgestone Spitfire, and after about 1,000 miles, I can say it was a very wise investment. The Metzelers squared off due to highway riding, but the Bridgestones are dual compound, so they will (hopefully) last longer. Who gets on there bike and does only twisties anyway??:cool:
Riding the Metzelers was downright scary. Spend the money if you like, but I got about 5,000 miles out of them, and I don't do burnout's and all that other nonsense.

Thanks for that info. I'm going to need tires for my Suzuki Marauder 800 probably middle of next summer, and was considering Metzlers or Bridgestones.

[RonK]

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Update: I have about 9,000 miles on my Metzelers now, and they are about half worn out--just guessing.

RonK

[primalmu]

I hated the D404 I had on the back of my GZ250. The Kenda Challenger that was on before was twice as nice at half the cost.

I just bought some Pirelli MT66 tires for my new bike. They get EXCELLENT reviews and you can't beat the price. If they have your size give 'em a try.

[aaronrkelly]

I need to get some new tires for my bike. It's a 92 Virago 750. Dunlop D404s have been the cheapest tire at every dealership that I've been to and they've all recommended them. They get bad reviews online, though. A buddy of mine highly recommends Metzler. The ME880 costs twice as much but gets good reviews. Do any of you have any suggestions?

Ive got the Dunlop D404s on my Kawasaki KZ1000........and I have the Metzler ME880s on my Yamaha VStar 650.

Ive gotten great service out of the D404s....probably have 7K miles or so on them and they have lots of tread left. They have never caused any handling issues and always stuck good and reacted just as I expected them to. Admittedly Im not an aggressive rider. I dont know about rain....the KZ is one of several bikes I own and it doesnt see rain unless I get stuck in it....which only happen once on a straight road for 10 mins.

The Metzler ME880s have about the same mileage on them and still look new...almost no wear. Again, a VStar 650 isnt powerful nor do I ride aggressive. No issues with that tire as well. The only reason I choose it was for looks, went with the wide white walls for my ghetto bobber project. They do look good.

I guess based on my experience and based on the bike your putting them on I would just grab the Dunlops.....mine cost me $200 for the pair mounted and balanced.....and I thought they were definitely worth that.

I have about $305 in my Metzlers mounted and balanced.

My grandpa has the Dunlops on his Sportster and hes had good luck with them as well.....but he also not an aggressive rider.