Elite 3s for '09+ Touring models
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
Here's what I sent them...
I have a 2009 Harley Road Glide with a D407F on the front. The tire started wobbling in turns and feeling very unstable at about 1500 miles while I was on a long road trip. I checked the tire pressure and shock pressure and they were fine. I saw the uneven wear on the sides of the tread that I had seen reported on a forum and figured I just had to deal with it until I finished the trip. I could barely keep up with a friend on an Ultra pulling a trailer and the wobble was un-nerving at times.
When I got back, I showed the dealer and they said it was cupping and Harley and Dunlop were unlikely to do anything since cupping can be the result of improper inflation. Three weeks later, the dealer has agreed to replace the tire, but I have to pay labor. They are putting on a D408F. The reversed tread does not make me feel comfortable since the tread pattern looks like it channels water to the center of the tire. I'm leery but will try it since it's my only option since no one else makes tires that size. My last resort it to change rim sizes so I can go with a different model tire.
Thought I'd write to you first and see if there is any plans to make Elite 3's to for the 2009 Harley touring models. There are a lot of riders singing their praises on the forums and I think you are missing an opportunity if you don't.
My two cents,
Roger
I have a 2009 Harley Road Glide with a D407F on the front. The tire started wobbling in turns and feeling very unstable at about 1500 miles while I was on a long road trip. I checked the tire pressure and shock pressure and they were fine. I saw the uneven wear on the sides of the tread that I had seen reported on a forum and figured I just had to deal with it until I finished the trip. I could barely keep up with a friend on an Ultra pulling a trailer and the wobble was un-nerving at times.
When I got back, I showed the dealer and they said it was cupping and Harley and Dunlop were unlikely to do anything since cupping can be the result of improper inflation. Three weeks later, the dealer has agreed to replace the tire, but I have to pay labor. They are putting on a D408F. The reversed tread does not make me feel comfortable since the tread pattern looks like it channels water to the center of the tire. I'm leery but will try it since it's my only option since no one else makes tires that size. My last resort it to change rim sizes so I can go with a different model tire.
Thought I'd write to you first and see if there is any plans to make Elite 3's to for the 2009 Harley touring models. There are a lot of riders singing their praises on the forums and I think you are missing an opportunity if you don't.
My two cents,
Roger
cool that you wrote a letter to dunlop expressing your desire for an e3 for your bike, but one part of your letter isn't gonna hold water.
if you've ever looked at the tread pattern of the e3, it is what you would consider 'backwards'.
but i like my e3s anyway
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 0
From: Rocky Mtn High CO
Good to know. I've never seen the E3's, but there is a huge love-fest for them here. I got an out of office response from the Dunlop Rep and it'll be interesting to see what they say if anything when he gets back.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
and yes, i did double check the directional arrow
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 35
Likes: 2
From: Ogden, Utah
good afternoon all,
I just bought a 2009 ultra classic. i had to replace my 2003 yamah royal star venture because i totaled the bike in may of this year. i have been running the elite 3 for 2 yrs and the last set that i replayed had over 19,000 miles on the back tire and could have gone more. when i replace the stock tires i am hoping to have elite 3 to replace with.
I just bought a 2009 ultra classic. i had to replace my 2003 yamah royal star venture because i totaled the bike in may of this year. i have been running the elite 3 for 2 yrs and the last set that i replayed had over 19,000 miles on the back tire and could have gone more. when i replace the stock tires i am hoping to have elite 3 to replace with.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 760
Likes: 2
From: South Carolina
If you really want to see Elite 3s in '09+ sizes make yourself heard. It only takes a minute.
http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/contact.asp
http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/contact.asp
I am the owner of an '09 Harley FLTR motorcycle and, like many, have been very disappointed in the D408F tire and the unavailability of options for superior rubber. The Elite 3's are highly regarded by the Harley community, but are not available in a size suitable for the '09 and '10 Harley line-up. As an avid rider who wants the best and safest riding experience, I would STRONGLY encourage Dunlop to consider offering Elite 3s for the current Harley product line. This is not only a sales opportunity, but one which would appease the many riders with no options and generally dissatisfactory tire.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Considering D407/D408s are ONLY available through an H-D dealer I've got to assume that's part of the contractual agreement to keep them out of the hands of aftermarket discounters. I wouldn't be surprised if restricting Dunlop from making those sizes in competing tire lines was part of the agreement as well. Why else wouldn't E3s be made in those sizes?
I emphasize "at this time" because as other brands introduce tires to fit these bikes they may decide to become more competitive and offer an E3 for them. One can only hope.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 1
From: Deep South Texas
I don't think they have much incentive to market an E3 for the '09's and later. At this time these owners are stuck with buying only Dunlop 407/408 and only from an HD dealership, and since these tires don't wear as well as the E3 they can only lose by offering the E3 at this time.
I emphasize "at this time" because as other brands introduce tires to fit these bikes they may decide to become more competitive and offer an E3 for them. One can only hope.
I emphasize "at this time" because as other brands introduce tires to fit these bikes they may decide to become more competitive and offer an E3 for them. One can only hope.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,476
Likes: 3,004
From: Charleston, SC
Some might say that with exception of the tire tread, the dunlop 407/408 IS the same tire compound and thus pretty much the same tire as the E3's...
lp
lp
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Joe Kucinski
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
i was checking out the ron ayers website, they do have a front tire that will fit the 2010 street glide/road glide, 130/70-18. for the rear, if you want to have a matching set, you would have to go to a 160 instead of a 180, and i don't see many people wanting to do that.
for the ultra/eg/rk in 17 inch, no joy there either.
for the ultra/eg/rk in 17 inch, no joy there either.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
Likes: 283
From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
Dunlop needs a wake up call on the E3's for sure .. If offered in the proper Sizes and Whitewalls as well would double their sales... I love them on 08 FLHT as compared to the Dunflop 402's