Have you ever felt that heart-stopping moment when your Harley Davidson’s tires lose grip on the road? It’s a scary feeling, right? Choosing the right tires is super important for a safe and enjoyable ride. But with so many options, it can feel like you’re lost in a maze.
Many Harley Davidson riders face the pain of picking the wrong tires. Maybe they wear out too fast, or don’t handle well in the rain. This can mean less control and a less fun experience. Finding the perfect fit can be a real headache, and it can cost you money and time.
In this post, we’ll make things easy. We’ll break down what you need to know about Harley Davidson tires. You’ll learn about different types, sizes, and how to pick the best ones for your riding style. By the end, you’ll be ready to confidently choose the right tires and enjoy every mile. Let’s dive in and get you rolling!
Our Top 5 Harley Davidson Tires Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Harley Davidson Tires Detailed Reviews
1. Dunlop Harley Davidson D402 Front Tire (Single / MT90B-16)
Rating: 9.1/10
The Dunlop Harley-Davidson D402 front tire (Single / MT90B-16) is made for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It’s designed to give you a great ride. This tire is a popular choice for touring. It is built to handle the open road.
What We Like:
- This tire was made with Harley-Davidson. It gives you the best performance.
- The D402 is the tire that Harley-Davidson approves for touring.
- It has a strong three-ply casing. This helps keep you stable.
- The tire’s design helps you ride better in rain and on bridges.
- It is a tubeless tire.
What Could Be Improved:
- We don’t have enough information to list any cons for this product.
If you ride a Harley-Davidson and need a new front tire, this is a good option. It’s built for touring and gives you a smooth ride. This tire is a solid choice for your motorcycle.
2. Dunlop D404 Rear Motorcycle Tire 150/80B-16 (71H) Black Wall
Rating: 9.4/10
The Dunlop D404 Rear Motorcycle Tire 150/80B-16 (71H) Black Wall is a great tire for many older bikes and cruisers. It is designed to provide a balance of grip and mileage. This tire is built to handle different road conditions. It has a special tread pattern to move water away. This helps with wet grip. The D404 uses a bias-ply construction. This makes it strong and gives a smooth ride. The tire also has a special groove in the middle. This helps the bike stay steady when riding straight.
What We Like:
- Expanded size range fits many older bikes.
- The tread compound gives a good balance of mileage and grip.
- Front and rear tread patterns are made for great water removal. This provides good wet grip.
- Bias-ply construction is strong and gives a comfortable ride.
- The offset center groove helps with straight-line stability.
What Could Be Improved:
- Not recommended for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
- Requires a tube (sold separately).
The Dunlop D404 is a solid choice for riders of older bikes and cruisers. It offers a good mix of performance and comfort for everyday riding.
3. 180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson CVO Electra Glide Ultra Limited FLHTKSE 2014-2018
Rating: 9.4/10
The 180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall is made for Harley-Davidson CVO Electra Glide Ultra Limited FLHTKSE bikes from 2014-2018. This tire is a replacement tire. It’s designed, tested, and made in the USA. Dunlop made this tire to give Harley-Davidson riders a great experience. The American Elite line is built to last and perform well on the road.
What We Like:
- This tire is made in America.
- Dunlop designed this tire just for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
- The tread design helps the tire wear evenly.
- It works well in wet and dry weather.
- The tire has a cool design that says “American Elite” and “Made in the USA.”
What Could Be Improved:
- No cons available.
The Dunlop American Elite tire is a good choice for your Harley-Davidson. This tire is made in the USA and is built to last.
4. Shinko 87-4599 Black Wall SR777 & SR777 H.D. Tire
Rating: 9.4/10
The Shinko 87-4599 Black Wall SR777 & SR777 H.D. Tire is made for cruiser motorcycles. It fits many V-Twin and metric cruiser models. The tire has a special rubber compound. This compound helps you grip the road. The tread design helps with traction in any weather. You will feel safe when you speed up, slow down, and turn. The H.D. (Heavy Duty) version is even stronger. It feels more stable.
What We Like:
- The tire is made for cruiser motorcycles.
- It comes in many sizes.
- The rubber gives you a great grip.
- The tread helps you ride well in wet or dry weather.
- You feel safe when you ride.
- The H.D. version is very stable.
What Could Be Improved:
- Availability may vary depending on size.
- Some riders may prefer a different tread pattern.
The Shinko SR777 tire is a solid choice for cruiser riders. It provides good grip and stability. You can feel confident on the road.
5. Dunlop Harley-Davidson D402 Rear Motorcycle Tire MT90B-16 (74H) Black Wall – Fits: Harley-Davidson CVO Dyna Wide Glide FXDWGSE 2001
Rating: 8.7/10
The Dunlop Harley-Davidson D402 Rear Motorcycle Tire is made for Harley-Davidson touring bikes. It’s the only tire Harley-Davidson approves. This tire is built to handle heavy loads and keep your ride stable. It has a special tread design to help you ride safely in different conditions. You can get the D402 in a blackwall, white bar, or white sidewall design. This review focuses on the MT90B-16 size for the rear tire.
