Touring tires are asked to do quite a few things and last many miles. Recently, I had the opportunity to try a set of Dunlop American Elite 2 motorcycle tires on my 2017 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Ultra. I had previously tested the first generation of these tires, and over the course of three months and more than 2,000 miles I found the second-generation tires to be a considerable improvement over the already impressive original American Elites.
My test of the AE2 tires took me from my home in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Lander, Wyoming, with additional trips throughout the Rockies. The tires were spooned on by Pikes Peak Harley-Davidson, and when I talked to the service technician, he said installation and balancing were straightforward.
Heavy-duty touring tires are designed to tackle long distances on interstates, state highways, backroads, and even an occasional dirt road. They need to provide stability and reliability for big bikes like my Road Glide Ultra, and the Dunlop AE2s delivered.
A new tread pattern gives the AE2s a more aggressive look, and a new compound is claimed to offer higher mileage and better wet-weather performance. Dunlop’s Multi-Tread technology uses a harder compound in the center and a softer compound on the shoulders for a balance between longevity and cornering grip. Cut-breaker construction gives the AE2s a strong casing to handle the weight and torque of big V-Twins and touring bikes.
Turn-in on the AE2s was smooth and predictable, and they held a line in turns with very little input from the rider and excellent feedback. They soaked up harsh-edged, abrupt bumps much better than the original American Elites. They also tracked straight and true while navigating road sections that had just been milled prior to paving and were rife with grooves, lines, and manhole covers that protruded from the roadway.
Rain performance is also a strong point. While I was riding south from Lander in a rainstorm, a small herd of pronghorn antelope crossed the highway in front of me, requiring heavy braking. The tires provided predictable, reassuring grip – exactly what I needed in an emergency.
While on rural backroads and byways, the AE2s held steady lines when going over tar snakes and patches and never felt squirmy. And during spirited riding, they handled exceptionally well.
Dunlop’s American Elite 2 tires are an excellent choice for your V-Twin, delivering performance, reliability, and high mileage. Retail pricing ranges from $218.95 to $453.95 per tire, depending on the application. Note that the original American Elite tires were manufactured in Buffalo, New York, but that factory closed in 2024. AE2 tires are now made in Japan and Indonesia.
The tread pattern of these tires brings water to the center of the tire instead of from the center of the tire to the outside of the tire why?
Early Spring 2026: Cords showing on Rear, American Elite. Called HD Dealer for immediate replacement: Bike was a trailered ‘courtesy return’ to my home where I (first) saw an AE 2 was mounted. “American Elite’ was not marked on the tire; I knew nothing about this tire! Thankful the Dealer had an immediate replacement for me. But questioned its compatability with an American Elite on the Front: Called ’em, satisfied with their answer, THEN I put the bike down the road. I by no means live close to straight smooth roads: Comfort and stability was immediately apparent. Tracks neutral, yet responsive in steering and holds a line. Very confidence inspiring, even when riding ‘two up’. 4,000 miles later – still looks new. I’ll not hesitate to keep AE 2 tires on this bike. They’re noticeably not an ‘also-ran’ offering. BIKE: 2008, Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe.