Dunlop American Elite MU85B16
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
I must be missing something. I've never had anything other than 402's on any of my bikes over the 30+ years of riding. I've always been completely satisfied and have never had any issues whatsoever. I've always gotten excellent life out of them as well. My last rear tire almost made it 20k miles. If you do burn-outs and beat on your machine, your results may vary.
I found the difference about the same as the difference as night and day.
FWIW I much prefer handling and grip to longevity when choosing a tire for my bikes.YMMV
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 1,122
From: 48.067222,12.863611
Pre 2009 touring bikes were known to get between 5K to 8K on the rear tires for many people.
I managed usually about 5.5K on a rears. Never did a burnout, but semi-aggressive rider. Hoping the AE's will get me closer to 7K.... buuuuut, after a retune and cam swap, old girl is knocking on 130 square. Makes that a bit harder to do now
I managed usually about 5.5K on a rears. Never did a burnout, but semi-aggressive rider. Hoping the AE's will get me closer to 7K.... buuuuut, after a retune and cam swap, old girl is knocking on 130 square. Makes that a bit harder to do now
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 975
Likes: 212
From: northern nj
I run the stock 402 on my 08 ultra ,a lot of 2-up and pulling a cargo trailer ( wifes luggage ) for 2 weeks a year . i get about 15,000 and before they get the wear bars show, i change the rear so far no issues
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 543
Likes: 92
From: clinton CT
I was just sent thru email a video from Ride Like A Pro. Jerry Palidino talked about the Shinko tires and how well they hold up in comparison to the stock dunlops. I just priced them out thru jake wilson and they are relatively inexpensive. His discussion stated that he has noticed more life along the sidewalls however I am curious how long they will hold up over the course of many touring trips.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 9
From: Toledo, Ohio
I priced the Elites at JP Cycle and only a few bucks price difference. So what is it that makes it a superior tire ( handling) to the 402? Tread pattern, material? Are prices comparable because the Elite really is a better tire, but has half the life of the 402? Just trying to educate myself before I change tires this Spring.
senior experienced all-knowing leader of the unwise
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,957
Likes: 351
From: USA
They are supposed to be good tires. I am going to go with them when my present set of Elite 3's wear out. I have the front tire here and it is the stiffest tire i have ever seen. From what i have read the 150/80 16 will interchange with the rear MU85/16 and they are a bit cheaper than the odd size MU85. They are just a bit wider than the MU85 but still have plenty of room. I got about 12000 rear and 16000 front out of the Elite 3's. Stock Dunlop 402's were worn out before 7000 miles.
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Banned
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 17,008
Likes: 14,675
From: in a cave at the foothills
I have the Dunlop Front American Elite 2nd Generation Series 130/60B-19 which I put on my Road King. Tire handles very nicely but I am surprised how quickly it is losing tread, especially being a front tire. When I put the 19" rim on the bike they had the profile tire I was looking for. Hopefully this time around there will be more choices.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
I priced the Elites at JP Cycle and only a few bucks price difference. So what is it that makes it a superior tire ( handling) to the 402? Tread pattern, material? Are prices comparable because the Elite really is a better tire, but has half the life of the 402? Just trying to educate myself before I change tires this Spring.
Dunlop's 491 Elites had the same tread pattern but gripped much better.
I don't know for sure why the Elite series is so much better I just know that it is.