Dunlop Am elite, vs D 407
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
Dunlop Am elite, vs D 407
I wonder what the real differences are between the 2 tires. The American Elite is only made in the 180/65B16 which is the stock size of my FLHTK, Looking at the Dunlop site, they both boast the multi-tread compounds and other similar characteristics. The tread pattern is different, obviously the D407 would have the HD marking and the Elite would not. Has anyone contacted Dunlop to get their explanation of any real differences. My suspicion is that they are the same tire, except for tread design, and of course the Elite is not so expensive and available other places. Elite only in black wall too.
Specifications form the 2 tires the same, size, width, load rating, etc.
Specifications form the 2 tires the same, size, width, load rating, etc.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
I just put the American Elite on my bike last week. I think the 407 was a great tire but you can only buy it from HD so the price is accordingly higher than the Am Elite. Besides the differences in sidewall aesthetics and tread design I think they are very similar tires.
This is only speculation on my part, but I think Dunlop made the Am Elite just different enough from the 407 not to infringe on the contract with HD for the 407, but similar enough that it would have pretty much the same handling and wear characteristics, and they could sell it through any source.
I got 20,000 miles out of my 407. In a year or so I'll know how well the Am Elite stacks up in that respect. As for handling, I don't have a good comparison because just about any new tire will feel better than a tire with 20,000 on it.
This is only speculation on my part, but I think Dunlop made the Am Elite just different enough from the 407 not to infringe on the contract with HD for the 407, but similar enough that it would have pretty much the same handling and wear characteristics, and they could sell it through any source.
I got 20,000 miles out of my 407. In a year or so I'll know how well the Am Elite stacks up in that respect. As for handling, I don't have a good comparison because just about any new tire will feel better than a tire with 20,000 on it.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
I have heard and read good things about the AM Elite and may go that route. I will end up with about 16K on the stock 407 which ain't too shabby, 20K is better of course but I plan to change at 1/32, maybe 2/32. No long trips planned until March so lots of time to get those miles since I don't put it away for the winter down here.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 525
Likes: 2
From: Ottawa, Canada, summer, Daytona Beach Florida, winter
I have been on the American Elites, front and rear for 6ooo miles, really don't feel or see any difference from the 402's so far.
My 402's only gave me about 15000miles hoping for more from the Elites.
My 402's only gave me about 15000miles hoping for more from the Elites.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
Side note, I bought the angled valve stems from Dennis Kirk and took them to a dealer and looked at a stock take-off wheel they had in the back. Will fit nicely.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
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From: Glendale AZ
Dude thats some serious cupping.....how typical is that on Touring bikes? Thst doesnt look safe at all!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
looking at the wear pattern, dirty part of the tire vs what appears to have some wear, it looks like the tire has serious under inflation allowing excessive sidewall flex. I don't think I could get my tire over that far to wear like that without scraping bags etc.
