200 to 180 tire on 1400? Other options

[JohninVT]

Who's done it?  Any issues?  I need to replace the rear tire on my 1400 Touring and I'm not loving the limited choices in the stock size.  The Dunlop D251 is $275. 
Bridgestone Exedra radial is $285.
Bridgestone Exedra Max doesn't say if it's radial and is $217
Metzeler ME888 is $242
Avon Cobra is $238

Those are about the only choices I can find for the stock tire size, which is partly why I'm thinking about changing to a 180.  The stock sizes also mean I'm looking at between 4 and 500 for a set.  I'd like to hear from other 1400 owners.  I realize there have been a few tire threads but most have opinions from non-1400 owners so I'm looking for actual experience.  Thanks! 

[Utrider]

I have, and it has been fantastic.  I was on a trip last summer and the Metzler 888 that looked great when I left the house and had 3000 miles on it, was showing cord after 1200 miles.  Now, I was loaded for the trip and had my wife onboard, but still.

Anyway, a Monday afternoon in Pagosa Springs, Colorado so no motorcycle shops open and certainly no 200 available.  My wife hopped on the back of my buddies Road Glide (she liked the Cali better) and we limped into Durango.  Spent the night in Durango and found a shop that would touch the big girl, but no 200.  They were a general motorcycle shop called "Cole's Chop Shop"  they had the 180 in the Dunlop American Elite, that they use on Harley baggers and Goldwings.  A 200 would have to be shipped and we would be in the shop for 2 more days to get it there.  I put the 180 on, and noticed no difference initially.  However, after going through some of the twisty's the area is famous for I realized the 180 was quite a bit better in the turns than the 200 was.

I have now put about 6000 miles on the 180, it's tread is still plentiful, and I can tell you I will NOT be going back to the 200.

Just my 2 cents.

[mmcwhitehead]

I switched my '14 Touring to a 180 series tire. I put a 180/65 Michelin Commander II on the rear. My experience has been great. I believe it handles better- particularly noticeable at slow speeds. I know it's a bias ply tire, but it has NOT been an issue (just as the dealer assured me). I have since replaced the front tire with a Commander II.

I have logged over 9K miles on the rear tire and it is looking like it's good for a few thousand more. I think the grip is very good, especially for a "high mileage" touring tire.

Using a 180/65 results in the speedometer reading about the same as it did with the OEM 200/60 tire. My calculation indicates that they're the same diameter.

Commander II's are pricey, but if they work well, handle well, and last longer, I'm a happy rider.

[kballowe]

Dunlop D251 is $275. 
Bridgestone Exedra radial is $285.
Bridgestone Exedra Max doesn't say if it's radial and is $217
Metzeler ME888 is $242
Avon Cobra is $238

Rear Bridgestone Battalax BT-020 200/60VR-16 with a 963 lb rating.  I like these BT-020 tires.  They're good in the rain and decent mileage.

Right now at Dennis Kirk
Front Bridgestone Exedra G709 Touring 130/70HR-18 Blackwall Tire - 122971  - $125.88 delivered (includes $5 tire fee)
Rear Bridgestone Battlax BT-020 200/60VR-16 Blackwall Tire - 034485             - $153.88 delivered (includes $5 tire fee)

We use that same G709 front on a GL1800 Gold Wing, This 1400 California, and a Yamaha Roadliner.  Run at 42 PSI.  Good wet grip and most excellent tread life.

By the way, it is my opinion that almost anything is better than a Dunlop D251 tire.  Just sayin'

[stephenm]

I am on my second 180/65 Dunlop American Elite (D407) dual compound on my Touring. I ride two up with luggage and get 15,000km out of the rears, compared to 6,500km for the original D251 and 7,500km for an Exedra Max. The D407 handles fine and grip is good. I have had no wet road issues. The last 2,000km, as the profile flattens, can have the bike resisting tipping into corners, but that is the only downside. I installed the second D407 because I was happy with the first. I was interested in the Commander II, but the bike shop couldn't get them in, so I have never tried one.

Stephen

[Lannis]

When the 190/55 - ZR17 Pirelli failed on my Triumph, the shop had a Michelin 180/55, so I put it on.

Couldn't tell any difference in the handling ....

Lannis

[JohninVT]

Rear Bridgestone Battalax BT-020 200/60VR-16 with a 963 lb rating.  I like these BT-020 tires.  They're good in the rain and decent mileage.

Right now at Dennis Kirk
Front Bridgestone Exedra G709 Touring 130/70HR-18 Blackwall Tire - 122971  - $125.88 delivered (includes $5 tire fee)
Rear Bridgestone Battlax BT-020 200/60VR-16 Blackwall Tire - 034485             - $153.88 delivered (includes $5 tire fee)

We use that same G709 front on a GL1800 Gold Wing, This 1400 California, and a Yamaha Roadliner.  Run at 42 PSI.  Good wet grip and most excellent tread life.

By the way, it is my opinion that almost anything is better than a Dunlop D251 tire.  Just sayin'

Excellent!  The price and reviews on this tire are more reasonable than the OEM tire.  Thanks.

[oilhed]

Excellent!  The price and reviews on this tire are more reasonable than the OEM tire.  Thanks.

But can you get it in a 180?  I'm digging the idea of a 180.

[oilhed]

Rear Bridgestone Battalax BT-020 200/60VR-16 with a 963 lb rating.  I like these BT-020 tires.  They're good in the rain and decent mileage.

Right now at Dennis Kirk
Front Bridgestone Exedra G709 Touring 130/70HR-18 Blackwall Tire - 122971  - $125.88 delivered (includes $5 tire fee)
Rear Bridgestone Battlax BT-020 200/60VR-16 Blackwall Tire - 034485             - $153.88 delivered (includes $5 tire fee)

Why don't you use the BT-020 on the Front as well?  I used to be a BT-020 fan before going to Metzler.

[kballowe]

Why don't you use the BT-020 on the Front as well?  I used to be a BT-020 fan before going to Metzler.

The BT-020 front is available in a 120/70-18 - but not the OEM size 130/70-18

That, and I've had great service from the G709's on several other bikes..... and there was one in my stash.