Talking tire tech

ultrafxr

1250+ Posts
Gold Member
Aug 21, 2017
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Lakeland, TN
Name
Jerry
Found this video where they are talking tire tech with a Dunlop rep. I found it very interesting albeit a bit long.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dbKoavfmqU

Couple of takeaways:

The OE tire has design input from H-D and while he was 'politically correct' and didn't say it outright the message I got was that Dunlop didn't especially agree with H-D's design.

OE tires (not just H-D) may not be as long lived as retail replacements and may have a bit less tread depth - typically 1/32"

The H-D OE tire and the retail American Elite are built on the same carcass and only the tread pattern and depth vary.

All tire manufacturers will void their warranty if anything is introduced into the tire - Ride On, Slime, Dyna Beads, etc. Not saying these products don't work but if warranty is a concern might want to think about this.

After reading / hearing about current buzzing / vibrations problems with the Avon AV91 Cobra Chrome trike tire and also some problems with the new Michelin Commander III I'm planning to install a Dunlop American Elite front tire (not reversed rear tire) when the time comes. Just my $.02 for what it's worth . . . or not.
 
Found this video where they are talking tire tech with a Dunlop rep. I found it very interesting albeit a bit long.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dbKoavfmqU

Couple of takeaways:

The OE tire has design input from H-D and while he was 'politically correct' and didn't say it outright the message I got was that Dunlop didn't especially agree with H-D's design.

OE tires (not just H-D) may not be as long lived as retail replacements and may have a bit less tread depth - typically 1/32"

The H-D OE tire and the retail American Elite are built on the same carcass and only the tread pattern and depth vary.

All tire manufacturers will void their warranty if anything is introduced into the tire - Ride On, Slime, Dyna Beads, etc. Not saying these products don't work but if warranty is a concern might want to think about this.

After reading / hearing about current buzzing / vibrations problems with the Avon AV91 Cobra Chrome trike tire and also some problems with the new Michelin Commander III I'm planning to install a Dunlop American Elite front tire (not reversed rear tire) when the time comes. Just my $.02 for what it's worth . . . or not.

The Elite is a pretty good tire on a 2 wheeler. Years ago that guy from Dunlop was at Daytona & said the Elite would be much better on my ultra then the HD tire. He was right !! Much better handling & longer wear. I had forgot about Elites. He even came out to where the bike was parked & checked it out. Said it was one of the few with proper pressure in it. Great find on the video Jerry. Half way through it,will watch the rest after supper.
 
The Elite is a pretty good tire on a 2 wheeler. Years ago that guy from Dunlop was at Daytona & said the Elite would be much better on my ultra then the HD tire. He was right !! Much better handling & longer wear. I had forgot about Elites. He even came out to where the bike was parked & checked it out. Said it was one of the few with proper pressure in it. Great find on the video Jerry. Half way through it,will watch the rest after supper.

This guy who made the video, Kevin Baxter of Pro Twin Performance aka 'Skunk Works' just outside Atlanta has really impressed me with his knowledge and willingness / ability to share. He has some impressive videos about oil and engine break in for example that I've watched as well as this one on tires.

Guys named Kevin are just the best!
 
This guy who made the video, Kevin Baxter of Pro Twin Performance aka 'Skunk Works' just outside Atlanta has really impressed me with his knowledge and willingness / ability to share. He has some impressive videos about oil and engine break in for example that I've watched as well as this one on tires.

Guys named Kevin are just the best!
Gotta agree with this , Guys named Kevin are just great people !
 
I have watched all of Kevin Baxter's videos, very smart guy

I like the way he puts the info into easy to understand terms, it is a Kevin thing to be sure;)
 

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