It just so happens that today I ran across a little note to myself on my work computer regarding the two tire changes I did last summer. I had completely forgotten that I wrote this info down, but there it was in a little-used stickies file.
I installed Dunlop 404s in late May 2005, just before the Brown County GS rally at 62,200 miles. A few weeks later, after the North Carolina GS rally, they were totally roached after 2,700 miles, and were replaced with Dunlop K491 Elites the first week of July at 64,900 miles. They had fantastic grip in all weather, but didn't last too long.
It's April 26, 2006, and the bike just turned 72,000 miles today. Here's a photo I just took a minute ago of the rear tire on my GS850G after 7,000 wild and wooly miles:
You can tell they have some miles and wear, but the profile is still nice and round, with plenty of tread depth left. Those damn tire nubbins at the edges are battered and bruised, but I haven't managed to quite wear them all off yet. (I live in the middle of Indiana -- I have to ride an hour just to get to some curves.) No embarrassing chicken strips, anyway.
Basically, I am mightily impressed by the Dunlop 491s. The bike and I are both rather heavy and we ride very fast. 491s have a much heavier carcass and don't have quite the "running shoe" feel of the 404s, but they have at least 95% of the grip in all weather. They're more like a pair of good boots -- a bit less feel for the terrain, but a lot more durable and just as much grip.
As far as brands, there's Metzeler, Dunlop, and then everyone else. High-end Metz and Dunlops are a little spendy, but well worth it, especially if you pile on a lot of miles. I had a bad experience years ago with a defective Metzeler, but many here have been quite happy with them.
If you must save pennies, I've also worn out three sets of Cheng Shin HiMax tires and been very happy. I'd say they have at least 85% to 90% of the grip of the Dunlops (no trouble dragging parts or riding in the rain), and I usually got about 6,000 to 8,000 miles out of a set. They're cheap enough that you tend to replace them a little sooner than other tires. They're available in a huge range of sizes, and are often about the only choice for oddball sizes.
If anyone wants to send me a free set of Continental, Avon, Pirelli, or Michelin tires to (a)buse, I'll be happy to wear 'em out and report back -- they are all excellent brands, too, but not as well-known. But when it's my money, I have to go with the sure thing.
Also, much love to
http://tiresunlimited.com in Dayton, Ohio -- they have excellent prices and they actually STOCK what they sell. Most other internet tire shops are actually some goober in his Mom's basement acting as a middleman. If you mount your own tires and you're in the midwest, they're the bee's knees -- I'm in Indy, so I get my tires the next day via regular UPS.
