Tires and mileage
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 1
From: Mississippi
Tires and mileage
The factory tires on an 09 street glide were Dunlop 408's and 407's in I remember correctly. My buddy's rear tire lasted 16K miles and he is ready to replace the front tire @ 23K.
My question is.....Does anyone have any long term experience with the Dunlop Elite tires? They cost less but if they won't deliver the mileage of the 408-407 series tires it would not be worth the savings.
So, anyboby run them or have comments about the Dunlop Elite Tires?
My question is.....Does anyone have any long term experience with the Dunlop Elite tires? They cost less but if they won't deliver the mileage of the 408-407 series tires it would not be worth the savings.
So, anyboby run them or have comments about the Dunlop Elite Tires?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,780
Likes: 69
From: Al Bu Ker Key, New Mexico
I have the 408F/407 combo on my StreetGlide and am about to change out rubber for a new set of the same. I have 16,700 on both tires and both have about 2/32nds left.....could probably get more but its time. Lots of folks here like the Elite 3 and many are trying the new American Elite but I need an 18inch front and its not available yet.....will go with another set of OEMs.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 903
Likes: 8
From: California
I have used the OEM Dunlop's on all of my tire changes for my 09 UCa. I have been changing at around 12k miles. A few weeks ago I had a new set installed and the HD mechanic said I could get a lot more mileage out of the tires but I prefer to keep newer rubber underneath me. Having said that, I would not be surprised to get 15k or more out of a set of Dunlop tires without any concerns at all. For me, I think they are great tires as well as very safe. Lots of opinions on tires of course but its nice to know you can get some serious safe miles with Dunlop tires.
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 3
From: Open Road, USA
I never got anywhere near the kind of mileage out of any tire I put on my bike, you guys are talking about. The best I ever got was almost 14,000 out of an E3 on the rear and I just put a new E3 on the front to replace the one that had 18,000 on it. I don't understand how some can get 20,000 out of 407/408's and other only get 5-7,000 out of the same tire. Most that use the E3's get what I consider great mileage. Hell, I was putting two rear/front on a year for a while. Either I am extremely rough on my tires or am doing something wrong. I will continue to use the E3 since they handle all road conditions better than any tire I used before. The American Elite is for 2009 and newer bikes, I believe..
Stage I
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: soldotna , alaska
I have a 2010 flhtk with around 16,000 miles on the original 408's and still have some good tread left with no cupping on the front. I am pleased with the performance and would like to stay with the 408's but they are not available at the local dealership in alaska. They offer the 402's at around 800 bucks installed and indicate about 5 or 6k miles useable life. This seems like a short fix for a set of boots. I like the 408's and will try and seek a replacement set over the winter. I put a set of elite 3's on my wing and they worked great also with lots of mileage. Our roads are not the best and tire wear can be more than average at times. All in all, the 408's are good tires IMHO. I don't spend a lot of time on the net, but I thought some of you might want to hear from someone who uses the 408's . My flhtk is all stock except for the back rest, dodads and bling are just not my thing, I washed my bike once or twice just to get the bug juice off, I'm more into riding as much as I can. thanks
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 922
Likes: 305
From: Kincardine, Ontario, Canada
408's & 407's have 17,000 Miles on my 2010 FLHTK, I'm probably good for 2 or 3 thousand more, but I won't get there as my riding season is almost done.
When I had my Victory Vision it had the Elite 3 radials, I went through 3 rears and 2 fronts in 29,000 miles, so that was just under 10,000 miles for the rear tire. The front would cup very quickly unless you kept 2 psi higher than recommended by Victory. They would still cup, but it just took longer.
I am an agressive rider, rain or shine, I feel the 408 and 407 tires are every bit as good as the highly praised Elite 3's, but last longer. I'll be sticking with them.
When I had my Victory Vision it had the Elite 3 radials, I went through 3 rears and 2 fronts in 29,000 miles, so that was just under 10,000 miles for the rear tire. The front would cup very quickly unless you kept 2 psi higher than recommended by Victory. They would still cup, but it just took longer.
I am an agressive rider, rain or shine, I feel the 408 and 407 tires are every bit as good as the highly praised Elite 3's, but last longer. I'll be sticking with them.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,803
Likes: 11
From: El Paso, Texas
I have a 08UC, Got 17K out of mine. Probably could have gotten 3K more, but it was time. Dealer even commented on how good of shape the tire's were in, with 17K. He said that the tires on most other bikes of the same model were worn out at 10K. I will always stay with stock Dunlops.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
Assuming that your 09 SG has the 180-65/16 on the rear, the Elite 3 does not come in that size. Your choices are stock, Metz 880, Dunlop American elite, and an Avon. Like others have commented, the wear on the stock is good. I have almost 10K and still 4-5/32ths left. Unless I have a lengthy trip planned, I will replace with OEM at 1-2/32th.