Dunlop's website is a pain to navigate.


What is the difference between a 401 and a 402?


I saw a Dunlop 408F today on a bike (Harley WideGlide) at the dealership. I looked very close and that was what it is marked. What is it?


American Elite? Is that just a 40 something, 1 or 2, without the Harley Davidson name on the side?


I have run Dunlops since the 291 T and S in the mid 1980's.

 

I don't know what difference there is between a 401 or 402, both have the same tread, both are about the worst handling tires I've ever ridden on and have been for over 20 years. Ancient design, tread unchanged, and Harley doesn't seem to want to give up on them. 408's are a modern design, and according to what others say, a big improvement over the 401 and 2 models. Every Harley I've bought had either 401 or 402 tires, and were the first thing I changed, even though one had brand new ones on. These are 401s except for the knobbies, off a couple Harleys. I use Avons on my Harleys now, huge improvement in handling over the original Dunlops.

 

Thanks for the insights.


Back in the early to mid 1980's I ran Goodyears on my 1976 FXE. Down in Georgia on a humid day if you hit the white line you would fishtail. I was in my T-bird one day and a radio ad came on:


Are you tired of slippin and sliding on your cycle? Try Dunlop 291's, they'll let you put your ear on the ground before they put your *** there!


Been a Dunlop man since, 291, 491, 401 and 402, and Elites as well.


I saw Harley Davidson marked Michelons on bikes at the dealership yesterday as well.

 

From Dunlop's website, which doesn't seem to be too bad:

"The D401 has been a favorite among Harley riders for many years. It comes in a variety of sizes to fit Harley cruisers.

The D402 is a high-mileage touring tire designed for long-distance Harley touring machines. It is available in a variety of sidewall styles.

Designed for use with the D407 and D407T, the D408F front tire is a touring tire...."

I have a 2011 SuperLow, which has low profile tyres, compared with most other models and that came new on Michelins. I've owned Harleys since the 1970s and only ever bought new ones. The stock tyres on every one were at best mediocre and I've never fitted new ones myself. All three of my V-twins are currently on Avons (Cobra or Storm as appropriate).

Being a long-standing HDF member I can see that the American Elites get good reviews, which I suggest if you are a Dunlop fan are worth trying.

 

I will go out on a limb and say the difference between 401 and 402 is 1.

 

 

In all seriousness, 401 is for lighter bikes, the load rating available on the 402 is way higher for up to 08 baggers

 

Darn it - to think that none of us realised that.....

 

What can I say, I drink and I know things.

 

I've been running Dunlop E3s on my 06 RKC for 7 years now and in fact am going to replace them this week with the same tires. I've only recently been able to ride much again and they are now too old for my comfort. they ride and handle better than the Dunlops that came on my bike and are awesome in the rain.