Harley Davidson Touring: Tire Reviews

This article applies to the Harley Davidson Touring (2000-2016).

The tires you mount onto your Harley Davidson Touring will say a lot about you, and not just in terms of your driving habits but your spending habits, as well. Some tires are manufactured to achieve a long lifespan in miles, while others, as excellent as they may be performance-wise, are simply less durable and may wear out thousands of miles sooner. Here's a rundown of both options, so you can decide if performance is all that matters, or if getting more bang for your buck is importance to you.

Best Tires for a Harley Davidson Touring

Shinko

Price – $130 (regular combo); $200 (front and rear white wall combo)

Size – 180/65-16, 130/80-17, and others

Performance – Soft and grippy

Lifespan – Typically less than 5,000 miles

Warranty – Shinko will only process warranty claims through the dealership from which a damaged tire(s) was purchased.

Shinko 777 tires are soft and provide great traction on the road. Selling points include rain performance, good traction at high speeds and while cornering, as well as an overall "smooth" ride. Unfortunately, that grip and soft ride comes at the expense of longevity, with the typical lifespan being less than 5,000 miles. For higher mileage and a still affordable price, it's recommended that you go with the Shinko 712s, but those don't come in white walls. Recommended for drivers who appreciate a "smooth" ride, or want the classic look of a white wall tire.

Dunlop

Price – $260-$300

Size – Stock sizes

Performance – Durable

Lifespan – 10,000-15,000 miles

Warranty – 12 months

Before considering some other tire brand, you should know that the factory works with Dunlop to develop their tires for many bikes. The 401 and 402 Touring tires might be more expensive, but considering the incredible mileage that Dunlop tires are known for delivering, they are a bargain. Dunlop tires offers a "smooth" ride plus tens of thousands of miles more of travel, and decent handling. White wall and black wall versions are available to meet all of your styling needs. For a 'wide' or more macho look, consider going with the Dunlop Screamin' Eagle wide tire. Kits are available for easy installation. Recommended for road warriors who don't want to buy new tires every couple thousand miles.

Michelin

Price – $260-$300

Size – Various

Performance – All-terrain

Lifespan – 10,000 or less

Warranty – 30 days

Michelin offers a good tire in the Scorcher, which also comes standard on some Harleys. It does not grip as well as the Shinko or wear as well as the Dunlop, but it is a good compromise. Mileage won't impress you, either. Scorchers do handle well on the road, and, generally speaking, are considered an all-around good buy. The Commander II is also a favorite among Harley Davidson Touring drivers, delivering a longevity nearly as good as a Dunlop. Both tires are recommended for motorcyclists who want a good all-around tire and are okay with mounting a tire that only provides moderately high mileage.

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