Best Harley Davidson Touring Tires: Top Picks for the Long-Haul

Selecting the right tires for a Harley Davidson touring bike is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride. This guide is for Harley Davidson touring bike owners seeking the best tire options for long-distance riding. Choosing the best tires for Harley Davidson touring not only enhances your bike’s performance but also plays a critical role in your safety, stability, and comfort on the road. The demands of long-distance travel require tires that provide stability, durability, and comfort. High-quality touring tires can handle the weight of the motorcycle, absorb road imperfections, and offer reliable grip across a variety of weather conditions and terrains. Riders can expect superior mileage and consistent performance from top touring tire options, making them a reliable choice for extended journeys.

The ideal touring tires for a Harley Davidson should offer a blend of performance and longevity. They must be capable of withstanding extended periods of highway speeds without compromising on traction during cornering or in wet conditions. With the correct set, riders will experience improved handling characteristics, reduced road noise, and better fuel efficiency.

Manufacturers have developed a wide range of tires catered to the specific needs of Harley Davidson touring models, offering multiple sizes to fit different bikes and preferences. Riders can find the right tire for their specific bike and riding style by considering the available options. Some tires are perfect for achieving a classic or vintage look, complementing restored or old-school motorcycles. Additionally, certain tire designs, such as the unique cobra pattern on Avon tires, help a bike stand out visually and attract attention. These tires are engineered to meet the load and performance requirements of these heavy-duty machines, taking into account factors such as tread patterns, sidewall strength, and rubber compounds. It is crucial for riders to choose tires that not only fit their riding style but also adhere to their bike’s specifications for optimum performance and safety.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Touring Tires

When selecting tires for your Harley Davidson Touring, it is essential to consider the following factors for performance, safety, and longevity on the road. The best tires must work well with the specific demands of Harley Davidson touring motorcycles, including handling heavy loads and long-distance travel requirements.

Tire Durability

Tire durability is pivotal, as touring bikes often cover long distances. Choosing tires that offer good mileage is essential for long-distance touring, as it ensures you get the most out of your investment and spend less time worrying about replacements. One must look for thick treads and high-quality rubber compounds that ensure extended tire life. Treadwear rating and manufacturer guarantees can be indicators of a tire’s potential lifespan.

Weather Adaptability

The ability to handle various weather conditions should drive your choice. Touring tires should provide reliable traction in both wet and dry conditions. Look for tires with deep grooves and sipes for superior water displacement.

Load Carrying Capacity

A touring motorcycle carries heavier loads, so the tires must be capable of bearing this weight without compromising performance. It's crucial to check the load index and tire pressure ratings for any tire being considered. A higher load capacity ensures the tire can endure the demands of long-distance touring with additional gear.

With these factors in mind, let's look at some of the top tire options for Harley Davidson touring bikes.

Top Touring Tires for Harley Davidson Bikes

Selecting the right tires is critical for the performance and safety of your Harley Davidson on long rides. Below are the top choices that combine durability, grip, and stability for touring, each with unique strengths to suit different needs.

Michelin Commander III Touring

The Michelin Commander III Touring tire is highly rated for superior wet grip and mileage with excellent water dispersion. Its tread pattern is designed to disperse water effectively, reducing the chance of hydroplaning. They are engineered for balanced wear, which contributes to their extended lifespan.

Dunlop American Elite

The Dunlop American Elite is designed specifically for Harley riders and provides superior all-around performance. Dunlop's patented Multi-Tread technology in the rear tire allows for long-lasting tires without sacrificing cornering grip. The lateral-grip compound offers better handling and improved treadwear in various weather conditions.

Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra

The Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra is available in a variety of sizes and offers a traditional whitewall aesthetic. This tire is specifically designed for touring motorcycles, with a focus on high mileage and stable handling under a variety of road conditions. It boasts a sophisticated tread pattern that promotes even wear over time.

Bridgestone Battlecruise H50

The Bridgestone Battlecruise H50 is recommended for riding two-up or heavily loaded due to enhanced stability. Its V-Twin specific construction reduces steering effort and absorbs shocks, making it ideal for heavy bikes.

