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American Elite rear + Harley Dunlop in front?

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Old Jun 8, 2023 | 09:19 AM
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Default American Elite rear + Harley Dunlop in front?

2005 Ultra Classic. Need a new rear tire. Can I run Harley Dunlop on the front (new last year) and an American Elite in the rear?
Or do I need matching tread?
 
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Old Jun 8, 2023 | 01:13 PM
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Run it.
 
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Old Jun 8, 2023 | 04:51 PM
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Yup you’ll be fine!
 
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Old Jun 9, 2023 | 07:13 AM
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I understand your reservation about having different tires f/r but I would certainly run like that and see if there is a perceptible difference in handling. Dunlops are great tires. If you feel it may be detrimental switch the front to Elite.
 
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Old Jun 9, 2023 | 07:44 AM
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All good.
 
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Old Jun 9, 2023 | 08:45 AM
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Sidewall construction, compound and handling are similar. Elite has more advanced compound structure. Tread pattern only deals with water on the road. I doubt I could tell the difference. I’m sure there are a few here who might, but most would just be happy and ride on.
 
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Old Jun 9, 2023 | 01:51 PM
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Another all good. Many of us have run the Elite on rear waiting to replace the front down the road.
 
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Old Jun 9, 2023 | 01:53 PM
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I ran the other way around until someone left a bolt in our parking lot at work that penetrated my tire, now I have matching AEs.

I say replace your rear now and when you need a front, then you can get the AE for that as well.
 
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Old Jun 9, 2023 | 08:08 PM
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That is what I have on my '66 FLH, AE on the back, and 400 series on the front. No problem.
 
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