Dunlop 'American Elite'

[EVAHank]

I have a question. My 'Grey Lady' is in dire need of a new rear tire. They have an OEM tire (the Bridgestone) at the local KAW shop, but the one on my bike went away after only 7500 miles. I would like to get something that would last longer, and, on the advice of a good friend, am looking at the Dunlop American Elite tire. After reading about it on the Dunlop website, I have a couple of questions. First, the tire is a 180 cross section. Stock is a 170. Will there be problems down the road when the tire starts to expand ('flatten out')? Second, Dunlop recommends that it be used with a 5" rim. The V17 rear rim is a 4.5" according to the manual. I just do not want to run into problems down the road with a 'non-oem' tire, and need some more input from other users. So-will anyone that is using this tire please post with an opinion or advice concerning this tire? I may cross my fingers, pray, and pull the trigger, but I'd like to have more information first. Thanks!!!

Ride Safe & Sane;
Hank & 'The Grey Ladies'

[debron]

Hank, read this topic:
http://www.amervoyassoc.org/forum/viewt ... =14&t=7320
Don Medina is very happy with his American Elite.

[David (N. Alabama)]

I would give Dunlop a call. I ran a couple Dunlop E3s on the Voyager 1700. They were narrower and taller than OEM. When I called Dunlop they told me that the Voyager rim was at the wide end of the range for those tires.

I will add that when you put a tire on a rim that is narrower than what the tire was designed for, you round out the profile of the tire which in turn means a slightly smaller contact patch, but also allows for more lean angle. Putting a tire on a rim that is wider than what the tire was designed for will flatten the profile of the tire.

I am currently running the Michelin Commander 2 on the rear and the Bridgestone Excedra Max on the front. I may try the Dunlop American Elite next depending on the wear of the Michelin.

[HMB Don]

Hank
I too had concerns about the 4.5 inch rim on the 1700. I took a chance and mounted it, remembering all of the larger tires I had mounted on narrow rims in the past.

Results: Good no problems at all, after 17,000 miles the center of the tire was worn flat. As with all wide tires, it has become a little harder to lean into a turn. Remember this is the norm for all wide tires. The E-3 didn't have this problem but it's only a 160 where the AE is a 180. When new the AE leans into the turns much easier then the E-3, but as the tires wear they reverse the E-3 leans into turns easier then the AE.

Next, how many miles do you ride? If it takes 5 years to travel 15,000 miles, you'll be replacing the tire before the center of the tire gets to flat. Why, because the tire carcass will have degraded enough to be unsafe, so it should be replaced. We forget that these are very heavy motorcycles, which puts more stress on a tire carcass then the average motorcycle. Yes there are people riding that have older tires, with no problems. But me I often ride to the middle of nowhere, this just gives me peace of mind and I've yet to have a sudden air loss (blow out) problem with any tires.

The E-3 is a great rear tire, I got 19,000 miles of use from mine. Price is also about $60.00 less the AE.

[EVAHank]

Don, thanks for the feedback. The V17 will be my 'daily driver' while I rehab my V12. I decided to go ahead and 'pull the trigger', and will be ordering an AE from my dealer this afternoon. They can get them for $190.00 + tax. Install is about $50.00. I do not have the proper equipment to do the job myself. Thanks for your advice, I feel a lot better about the swap now.

Ride Safe & Sane;
Hank & 'the Grey Ladies'

[HMB Don]

Hank
good idea about having them mount the tire. I thought I had the tools, but anything less then a tire machine doesn't work. I tried and almost hurt myself, so off to the local gut here in town that mount tires. You got a heck of a price I paid $205.00 plus tax.

[Mr Clean]

I'm only getting under 6000 miles on the bridgestones and I have 47000 miles on my 09, after looking at the posts on the dunlop 180x65/16 I want to try one of these. Who has the best price on them. I was looking at Dennis Kirk and they're 199.00 delivered Any better prices around?

[Kevin B in Illinois]

Surprisingly several Harley Dealers sell these tires for around $175 each, some have free install on tires if you buy them from them. I would check with your dealer and see what kind of deal they can give you. I have also had great luck with Southwest online tire prices. Good Luck,,,


KB

[Mr Clean]

Thanks for the info Kevin, I went to Boston Harley and they were able to get it for me for $3.00 less than anyone else......hell thats a cup of coffee! I think I'm going to go with a dunlop front tire too but I don't know the tire size. Does anyone know what the size is?

[HMB Don]

It's a 130/16 and both the E3 and American Elite come it that size. The A/E only comes with a white sidewall. I've got the E3 on the front of my 1700 now and it's got 25k and just getting to the wear bars. I want to try the A/E but the white sidewall has me holding back for now.