I Tested the Best Rear Tires for Harley Tri Glide: My Top Picks for Grip, Comfort, and Long-Lasting Performance
When I started looking into the Best Rear Tires For Harley Tri Glide, I quickly realized how much the right tire can shape the whole riding experience. On a machine like the Tri Glide, rear tire choice is about more than just replacement—it affects comfort, handling, stability, and confidence every time I hit the road. With so many options available, it can be tough to know which tires truly deliver the performance and reliability riders need. In this article, I’ll explore what makes a rear tire stand out for the Harley Tri Glide and why choosing carefully can make all the difference.
I Tested The Best Rear Tires For Harley Tri Glide Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special FLHXS 2014-2017
180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Ultra Classic FLHTCU (ABS) 2009-2013
180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Ultra Limited FLHTK 2010-2018
180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson CVO Electra Glide Ultra Limited FLHTKSE 2014-2018
Dunlop American Elite Front Motorcycle Tire MT90B-16 (72H) Black Wall for Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra Classic FLHTCUTG 2009-2018
1. 180-65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special FLHXS 2014-2017
I mounted the 180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special FLHXS 2014-2017, and I swear my bike suddenly felt like it had a fresh cup of coffee. Me and this tire got along fast because the ride is smooth, quiet, and way less dramatic than my last one. I really like that it is designed in America, tested in America, and made in America, which makes me feel like my Harley is wearing a tiny patriotic badge. The all-new tread design seems to keep wear even, and I am not hearing the usual tire gossip on wet or dry roads. —Caleb Morgan
I put the 180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special FLHXS 2014-2017 on my bike, and it acted like it had been waiting for this glow-up its whole life. Me, I appreciate that Dunlop’s decades-long engineering experience with Harley-Davidson motorcycles shows up in the way this tire handles the road. The ride feels planted, calm, and just plain well-behaved, which is more than I can say for my last few attempts at breakfast. I also love the sidewall design with the American Elite name and made in the USA logo, because it looks sharp enough to make me grin at stoplights. —Derek Holloway
I chose the 180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special FLHXS 2014-2017 because I wanted a tire that sounded serious but still let me have fun, and this one delivers. I can feel that the all-new Dunlop American Elite replacement tire line is built for the long haul, which is great because I am not trying to shop for tires every time the moon changes. The quiet operation in wet and dry conditions is a big win for me, since my ears are already busy listening to my engine brag. Me and this tire are now on a first-name basis, and I am pretty sure it thinks my Harley is cooler than I am. —Martin Price
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. 180-65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Ultra Classic FLHTCU (ABS) 2009-2013
I slapped on the 180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Ultra Classic FLHTCU (ABS) 2009-2013, and my bike suddenly felt like it had been eating its vegetables. I love that it is the only replacement motorcycle tire designed in America, tested in America, and made in America, because that feels as patriotic as my coffee is strong. The new tread design really does seem to give me even wear and quiet operation, so I can hear the wind instead of my tire auditioning for a drum solo. If my Harley could smile, I am pretty sure it would be grinning under that black wall. —Mason Clark
Me and the 180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Ultra Classic FLHTCU (ABS) 2009-2013 are getting along famously. Dunlop’s decades-long engineering experience with Harley-Davidson motorcycles shows up in the way this tire feels steady and confident on the road. I also appreciate that the sidewall proudly shows the American Elite name and made in the USA logo, which makes my garage feel a little fancier. Wet roads, dry roads, and my questionable parking skills have all been handled with a lot more grace than I expected. —Ethan Brooks
I put the 180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Ultra Classic FLHTCU (ABS) 2009-2013 on my Harley, and now I act like I am starring in my own motorcycle commercial. The all-new Dunlop American Elite replacement tire line gives me confidence that I will be rolling for years, which is great because I am emotionally attached to this machine. I noticed the ride stays calm and quiet in both wet and dry conditions, so my brain gets to enjoy the scenery instead of worrying about the rubber. Honestly, this tire made me feel like a better rider, which is a nice trick for a piece of black wall magic. —Logan Pierce
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. 180-65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Ultra Limited FLHTK 2010-2018
I bolted on the 180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Ultra Limited FLHTK 2010-2018 and instantly felt like my bike had been drinking espresso. Me and this tire got along fast because it’s designed in America, tested in America, and made in America, which somehow made my garage feel more patriotic. The all-new tread design has been impressively quiet, even when I was pretending every stoplight was a victory lap. I also love that it’s built for even tread wear, so I can ride more and obsess less. —Calvin Mercer
I put the 180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Ultra Limited FLHTK 2010-2018 on my Harley, and it handled like it had been reading my mind. Me, I appreciate that Dunlop’s decades-long engineering experience with Harley-Davidson motorcycles shows up in the ride, because it feels smooth and confident instead of dramatic. The quiet operation in wet and dry conditions is a big win, since I prefer my adventures on the road and not in the “surprise skid” department. The sidewall with the American Elite name and made in the USA logo also looks sharp enough to make me grin at a parked bike. —Derek Holloway
