I am on my way to Minnesota and believe I have enough front tire to get me there and back. A couple buddies commented on my lack of front tire tread and think it needs to be changed right away. I agree it's worn, but explained to them the Elite 3's don't show much of a tread pattern when new. Now they have me doubting myself, so I come to the board for some wisdom, guidance, and a general consensus. Round trip is expected to be about 3000 miles. My cheap a$$ wants to get the most miles I can before buying new rubber, but don't want to kill myself (or the wife). If the prevailing opinion is (replace that sucker!) Where is a good place to buy a repacement Dunplop Elite 3? Thought I found the correct size for $150.00 shipping included on line, but now can't seem to find site anywhere.

You don't say where you are coming from, but if it is any distance, you is planning a death wish in my opinion..... You can be tight in the pockets, but your life is on the line with that tire........ Buy a new one and be done with it......... That is very cheap life insurance in my book.
I might be biased here as I rode a motor for a living and saw tooooooo many tire failures in the 32 years I served.......
These tires take a rather large time to wear down to that point on the front, but from there on to cords, it is about a tenth or less of the original wear.......