I've been reading about this and I been scratching my head. I never got that kinda mileage outta my Dunlops on my 680-lb Honda Cruiser. I also didn't try to squeeze every mile outta them, either. I want good tread for wet weather riding, which we have to do in Upstate NY.

My current Ultra Limited has 10K on tires and it's down to the wear bars and just touches Abe's head on the penny test. I'm probably springing for new shoes this month.

 

My current '16 has almost 13,000 on the OE tires. The rear is just getting to the wear bars (in the center). The front probably has another 2,000, but the idea of replacing one tire at a time makes my OCD kick in.

I Ordered tires and bearings this past Monday. I'm going to try the American Elite's.

 

Please report back on those American Elites once you get a few thousand miles on them as to pluses/minuses...I really would like to know how much 2-up cupping you get, but realize you would have to have 5000 or better miles on them for cupping to rear its ugly head...

Thanks,
Brad

 

Will do, but I do very VERY little 2-up...

 

I hear ya there, hence the Corbin seat, Street Glide shocks and reach bars on mine.

 

I was kinda shooting from the hip on that. My genuine harbord freight digit caliper said that at 4500 miles, I had about 7/32 tread left, so it's a guess. I doubt I'll get 15K, and didn't expect to . I do expect to the 15K or more out of an American Elite, and like most Dunlops, they like their air.

 

What is a "hill and toe" shift? LOL!

It's a HEEL and toe shifter, not HILL.

And BTW, the VERY best way to stop the shifter from stripping is to STOP using the heel part of the shifter. So him taking it off is a very smart move.

 

I came from a Yamaha Venture and then a Yamaha Stratoliner to my first Harley in 50 years of riding in 2015. I ride a good deal, generally going through at least one set of tires a year on my bikes. I rode the Strat 7700 miles across the country pulling a loaded trailer. Many a 500 mile day in all kinds of weather and road conditions. The only maintenance issues on the trip were a programmed oil change and rear tire replacement 4800 miles into the trip. Then, a year later I bought the 2015 Ultra Classic Low, since I have short legs. I wanted another Touring Bike for the wife, who was going to start riding with me after she had to give up her V STAR 1100. The Harley fit my size and the mini test ride didn't tell me much other than it was a new bike with a different feel. However, I can truthfully say that if I had it to do over again, I would never have bought the Harley. What Harley did to the suspension to lower the seat was simply insane in reality. I have since junked the mechanical shocks that were on it at purchase and gone through two sets of 12" air shocks in 7800 miles on the bike. Finally went to 13" air shocks with a significantly longer travel stroke in the shock to resolve the most uncomfortable ride I have endured in decades, which, of course defeats the whole concept of the lower seat dimension. Having spent a few 300+ mile days on the Harley one and two up, I can honestly say I would never take the Harley on a cross country trip, let alone one like I was able to ride on the Stratoliner. Very disappointed in the Harley in spite of all the "fancy" the bike has draped all over it. Dealer warranty support and maintenance costs are absurd, at best. Was so unhappy I was almost willing to take the financial hit and get a 2017 107 Ultra Limited. When I saw the same mechanical rear shocks on the 2017 that failed on my '15, that ended my interest in replacing the '15 with another Harley. I'll stick to the '15 for now since I made the changes that help it a little. But, its future with me is limited.