Without any doubt I'd recommend Metzeller ME880

I had a D404 on the rear (got 8-9,000 miles out of it) and have one on the front.  No clearance problems on my Y2K and the only time I've lost traction was on wet steel and wet painted lines.  I will likely stay with the D404.

Paladin - for when I need a new rear - what size 404 did you put on the rear please & when you say there was no clearance problems on your Y2K does that mean your bike is standard (only as far as your rear fender, that is - suspect like all of us you have done some mods or other!!!!)

what size was it, please?

to answer original question - have a 404 on the front of my Savage & though cannot give its longevity (not been on there for a kazillion miles - yet I hope!) - am happy with grip.

saying that - agree Metzelrs are the way to go judging by their performance on other bikes I've had - just wish they were not so pricey (@ time of changing my front tire I just did not have the $$, so settled on what I thought/think was 2nd best. know some might say not wise but "a man's gotta do...!")

I know what they are saying about sub par on the originals. I have 3700 on mine and the are about shot. I thought something was wrong, was checking things and scratching my head on why. Well now I know it's just the tire quality. No not every one has done mods. I can't afford any, well unless you want to count a back rest. I alway got my tire @ Dennis Kirk not to bad of price or qual but I'm interested in finding better chearer tires.

Thanks everyone, lots of good info. My bike just turned over 5000 miles and i really think its time for new tires. They dont look too bad, but honestly im not familiar enough with street tires to give any opinion. There is some VERY small dry rot cracks, only noticable if you put your nose on the tire. Any way to check tread depth to see just how "shot" my tires are, im planning on running them for another month or so and i dont want them to be a huge safety hazard. -DOC

georgekathe wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:05:

My only mods have been horn, bags, brace, windscreen., taillight, mullfer -- nothing that would affect the tire clearance.  As with YouzGuyz,
$66.95 Dunlop D404 140/90HB15 Rear Tire Mfg.#: 32NK45.  No clearance problems means that I have never rubbed, and had enough clearance with the bike on it's sidestand to remove and remount the rear fenderrails (when I installed the Panniers.)  

justin_o_guy wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:05:
The falling down doesn't bother me in the least -- but sliding along on the pavement scraping skin off is not on my list of "Must Do."

geo ssm lists 140/80-15 M/C 67 H for 96 rear...

doc save your money in the long run and go w/ the me 880s  theyll pay for themselves in the long run..
if you go that route get new tubes and liners also cause the me s will be on for a while..my oem rear didnt make it to 5K...think my local dealer charged $20 apiece to mount and balance and check spokes...cruizercustomizing was havin a sale when i got themwas $ 216 for the pair shipped...thats me 880 marathon 140/80hb-15 rear
me 880 marathon 100/90h-19 front
cant locate the tube and liner paperwork but got them from the dealer....