Are you talking about all Dunlops, or just the factory HD Dunlops?

Nothing at all wrong with the Dunlop American Elites, and they ride just fine.
Very good tire, and completely happy with them.

 

I am talking about all Dunlops. Just my personal opinion. If I am buying a tire they would be last on my list every time.

 

Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
I would put the American Elite before the Michelin Commander II, but that is just my opinion.

Both of those tires get very good reviews here, and I don't think I have every heard anything negative about either one.

 

In fairness I have never run an American Elite, only the stock d408"'s and the 402"'s. However, I have always found that other tires seem to handle and stick to the road much better than the "lops for teh style of riding that I am accustomed to.

Everyone has an opinion on this kind of stuff. The reason I tend to share this kind of info is that I feel a significant difference int eh ride quality between tires and I think others could benefit from this info. If you are a guy who buys everything at the dealer and only takes their recommendations you will be stuck with Dunlops.

 

The American Elite is not at all like the factory HD Dunlop.

I think HD gives Dunlop some specs and Dunlop then makes a tire to those specs with the Harley-Davidson name on the tire.
The American Elites does not have Harley's name on it, and isn't anything like the factory tire.

Oh, I agree with you completely there.
I don't think you can even get the American Elite at an HD Dealer, as they will always have the HD labeled version.

I got mine at a local Indy shop, based on his recommendation.
I was really surprised at how much better the ride and handling are.
Only about 3,000 miles on them, but very happy with them so far.

To be fair though, I've never tried the Michelin Commander either.

Sometimes tire threads are like oil threads. LOL
Everyone believes the one they are using is the best.

 

I know what you mean. It's on my bike it must be the best. I'll have to try these Elite 3"'s when I wear out these Michelin's assuming they are made in the sizes I need.

 

Are you replacing the rear? If not consider what you want to install in the future, since the front will last as long as two rears. I had an American Elite front and Elite 3 rear on my '00, I was happy with the results. Metzeler 880's wear out fast. Never tried the Michelins, next on the list. Some good reviews on here.
The front 18" is a 600# rating so you have a lot of options.
,,,

 

Well I have decided on the Michelin Commander 2. Its on sale for $35 less than the others and seems to be a great tire. Will post my opinion on the tire in a few days. Thank you all for the great advise.

Best regards,
Ed

 

Well took the bike out for a spin with the 18" wheel and new Michelin Commander II and I am very happy with the ride. It actually rides better than the stock 16" with the Dunlop HD factory tire. Thank you all for the great advise!