What We Like:
- The D402 is made with strong materials. It has a three-ply polyester casing and fiberglass belts.
- This tire gives you a stable ride, even with heavy loads.
- The tread design helps you ride safely, even in the rain.
- The tire wears evenly, so you get more miles out of it.
- It’s the official tire for Harley-Davidson touring bikes.
What Could Be Improved:
- This tire is only for Harley-Davidson bikes.
- You can’t swap the front and rear tires. They are different.
The Dunlop Harley-Davidson D402 is a great tire for your Harley-Davidson. It’s built to last and provide a safe and stable ride.
Harley-Davidson Tires: Your Guide to the Road
Riding a Harley-Davidson is awesome! But you need good tires to stay safe and enjoy the ride. This guide helps you choose the right Harley tires.
Key Features to Look For
When picking tires, think about what you need.
- Size: Make sure the tire fits your bike. Look at your current tires or your owner’s manual. The size is printed on the tire’s sidewall.
- Type: Harley-Davidson motorcycles use different tire types.
- Bias-ply tires are the most common. They are good for a smooth ride.
- Radial tires are also used. They offer good handling and grip.
- Load Rating: This tells you how much weight the tire can handle. It is important for safety.
- Speed Rating: This shows the maximum speed the tire can handle.
- Tread Pattern: The tread is the pattern on the tire. It affects how the tire grips the road in different conditions. Some are better for wet roads.
Important Materials
What are Harley tires made of? They use some key materials:
Tires are mostly made of rubber. This rubber is made with a mix of other things. These things help the tire work well and last a long time.
- Rubber Compounds: Different rubber mixtures affect grip, wear, and handling. Manufacturers carefully choose these mixtures.
- Steel Belts: Steel belts add strength and help the tire keep its shape.
- Ply Cords: These are layers inside the tire that give it strength. They are often made of nylon or polyester.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a tire good or bad.
Quality tires are important for safety and performance. You want tires that will last and perform well.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making high-quality tires. Research the brand before buying.
- Manufacturing Process: How the tires are made matters. Better processes lead to better tires.
- Tire Age: Tires get old and can dry rot. Check the date code on the tire.
- Proper Inflation: Keep your tires inflated to the right pressure. This helps them last longer.
- Riding Style: How you ride affects tire wear. Aggressive riding wears tires out faster.
User Experience and Use Cases
How do riders feel about Harley tires? And where do they use them?
Riders want tires that feel safe and handle well. They also want tires that last a long time.
Harley-Davidson tires are used for many things:
- Cruising: Many riders use their bikes for long rides. They need tires that are comfortable and reliable.
- Touring: Some riders travel long distances. Touring tires are made to handle the weight of luggage and passengers.
- Daily Commuting: Some people use their Harleys to get to work. They need tires that can handle daily use.
- Riding in different weather: Some tires are better for wet or dry conditions. Choose tires based on where you ride.
Harley-Davidson Tires: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Harley tires.
Q: How do I find the right tire size for my Harley?
A: Look on your current tires or in your owner’s manual. The size is printed on the sidewall of the tire.
Q: What is the difference between bias-ply and radial tires?
A: Bias-ply tires are the most common. Radial tires offer better handling and grip.
Q: How often should I replace my Harley tires?
A: Replace your tires when they are worn. Check the tread depth. A good rule is about every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, but it varies.
Q: How do I check my tire pressure?
A: Use a tire pressure gauge. Check the pressure when the tires are cold. The correct pressure is on the tire sidewall.
Q: What is the load rating?
A: The load rating tells you how much weight the tire can handle. Be sure to choose a tire with a load rating that suits your bike and how you ride.
Q: What is the speed rating?
A: The speed rating shows the maximum speed the tire can handle. Don’t go faster than the tire’s speed rating.
Q: How do I know if my tires are worn out?
A: Check the tread depth. Look for cracks or bulges. If the tires are worn, replace them.
Q: Can I use a different brand of tire on my Harley?
A: Yes, you can. But make sure the size and type are correct for your bike.
Q: Where can I buy Harley-Davidson tires?
A: You can buy them at Harley-Davidson dealerships, motorcycle shops, and online retailers.
Q: Should I get my tires installed professionally?
A: Yes, it is recommended. Installing tires can be tricky. A professional can ensure they are mounted and balanced correctly.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Hector Quintanilla, the creator of helmetslab.com.. As a passionate enthusiast and experienced expert in helmets, I’ve dedicated this platform to sharing my insights, knowledge, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re seeking the best helmet for safety, comfort, or performance, my goal is to guide you with detailed reviews, tips, and advice. Ride safe, and let’s explore the world of helmets together!