If you are looking for a reliable motorcycle with an excellent reputation, Harley is the obvious choice. However, when it comes time to replace the tires, the choice can be tough, as there are multiple good options on the market. While Dunlop and Michelin are considered to be good-old trusted classics, you can try something else, just to widen your horizons. Before you make up your mind, check out the list of my favorite tires for Harley Street Glide.
I’ve owned several Harleys and have testing experience with different tires from various manufacturers. I know which companies make the best Harley tires in general, as well as which ones are most appropriate for Softail, Cruiser, Touring, Street Glide, and other models.
The stability of Harley motorcycles also relies heavily on the quality of their tires. Many different brands create tires for these bikes, but usually, the quality of their products does not differ much. When choosing a brand, customers usually pay attention to the durability and size of the tires.
Online shopping can have many benefits over shopping in brick-and-mortar stores. You don’t have to pay for things like rent and other overhead costs, and shipping is usually cheaper. However, online shopping also has its drawbacks. You can’t see the product in person and get a full understanding of its features without reading the description and terms carefully.
Also Read: The Best Tires for Harley Sportsters — For Easy & Long Riding
Although you can get information from both personal research and professional opinion, I have gone through and collected the best information on tires for your Harley Davidson Street Glide so you can make the most out of every ride. I have also gathered extra information on choosing and changing tires, so get ready to become an expert on tire shopping.
Comparison Table
| Name | Weight | Load | Rim size | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunlop American Elite Front Tire | 3.5 lbs | 567 lbs | 19 inches | 130 mph |
| Dunlop American Elite Rear Tire | - | 1019 lbs | 16 inches | 130 mph |
| Shinko Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall | - | 584 lbs | 16 inches | 130 mph |
| Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra Front Tire | 14.18 lbs | 639 lbs | 17 inches | 130 mph |
| Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra Rear Tire | 13.86 lbs | 1019 lbs | 16 inches | 130 mph |
| Pirelli Night Dragon Tires | 12.2 lbs | 567 lbs | 19 inches | 130 mph |
Top-6 Best Tires for Street Glide
- Dunlop American Elite Front Tire – Top Pick
- Dunlop American Elite Rear Tire – Premium Choice
- Shinko Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall – Budget Choice
- Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra Front Tire – Top Rated
- Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra Rear Tire
- Pirelli Night Dragon Tires
I want to consider a total of 6 models, from 4 different manufacturers. I don’t think you need more, I chose really decent options that you can even pick up in size. The main thing I want to focus on is the manufacturer. Be sure in this list only the best and proven over the years. And they will fit your Harley Davidson Street Glide.
1. Dunlop American Elite Black Wall – The Best Front Tires for Harley Street Glide
Dunlop is a famous racing tire manufacturer whose tires are usually the top competitors of Michelin products. Their tires are durable and applicable for sporty riding styles. I tell you about it in the buyer’s guide section at the bottom. These tires are fully made in the USA.
This front tire is a great option for most Street Glide Harleys. I believe it offers the best handling characteristics for this motorcycle. The manufacturer suggests this model as a cruising solution and I agree. This tire has a speed rating of 130 mph (H) and an enhanced multi-tread tire compound that boosts longevity and mileage. It is a bit noisier than Michelin’s compound but can potentially serve longer.
The diameter of the tire is 19” and the load index is 61. This means it can be installed on most Street Glide motorcycles, including the Street Glide FLHX/I 2014-2019 and the Special FLHXS 2014-2016 suggested by the manufacturer. The tire doesn’t have any serious advantages or drawbacks compared to the other tires alternative. This offer superior quality and maybe that’s exactly what you need.
Keep in mind that this is only a front-wheel version. You can also look for a rear one or buy front and rear tires at once. The price will be different if you decide to do so.
Key features:
- size – 130/60B19 (but you can choose another size);
- weight – 3.5 pounds;
- load index rating – 61 (567 pounds);
- rim size – 19 inches;
- speed rating – H (130 mph).
- Made and tested in the US
- 130 mph (H) speed rating
- Excellent handling
- Extra-longevity tread technology
- Can be a bit noisy sometimes
2. Dunlop American Elite Black Wall – The Best Rear Tires for Harley Davidson Street Glide
This is another good quality tire from Dunlop, that is reasonably priced. The American Elite uses a biased construction which makes it a more affordable tire, that can last over 8,000 miles with regular maintenance.
