agreed the 407/408 combo is decent rubber. i have always changed out stock rubber on bikes i've had in the past. the 402 dunlops are crap and that is why you see guys with '08 and older bikes raving about aftermarket tires. the stock rubber on '09 and later HD's doesn't track, rides smooth, good wet weather traction and very good mileage. now if the american elites perform as well and cost less that would be worth considering. guys reccomending elite 3's haven't bothered to read what bike the op was asking about.....

 

After the stock Dunlops wore down, I replaced both with Avon Venoms and have been very happy with the performance (big difference over the Dunlops). I've 7K on them and they still have a lot of tread life on them.

 

I want to find a touring tire that will go 20,000 miles.

 

Avon don't make Venoms for the later bikes, but Cobras. Avon Michelin and the like use different construction techniques that make their tyres more compliant, hence comfortable to ride on. They also give excellent grip and cornering, especially in the rain! Having owned Harleys since the 70s I find I always go back to Avons.

When changing to a different brand of tyres, check the manufacturers website for the correct pressures. Avon tend to be around 10% higher than Dunlop.

 

I got the most wear of any rear tire I have ever had on any bike in 43 years of riding. A Dunlop American Elite went 20,000miles, (32,000km) and it was just down to the wear marks, no further (probably could have gone an extra 1000km). The tire was mounted on my 2009 Harley Electra Glide Classic (often loaded down with passenger and touring gear). Fantastic tire. I found the front American Elite follows groves a little more than I prefer, especially when loaded down.

This is the rear tire for any 2009 and up Harley Touring Bike (and they now offer it in thin white wall also). I never had any issues with grip in tight twisties or in the rain.

 

American Elite all the way! That's all I'll run! At 79k on my 09 Ultra averaging 18k on the rears and 30k on the front

 

Mitchlens handle and perform great