Elite III vs D251

[Idaho]

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between the Dunlop Elite III and the Dunlop D251 rear radial tire? Apparently the D251 was designed specifically for the Valkyrie. Beyond that I don't know the diff. Tread pattern? Number of bias and/or radial plies? Rubber compound?

Only reason why I ask is because when my ME880 recently wore out the only tire within reach here in East Idaho was a D251 so I bought it. The dealer who mounted it for me said that they had a h*ll of a time getting the bead to seat on the rim. I assume that means it is a lot stiffer tire but don't know for sure. Maybe I will get lucky and it will last longer than the Metzler did.

[Idaho]

I can't believe it, all the wisdom on this website and no one wants to touch this question. One of my riding buds here advised me to stay away from the D251 because he had them on a Gold Wing and felt like they wore out too soon. I guess this will just have to be a long term investigation. Hopefully 12,000 miles worth of long term.

[schoeney]

Sorry Idaho...never had a D251, ME880, Valkyrie, or Goldwing. But I did save $112 on my car insurance @ Geico....sorry, couldn't resist.

[jmorrow]

I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express once, but I still can't say what the difference is. I do have the D251 on my Nomad.

[Idaho]

schoeney, I'm happy for ya.

JD, how many miles do you have on that rear tire? My suspicion is that not very many of us have that particular tire on the Nomad. Mine went on the rim with some difficulty which tells me that it has very stiff sidewals and should be a great mc tire. At the rate that I put miles on a bike I will know by next summer, then I'm following macmac and others to the dark side. I can't afford two new sets of tires every summer.

[watchman]

We ride around 17,000 miles a year and run the Dunlope Elite III bias tires. I try to change them about the last of May or first of June and they last all year.

[VulcanE]

Bud, all I can tell you is that the D251s are listed as "OEM Replacement", and that everyone I know that had them, didn't replace them with a D251 series tire. 90% of them went with the Elite III, and they say that's the tire they are going to stay with. Here's some technical stuff

Sidewall ID Information: DUNLOP 180/70R-16 M/C 77H E3 ELITE 3

DIMENSIONS
Inflated Width/Measuring Rim Width: 7.13 in./5.0 in.
Inflated Diameter: 26.06 in.
Acceptable Rim Width: 5.0 in.
Deepest Tread Depth: 10/32 in.
Balance DOT: Yes, Yellow Dot
Directional Arrow: Yes
Speed Rating: H-Rated up to 130 MPH

CAPACITIES AND CONSTRUCTION
Load Capacity/Inflation Pressure: 910 lbs./41 PSI
Load Range: B
Bias or Radial Ply: Radial
Tread Plies/Material: 3/nylon + 1/Aramid
Sidewall Plies/Material: 3/Nylon
DOT Approved for Road Use: Yes
Tube or Tubeless: Tubeless



Sidewall ID Information: D251 180-70R-16 77H

DIMENSIONS
Inflated Width/Measuring Rim Width: 6.9 in./ 5.0 in.
Inflated Diameter: 26.0 in.
Acceptable Rim Width(s): 5.0 in.
Deepest Tread Depth: 9/32 in
Balance DOT: Yes - Red and Yellow
Directional Arrow: Yes
Speed Rating: H-Rated up to 130 mph

CAPACITIES AND CONSTRUCTION
Load Capacity/Inflation Pressure: 908 LBS/41 PSI
Load Range: B
Bias or Radial Ply: Radial
Tread Plies/Material: 3 Rayon / 1 Aramid
Sidewall Plies/Material: 3 Rayon
DOT Approved for Road Use: Yes
Tube or Tubeless: Tubeless

I hope this might be the difference you are inquiring about. Doesn't seem to be much differences except for sidewall ply material, tread depth, and overall diameter. The biggest difference I see is the E-III is about 1/4" wider (inflated) than the D251. ;)

[blowndodge]

Wasn't ignoring you Bud!! I have no experience with that tire.

lOOKS LIKE THE TREAD IS DIFFERENT

D251

ELITE III

[jmorrow]

Originally Posted by Idaho (High Plains Drifter)

schoeney, I'm happy for ya.

JD, how many miles do you have on that rear tire? My suspicion is that not very many of us have that particular tire on the Nomad.

I have 5500 mile on it but, It is on the front not the back. I couldn't find a D251 (150-80/16) for the back. I have a D205 (150-80/16) radial on the back with about 6500 mile on it. I decided I don't like the Radial tires on the Nomad mainly due to their looks, their not as wide a tire as the bias tires and it may just be me but, the radials seem to ride rougher than a bias.

[Idaho]

You guys are great. There is definitely a difference in the tread patterns.

VulcanE, you did a great job of finding the stats for the two tires. You are right there is not much difference between them. Does not say anything about the rubber compound must be the same.

Thank you all.

[Blue Rebel]

I have heard the ME880's were the best M/C tires. Anyone care to elaborate on this one? :)

I had a set of ME880s, took them off with 16,700 miles on them. Now I have Dunlop Elite 3s. I have about 8,000 on them and they are wearing great. Personally, I think the Metzs might have been a tad bit stickier in the curves, but the Elite 3s track better as far as tar snakes and milled surfaces. I run the same pressure in the Dunops as I did the Metzs, 38-40 front, 40-42 rear. I check the pressure at least weekly.

I've heard the elite III is a great touring tire. I've never had a set. Not sure if the D251 would fall into the touring class. I like Metz ME880, I'll probably stay with those.

Anyway bud, let us know how you like the D251......

[cliff1600]

I have had two sets of the M880's checked the pressure every ride and both rear never went more than 8,000 when they cupped.Also noticed the Nomad wobble would start around the 5,000 mark.have gone back to what came with the bike. Have 40,000 miles on my Nomad And can't say I am happy about putting tires on before 10,000 miles.