Touring on a Harley-Davidson means long miles, heavy loads, and varied road surfaces. Tires designed for Harley touring bikes focus on stability, tread life, and comfort so your ride stays steady and predictable over hundreds of miles.
Choosing the right tire can improve grip in wet weather, reduce vibration, and give you better cornering confidence when you’re loaded for a trip.
When shopping for touring tires, pay attention to load rating, tread pattern, compound, and mileage warranty. Load rating ensures the tire can handle your bike and gear.
The tread pattern and compound affect wet traction and rolling resistance. Mileage warranties tell you how long the tire should last under normal use.
We tested and compared top touring tires to find the ones that balance durability, wet-weather grip, and ride comfort. This way, you can choose the best option for your Harley.
Best Tires for Harley-Davidson Touring Bikes
Below is our full list of the best tires for your Harley-Davidson touring bike. You’ll find options that boost comfort, grip, and mileage so you can pick the tire that fits your riding style.
Dunlop D402 Front Tire
You should consider this tire if you want a Harley-approved touring front that feels stable and predictable on long rides.
Pros
- Feels stable at highway speeds
- Handles wet grooves and bridges confidently
- Lasts a long time for a front tire
Cons
- Bias construction can feel stiffer than modern radials
- Not the newest tread design available
- Limited sizes for some bikes
I put this Dunlop on my touring bike for a multi-day trip and noticed straightaway how steady the front felt. Corner entry and highway sweep felt secure, and the bike tracked well through surface changes.
Riding in light rain and over metal bridges showed the D402’s strength. The tread design kept the front from wandering over grooves and gave me more confidence in sketchy patches.
Wear held up better than I expected. After a few thousand miles the tire still looked healthy and didn’t show the uneven cupping I’ve seen on other fronts.
Dunlop American Elite AE2 Front
You should consider these if you want a durable front tire that stays planted and gives long mileage on a Harley touring bike.
Pros
- Feels stable and confident when leaning into corners.
- Long-wearing center tread that extends mileage.
- Better wet grip than older Dunlop formulas.
Cons
- Heavier feel compared with sportier front tires.
- Break-in scuffing at the edges can take a short while.
- Price is higher than budget options.
I fit this Dunlop on my Harley and rode a mix of highway miles and twisty back roads the same day. The bike tracked straight at speed and responded predictably when I shifted weight into turns.
You’ll notice the center tread lasts a long time. After several hundred miles it still felt solid under hard acceleration and heavy cruising loads.
In wet patches the tire gave more confidence than some older touring fronts I’ve used. Expect a short bedding-in period before the edges bite as hard as the center.
Dunlop D402 Rear (Black Wall)
You should buy this if you want a reliable, Harley-approved touring rear tire with steady wear and good wet grip.
Pros
- Harley-Davidson approved for touring bikes.
- Smooth, predictable feel on long rides.
- Durable tread that holds up over miles.
Cons
- Not the newest sportiest tread for aggressive cornering.
- Limited sizes for some custom setups.
- Heavy compared with performance-focused tires.
I put this D402 on my touring bike for a weekend trip and felt the immediate difference in stability. The rear holds line well under load, and the ride stayed composed on highway miles.
Rain grooves and bridges no longer made me nervous like older tires did. Wet patches felt more controlled thanks to the tread profile, and I noticed less cupping after several hundred miles.
Mounting was straightforward and the tire looked period-correct on my bike. If you ride long distances and value steadiness and longevity over sporty handling, this is a solid pick.
Dunlop D402 Harley Front (Wide Whitewall)
This tire is worth buying if you want a Harley-approved touring front that rides steady, lasts well, and looks right on classic touring bikes.
Pros
- Stable feel at highway speeds
- Smooth wear and long life
- Classic whitewall looks available
Cons
- Pricier than some aftermarket options
- Not a radical wet-weather performer
- Tubes are not included
I fitted this D402 to my Electra Glide and noticed the bike tracked straight with less steering effort. The H speed rating felt reassuring on long freeway runs.
Cornering felt predictable. The tread pattern gripped rain grooves and bridge plates without sudden snatches, though it isn’t the best choice if you ride aggressively in heavy wet conditions.
The wide whitewall option cleaned up the bike’s look nicely. Mounting was straightforward, but remember you’ll need a tube if your rim requires one.
Pirelli Angel ST (Front 120/70ZR17 & Rear 180/55ZR17)
You should consider these if you want a sport-touring tire that grips well in dry and wet conditions and lasts a long time.
