1. Product Overview
The Dunlop D402 rear motorcycle tire is specifically designed for street bikes, offering reliability and performance for long trips. It is the only tire approved by Harley-Davidson for its touring motorcycles, ensuring optimal performance and wear characteristics demanded by riders. This tire is engineered for durability and stability, making it a suitable companion to the Dunlop D402 front motorcycle tire.
Image: The Dunlop D402 Rear Motorcycle Tire, showcasing its tread pattern and sidewall branding, including "Harley-Davidson" and "Dunlop D402".
2. Key Features
- Harley-Davidson Approved: The D402 is the exclusive tire approved by Harley-Davidson for its touring bikes, ensuring compatibility and performance.
- Durable Construction: Built with a three-ply polyester casing and two fiberglass belts, providing enhanced load-carrying capacity and stability.
- Optimized Tread Profile: Features a computer-optimized tread profile with an offset center groove, designed to improve rider confidence over challenging road surfaces like rain grooves and steel-grated bridges. This design also helps reduce cupping for more even wear.
- Versatile Options: Available in various sidewall styles including blackwall, single white bar, or wide white sidewall, all with an H speed rating.
- High Load Rating: The wider MU85B16 rear tire variant is load-rated up to 908 pounds, accommodating heavy touring loads.
- Specific Fitment: Note that the D402F MT90B16 is a front tire only and is not interchangeable with the D402 MT90B16 rear tire.
3. Installation (Setup)
Proper installation of motorcycle tires is critical for safety and performance. It is highly recommended that tire installation be performed by a qualified professional with appropriate tools and experience.
General Installation Guidelines (for professional use):
- Inspect Wheel: Ensure the wheel rim is clean, free from damage, and compatible with the tire size.
- New Valve Stem: Always install a new valve stem when replacing a tire to prevent air leaks.
- Lubrication: Use appropriate tire mounting lubricant on the tire beads and rim to facilitate smooth installation and prevent damage.
- Mounting Direction: Observe the directional arrow on the tire sidewall and mount the tire so it rotates in the correct direction.
- Inflation: Inflate the tire slowly and carefully, ensuring the beads seat properly on the rim. Do not exceed the maximum seating pressure indicated on the tire sidewall.
- Balance: Balance the wheel and tire assembly to prevent vibration and ensure even wear.
- Final Inspection: After installation, visually inspect the tire for proper seating, any damage, and verify the correct inflation pressure.
Safety Warning: Incorrect tire mounting can lead to tire failure, loss of control, and serious injury or death. Always consult a professional for tire installation.
4. Operating Guidelines
To ensure optimal performance, safety, and longevity of your Dunlop D402 tire, adhere to the following operating guidelines:
- Maintain Correct Tire Pressure: Regularly check and maintain the tire pressure according to your motorcycle manufacturer's recommendations, typically found in the owner's manual or on a sticker on the motorcycle. Under-inflation or over-inflation can lead to premature wear, reduced handling, and potential tire failure.
- Observe Load Limits: Do not exceed the maximum load capacity specified on the tire sidewall (e.g., 908 pounds for MU85B16). Overloading can cause excessive heat buildup and tire damage.
- Speed Rating: The D402 series has an H speed rating. Do not exceed the maximum speed for which the tire is rated.
- Break-in Period: New tires require a break-in period of approximately 100 miles to allow the tire to conform to the rim and for any mold release agents to wear off. During this period, avoid sudden acceleration, hard braking, and aggressive cornering.
- Road Conditions: Adjust your riding style to suit road conditions. Wet, slippery, or uneven surfaces require reduced speed and increased caution.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for extending the life of your tire and ensuring safe operation.
- Tire Pressure Checks: Check tire pressure at least once a week, or before every major ride, using an accurate tire pressure gauge. Check when tires are cold.
- Tread Depth Inspection: Regularly inspect the tire tread for wear. Replace the tire when the tread depth reaches the minimum legal limit (typically 1/32 inch in the main grooves for motorcycles) or when wear indicators become visible.
- Visual Inspection: Periodically inspect the tire for cuts, cracks, bulges, punctures, or any foreign objects embedded in the tread or sidewall. Any damage should be addressed immediately by a professional.
- Cleaning: Clean tires with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals or petroleum-based products that can degrade the rubber.
- Storage: If storing the motorcycle for an extended period, ensure tires are properly inflated and ideally off the ground to prevent flat spots. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and ozone-producing equipment.
6. Troubleshooting
Common issues and potential causes related to motorcycle tires:
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven Tread Wear | Incorrect tire pressure, improper balancing, worn suspension components, aggressive riding. | Verify tire pressure, balance wheel, inspect suspension, adjust riding habits. Consult a professional. |
| Vibration or Wobble | Unbalanced wheel, bent rim, tire damage, loose wheel bearings. | Check wheel balance, inspect rim and tire for damage. Have a professional inspect bearings. |
| Slow Air Leak | Puncture, faulty valve stem, porous rim, bead leak. | Inspect for punctures, replace valve stem, check rim and bead seating. Seek professional repair. |
| Cracks in Sidewall/Tread | Aging, exposure to UV light/chemicals, under-inflation. | Replace tire immediately. Ensure proper storage and inflation. |
For any persistent or severe issues, always consult a certified motorcycle mechanic or tire specialist.
7. Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | DUNLOP |
| Model | Dunlop Harley Davidson D402 Rear Tire |
| Item Model Number | 45006025 |
| Size | MU85B16 |
| Load Capacity | 908 Pounds |
| Tread Type | Directional |
| Maximum Pressure | 1.3E+2 Pound per Square Inch (130 PSI) |
| Ply Rating | 3 ply |
| Rim Width | 3 Inches |
| Tire Diameter | 38.1 inches |
| Item Weight | 20 Pounds |
| Construction Type | Three-ply polyester casing with two fiberglass belts |
| UPC | 697662105053 |
8. Safety Information
Always prioritize safety when dealing with motorcycle tires. Adhere to the following:
- Professional Installation: As stated, tire installation should only be performed by trained professionals.
- Correct Inflation: Never operate the motorcycle with under-inflated or over-inflated tires. Refer to your motorcycle's owner's manual for recommended pressures.
- Load Limits: Do not exceed the maximum load capacity of the tire or your motorcycle.
- Damage Inspection: Regularly inspect tires for any signs of damage, including cuts, bulges, or punctures. Do not ride on damaged tires.
- Tire Age: Tires degrade over time, even if not used frequently. Consult a professional about replacing tires that are more than 5-7 years old, regardless of tread depth.
- Mixing Tires: Avoid mixing different types of tires (e.g., bias-ply with radial) unless specifically recommended by the motorcycle manufacturer.
9. Warranty and Support
For specific warranty information regarding your Dunlop D402 Rear Motorcycle Tire, please refer to the official Dunlop website or contact Dunlop customer support directly. Warranty terms and conditions typically cover manufacturing defects and vary by region.
For technical support or further inquiries, please visit the DUNLOP Store on Amazon or consult your local authorized Dunlop dealer.