Dunlop Elite 3's not approved for HD : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Howard Richman · 02-04-2009, 02:58 PM

I just ordered a set of Dunlop Elite 3's for a 07FLHRI. Before I ordered; AMT(american moto tire) stated the D402's are the only recomended Dunlop tire approved for HD, and the Elite 3's are for cruisers, and that even though it fits, it's not the recomended tire, and shouldn't use them, and the D402,s last just as long. Well what's with that? How many others use the Elite 3's and good results over the D402's??

Please reply;
Howie...

trooper113 · 02-04-2009, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Howard Richman

I just ordered a set of Dunlop Elite 3's for a 07FLHRI. Before I ordered; AMT(american moto tire) stated the D402's are the only recomended Dunlop tire approved for HD, and the Elite 3's are for cruisers, and that even though it fits, it's not the recomended tire, and shouldn't use them, and the D402,s last just as long. Well what's with that? How many others use the Elite 3's and good results over the D402's??

Please reply;
Howie...

The E3s (bias ply) fit fine and work even better. I ride a '07 Ultra. I'll never use 402s again as long as E3s are available. I've read the specs at the Dunlop site and E3s fine. What they don't have is Harley-Davidson printed on the side.

Howard Richman · 02-04-2009, 04:36 PM

Thats what I thought. The only difference was the rears were a MU90 instead of the stock size MU85. Not sure if that makes a difference.

thanks for reply!

mtnmotorrider · 02-04-2009, 04:52 PM

Do you really think a tire knows whether it's riding under an 800 pound Harley or an 800 pound Honda? In fact, the E-3 bias tire has a higher load rating then the 402! How many car manufacturers "approve" a certain tire brand? That's just the Motor Company for you. They use to NOT "approve" synthetic oil too, until they could get some under their own label. Read the fine print in your warrantee. There's no mention of mandatory oil or tire brand. HD has made millions off of gullable consumers for ever. Now, folks are finally starting to wise up. I hope you're not still changing oil every 3,000 miles too, are you?

mbkodiak · 02-04-2009, 05:07 PM

There is a vendor in Maryland who sells lots of stuff on the internet. When I asked why they didn't have any E3's for my Ultra they said they won't sell them because HD doesn't approve of them.

When I asked then why do you sell dual exhaust he got defensive and hung up.

trooper113 · 02-04-2009, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbkodiak

There is a vendor in Maryland who sells lots of stuff on the internet. When I asked why they didn't have any E3's for my Ultra they said they won't sell them because HD doesn't approve of them.

When I asked then why do you sell dual exhaust he got defensive and hung up.

Amazing. I know where I wouldn't be buying anything.

y2kflhr · 02-04-2009, 06:35 PM

3 sets on my roadking sometimes loaded up for a weeks travel no problems at all....

Howard Richman · 02-04-2009, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by y2kflhr

3 sets on my roadking sometimes loaded up for a weeks travel no problems at all....

Well; Here's what AMT had to say apon my inquiry on the Elite 3's for my 07 Road King

Mr. Richman,

Thank you very much for your inquiry. The Elite III is a replacement tire
for metric cruisers. It is not recommended for HD. The sizes you have
listed below should fit, however, they aren't the recommended Dunlop
replacement tire. The D402 and the Elite III will be similar in terms of
longevity.

If you are looking for a longer lasting and better handling tire, then the
Metzeler ME880 would be the one to look at. These come in the exact sizes
you need and are recommended for both HD and Metric cruisers. These are
located on our site.

nvsteve · 02-04-2009, 08:32 PM

Seems strange. I bought E3s from AMT for my 07 Utra.
Work great.

blue pearl · 02-04-2009, 10:31 PM

im on my 3rd set on my 07 love them i called dunlop they said no problem and the rear is wider then the 402 and they handle better and last 402s i get 8,000 e 3s 12,000 and the cost the rear i pay $118 cant bet that

strokerjlk · 02-04-2009, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvsteve

Seems strange. I bought E3s from AMT for my 07 Utra.
Work great.

same story

trooper113 · 02-04-2009, 11:07 PM

My guess would be product liability lawyers/AMT's insurance company got involved in some manner since the E3s aren't "approved" even though they're far better tires.

This is the description of the Elite 3 bias tire at the Dunlop site....

"Also known as the E3, this tire delivers improved performance and longer wear for big road bikes. This bias-ply model is designed specifically for all of the major touring motorcycles and large cruisers."

Seems like it covers our baggers to me.

sanfam93 · 02-05-2009, 01:24 AM

I have 7k on my E3's and they still look new they are good tires and I will buy again. the stock tires were awful. now look at thre 09's the made a change from the 402's

Ed Y · 02-05-2009, 07:47 AM

This AMT outfit makes no sense. The Metzeler they are recommending in their letter is NOT recommended by HD either. So why carry on about the E3????????????

TheNowhereman · 02-05-2009, 08:28 AM

That means that HD hasn't got around to recognizing them yet.
They are probably better than the OEM crap they install.
The worst tire I ever had was the OEM Dunslops.
Nice for burnouts but, thats about it.
Nothing goes on my front except Avon.
The back will be Avon or Metz.......