Front Tire Recommendations
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,427
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From: Arkansastan
Front Tire Recommendations
Hello. Currently have an AE2 on my 2020 limited, its the one made in USA. It has about 12k on it, and is pretty thin. Im looking for a good replacement for it, and not quite sure where to go with it. My tear is an AE2 as well, and has lots of life left in it. The front has no cupping or anything, and has been an ok tire sans the mileage. Not sure I want to go with another AE. I ride mostly solo and with curvy hilly type roads, with the occasional long slab trips. Im not a hot rod rider, but not a pokey, either. Looking for something that grips good in damp, and a bit better ride than I have now. Im looking hard at the metzeler 888, but have heard about cracking and separation. Anyone have any suggestions on which way to go here?
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 382
From: Arkansastan
Are they a bit softer than the Dunlops as far as ride? The stock Dunlops were hard as a rock, felt like I had no spring in the front end, so I swapped those out for the AE’s, which helped greatly. Now I have an AE2 in the back, but the front is time to change. .
Novice
Joined: Apr 2026
Posts: 16
Likes: 12
From: Bay Area Florida
I may be an oddity here, I like my Kenda Cataclysm tires, I"ve had them on my old Road King, and they were fantastic, they're on my Ultra now, and again, I can't say anything bad about them. Great riding, smooth, grippy, and handle well, plus they seem to last a good bit too, which is great. Additionally, they're wallet friendly, which is fantastic for me.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,458
Likes: 8,284
From: Inland NW
If it is made in USA, it should be an AE. The AE2s are all imported, at least I thought so ??
There are a few here that have already started mixing the AE, and AE2 without an issue.
I have the last of the USA made AEs, and bought 2 rears. I will likely mix in an AE2 when the time comes. The feedback so far has been positive.
There are a few here that have already started mixing the AE, and AE2 without an issue.
I have the last of the USA made AEs, and bought 2 rears. I will likely mix in an AE2 when the time comes. The feedback so far has been positive.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 8,111
Likes: 9,503
From: central NC
Sumitomo who owned the 100 year old Tonawanda NY plant that produced Dunlop and Falken tires closed the plant they had spent a few hundred million on to improve productivity, in late 24 I believe. The AE tire was discontinued at that time and the replacement AE2 is being produced overseas. Ive heard Japan or Indonesia. I *think* the ones I saw were made in Japan.
I scared up a set of American Elites after the plant closed and when they need to be replaced, I will purchase the AE2s.
I scared up a set of American Elites after the plant closed and when they need to be replaced, I will purchase the AE2s.
Last edited by gonemad; Today at 02:16 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
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From: Arkansastan
I may do that, Im not sure. There wasnt really any standout on the AE. It was black, round, and I don't remember having it slip in turns or wobble, etc. I am just wondering if there is anything with a bit of 'better' in it, as far as ride.
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Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Inland NW
I am pretty damn happy with AEs over the OEM Dunlops, especially when wet. The wear is great as well when you are putting 150 lb/ft at that tire, and ride harder than usual.
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