D 404 Bias-ply 150/80/17

[Shydog]

Has anyone tried the D404 bias-ply front tire in the stock size, 150/80/17, on a Valkyrie? The D404 sounds like it grips alot better than a radial E3 from what I've been reading here.

[signart]

I have a friend replaced an E3 w/13,000 with 404 on rear, handled and ran great. 404 lasted less than 5,000 mi. Going back to E3.

[Bone]

Been running the D404 front with GYTT on the rear of my 98 Tourer. Haven't tried one on the rear. Some mileage readings were lower I changed tires before long trips not wanting to bother on the road. This is my 4th front getting 13K to 19K
I'm pleased with the performance handling wet conditions very well.

Here's my combination.

[Hoser]

The Dunlop  D404F is a very good tire, I have used them for a couple years, am on my third, gets between 15-20 thousand miles.  I use a Dunny 180/65/16B American Elite bias rear with it. Installed these last summer, got about 12,000 miles on them now, should be good for the summer to replacement next winter.  Hoser 

[Shydog]

Ok guys I'm going to try the D404F in the stock size it's available in with my Vredestein Sportrac on the rear. Are you all running the D404F with the arrow or reversed, and what air pressure do you recommend?           I really didn't want to go to the smaller 130/90/17 rear tires on the front.

[salty1]

Jake Wilson has the 404F for $113, ships free.

http://www.jakewilson.com/p/52/-/346/1169/-/16942/Dunlop-D404-Front-Motorcycle-Tire

[0leman]

Ok guys I'm going to try the D404F in the stock size it's available in with my Vredestein Sportrac on the rear. Are you all running the D404F with the arrow or reversed, and what air pressure do you recommend?           

The Front D404 tire should be run in the direction  the arrow indicates.   ONLY the rear tire when mounted on the front should be run in the opposite direction.   

I run around 38 lbs in my d404 front tire (30 lbs in rear CT).   

[Ricky-D]

I don't subscribe to the different theories regarding reversing the tire direction of rotation simply because of installing a rear specific motorcycle tire on the front of a motorcycle.  I think it's fallacious and not a smart thing to do.

But the real reason I'm posting this is to make know that most all front specific motorcycle tires contain a lot less tread depth than rear specific motorcycle tires.

Up to 1/8" less tread depth which will result in substantial less mileage to be had from the tire.

You can get the figures from most of the tire manufacturers web sites.

The only other thing I look for when comparing tires, is the weight of the tire.

Between some different tires of the same size you will find upwards of two or three pounds difference between them, which to me translates into less of a tire - whether it's sidewall or tread - it's still lesser tire.

Jus sayin!

***

[Bone]

The D404F is a front tire I run with the arrow. Check my tires cold and run 36-38 lbs. What I mean by that if it reads 37lbs. I ride if it reads 36 lbs. I add air then ride.

[old2soon]

I have a D 404 in 130 90 17-yes a rear tire I have mounted in the front turning the proper direction. Currently have 2607 miles on the D 404 and i'm liking everything i'm feeling with it up to this point in time. With my D/S(Falken Ziex 512 in 205 65 16)and the 404 up front it feels-seat of the pants anywho-like it handles quicker and better. I seem-again seat of the pants-to be getting more of a lean angle with the 404. Every tire prior to this one was of the correct size and a radial. Went thru an E 3 a Metz 880 and a Shinko S E 890. In case your interested the Metz and the Shinko are neck and neck-likes handling tire life. I'm in the will never have another E 3 camp. Hope some of this is help to some folks.  RIDE SAFE.

[Shydog]

old2soon, you have the d 404 rear tire installed with the arrow and not reversed as some have done on the front? Can you tell by looking at the d 404 installed on the front that it is smaller than the stock size tire it replaced? And have you noticed much noise out of the 404 while in the curves? The E3 I have on now is very noisy and slips quite abit without much effort and still has plenty of tread. I did check out a Shinko 230, the D 404, and a Michelin Pilot at the Iron Pony over the w/e and talked with one of the tire techs. He didn't have anything bad to say about those 3, but thought the Michelin was better made. Said most were installing those rear tires in reverse if used on the front.
I haven't decided yet, with the arrow or reversed, and what brand. Just no more E 3...

[old2soon]

Someone posted a chart with the different sizes and the % difference of the various sizes versus our stock size. On the D 404 in 130 90 17 I chose the size difference while slightly smaller was miniscule. And I have it rotating in the proper direction-I E-with the arrow going WITH the direction of travel NOT reversed. A couple of our riders asked something that got me to thinking-how does the tire know whether it's on the front or rear?? And-no- I can not tell it's smaller just by looking at it. I'm looking for some longer tread life out of my front tires. My Metz and The Shinko both got a bit over 14000 miles. I'd like to get into the 20000 to 23000 mile range safely.  RIDE SAFE.

[vanagon40]

I just replaced my Dunlop K491 Elite II (rear tire mounted on the front) with the Dunlop D404F.  The Elite II had just over 20,000 miles, but it celebrated its 10th birthday this spring (it was almost 5 years old when installed).  I ran it reversed.  I think got my money’s worth (paid $87.50 delivered to my door).  Still had lots of tread left.



This is my newly mounted D404.  Took a test ride of just over two miles and ran smooth.  I figured I could afford to spend $100 and not ride on a 10 year old tire.  Hope I get at least half as good of mileage out of the D404.



Wish Dunlop had not discontinued the the K491 Elite II.

[Hook#3287]

I just installed a D404 130/90/17 rear tire on the front, replacing a Metz.  Very big positive difference.

I installed it backwards, against the arrow, mainly because when I looked at the the old Metz, and the Avon and E3 front tires on my other bikes, the tread all go in the same direction, that is, looking at the front of the tire mounted, the middle tread is higher and the grooves go out and down.  All of them went this way, so I figured that should be the way the new D404 should go.

I like this tire very much and until someone here figures out a better one, it's the one I'll be using on the front.