I opted for the Metz tire in that size before I swapped out my rear wheel and pulley assembly. There is certainly more meat with that tire, though not as wide as the 200-50-18 Metz I run now. There is a noticeable different in width in that regard for whatever reason. Hope that this image will give you a better idea of what you're after.

 

I know this thread is a couple months old but I just wanted to say-- love the color of your bike..Is it factory?

 

Sorry just noticed this after all this time. The color is Dupont 44490, fleet metallic pepper gray. Same color at the GT 500 Mustang Eleanor from the second Gone in 60 Seconds movie with Nicolas Cage. The bike was originally black, but decided to change things up a little.

 

White, did you ever get your size answer?
170/80 = 170mm wide, 80% of that (136mm) tall.
180/70 = 180mm wide, 70% (126mm) tall.
200/70 = 200mm wide, 70% (140mm) tall.

 

not exactly, that helps but I have found out there is quite a bit of leeway in motorcycle tires. from what I have gathered from other posters is the Michelin run a little taller and wider for the same size in different mfgs. if you have bought a boat an 18 footer may only be 17.1 foot, they round up. one poster compared the 170/80-15 to the 180-70-15, the 170 was taller which it should be but also was wider than the 180. I wish I could compare them side by side in person. I know there is quiet a bit of price difference, about $50 for each size you jump up. thanks for your input.

 

There is flexibility in actual vs rated tire sizes. I switched to the Michelin Commander 2 170/80. Being taller It fixed the speedo issue and does not appear any narrower than the stock Dunlop. Although it is rated as 170 mm when I measured it with a caliper the tire is actually 177 mm wide. I didn't measure the actual width of the Dunlop but the Michelin does not appear any narrower to me.

I used balancing beads when I changed tires, the bike runs very smooth, tires handle well. I got less than 6k miles out of the Dunlop, now have 12k miles on the bike and the Michelins show minimal wear, good for another 6k or more.

I will use the Michelin 170/80 again on the next tire change!

 

For it to mean anything, you'd need to compare them mounted. I've been running Metzler 880s 180/70 (stock size) on my 07 Custom. Last year I went with 170/80 Metzler 888. The tire is visibly narrower than the stock and since it's 3/4" taller it fills the fender better than the original. The speedo is more accurate now. Over all I like it, but I'll decide for sure in a couple years when I go to replace it again.

 

Howdy, I switched to Metzler ME880 about 2.5 years ago. I went up to 90/90H-21 front and 200/70H-15 rear. I really liked the feel and ride sooo much better than stock. Handled better and was smoother yet tighter feel. I only have about 9500 miles on them, but the front is starting to wear a little odd. Just off center is kind of "cupping". It is like it is wearing a little more in little sections.

The rear still has about 5K left on it, but I ride fairly aggressively so my goto bike mechanic says I probably only have about 3K. I like to replace them in pairs so just ordered new ones. I wanted to go to the Metz marathon 888s, but don't see them in the size I like. So, asked mechanic for advice and did some research and came up with the Pirelli Night Dragons. Just ordered them so will have to post an update once I get them and put some road on them.

Jason

 

Howdy, I switched to Metzler ME880 about 2.5 years ago. I went up to 90/90H-21 front and 200/70H-15 rear. I really liked the feel and ride sooo much better than stock. Handled better and was smoother yet tighter feel. I only have about 9500 miles on them, but the front is starting to wear a little odd. Just off center is kind of "cupping". It is like it is wearing a little more in little sections.

The rear still has about 5K left on it, but I ride fairly aggressively so my goto bike mechanic says I probably only have about 3K. I like to replace them in pairs so just ordered new ones. I wanted to go to the Metz marathon 888s, but don't see them in the size I like. So, asked mechanic for advice and did some research and came up with the Pirelli Night Dragons. Just ordered them so will have to post an update once I get them

Jason

Looking forward to feedback on the Night Dragons. With colder temps coming on I am in no hurry to replace the rear tire. Right now concentrating on doing my valve adjustments. Need to get my nerve up to tear into myself, seems pretty straight forward. I also need a lift so I can pull the tire and the valves while sitting up. Probably start after New Years, been riding solo the last couple of weeks. My riding friends are weenies once the temps fall below 70. Thanks for your reply, anxious to hear about the Pirellis.

 

I got the Pittsburgh 1500 lblift from Harbor Freight. They have it on sale for $99 about every 3 months or so. Use the 25% off coupon and you get it for about $69. Use it for oil changes, swapped to Barron's front pulley, and anything else you need it up for.

I am also swapping out my fork oil for 20wt. It is a 2011 with 13,000 miles and they have gotten too squishy.

J

 

The Michelins are as good or better than the Dunlops in all conditions. You should expect about double the mileage from the Stock Dunlops.

I will go with the Michelin 170/80 again. I like the corrected speedo, didn't notice any difference if any in the width of the tire and save a few bucks on the tire as well.

 

Thanks for the response.