HD or American Elite tires

[rcrocker]

I have 2011 FLTRX. Has anyone tried the american elite tire compared to the D 407/408 tires?

[jeff]

Yes and i like them a lot.

[Hillglide]

I don't think they make a 18" front???

[OldNerdGuy]

American Elites are worth every penny

[T-BO 399]

I think it's the same basic tire just without the HD emblems around the edge. It's what I used to replace the stock tires on my '09. I am happy with them and I saved a few bucks also.

[OldNerdGuy]

Originally Posted by T-BO 399

I think it's the same basic tire just without the HD emblems around the edge. It's what I used to replace the stock tires on my '09. I am happy with them and I saved a few bucks also.

VERY different tire. American Elites are a much different tread pattern, compound, mileage. Elites are a much better tire, IMHO.

For those who like the buy American, American Elites are American Made tires.

[T-BO 399]

I see on the dunlop web site that the tread pattern is different. I was told they changed the pattern to avoid the cupping on the front tire so I figured they changed it on both model tires But the multi compound (hard center/soft edges)seems the same on both. Is that not the case.

[jeff]

Originally Posted by OldNerdGuy

VERY different tire. American Elites are a much different tread pattern, compound, mileage. Elites are a much better tire, IMHO.

For those who like the buy American, American Elites are American Made tires.

Actually dunlop told me they are the same compound and carcus and the only difference is tread pattern. They told being the compound is the same they should get equal mileage

[96349]

Originally Posted by jeff

Actually dunlop told me they are the same compound and carcus and the only difference is tread pattern. They told being the compound is the same they should get equal mileage

That is pretty much the way it is. Different tread pattern to distinguish it from the 407/408 OEMs and it says American Elite on the sidewall instead of Harley Davidson for the same reason. Harley dealers hate the hell out of them because they are cutting into their monopoly tire sales for the 2009 bikes. I say screw em and feed em beans.

[Dfwhockey17]

As others have stated, they are basically the same tire with a different tread pattern. HD is the only one who can sell the 407/408 and to get around it Dunlop created the American Elite....They are great tires, but I happen to have a thing for these new Michelins.....