That is what I am running, Dunlop American Elite, and they are way better than the OEM.

 

I think you meant Amphibious or is the the golan height Syrah talking for me. Graham, if I go over the pond and I can meet up with you, I would love to buy you and the missus a pint. Did you buy Avon stock? Lol

 

I have American elites on now and they are cupped a bit but I'm too much of a cheap a$$ to just trash them...that's why I installed an amp to turn the tunes up. Lol

 

Started with metzlers in the 70s with my airhead BMWs. I ran Avon on my super glide. On the black bike as soon as I wore out the POS OEM dunlops (They don't suck because they are HD spec, they suck because dunlop was the lowest bidder and adjusted the quality to get the bid) I returned to Metz 880s. Maybe it was when they went to 888s, but I started hearing about and seeing problems, like rears losing chunks of rubber. Right now I'm shopping for a front to replace the 888 that has cupped, second one.
So, for now I'll be trying out the MC IIs based on reviews from some sidecar people.

 

I didn't vote because I still am able to find Metzeler 880's, which is not on the list. I did'n go with the 888's because they are a little harder compound, It did not matter to me about mileage. I like the traction. you can get pretty good mileage out of most brands except Dunlops. not sure if I had the 402 or 404 but I did not even reach 7 k with them. Since, I've been on Metzeler's.

Soon I will have to change and am not sure to who. I have been looking at the Avon Storm 3D X-M AV66 150/80zr16 71w. Anyone have any thought's on this tire?

 

I was told they were made to HD spec but your answer is just as plausible if not more so.

Both the 402's and the American Elites go for $191.95 in the '16 Fat Book.
If you compare the performance of those 2 tires (grip and handling) the American Elite is way out in front on both.

FWIW I have a friend that has a Jacket/parts shop and he told me that Harley was going to drop Dunlop and go with Metzler for their stock tires.

God I hope so 'cause those 402's are the crappiest things you can put on your bike and dangerous as hell!!! IMO
I'd love to see them discontinued!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Avons, best tire I've ever ridden on for sticky and handling, though I'll admit I haven't ridden on the latest offerings from the other brands. My 1200 was a slider on Dunlop 400 series, has never broken loose on pavement, even grinding a muffler, with Avon Cobras. And nNow the skinny 21" front doesn't follow every small pavement irregularity like it did with the Dunlop; you can feel a steel grate bridge section, but it tracks just fine, haven't felt a twitch on anything else.

Dunlops aren't necessarily made in the U.S., by the way, had a Dunlop rear not long ago that had Made in France on the side. Forget what model, had that tread like the 400 series, though. I've never seen a Harley Dunlop that wasn't U.S. made, though.

 

I read on Dunlop's site that their American Elites are made in the USA

 

After a lot of hand wringing, I ended up ordering a pair of Michelin Commander II tires. I was going to buy tires at the shop that I was going to have install them, but when I found them on sale for $119 each and shipping was only $5 each, I couldn't pass it up. I ordered them from Dennis Kirk.

1 Front Commander II 130/90HB-16 Blackwall Tire - 46114
Part #: 544126 $119.88 $119.88
1 Rear Commander II 130/90HB-16 Blackwall Tire - 46650
Part #: 544135 $119.88 $119.88
Thank you for your order!
If you have any questions or comments, please either email or call Customer Service: orders@denniskirk.com or 1-800-969-7501

Merchandise Total: $239.76
Shipping Charge: $0.00
Tire Fee: $10.00
Sub Total: $249.76
Tax: $0.00
Order Total: $249.76




Thanks everyone for the feedback.

So with new progressive fork springs, Ricor Intiminators, two new floating HD rotors, 6 piston hawg halter front caliper, 4 piston hawg halter rear caliper, new tires, master cylinder rebuild kits, and possibly stainless steel brake lines, I think I should have a noticeable improvement.

Just need to decide when to get it done.

 

Sounds like a master of understatement!

Braided brake lines are a definite improvement, especially if you still have the stock hoses.