Dunlop American Elite Tires

Dunlop American Elite: The Ultimate American-Made Performance for Your Harley

For the rider who takes pride in the heritage of their machine, the Dunlop American Elite is the only choice. As the only aftermarket tire line for Harley-Davidson motorcycles that is designed, tested, and manufactured in the USA, the American Elite was built to handle the unique demands of American roads. Whether you are navigating the chip-seal backroads of the Midwest or the high-heat interstates of the Southwest, this tire is engineered to provide a level of consistency and longevity that standard OE tires simply cannot match.

MT Multi-Tread Technology: Performance Without Compromise

The standout feature of the American Elite is Dunlop’s patented Multi-Tread (MT) technology in the rear tire. The center of the tread is composed of a long-wearing, cool-running compound that resists the “squaring off” effect caused by heavy touring and upright highway miles. Meanwhile, each shoulder features a lateral-grip compound that provides increased traction and confidence at higher lean angles. This dual-compound approach means you no longer have to sacrifice the “sticky” feel in the corners to get the high mileage required for long-distance travel on a Street Glide, Road Glide, or Heritage Softail.

Expert Technical Insight: Why Choose American Elite?

As V-Twin specialists, we often get asked the difference between the stock Dunlop D407/408 and the American Elite. Pro Tip: The American Elite uses a newer generation of the Multi-Tread compound that is specifically tuned to be more “supple.” This results in a ride that feels less “wooden” over expansion joints and potholes compared to the factory-branded tires. The “Set-In” Rule: Because the American Elite has a slightly different profile than the stock tires, you may notice your bike feels “lighter” or more eager to lean. This is intentional. To maximize the 12,000 to 15,000-mile potential, we recommend a cold PSI of 36-38 for the front and 40-42 for the rear on heavy Touring models. Under-inflation is the leading cause of the “cupping” noise often heard when leaning into a curve.

The Professional Rider’s Choice

The Dunlop American Elite is the tire of choice for riders who want the peace of mind that comes with a “Made in America” product. It offers a perfect balance of comfort, durability, and style. With the widest variety of sizes and sidewall styles in the industry—including the stunning Wide Whitewall for classic vicla or heritage builds—the American Elite ensures your bike looks as good as it handles. It is an investment in the quality of every mile you spend in the saddle.

Verified fitment is available for almost every V-Twin cruiser produced in the last 30 years. Ensure you select the correct sidewall style to match your bike’s aesthetic before checkout.