I have a 2004 Ultra with about 56k, ride a lot of 2 up, sometimes loaded with camp gear, etc., good mix of highway and rural roads, ALWAYS have the rain gear (just in case, of course, and it has been known to ward off the rain only when putting it on before the rain starts ;-). Any way, need new tires front and rear. Have replaced a lot of the stock Dunlops and want good traction and longer life if possible. No complaints about the originals but would like longer life.

 

E3's..

 

Dunlop American Elites...just replaced my stock Dunlops with these. They stick to the road.

 

the dunlop e3 work very well.dunlop has now come out with american elite in sizes for pre 09,the e3 and american elite are very similar tires,the e3 are blackball only and u would use mu90 for the rear,american elite will be available in mu85 in www and narrow white wall.

 

The Dunlop American Elite II is probably what your looking for. With the new sizes available you can get the dual compound rubber for the back tire. Price is very close to the Dunlop E3's, awesome tire also. JR

 

I've got an 06 se ultra and I'm extremely happy with Avon venoms. I will never run Dunlop again. My bike is apparently a little more sensitive to tires and the venoms are the bomb. My bike did not like the commander 2's. Keep in mind some of the tires being suggested are primarily for the newer Frame bikes, not our older ones....

 

Will take all this into consideration. Thanks all.

 

I have/had E3's on my bike, still do on the rear for the time being. The front E3 developed cracked sidewalls after 2 years of use, with still plenty of tread left and tire pressures always maintained. The bike sits in the garage most of the time so I know it can't be sunlight. I believe the compound for the front E3's was not a good one. I have switched to an American Elite on the front (was cheaper in price too) and will change the rear later this year after a few trips, although the sidewalls look fine on it.

Hopefully no more cracking

 

Michelin commander II's . Without a doubt better then Dunlop!!

 

What type of mileage have you got with these tires? How do they grip the road and deal with the cracks and filled in cracks, we get a lot of them in the northeast? Do they handle riding hard (when the wife stays home)?
E3's
Elite II
Venoms
Commanders