I had a set of Dunlop American Elite tires put on at the end of December and absolutely hated them for the first 300 miles. The handling was squirrely and the ride was very harsh. I was really dissapointed to say the least. Then, after around 300 miles, the ride and handling improved dramatically. These tires have a very stiff side wall and I guess they have a break in period. I am really impressed with them now. The really grip the road well. Ive done some practice maneuvers to avoid road obstacles and they respond really well. If you are thinking about a set of these tires, juts be aware that they may feel strange for the first few hundred miles. If you opt for white walls like I did, remember that that adds an extra layer to the sidewalls and they are even a little stiffer than the blackwalls.

 

Thanks for sharing your experiences about the tire - I think I'll be sticking with my Commander II's though.....

 

Having gone from a 16" front to a 19" front I was very limited with choice of tire so went with the American Elite. I as always had Ride On put in and had zero issues. Always good to have such feedback as you provided but this is mine.

 

I bought an American Elite for the rear of my Heritage Softail when the factory Dunlop 402 wore out. I got 11,000 miles out of that one. I am hoping to get more mileage out of the American Elite. Had no problems with mine. Bike actually rode better, smooth and tracked straight. Great tire so far

 

I have both front and back american elite and haven't experienced what you describe.

 

I had a set installed on Heritage last march at Daytona, could not ask for a better tire.

 

Yes, they are great tires. Mine were just very stiff when new. The shop that installed them had hell putting the front tire on. They said it was a common problem with the white walls because of the added stiffness. Just letting people know that if they are unsatisfied with them at first, give them a little time.

 

When I needed tires for my previous Street Glide, I went with American Elites and never experienced anything like what the OP is saying.

When it comes time for tires on my Limited, American Elites will be what goes on there too.

 

Maybe the OP experienced what he did due to the white walls? I dont know, but that could have something to do with it.

I have ran the black wall version and never experienced anything like he mentioned but they were not white walls.

 

I also switched from Dunlops to Mich Commander 2 never have regretted it