The variety of tires is quite extensive in the market of spare parts of third-party manufacturers, and to some such variety may even seem monotonous. Tires are very similar at a glance and it’s hard to see which ones are worth looking at and which are not. For this reason, finding the best tires for Harley Ultra Classic is not an easy task.
The main difference between tires is the load they can withstand. Such tires as Dunlop can withstand heavy weight and are often considered the best tires for Harley Road King, although they are not the most powerful tires. The difference between Dunlop American Elite vs elite 4 is not even clear at first sight. They usually use a multi-layer coating and have fiberglass embeddings.
Bridgestone tires can withstand fewer loads, but many consider them the best motorcycle tires. This brand is very famous and always pleases customers with its excellent quality and long lifespan of the tire. Cheaper but strongest Shinko Harley tires are suitable as budget tires for long-distance travel. They can withstand the maximum load, but are a little less popular.
Here we will try to understand the differences between similar tires on the market and how to find the best of them.
List of Top-Rated Tires for Harley Ultra Classic
| Photo | Product | Diameter | Load index | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra Rear Tire | 16" | 74H | View on Amazon |
| Michelin Commander II 130/80B-17 (65H) | 15" | 65H | View on Amazon |
| Dunlop DNLP12449 | 16" | 74H | View on Amazon |
| Shinko 87-4568 | 16" | 77H | View on Amazon |
| Pirelli Night Dragon GT | 16" | 81H | View on Amazon |
| Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra Front Tire | 17" | 65H | View on Amazon |
| Dunlop DNLP12631 | 16" | 77H | View on Amazon |
| Bridgestone Battlecruise H50 Front 130/80B-17 (65H) | 17" | 65H | View on Amazon |
| Avon Tyres Cobra Chrome AV92 MT90B-16 (74H) | 16" | 74H | View on Amazon |
| Shinko 87-4599 | 16" | 81H | View on Amazon |
Reviews of the Best Tires for Harley Ultra Classic
Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra Rear Tire
Metzeler presented tires, which are specially designed for long-distance travel on motorcycles. They are wide enough and allow you to feel confident on any road. The main advantage of this set is its ability to withstand high mileage beyond 15,000 miles.
Pros
- reliable tire designed for long distances of more than 15,000 miles
- specially designed for long-distance travel
- high-quality rubber
- effective protectors for protection and removal of moisture
Features
- rear tire
- load index: 74
- diameter: 16 inches
- set weight: 20 pounds
- manufacturer: Metzeler
The suggested tire is a great option for the rear wheel. It is capable of withstanding sufficiently long intensive loads. The manufacturer has made sure that the tire will last as long as possible.
Michelin Commander II Front Motorcycle Tire 130/80B-17 (65H)
Although the width of the tire is not small enough, it can effectively cope with all weather conditions and allows you to feel as stable as possible on any road. The tire is wear-resistant and provides maximum grip on the road surface. It differs from the Michelin Commander 2 180/65b16 the width of the tire and minor indicators of grip.
Pros
- suitable for a wide range of Harley-Davidson motorcycles
- has a high stability on any road
- provides a reliable grip on the surface
Features
- tire type: front
- For motorcycles from 2009 to 2013
- tire weight: 15 pounds
- Manufacturer’s brand: Michelin
The tire is designed for different models of motorcycles, so it is worth checking with the seller before buying. This is one of the most reliable and high-quality tires on the motorcycle spare parts market. The company is always concerned about providing high-quality rubber and always has a high level of service.
Can I replace the tire in my garage or should I contact the service?
– Usually the manufacturer strongly recommends a professional installation in a special service to avoid any malfunctions and ensure the maximum level of safety. In some cases, you can install at home if you know about motorcycles and have already done it yourself.
Dunlop DNLP12449
This is one of the tires officially approved by the original company for installation on Harley motorcycles. The tire is distinguished by a three-layer polyester coating and two fiberglass belts. This tire is particularly strong and resistant to friction. The level of grip is also significantly higher than that of competitors, so you can safely install this tire and be sure of an increased level of safety.
Pros
- the tire is approved by Harley-Davidson for use on their motorcycles
- multi-layer coating is used together with fiberglass
- the tire handles the grip perfectly even on wet roads
Features
- material: polyester and fiberglass
- position: rear wheel
- for motorcycles from 1983 to 2003
- manufacturer: Dunlop
Tire treads have a special pattern for effective protection, grip, and water release from under the wheel. This tire is suitable for everyone who puts safety and reliability first.
What is the load index of this tire?
– This tire has a load index of 74H. It is also designed for high-speed traffic and long-distance travel.Â
Shinko 777 Rear Tire MU85-16
The aramid tire coating provides maximum resistance to high temperatures and is highly resistant to pressure. This tire was designed specifically for budget use, but combines good quality tires and adequate cost.
Pros
- low cost
- strong and stable coating
- effectively handles rain and water on the road
Features
- for long-distance driving
- position: rear wheel
- material: aramid
- manufacturer: Shinko
If you are looking for the most optimal ratio between price and quality, this tire is what you need. It has adequate cost and at the same time has a good quality of covering and grip on the roadbed.
What weight load can this tire withstand?
– The tire has a load index of 77 which corresponds to about 412 kg.
Pirelli Night Dragon GT Rear Tire
This tire has one of the highest load index values among other tires on the third-party market. This means that the tire can withstand a pressure of 462 kg. The Pirelli Night Dragon tire is designed for high long-term loads and provides maximum stability on the road.