The item is sized at 180/65B-16. You can look for other sizes if you need to. American Elite tires are made for both new and old models of Harley Davidson motorcycles, and the price may be slightly different.
It is a rear-wheel version of this tire and a front-wheel version is above. You can also buy front and rear tires at once. The price will be different if you do so. The speed rating for this tire is H.
Key features:
- size – 180/65B-16;
- load index rating – 81 (1019 pounds);
- rim size – 16 inches;
- speed rating – H (130 mph).
- Made and tested in the US
- 130 mph (H) speed rating
- Excellent handling
- Extra-longevity tread technology
- It is not the cheapest option
3. Shinko 777 H.D. Black Wall – Best Shinko Tires for Street Glide
Since 1946 Shinko has been a leading Japanese bicycle tire manufacturer. In 1998 they purchased Yokohama Rubber Co and now they have a powerful motorcycle tire manufacturing base in South Korea.
The Shinko 777 is a tire specifically designed for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It is made with heavy-duty construction to be able to carry heavy loads without any problems. The 130/80B-17 Reinforced model that I tested has an H speed rating and a 62 load index.
Key features:
- size – 180/65B-16;
- load index rating – 62 (584 pounds);
- rim size – 16 inches;
- speed rating – H (130 mph).
Based in the US, Shinko is a developer of tires with a long history and many clients. This tire provides a good grip on wet surfaces. Additionally, the tire is tubeless and does not require tubes if you do not have them.
The durability of this tire makes it one of the best options for a heavy-duty bike. If you need an advanced carcass, you can order it in either 4 or 6-ply rated H tubeless tires.
qws- High mileage
- Strong grip on wet surfaces
- Unique design
- Heavy-duty coating
- Affordable price
- There is no whitewall model
4. Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra Front – Another Good Front Tire
I’ve tried a lot of different Metzeler products and they’ve always lived up to my expectations. The Marathon Ultra is no different and I would recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade their Harley.
The weight of this product is approximately 14 pounds. It uses radial construction, but you can easily find a bias option. The size is 130/80B-17. You can find various sizes on the product page. Keep in mind that it is only a front tire. However, the manufacturer offers both front and back tires for Harley`s model.
I’ve enjoyed using the ME888 Marathon Ultra because it’s reliable and long-lasting. The Metzeler company has done a great job because their tires retain their potential even after 5,000 miles. The speed rating of this front tire is H.
Key features:
- size – 130/80B-17;
- weight – 14.18 pounds;
- load index rating – 65 (639 pounds);
- rim size – 17 inches;
- speed rating – H (130 mph).
One downside to the ME888 Marathon Ultra tire is its cost. While the price isn’t exorbitant, you could buy two tires for the same amount. However, it is still a great choice if you’re looking to invest in your bike.
- A lot of sizes are available
- Solid grip
- Can last for a long time
- The product is not cheap
5. Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra Rear – One More Good Rear Tire for Street Glide
The new series of Metzeler tires are designed specifically for street bikes and feature an improved profile, structure, and pattern. These tires are designed to perform well on any road and under any weather conditions. The durable materials used in these tires ensure long-term service and consistent performance during their lifespan.
This model of a tire is designed for better force distribution, improved traction, and longer life. The polymer compounds provide enhanced abrasion resistance and better grip, especially on wet roads. The special carcass construction distributes the force towards sidewalls. For heavier motorbikes, there are carcass piles and aramid belts. This makes this model even more versatile.
Key features:
- size – 180/65B-16;
- weight – 13.86 pounds;
- load index rating – 81 (1019 pounds);
- rim size – 16 inches;
- speed rating – H (130 mph).
This Harley street glide tire is one of the best on the market. It provides excellent quality and comfort at a higher price than some other brands. However, customers who have ridden on these tires say that the experience is worth the extra cost.
- Extremely high mileage
- Consistent performance
- Durable materials
- Outstanding stability at any speed
- Smooth handling
- Might be too expensive
6. Pirelli Night Dragon Front Tire – One of The Best Tires for Harley
Aside from the great name, Pirelli’s Night Dragon tires are designed for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. They work well on both cruiser and custom bikes and provide a great ride on a variety of surfaces.
