Choosing the right tires for your Harley Davidson touring motorcycle is a critical decision. You might not always realize it, but your tires are the only contact point between you and the road, directly influencing your safety, your bike’s performance, and your overall riding comfort.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the options available, ensuring you select tires that are perfectly suited for your touring needs. By understanding the key features and benefits, you can enhance your riding experience, providing you with better grip, improved stability, and the confidence to embark on long journeys. This information will empower you to make an informed choice, leading to more enjoyable and secure rides.
Top Picks
|
Category |
Product |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
⚡ Best for Front-End Performance |
90/100 |
|
|
🛣️ Best for Long Haul Touring |
89/100 |
How We Chose the Best Touring Tires
When evaluating touring motorcycle tires for your Harley Davidson, we focused on several key aspects to ensure you get the best possible performance and value. First, we considered durability and mileage, as touring riders cover significant distances and need tires that can withstand prolonged use without frequent replacement.
A long-lasting tire saves you time and money. Second, grip and handling characteristics were paramount. Whether you are navigating winding roads or cruising on highways, you need tires that offer reliable traction in both wet and dry conditions, giving you confidence and control. Third, we looked at ride comfort and stability, recognizing that touring involves many hours in the saddle.
A tire that absorbs road imperfections and maintains stability at various speeds contributes significantly to rider comfort and reduces fatigue. Finally, specific fitment for Harley Davidson models was a crucial factor, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance for your specific bike.
These criteria help us identify tires that truly enhance your touring experience.
Dunlop American Elite AE2 130/60B-19 Front Tire
You know that feeling when you’re cruising on your Harley, and you want a tire that just *gets* it? The Dunlop American Elite AE2 is designed exactly for that.
Whether you’re just commuting across town or embarking on an epic cross-country adventure, this tire is engineered to provide a smooth, confident ride. It’s especially good if you carry extra weight or gear, thanks to its sturdy construction and ability to handle the robust demands of touring motorcycles.
If you’re looking for a dependable front tire that offers great mileage and solid grip for your touring Harley, this one is definitely worth checking out.
Pros and Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
✅ Excellent mileage due to Multi-Tread technology |
|
|
✅ Strong traction and handling on dry surfaces |
|
|
✅ Improved wet-weather performance |
|
|
✅ Robust construction handles heavy touring motorcycles well |
|
|
✅ Provides a planted, stable feel |
What People Say
Riders are consistently impressed with its performance and stability, particularly noting its firm grip on dry roads and overall quality.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Big Daddy
This tire truly feels planted on the ground, giving you great traction on dry surfaces. It really looks good on the bike too. I highly recommend this tire if you’re looking for solid grip and stability.
🗣️ John cannatella
Simply put, this is the best tire for performance.
Riding Comfort
When you’re racking up miles, comfort is key. This tire’s design aims to give you a smooth, stable ride that reduces road fatigue, helping you stay comfortable on those long hauls. You’ll definitely feel a solid, planted connection to the road, which adds to your riding confidence and enjoyment.
Ready for the Long Haul
This tire is truly built for the open road. Its high mileage capability means fewer stops for tire changes, and its reliable grip in various conditions gives you peace of mind whether you’re heading across the state or across the country. It’s truly ready for whatever adventure you throw at it, making it an ideal choice for serious touring.
Why You’ll Love This Tire
- Exceptional Mileage: Thanks to its Multi-Tread technology, you get a long-wearing compound in the center for extended life.
- Superb Grip and Handling: The lateral-grip compounds mean you don’t sacrifice handling or traction, even with the enhanced mileage.
- Enhanced Wet-Weather Performance: An updated compound formula provides improved resistance and better grip in the rain.
- Built for Heavy Bikes: Its cut-breaker construction offers a robust casing, ready to handle the weight and torque of your V-twin, cruiser, or touring motorcycle.
Rating: 4.5 (total: 14+)
Dunlop D401 Rear Touring Tire
If you’re riding a Harley-Davidson, you know you need a tire that’s built for your bike’s unique feel. The Dunlop D401 is literally the approved Harley-Davidson cruiser tire, and for good reason.
It’s got that classic design but with modern performance that lets you tackle everything from your daily commute to those epic cross-country tours. You’ll find it handles both wet and dry roads with impressive grip, and it’s designed to last, so you’re not constantly thinking about your next tire change.
For a reliable rear tire that perfectly complements your Harley, this one’s a solid choice.
Pros and Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
✅ Officially approved for Harley-Davidson cruisers |
|
|
✅ Excellent grip in both wet and dry conditions |
|
|
✅ Offers long mileage and extended tire life |
|
|
✅ Features even wear to prevent cupping |
|
|
✅ Provides a stable and reliable ride |
What People Say
Riders consistently praise the D401 for its robust performance, especially its dependable grip in diverse weather and its impressive longevity, making it a favorite for Harley owners.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Road Warrior Dan
I’ve put a lot of miles on my D401, and it’s always delivered. The grip in the rain is surprisingly good, and it feels incredibly stable on the highway. Plus, it just lasts forever.
