Dunlop 205 vs. 220

[Mr. Frank]

Has anyone run Dunlop 205's and 220's on their oilhead RT? I'd be interested in hoe they compare with eachother on performance and wear. The 220 was supposed to be an upgrade, but I hear some folks prefer the 205.

[fish]

Frank,

I've run several sets of 205s and one set of 220s, and I think the 205's are a much better tire all around. Wear, handling, resistance to raingrooves...all of it. Cheaper too.

[PineGreen]

I have an 03 RT with 5800 mi. It has the 205's that were on it since new. It has good traction in wet, and has never followed a rain groove, or anykind of pavement transition line. Just had bike in for yearly inspection and the rear tire is at 5/32nd tread depth and the front is 4/32nd of depth. Here in Pa 2/32nd is the minimum allowable depth for inspection passage

[96454]

I had 205's on my RT and got 12K out of them, used them on other bikes and like them a lot. Good all around tire for LD riding that I do - great in the wet and cool as well.

Now have 220s and not a fan of them in contrast. More road feel or more harsh feeling, and I think less durable. Traction seems OK in the dry. Waiting for the rain to return in the NW and see how they perform in 45 degree rainy circumstances.

Too bad the 205 is out of production - my view anyway.

[kbasa]

Originally posted by Martin H
Too bad the 205 is out of production - my view anyway.

They're still showing them on the Dunlop website....

I've had both and like the D220s. I got 6K out of the rear when I went to WV, but the front is still in great shape. I'm going to put another rear on and see how far the front will go.

I think I agree with you, the 220s seem to give me more feedback about what the front end is doing, which I like.

YMMV, of course.

[96454]

Yeah Dave that is true,

And they can be had through on-line sources. However I'm told they are not in production anymore - so I suspect we are just clearing out inventory.

Marty

[Mr. Frank]

I just got an email from Dunlop. They say the 205 is good for 8-12K and the 220 is good for 6-10K miles depending on driving style.

[kbasa]

Originally posted by Mr. Frank
I just got an email from Dunlop. They say the 205 is good for 8-12K and the 220 is good for 6-10K miles depending on driving style.

I've 6K of highway miles on the front D220 right now. I'm going to put a 220 rear on tomorrow and see how long the front will go.

[TomBarnhart]

My R1150R (2003 model) came with D 207 front and rear. At the 6000 mile service the wear bars on the rear were showing. Front was showing no material wear. Called to order the 207 and was told it has been replaced by the 208. Dealer claims that the 205 gave the best wear and lowest price, but it too has been discontinued.
The 207 on my bike were great. No problem in rain or with the truck ruts and grooves on the highway.