Dunlop D401 & D401T: The Authentic Soul of Harley-Davidson Performance

If you are looking to maintain the exact ride quality and aesthetic your bike had the day it rolled off the assembly line, the Dunlop D401 is the only choice. As a co-developed tire between Dunlop and Harley-Davidson, the D401 is more than just rubber; it is a structural component of your motorcycle’s chassis. While it shares the iconic Harley-Davidson sidewall branding with its touring sibling (the D402), the D401 is specifically tuned for the lighter weight and different rake angles of the Sportster, Dyna, and Softail families.

Introducing the D401T: Modern Longevity for Classic Rides

The newest evolution in this lineup is the D401T (Multi-Tread). Previously, riders had to choose between a “sticky” tire that wore out quickly or a hard tire that felt wooden in corners. The D401T incorporates high-mileage compound in the center of the tread to resist “squaring off” during upright highway riding, while utilizing high-grip lateral compounds on the shoulders. This means your Street Bob or Iron 883 can enjoy significantly more miles on the odometer without sacrificing the lean-angle confidence that makes cruiser riding enjoyable.

Expert Installation & Pressure Tips

Because the D401 is a bias-ply tire, it is highly reactive to heat and load. Pro Tip: Many Sportster riders make the mistake of running their tires at 30 PSI for a “softer” ride. This actually causes the D401 to overheat, leading to accelerated wear and a “heavy” feeling in the handlebars. We recommend a consistent 36 PSI for the front and 40 PSI for the rear to maintain the tire’s intended profile. A Note on Whitewalls: If you are installing the Wide Whitewall (WWW) version, be aware that these come with a blue protective film. Use only water and mild soap to remove it—harsh chemicals can leach the oils out of the rubber and cause the white to yellow over time.

The Purist’s Choice for Custom and Stock Builds

The Dunlop D401 remains the top choice for restorers and custom builders who want to maintain the “factory look.” Its profile is designed to provide neutral steering, meaning the bike won’t “fight” you when you enter a turn. It offers a predictable, stable feel that is perfect for both new riders on a Nightster and seasoned veterans on a Softail Slim. When you choose the D401, you are choosing a tire that has been tested across millions of miles to be the perfect partner for the American V-Twin.

Fitment Check: The D401 is available in various load ratings. Always verify that the tire you select meets or exceeds the GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) found on your motorcycle’s VIN plate, especially if you plan on riding two-up.

Dunlop Harley-Davidson D401 / D401T Tires

Clean looks, smooth handling, classic style. The Dunlop D401 Tire exudes reliability in a variety of conditions, wet or dry. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better value in aftermarket motorcycle tires for sale.

Features

• Approved Harley-Davidson cruiser motorcycle tire
• This Dunlop tire uses a bias or bias-belted construction with computer-optimized tread to reduce tire wear and improve tread life
• Specially formulated compound delivers better tire performance and handling in all weather conditions
• Special Harley-Davidson branding on the sidewalls
• Made in the USA