American Elites, Personal evaluation.

[PoorUB]

I was out doing the winter service on my 2010 Ultra, and figured I would measure the tire wear. I put American Elites on the bike this summer. The front I changed early, sometime in May, the rear later in July. I started riding this spring with 22,000 miles on the clock, we had a late spring so I really did not get riding until mid April. I don't remember the mileage when I put on the front, but I safely assume less than 25,000 miles. The bike has 38,000 on it now so it comes out to about 13,000 miles on the front tire. The kicker is the tire comes new new with 5/32" of thread and it measures 4/32" right now, measured randomly around the tire. It boggle my mind to think of the mileage I may get with this tire. 4/32" @ 13,000 miles per? ~ 50,000 miles?? (No way! ) The tire should run 30,000 miles easily.

Short story, the rear I have about 8,000 miles on, installled at 30,000 miles. The tire comes with 10/32" new, 6/32" left, or about 2,000 miles per 1/32", maybe 18,000 miles to the wear bars. I was getting ~15,000 on the 407 's so it looks like I should easily pass that number.

I realize real miles may vary greatly from what my estimates, but it looks like the tires will wear at least as good as the 407/408's did. As for handling, I can not tell any differance from the 407/408's to the AE's, good or bad, they seem to be about the same handling wise. Also considering the tires are 2/3rds the price of the 407/408's it looks like the AE's will be a good tire.

[Nebraskarider1]

I put one on the front of my 09 Ultra and have about 1k on it so far, handles well and no vibration at all, so far very happy.

[limitedlou]

I realize real miles may vary greatly from what my estimates, but it looks like the tires will wear at least as good as the 407/408's did. As for handling, I can not tell any differance from the 407/408's to the AE's, good or bad, they seem to be about the same handling wise. Also considering the tires are 2/3rds the price of the 407/408's it looks like the AE's will be a good tire.
[/quote]

   I have over 22,000 miles on rear now and it should get better than the 407, which I got 25,000 miles on. Front 408 I changed at 32,000 miles, AE still looks good with about 15,000 miles. AE's will be re used on next tire change...

[Mark222]

Wow, I was really getting exited here, real life stories about good, American Made tires for my touring bike.

So I go looking on the Dunlop website for a set for my old "91 bagger, and learn that they only make this tire in one (1) front tire size and one (1) rear tire size? From their WebSite:

American Elite Front
130/80B17     65H     BW     31AE-81     3.00     25.20     5.08     5/32     639 @ 41
  American Elite Rear
180/65B16     81H     BW     31AE-57     5.00     25.33     7.19     10/32     1019 @ 42

Neither of which will fit my bike.....  WTF.

Ever since Metz took their tour to Brazil and their mileage distance and overall quality took a dump, I have been looking for the next tire I can get behind.  Running Avon Venom X series now, and all is good but the tread life.  I was getting my hopes up here, and then........... We only make one size for each front and rear.

And I was just about to drink the cool aid... 

Mark

[Nebraskarider1]

Mark222, look into the Elite3's they have gotten lots of good reviews for the earlier bikes. I run them on my 97 and if they had made them in the size for my 09 I would have chose them. HD has an exclusive with Dunlop on the 407/408 right now so Dunlop makes the AE's as an aftermarket option. Whey the don't make an E3 in the new sizes is beyond me but probably has something to do with marketing strategies not tire design. Just my .02

[timtoolman]

i put on a eliite 3 on front this summer on my 09 ultra  its wearing decent I dont really care for it   but i will go back to the dunlap on the front  but going to the darkside on the rear  tire this summer

[Jeffd]

I have a pair of American Elites in the basement waiting for spring.  I would order your tires early as the prices seem to keep climbing.

[Tsani]

I would like to try these tires, but it seems as tho WWW will not be an option. And I like my WWW's! Gotta have em. Call me crasy, but I like em. So if you Tire makers read this, WWW dammit!

[Nebraskarider1]

i put on a eliite 3 on front this summer on my 09 ultra  its wearing decent I dont really care for it   but i will go back to the dunlap on the front  but going to the darkside on the rear  tire this summer

An Elite 3 or an American Elite? I don't see the E3 listed in an 09 front or rear size yet.
Keep us posted from the darkside, 

[PoorUB]

So I go looking on the Dunlop website for a set for my old "91 bagger, and learn that they only make this tire in one (1) front tire size and one (1) rear tire size? From their WebSite:

The American Elites are made for the 2009 and up touring frames only. If you have an older ride, go for the Elite III's.

[fleetmechanic]

As the original 407/408s wear out on our police bikes, we've been replacing them with the AE and they have all done fine.  Our only issue when is running on the snow with sidecars the 180s float on the ice instead of digging in like the 130/140 402s can.  This week on funeral processions guys on '08s with the 402s had to stop and help push '09s -'11s with the 180s.  This is not a problem for most riders but it does suck to be us in Denver right now .

[Snag]

So I go looking on the Dunlop website for a set for my old "91 bagger, and learn that they only make this tire in one (1) front tire size and one (1) rear tire size? From their WebSite:

The American Elites are made for the 2009 and up touring frames only. If you have an older ride, go for the Elite III's.

  What he said . I've been runnin' E3's on my '90 Ultra , love 'em . Handle well IMO wet and dry , I've been getting 16k+ rear and 30k+ on fronts - and I've been known to ride fairly hard , especially in the twisties .

[64 Panhead]

I run the E-3's on my 97 EGC and Love them....   64