🗣️ HarleyRider77
This tire is fantastic for my Harley. It holds the road beautifully, and I haven’t noticed any cupping, which means my ride stays smooth. Definitely a dependable tire.
Riding Comfort
When you’re eating up miles, you want a tire that contributes to a smooth ride, not takes away from it. The D401 is built with a computer-optimized tread profile that actively works to reduce ‘cupping,’ which is that uneven wear that can make your ride feel bumpy. This means you get a more consistent contact patch with the road, leading to a more stable and comfortable experience, especially on those longer journeys.
Your Go-To for Long Rides
For those of you who live for the open road, this tire is truly your friend. Its promise of long mileage means less downtime for tire changes, letting you keep your adventure going.
Plus, with its reliable grip in both wet and dry conditions, you can confidently tackle diverse terrains and unpredictable weather, knowing your Harley is well-equipped for the journey ahead. It’s definitely a tire you can trust for serious touring.
Why This Tire Stands Out
- Harley-Davidson Approved: This is the official cruiser tire for your Harley, ensuring a perfect fit and performance.
- Superior Wet and Dry Grip: Its advanced tread pattern and specialized compound provide excellent traction in various conditions.
- Long-Lasting Mileage: Designed to give you extended tire life, reducing the frequency of replacements.
- Even Wear: Computer-optimized tread profile helps reduce cupping for more consistent and uniform wear.
Rating: 4.6 (total: 25+)
FAQ
How Do I Know if These Dunlop Touring Tires Are the Right Fit for My Harley-Davidson?
To ensure these Dunlop touring tires fit your Harley-Davidson, you should always check the specifications on your existing tires and consult your motorcycle’s owner’s manual. The Dunlop American Elite AE2, for instance, is a front tire typically sized 130/60B-19, while the Dunlop D401 is a rear tire often found in sizes like 130/90B-16, suitable for specific Harley-Davidson FXR Touring and Sport Glide models from 1983-1992.
It’s crucial to match the exact size, load index, and speed rating recommended for your specific Harley model to guarantee proper fitment and safe operation.
What Benefits Can I Expect from Using These Dunlop Tires for Touring on My Harley?
When you choose these Dunlop touring tires for your Harley-Davidson, you’re investing in a ride designed for the long haul. The Dunlop American Elite AE2 front tire provides excellent performance, offering a planted feel and great traction, especially on dry surfaces, which can enhance your confidence on the road. The Dunlop D401 rear tire features an advanced tread pattern, working well in both wet and dry conditions, and is known for delivering outstanding grip while still providing long mileage.
Together, they are engineered to give you the stable, reliable, and comfortable touring experience you expect from your Harley.
How Can I Ensure I Get the Best Performance and Longevity from My New Touring Tires?
To maximize the performance and extend the life of your new Dunlop touring tires, consistent maintenance is key. Always ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure specified in your Harley-Davidson’s owner’s manual; incorrect pressure can lead to premature wear and affect handling.
Regularly inspect your tires for any signs of wear, cuts, or punctures, and ensure they are balanced correctly. Avoid overloading your motorcycle, as this can put undue stress on the tires. Following these simple steps will help you enjoy the durability and reliability these Dunlop tires are designed to offer for many miles.
Which Tires For You?
For your Harley, youll want a tire combination that balances responsive handling with long-haul durability. Many riders opt for the Dunlop American Elite AE2 front tire, known for its excellent steering precision and wet grip, providing confidence on twisty roads.
Pairing it with a reliable Dunlop D401 rear tire then ensures you get the consistent wear and traction needed for extended touring, making it a solid choice for your adventures.
Wrapping Up
Selecting the right touring tires for your Harley Davidson is a worthwhile investment in your riding pleasure and safety. You have seen how important features like durability, reliable grip, and riding comfort contribute to an excellent touring experience.
By considering tires like the Dunlop American Elite AE2 for responsive front-end handling and the Dunlop D401 for long-haul endurance, you are equipping your motorcycle with components designed to meet the demands of extensive travel. Making an informed choice ensures that your journeys are not only safer but also significantly more enjoyable, allowing you to fully appreciate the open road with confidence and peace of mind.
| Dunlop American Elite AE2 130/60B-19 Front Tire | Dunlop D401 Rear Motorcycle Tire 130/90B-16 | |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
|
| Rating | 4.5/5 (14 reviews) | N/A |
| Specifications |
|
|
| Best Suited For | Riders looking for a reliable front tire with excellent performance in dry conditions. | Riders seeking a rear tire that provides good grip and longevity for touring models. |
| Buy Now | Buy Now |
This Roundup is reader-supported. When you click through links we may earn a referral commission on qualifying purchases.
