I need a rear tire, and I am currently running e3 tires.

In my search, I found that the American Elites are now available in my old frame bike (MU85B16). The American elites are less money than the e3's, and look to have a similar tread pattern.

What is your experience with them, are they as good, better or worse?

Also thinking about changing back to wide whites, and they are available in the AE's, but I will have a hard time taking off my front e3 that still has alot of life left in it (minus the stupid cupping on the left side of the tire.

 

bump bump

 

they just came out with the ae in our sizes,so i don't think you'll get to much info on them, i think they are replacing the e3 with them,they should be very similar.

 

I had the Elite 3's on my 06 Ultra Glide and liked them alot. About 15,000 good miles out of them. I have a 2012 Ultra CVO that I just put American Elites on. I have about 1500 miles on them so far they ride nice and feel similar to the E3's. The mechanic that put them on always rides on Metzlers but he liked the way the AE's felt and he's gonna try those next...

 

The American Elites were developed for 2009 and up. They were made similar to the E3's.

My best guess is to go with the E3's. I think the tread depth is deeper on the AE's?

 

So after further research, it looks like the AE's have 2 compounds that help make the tires last longer. Harder in the center softer on the sides for grip, and are supposed to wear evenly too.. I like the theory, but wonder if it would cause any handling issues if you don't have them on both wheels.

From Dennis Kirk:

Overview of Dunlop Rear American Elite MU85B-16 Blackwall Tire - 34AE23

The only replacement motorcycle tire for Harley-Davidson® bikes that is designed in America, made in America and tested in America
Multi-Tread (MT) rear tire built with long-wearing compound in center of tread and lateral-grip compound in each shoulder to maximize cornering performance
Tread design provides even tread wear and quiet operation in all conditions, both wet and dry
H-rated for speeds up to 130 mph
Made in the U.S.A.

 

Currently I am running American Elite tires. New they had 11/32nd on the rear tire and 7/32nd on the front. I have a bit over 8,000 miles on them now and they measure. 8/32nd on the rear and 5/32nd on the front. They ride and handle great. I'm sure you would be very pleased with them.

 

I just got one for the back of my '02 to replace the worn E3. Hoping for good things.

 

On running both simultaneously---
On the '10 Ultra Classic: I ran one on front and the other type on rear -- don't recall which where; and did so because the sizes in either were not available to do both wheels.
Took those tire/wheels off when I sold it; and plan to use the same setup on the RG when it needs tires replaced.
Worked fine for me.

 

Might have to try the AE's on next round