This product has a great grip and is very stable on slippery surfaces. The high mileage is mostly due to the fiber cover and well-designed tread. There are grooves, especially in the places between the edge of the tire and the crown, that makes it resistant to water.
Key features:
- size – 130/60B-19 (but you can choose another size);
- weight – 12.2 pounds;
- load index rating – 61 (567 pounds);
- rim size – 19 inches;
- speed rating – H (130 mph).
Even though Pirelli is most well-known for its development of tires for cars, they also offer tires for both bicycles and motorcycles. Pirelli is an Italian company that was founded back in 1872 and has since then been widely known on the global market. The Night Dragon tire fits numerous models of Harley Davidson, but I suggest double-checking to see if it is compatible with the model of motorcycle that you have. The Night Dragon tire is a line of high-quality tires that were released in 2008 for the first time. This line of tires was specifically developed for custom, touring, and cruiser motorcycles.
- Made for Harley-Davidson vehicles
- Stable on any surface
- High mileage
- Suits numerous models
- Unique design
- It is slightly expensive compared to similar tires from other companies
Buyer’s Guide on the Best Tires for Harley Street Glide
One method you could use to choose tires for your Harley Davidson bike is to find ones that have been recommended by someone with experience. However, you are free to make your own choice. If you want to explore all of the different options available, you should first educate yourself on how to select the right tires. For example, you need to know what features are most important to consider before making a purchase.
Durability
I’ve included tires with high mileage that are reliable on the road because they are the most durable. Durability is important on the road because a flat tire in the mountains can cause you a lot of problems. Hard compound tires may be more expensive than others, but you will save money in the long run because you won’t have to replace them as often.
Price
The second important consideration is tire cost vs. longevity. Lower-cost tires will not last as long, while higher-cost tires may not give you the level of satisfaction you were expecting. I suggest finding a perfect balance between the two. There are no unaffordable tires on the list, however, I did not give any consideration to the cheaper options as this motorcycle requires a higher level of quality. You can mix manufacturers when it comes to choosing front and rear tires in order to save money.
Speed Rating
The most popular speed rating is H, which means the tire can reach up to 130 mph. There is also a V speed, which means the tire can reach up to 149 mph. This is the maximum rate tested by the developers that are considered to be safe for drivers. The coating of tires and the grip on the road also influence the speed of the motorcycle.
Dimensions and Weight
It is not always the case that lighter tires are better. Tires that are heavier duty will often provide higher mileage. You need to consider whether both front and rear tires will be a good fit for your motorcycle. Additionally, it is important to check the speed rating and stability of the tires on the road. For each tire on my list, you will find dimensions and weight in the features. Check them out to see if the tire will be compatible with your bike.
Materials
First tires were made from natural rubber, however, they were not as durable as modern tires. Now, all tires are made from synthetic rubber, which is a mix of silicone, carbon black, and sulfur with petroleum. The coating is usually made from aramid fiber for a better grip.
Construction: Tubes vs. Tubeless
If your motorcycle has rims with spokes, you will need to use tires with tubes to maintain proper pressure. If your motorcycle has rims without spokes (usually stock rims), it is best to get tubeless belted tires. Avoid using unproven sealing kits as it is not worth the risk.
FAQ
How long do tires last on a Street Glide?
Tires on a Street Glide typically last between 5,000 and 30,000 miles. In some cases, front tires may last between 9,000 and 28,000 miles, while rear tires may only last between 5,000 and 17,000 miles. Most manufacturers recommend replacing Harley tires every 4 to 10 years, depending on the brand.
What size tire is on a Harley Street Glide?
The Harley Davidson Street Glide Special has a tire size of 130/60-19 in the rear and 180/55-18 in the front.
How often should you replace motorcycle tires?
Even if there are a lot of remaining treads, motorcycle tire manufacturers say that the tire will need to be replaced every 5-6 years because the multiple rubber compounds will dry out.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve read carefully, you’re now ready to make an informed choice and purchase a set of the best tires on the market. I feel that I’ve covered everything you need to know, but if you still have questions, feel free to ask me in the comments section.
I will be happy to respond to any comments you have about my listing of tires for Harley Davidson Street Glide or from your own collection. For more tips and reviews, stay tuned to YourMotoBro.com!