January 21

Best Tires for Harley Touring Bikes – The Top 5 Choices

Going the distance in style means gearing up with a solid set of tires.

If you’re looking to get into soul searching and take a cross-country to freeride with your Harley Touring bike, you’ve gotta be ready for anything.

In this blog, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best tires for your Harley touring bike, choosing the best fit, and why it’s important to change your tires every so often.

So, what are you waiting for?

Get comfy in your rider’s seat and let’s dive right in!

Best Tires for Harley Touring: The Top 5 Based on Rating 

For starters, we’re not focusing on a specific model of a Harley Touring.

To cover as much ground as we can, we’re taking a look at Harley-Davidson’s line of touring motorcycles in general.

Looking for tires for your Electra Glide, Road King, Street Glide, Road Glide, or an Ultra Limited? 

We got you covered!

Best for Convenience: Dunlop American Elite Tires

Best Tires for Harley Touring Bikes Dunlop American Elite Tires

Source: revzilla.com

Why bother changing your tires?

You can always settle for the original equipment (OE) tires.

Dunlop Motorcycle Tires has served as the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) for the majority of Harley-Davidson’s motorcycle models since 1983.

The Dunlop American Elite 2nd Generation H-D tires are designed, made, and tested in North America. 

These tires feature the Multi-Tread (MT) rear-tire technology for maximizing cornering performance, great handling, and high mileage. 

Among the most durable and high traction tires in the market, the all-new tread design provides quieter operation and better treat wear under all weather conditions.

Rest assured, this is the premier aftermarket choice for riders looking for tires that deliver extended tread wear. 

They are priced in a range of $138 to $285. 


Best for Rain or Snow – Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT Tires

ot Road 4 GT Tires

Source: revzilla.com

We can’t always control the weather.

From a little bit of rain to unexpected snow, you can count on the Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT.

It’s engineered to give exceptional wet weather traction and performance, particularly while braking.

The advanced silica-charged rubber compound enhances the grip in all road and temperature conditions. 

So, you need not worry.

While its main priority is being exceptional during the rainy weather, the Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT is a great touring tire in general.

Compared to the Pilot Road 3, its predecessor, it has a 20% increase in tread life!

The price ranges from $163 to $235.

Why not take the Road King for a spin with these tires?


Best for Budget – Shinko 705 Dual Sport Tires

Best Tires for Harley Touring Bikes – The Top 5 Choices Shinko 705 Dual Sport Tires

Source: revzilla.com

Spending on a budget?

Hurry, and don’t miss out on the Shinko 705 Dual Sport Tires.

The Shinko 705 Dual Sport is a blend of a classic style tire packed with modern performance and long tread life, perfect for smooth rides on the highway!

Designed for 80% street and 20% trail riding, it features a versatile tread pattern for both wet and dry conditions.

Priced from $75 to $143, they’re perfect for half the price compared to similar tires.

You got a sweet deal for a solid performance.

While you’re at it, maybe these would fit perfectly the Road Glide, the benchmark for long-distance touring bikes.


Best Moderately Priced – Heidenau K60 Scout Tires

Heidenau K60 Scout Tires

Source: revzilla.com

For the moderately priced side of things, the Heidenau K60 Scout Tires provide a balance of performance on and off-road.

With an improved tread and compound, you’ll get better cornering stability and wet weather grip.

It further stands out from similar tires with it not sacrificing on-road longevity for off-road traction.

You’re getting the best of both worlds on this one, not a lot of tires can pull this off.

As we’re heading towards the pricier ones, why not settle in for this?

With the K60 Scout, you’re getting your money’s worth.


Best for High-Tier Tires – Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra Tires

Best Tires for Harley Touring Bikes – The Top 5 Choices Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra Tires

Source: revzilla.com

For the price age of $130 to $464, it’s time to go all-in with the Metzeler ME888 Triple 8 Marathon Ultra Tires.

It represents an ultra-high mileage that marries Metzeler’s performance, handling, and deeper tread depth with longevity.

Developed in Germany for the roads of America, expect consistent performance and outstanding high and low-speed stability.

Don’t forget the smooth handling!

It would fit perfectly for the Electra Glide and a cross-country adventure.

Here’s a quick rundown of the best Harley Touring tires according to category:

Best for ConvenienceDunlop American Elite
Best for Rain and SnowMichelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Best for BudgetShinko 705 Dual Sport
Best Moderately PricedHeidenau K60 Scout
Best High-TierMetzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra

How To Pick Tires For Your Harley Touring?

You may ask the question as to what tires perfectly fit your needs.

To answer your question, 

It depends.

As Harley-Davidson’s OEM, the convenient choice is the Dunlop American Elite tires. It’s got good cornering performance, great handling, and the high mileage that meets your basic needs.

Handling constant wet and snowy weather? The Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT is exceptional in these conditions. 

It’s also a great touring tire in general.

The Shinko 705 Dual Sport is a wonderful mix of classic style and modern performance. It’s got a long tread life, too. 

For those on the budget, what are you waiting for?

If you want to spend a little bit more, the Heidenau K60 Scout offers a good balance of on and off-road performance. 

It’s a sweet deal for a tire that provides exceptional performance on both tractions.

Lastly, big spenders can always opt for the Metzeler ME888 Triple 8 Marathon Ultra.

The ultra-high mileage features great performance and handling, along with deeper tread depth and longevity. 

Wrap Up

Haven’t decided yet? 

No worries.

You’ve made it this far!

Our best guess is you sorta already know what tires you would want.

Have any further questions and recommendations?

Let us know in the comments!

We would love for you to join in the conversation.

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