Choosing the right tires for your Harley-Davidson is crucial for ensuring optimal performance, safety, and ride comfort. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Harley-Davidson tires, including how to understand tire sizes, different tire types, and fitment considerations.
Understanding Harley-Davidson Tire Sizes
Tire sizes can seem complex, but understanding the markings on your tire’s sidewall is essential for selecting the correct replacement. A typical tire size marking looks like this: 130/90-16. Here’s what each part means:
- 130: The section width of the tire in millimeters.
- 90: The aspect ratio, indicating the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the section width. In this case, the sidewall height is 90% of 130mm.
- 16: The rim diameter in inches.
Harley-Davidson Tire Fitment
Ensuring the correct tire size for your specific Harley-Davidson model is critical. Using the wrong size can affect handling, stability, and even damage your motorcycle.
To find the correct tire sizes, you can consult resources like wheel fitment guides. These guides provide information on both the standard tire sizes and the maximum tire sizes that can be fitted without modifications.
Touring Models:
- Road King, Electra Glide, Road Glide (2000-2003):
- Front: Standard rim size 16×3 with tire 130/90-16; Custom max rim size 21×3.5 with max tire 120/70-21.
- Rear: Standard rim size 16×3 with tire 130/90-16; Custom max rim size 18×4.25 with max tire 150/70-18.
- Road Glide (2015-2019):
- Front: Standard rim size 19×3 with tire 130/60-19; Custom max rim size 19×3 with max tire 130/60-19.
- Rear: Standard rim size 16×5 with tire 180/65-16; Custom max rim size 18×5.5 with max tire 200/50-18.
Sportster Models:
- SuperLow XL 883L (2011-2019):
- Front: Standard rim size 18×3 with tire 120/70-18; Custom max rim size 18×3.5 with tire 130/70-18.
- Rear: Standard rim size 17×4.5 with tire 150/60-17; Custom max rim size 18×4.25 with max tire 160/60-18.
Different Harley-Davidson Dunlop Series Tire Types
Several brands offer tires suitable for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Some popular options include Dunlop tire series including D401F 100/90-19, D408 130/60B19, 180/65B16 Blackwall, D402 MU85B16 Blackwall, D402 MU85B16 Wide Whitewall, D407 180/55B18 Blackwall, K591 160/70B17 Blackwall front and rear tires available in 16,17,18 and 19 inches .
Purchasing Harley Davidson Tires
When purchasing tires, ensure they meet the specifications for your Harley-Davidson model. Check out reputable retailers like Hog Heaven.
By understanding tire sizes, fitment guidelines, and available brands, you can confidently choose the right tires to enhance your Harley-Davidson’s performance and safety.
