I purchased a used 2009 Ultra Classic. The manual indicates that the only tires that will work are the Dunlaps supplied by the Harley dealer. Is this true or will other tires work? I'm not too crazy about Dunlaps. Is there another brand that's better? Thanks.

 

there are a lot of different tires that will work , the stock I think are junk to but the Dunlop American elites have been getting good reviews and a lot of people seem to like the Michelin commanders , I run the Dunlop E3s on my 07 , different size than yours put love the e tires

 

i run the stock dunlops on my 02, partly because i get 10k or so out of the rear, and double that on the front. the other reason is i run the wide whites, and there aren't alot of options for me. i have heard good things about some of the newer tires, but have no first hand knowledge. you certainly don't have to stay with dunlops though.

 

Ha ha you can use lots different tires just make sure there the right size or close and pay attention to the load ratings the Dunlop elets way better than the stock 402 or 407 , metzlers are great , Mitchlens get good reviews .

do some searchs tons of tire threads thousands of opinions

 

Harley states that, because they have a contract with Dunlop to supply OE tires and that is the tire they have completed all their testing with.

I think most manufacturers would tell you the same thing under those circumstances.
They are protecting their brand, and will always tell you to only use "HD Branded" parts.

I just put the new American Elite's on my '11 Street Glide, and these tires are awesome!

 

I've got almost 8000 miles on the American elites on my '12 limited. I have no complaints.

 

the dunlop american elite is a very good tire. buy mine from jake wilson-great price, no sales tax, and free delivery. the local suzuki shop will pull the wheels off the bike, mount and balance the new tires, and re-install for $100. i get 2 new tires installed for about what a harley dealer would want for the rear tire(not the elite) plus he wants another hundred bucks to install it.