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american elites are not the same as the D407...they handle better in wet and dry conditions and last much longer. the moco likes tires that don't last too long--that way they can sell you another one. dunlop was low bidder to furnish harley tires built to moco specifications. the american elite is a nice improvement on the D407, it's cheaper, and it does not have harley davidson branded all over it!
american elites are not the same as the D407...they handle better in wet and dry conditions and last much longer. the moco likes tires that don't last too long--that way they can sell you another one. dunlop was low bidder to furnish harley tires built to moco specifications. the american elite is a nice improvement on the D407, it's cheaper, and it does not have harley davidson branded all over it!
Exactly Dan!!
I think you nailed it.
Why would HD want you to have tires that last much longer than the cheaper tires/product that they have their name on?
The more often you go in the more $$$ you will spend.
How many guys go in for an oil change and come out with a new bike?
Hmmmmm?
Explained to me in the past, Dunlop has a propritory agreement
with HD when they build a new tire for HD they can not compete against them for a year. After the year, Dunlop came out with a improved version of the HD tire.
Ordered an American elite 180/65/16 from Chaparral motorsport on Thursday,priced at $196 and used promo code DUNLOPDEAL1 to get the discount.Got it for $180 plus free shipping.Ups will deliver on Wednesday.
the american elite is a far superior tire...i have gone thru 3 so far. just replaced one-had 20k on it. what kind of price is the indy quoting? i buy mine from jake wilson and let the local suzuki dealer mount them.
I used the elite once and got 3 months not even, the D407 is the best tires for heavier Harleys, why do you think HD made it a dealership part and more expensive to buy, which that was a dick move for touring decker riders, you want to get more customers stop Gouging your customers Who buy top of the line harley-Davidson
I used the elite once and got 3 months not even, the D407 is the best tires for heavier Harleys, why do you think HD made it a dealership part and more expensive to buy, which that was a dick move for touring decker riders, you want to get more customers stop Gouging your customers Who buy top of the line harley-Davidson
Welcome to HD forums. I'm sure the information you provide will be received with gratitude, 8 years after he posted.
I used the elite once and got 3 months not even, the D407 is the best tires for heavier Harleys, why do you think HD made it a dealership part and more expensive to buy, which that was a dick move for touring decker riders, you want to get more customers stop Gouging your customers Who buy top of the line harley-Davidson
FWIW.. your experience is not the norm with American Elites v OEM Dunlops.. but then again, rider style, roads, and tire age all play a role..
Dunlop co-operated with HD to design/make the Dunlop series of OEM tires for HD.... The Dunlop engineers suggested a few improvements to the HD spec'd tires. HD passed on the improvements, so Dunlop decided to make the improved version themselves and call them the American Elite tires.
I've used American Elites on my softails, my baggers, and even a set on my old 1980 FXS Low rider...
My experience, the experience of a couple close friends, and most of what I have read, suggest the American Elites get better mileage (especially since they went to the dual compound tires on the bagger sizes) and have better performance than the OEM Dunlops.
Of course, my opinion is just based on anecdotal evidence, same as yours......
So buy what you have confidence in and good experiences with...
I just put American Elites on my Ultra front and back a few weeks back and had been running the HD branded Dunlops forever and can say I wish I made the switch sooner!!! the Elites perform and handle much better, to me the difference is very notable!!
as for getting more miles it is too soon to tell but have heard from many that tire wear is much better with the Elites!! I have never got more than 10,000 miles out of my Harley branded rears
Last edited by Mallard Slayer; Apr 14, 2021 at 12:08 AM.
I have American Elites on my Heritage Softail and like them almost as much a I did Avon Venoms. When it’s time to replace the tires on my RGU, American Elites are going on it.
I switched to American Elites years ago after talking to a Dunlop factory rep who explained the differences between the OEM Dunlop’s and AE tires. Been super happy with them for dry/wet handling and longevity.
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