Pros
- able to withstand a large load
- effective tire protectors
- improved stability on the road
- for long-distance driving
Features
- load index: 81
- position: rear wheel
- tire diameter: 16 inches
- set weight: up to 22 pounds
- manufacturer: Pirelli
Tire recesses are effective in removing excess moisture. The tire is designed specifically for long journeys and can last up to 20% longer than its factory counterparts.
What is the maximum speed you can reach with these tires?
– The tire has a high-speed standard H, which corresponds to a maximum speed of 210 km per hour.
Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra Front Tire
A special tire from Metzeler can withstand a high long-term load. It is designed for long-distance travel and can resist friction perfectly. It is practically not erased even after six months of use. With this tire, you can feel confident at any angle of the bike, as it provides an effective grip over the entire tire area.
Pros
- able to withstand very long loads
- suitable for a huge number of motorcycles of different years of production
- designed specifically for long distances
Features
- the value of the permissible load: 65
- front mounting position
- width 130 cm
- diameter: 17 inches
- weight: up to 14 pounds
- manufacturer: Metzeler
This is a great tire for long trips. It can withstand prolonged loads at high pressure and high speed. The materials from which the tire is made are very high quality. The tire is quite heavy, and immediately gives the impression that it is very reliable.
Will this tire work as a Dyna Wide Glide?
– Probably the best tires for Harley Dyna Wide Glide. The presented tire is wide enough to provide the most reliable and stable movement, as well as the Dyna Wide Glide tire.
Dunlop DNLP12631
This is a more durable model of Dunlop tire for installation in the rear position on a motorcycle. Even though the tire is quite narrow, it is designed to withstand a fairly serious load of 412 kg. Thanks to the smart furrow system, the tread can quickly cope with water under the wheel. You can be confident of driving safely at high speed in rain or on wet asphalt.
Pros
- reinforced tire
- effective protectors and grooves for water drainage
- excellent stability when driving at high speed
Features
- material: polyester and fiberglass
- permissible load 412 kg
- for a long ride
- manufacturer: Dunlop
This tire is suitable for installation on motorcycles of 2006-2008 model years. It looks very sporty and has a distinctive white rim and special shape of the treads. You can be sure of driving stability and a good grip on the asphalt at any speed approximately at the level of the Dunlop American Elite tires.
How quickly can this tire be erased when used at low speed?
– The service life of the presented tire is much more than 15,000 miles and will last much longer if you drive carefully.
Bridgestone Battlecruise H50 Front 130/80B-17 (65H)
This tire model is designed specifically for cruises. It provides ease and comfort when driving long distances. Such a tire usually lasts three times longer than a standard tire. You can feel as confident and comfortable as possible on the road with this tire.
Pros
- high-quality rubber material
- special grooves for effective protection and grip
- light weight
- the simplest possible design
Features
- outer diameter: 641 mm
- load index: 65
- manufacturer’s company: Bridgestone
The tire can withstand a total pressure of 290 kg. This is a little less than the other tires in consideration can withstand. So if you have a lighter version of the bike and you weigh a little, it is worth looking at this model of motorcycle tires.
What tire can be a good alternative for this model?
– A Michelin Commander II tire is an excellent choice instead. They are very similar in technical characteristics and can generally replace each other.
Avon Tyres Cobra Chrome AV92 Rear Motorcycle Tire MT90B-16 (74H)
The tire has a stylish appearance and an interesting circumferential impression, reminding of cobra skin. Deep grooves on the treads can cope with the grip on wet roads as effectively as possible. It is resistant to friction with other mechanical influences, which contributes to the longest possible service life of the tire.
Pros
- cool design
- technically elaborate design
- the tire can withstand heavy loads
Features
- for motorcycles produced in 1983-2003
- load index: 74
- brand of the manufacturer: Avon Tires
These tires are generally in the middle of the maximum permissible load. However, they are very reliable on the road. Many people choose this tire because of its stylish design and clever tread design.
Does the tire come with the wheel or separately?
– Only one tire is included for installation on the rear wheel.
Shinko 180/65B-16 (81H) 777 H.D. Rear Motorcycle Tire
Excellent tire for the rear wheel, which has a reinforced structure and can withstand heavy pressure. This tire will serve for a very long time, even in intensive use. It is suitable for many Harley-Davidson motorcycle models.
Pros
- low price
- simple but reinforced construction
- able to withstand a large load
- designed for long trips
Features
- for motorcycles of 2009 – 2013
- installation position: rear wheel
- load index: 81
- manufacturer: Shinko
These are quite good tires in their price segment. They can withstand heavy loads and provide proper grip on any type of road surface. Stability and driving comfort with the new tires will be provided to you.
What is the diameter of this tire?
– The diameter of this tire is 16 inches.
Conclusion
The most common are tires that are designed for long distances and can provide the most reliable grip on the road. Many of them can withstand quite a lot of pressure and high speed. Trying to find the best tires, you need to understand what kind of load you will give them, and what result you expect. Like many others, Metzeler tires perform very well, and the title of the best can be earned by any of the presented tires.
Frequently asked question
It is not easy to answer this question. This depends on the load you are going to put on the wheels. The best tires have at least a high load index and a smart tread design. Many tires deserve the title of the best. This can be the well-known Michelin or Dunlop tires.
For long trips, Metzeler and Pirelli tires are best suited. Perhaps these are the best tires, which are very resistant to abrasion and have a special endurance for long loads.
Almost all tires have a high resistance to wear and can withstand a distance of 15,000 miles. This is usually the stated guaranteed rate, but in many cases they can last much longer.
The Bridgestone Battlecruise can be ranked among the best tires that are designed for long-distance driving and perform effectively on different types of roads and in all weather conditions. You can be sure of safe and speedy travel with them.
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