The Original GL1800 Owners Group

I have 14,000 miles on my stock D250 Dunlop tires and just got a flat. I'm going to buy new tires. Is there something out there will give me anymore mileage than that or is 14,000 pretty resonable?

That is good for the stock Dunnies.

There are two tires that stand out as the MOST talked about in a POSITIVE way on this board and and others I frequent.

The Dunlop E3s and the Bridgestones for the Wing. I have run through one set of Es and fixing to change out the second set of E3s tomorrow. I like them alot. I get about 16-17,000 before the front is worn out and the rear is cupped and makes noise. I am sticking a set of Bridgstones on tom. to give them a try.

If the Bridgestones don't satisfy me, then it's back to the E3s. But from what all the others have said that have and are running the 'Stones', I don't think I will be disappointed but will then have to decide which tire to run the next time a change is do!

Redrider23,

You've done well getting 14,000 miles on the OEM Dunlops.

The last two sets of Bridgestones that I've taken off have had 14,000 and 16,000 miles on them. They may not be the best for mileage, but they are probably the best sticking tires on wet roads. That's why I like them.

If you can get 14k out of the stock Dunnies, you could expect at least 50% more from going to the Darkside..A run-flat car tire on the rear and a bias ply rear motorcycle tire on the front. Both would cost less plus there are other benefits..

PM me, if you have questions

I got a lot of mileage out of the original Dunlops as well. However, they were slippery and will not go back on. I did OK with E3's but they got real loud in the curves. I put on Metz 880's and they stuck like glue in the rain but I got a funky wear pattern on the rear after 8K and I replaced it at 9K with a CT. I'm hoping to get 25K on it.

I've heard good things about the Stones, but can't see putting a MT back on the rear.

Tried the E3's I did not like them in the Rain The stones stick really well in all conditions but they do not last as long . I am sticking to the Stones for both my bike and my wife's she likes the wet weather grip as well JMHO Hope this helps

I think another choice is the Avon Cobras. My wing is new and haven't changed tires yet but when I do it will probably be the stones from what I have read to this point.

DISREGARD THIS POST. I HAVE SINCE WENT TO A FALKEN 912 CT FOR THE REAR AND REALLY LIKE IT.

A little story here about the Bridgestones. Had a G704 on the rear with 5000 miles on it. Wife and I took a little short trip up the freeway about 40 miles to go to one of our favorite restaurants. When I slow to about 35 after exiting the freeway I started to have a wobble, really getting worse as I slow. I thought I had a flat front tire. Slowed and stopped in the emergency lane and got off to inspect bike. Front tire fine, rear looks ok. Got back on and rode very slowly the remaining mile to the restaurant. I remembered that there is a Honda dealer about three blocks from the restaurant and it is Saturday afternoon about 2:30 but we ride there hoping they might still be open. They are open and we put the bike on the centerstand and go over the bike. Can find nothing out of the ordinary. Owner of the dealership starts it while on the centerstand and clicks it into first gear. When I see the rear tire turning I fear nearly faint. There was a ballooned out sidewall just about the size of a banana on the right sidewall of the tire. It really about made me sick. I told my wife we were lucky to be alive. Dealer checked air pressure and it was dead on 41 lbs. Dealer contacted the Bridgestone factory the following Monday and they said I must have hit a pothole or something to make the tire separate and that they would not warranty the tire even though it met there specs for tread depth for being in warranty. I have never in 45 years of riding had a tire do this. It really griped me that they wouldnt make the tire good. So there is my two cents worth about Bridgestone. (and the real bummer was that the dealer charged me $278 for a new tire)

I had a Dunlop Elitell develop a ballon or bubble on the side many years ago back in 1990. This tire was on the front of a Yamaha Venture. I contacted Dunlop after having the tire replaced.

The Dunlop rep not only sent me a replacement tire but stated that such a problem was probably caused at the factory during initial construction. He said an employee probably touched part of the sidewall during construction and the oils from his finger caused the tire to bubble. There was never any mention of me hitting anything. I did admit to him that I was travelling some hot roads in NM and west TX when this happened.

For the rear tire of my '08 wing I like the Falken 912, 195X55XR16.

Running a Bridgestone up front and Kumho 195X55XR16 RunFlat out back for about that past 5,000 miles.... So far, So Good...




I liked my 2 sets Dunlop E3's (just a little noisy after 5,000-6,000 miles) as well as a set of Metzler ME880's. I get 11,000-12,000 miles out of each set of tires so far. I do tend replace them a little early, so I don't have to worry about it while out on a trip.

~13.5k stock D250
~10k on 60-series E3
~6.5k Metzler (delam)
12k+ Kuhmo RF (I don't keep real accurate stats on tires...)

I probably have another 1k left on the Kuhmo, but needs to be changed before a trip in August.

Have a Pirelli on the way.