Bridgestone Exedra Max

The Bridgestone Exedra Max is designed for stability under heavy loads and provides good grip, making it a solid choice for long-distance touring with extra gear.

Dunlop D402

The Dunlop D402 offers good mileage, stability, and grip on both wet and dry roads, specifically for Harley-Davidson motorcycles built prior to 2009.

Dunlop D408/D407T

The Dunlop D408/D407T tires are designed for long mileage and provide great traction under difficult weather conditions.

Dunlop D401

The Dunlop D401 provides impressive grip on wet and dry roadways and is compatible with various Harley-Davidson motorcycle models.

Michelin Commander II

The Michelin Commander II tire is known for its long-lasting performance, with consumers reporting at least 25,000 miles of use.

Shinko SR777

The Shinko SR777 tire is a budget-friendly option that is popular among riders looking for affordable tires.

Shinko 999

The Shinko 999 provides good stickiness and wet performance but has lower tread life compared to premium brands.

Continental ContiTour

The Continental ContiTour tire is designed for Harley touring motorcycles and enhances load-carrying ability.

With these top tire options in mind, it's important to maintain your tires properly to ensure optimal performance and safety on every ride.

Tire Maintenance and Care for Optimal Performance

Optimal tire performance is essential for safe and efficient touring on a Harley Davidson. Regular maintenance can significantly extend tire life and improve handling characteristics.

Regular Inspection Procedures

It is imperative to inspect tires frequently for any signs of damage, such as cracks, cuts, or punctures. Visual checks should be made for foreign objects lodged in the tread and to ensure there's no sidewall deterioration.

• Look for:

  • Cuts, punctures, or bulges

  • Embedded objects like nails or glass

If you notice any abnormal shifts in performance or balance while riding, check your tires for uneven wear, damage, and tread depth.

Proper Tire Inflation

Tire inflation is crucial; always refer to the owner's manual for the correct pressure settings. Under-inflated tires can cause poor handling and increased wear, while over-inflation can lead to reduced traction.

• Check inflation levels at least once a week and before long rides.

• Use a quality gauge to measure and maintain pressure.

Tread Wear Monitoring

The tread pattern on your tires ensures proper grip and water displacement. When tire treads wear down to 1/16th of an inch, they need replacing.

• Inspect tread depth using a tread wear indicator or a penny.

• Uneven wear indicates possible suspension issues or misalignment.

• Motorcycle riders must have between 1/32" to 2/32" of tread depth on each of their tires for maximum safety.

Safety should be the primary concern when dealing with motorcycle tires. For tire repairs, professional installation from a certified shop is recommended.

By following these maintenance tips, you can maximize the lifespan and performance of your touring tires. Next, let’s explore how your tire choice impacts your overall Harley Davidson touring experience.

Understanding the Impact of Tires on Harley Davidson Touring Experience

Selecting the right tires for a Harley Davidson touring motorcycle is crucial for optimizing the riding experience. Tires influence ride comfort, handling, and fuel efficiency, which are essential for long rides.

Ride Comfort

The choice of tires significantly affects the rider's comfort on a Harley Davidson. Touring tires are designed with a thicker sidewall and a specialized rubber compound that helps absorb road vibrations, providing a smoother ride over long distances. Riders should look for tires with high ratings in vibration dampening and noise reduction to enhance comfort during extensive tours.

Handling and Maneuverability

Tires play a critical role in a motorcycle's handling characteristics. For a Harley Davidson touring bike, tires with a rounded profile offer improved maneuverability, allowing for smoother transitions during turns. Additionally, a firm grip in both dry and wet conditions is critical for safe and responsive handling. Riders may prioritize tires featuring advanced tread patterns that promote stability and cornering ability.

Fuel Efficiency

Tires also have a direct impact on fuel efficiency. Harley Davidson touring motorcycles benefit from tires that have low rolling resistance, which requires less energy and thus conserves fuel. Optimally designed touring tires support better fuel economy without compromising traction or durability.

By understanding these impacts, you can make an informed decision that enhances every aspect of your Harley Davidson touring experience.