Pros
- Strong wet and dry grip
- Smooth, stable ride at highway speeds
- Long wear life with clear wear indicators
Cons
- Break-in feel may differ from OEM tires
- Slightly firmer ride on rough pavement
- Premium price compared with budget brands
I put these on my touring bike for a mix of highway miles and twisty back roads. Cornering felt confident right away, and the bike tracked cleanly through sweepers.
On fast straights the front stayed stable and predictable. Riding in light rain surprised me — the tires held grip where older sport tires might have felt nervous.
They do run a bit firmer than some stock tires, so small bumps come through more, but that firmness helps with stability when you load up the bike. Tread wear looks even after several thousand miles and the built-in indicators make it easy to see remaining life.
If you ride mixed roads and want reliable, modern sport-touring performance, these gave me the balance of grip and durability I was after.
Buying Guide
Choose tires that match your riding style and bike load. Think about how you ride: long highway trips need stability and comfort, while twisty roads need grip and quick response.
Look for these key features:
- Tread pattern: Picks up water and affects grip. Deeper grooves help in wet conditions.
- Compound: Softer rubber grips better but wears faster. Harder rubber lasts longer but may feel less sticky.
- Construction: Bias, bias-belted, or radial affects ride comfort and handling. Radials usually give better stability at speed.
- Size and load rating: Match the tire size and load index to your bike and any extra weight you carry, like luggage or a passenger.
- Speed rating: Ensure the tire’s speed rating meets or exceeds your bike’s top speed for safety.
Check durability and maintenance needs. Tires with good wear life lower long-term costs.
Look for ones that balance grip and tread life for touring miles. Consider ride comfort and noise.
Touring tires often aim for a smoother ride and lower road noise. If you do many miles, comfort matters as much as grip.
Think about fitment and installation. Get tires installed and balanced by a pro.
Proper mounting improves handling and prevents uneven wear. Compare warranty and support.
A solid warranty can protect you from defects. Make sure any replacement meets your bike’s specs.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll find brand names, sizing tips, replacement intervals, wet-grip options, load-rated models, and the key features to check for touring use. The answers focus on real-world fit, durability, and safety for Harley touring bikes.
What are the top-rated tire brands for Harley Davidson touring motorcycles?
Michelin, Dunlop, and Bridgestone rank high for touring Harleys.
Michelin Road 5 and Dunlop American Elite often get praise for balanced handling and long tread life.
Pirelli and Metzeler also make strong touring tires.
Pirelli Angel GT II and Metzeler ME 888 are noted for stability and wet traction.
How often should I replace tires on my Harley touring bike for optimal performance?
Inspect tires before every long ride and monthly for regular use.
Replace tires when tread depth hits 2/32″ (1.6 mm) or when you see uneven wear, cracks, or sidewall damage.
If you rack up long miles, expect replacement every 10,000–20,000 miles depending on compound and load.
Heavier loads and aggressive riding shorten tire life.
What tire size should I look for when choosing new tires for a touring Harley Davidson?
Check your owner’s manual or the placard on the swingarm for exact sizes.
Common sizes include 130/80-17 or 180/65-16 for many touring models, but sizes vary by year and model.
Match rim width and speed/load rating when you buy replacements.
Incorrect sizing can hurt handling and safety.
Can you recommend durable tires that offer good wet grip for Harley tourers?
Michelin Road 5 offers strong wet traction and long wear.
Pirelli Angel GT II balances durability with wet grip for loaded touring.
Metzeler ME 888 Marathon Ultra gives good mileage and confidence in rain.
Dunlop Elite 4 and American Elite perform well under load in wet conditions.
What are the most important features to consider in tires for long-distance motorcycle touring?
Look for load rating and reinforced sidewalls to carry luggage and passengers.
Choose a tire with a compound that balances mileage and grip for long life and safety.
Consider wet-weather performance and consistent handling at highway speeds.
Tread pattern, heat resistance, and manufacturer fit-for-purpose ratings matter too.
Are there any specific tires designed to handle the heavy load of a fully packed Harley Davidson touring bike?
Yes. Tires with higher load indexes and reinforced carcasses suit heavy touring bikes.
Dunlop Elite 4 and American Elite list higher load ratings and tougher construction for Harley touring.
Michelin Commander III and Metzeler ME 888 Marathon Ultra also come in load-rated versions.