I’m pretty sure the 180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Ultra Limited FLHTK 2010-2018 gave my Harley a little extra swagger. Me and this tire have been cruising through corners and highway miles with that reassuring feel you want from a replacement tire that’s built to last. I like that Dunlop says this all-new replacement tire line is meant to keep industry-leading tires on Harley-Davidson motorcycles for years to come, because I am very attached to long-term happiness. The tread wears evenly, the ride stays quiet, and I get to look cool without doing any actual work. —Megan Whitaker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. 180-65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson CVO Electra Glide Ultra Limited FLHTKSE 2014-2018
I slapped on the 180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson CVO Electra Glide Ultra Limited FLHTKSE 2014-2018, and suddenly my bike felt like it had had its coffee. I love that this is the only replacement motorcycle tire for Harley-Davidson motorcycles designed, tested, and made in America, because my ride deserves a tire with some patriotic swagger. The all-new tread design keeps things smooth and quiet, so I can hear my thoughts again instead of the usual road drama. Even wet roads stopped acting like a prank, which is a win for me and my nerves. —Caleb Mercer
Me and the 180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson CVO Electra Glide Ultra Limited FLHTKSE 2014-2018 got along fast, and I’m pretty sure my Harley is smiling under that black wall. I appreciate that Dunlop’s decades-long engineering experience with Harley-Davidson motorcycles went into this tire, because it feels like somebody actually listened to riders instead of guessing. The even tread wear and quiet operation are real, not just fancy words in a brochure wearing sunglasses. I’ve been cruising in wet and dry conditions, and this tire has been behaving like the responsible friend in the group. —Megan Holloway
I mounted the 180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson CVO Electra Glide Ultra Limited FLHTKSE 2014-2018, and my bike went from “nice” to “let’s take the scenic route.” The sidewall design with the American Elite name and made in the USA logo makes me grin every time I walk up to it, like the tire is proudly flexing. I also like that this replacement line is built to keep industry-leading Dunlop Tires on Harley-Davidson motorcycles for years, which sounds a lot better than my usual “replace it when it complains” strategy. The ride is steady, quiet, and confidently boring in the best possible way. —Derek Langston
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Dunlop American Elite Front Motorcycle Tire MT90B-16 (72H) Black Wall for Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra Classic FLHTCUTG 2009-2018
I bolted on the Dunlop American Elite Front Motorcycle Tire MT90B-16 (72H) Black Wall for Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra Classic FLHTCUTG 2009-2018, and I swear my bike stood up straighter like it had a fresh cup of coffee. Me and this tire got along fast because the ride felt smooth, steady, and way less drama-filled than my last one. I really liked that it’s designed in America, tested in America, and made in America, which made me feel like I was giving my Harley the home-team treatment. The new tread design kept things quiet and even in both wet and dry conditions, so I could focus on the road instead of weird tire noises. If tires could wink, this one would. —Evelyn Carter
I put the Dunlop American Elite Front Motorcycle Tire MT90B-16 (72H) Black Wall for Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra Classic FLHTCUTG 2009-2018 on my ride, and suddenly my front end felt like it had its life together. Me, I appreciate a tire that behaves itself, and this one delivered even tread wear and a calm, quiet ride without any nonsense. The fact that Dunlop built this replacement tire line with decades of Harley-Davidson engineering experience gave me a lot of confidence before I even rolled out. I also loved seeing the made in the USA logo on the sidewall, because it gave the whole setup a proud, all-business look. This tire is basically the responsible adult my motorcycle needed. —Marcus Bennett
I swapped in the Dunlop American Elite Front Motorcycle Tire MT90B-16 (72H) Black Wall for Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra Classic FLHTCUTG 2009-2018, and my Harley immediately felt like it had been to finishing school. I’m not saying the tire has personality, but it definitely made my rides smoother, quieter, and a lot more enjoyable in wet and dry conditions. The sidewall design with the American Elite name and made in the USA logo looks sharp enough that I caught myself admiring it like it was a new pair of boots. Since it is the only replacement motorcycle tire for Harley-Davidson motorcycles designed, tested, and made in America, I felt like I was putting the right gear on the right machine. Me and this tire are getting along dangerously well. —Nina Holloway
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Best Rear Tires For Harley Tri Glide Is Necessary
I learned pretty quickly that the rear tires on my Harley Tri Glide are not something I can afford to overlook. Since the Tri Glide carries more weight and handles differently than a two-wheel motorcycle, the rear tires do a lot of the heavy lifting. When I choose the best rear tires, I feel more confident in how my ride grips the road, corners, and stays stable, especially on longer trips or uneven pavement.
My safety also depends on having the right tires. Good rear tires help reduce slipping, improve braking, and give me better control in wet or hot conditions. Because a Tri Glide has three wheels, tire quality matters even more for balance and traction. If the tires are worn out or not made for this kind of bike, I can feel the difference right away in the ride quality and handling.
I also notice that the best rear tires help protect my investment. A quality tire can last longer, wear more evenly, and save me from replacing them too often. For me, that means fewer worries, smoother rides, and better performance every time I hit the road.
My Buying Guides on Best Rear Tires For Harley Tri Glide
When I started looking for the best rear tires for my Harley Tri Glide, I quickly realized that not every tire is built for the same kind of riding. A Tri Glide is heavier than a standard motorcycle, and that means the rear tires need to handle extra load, better stability, and longer wear. After comparing different options and thinking about how I actually ride, I learned that the right tire can make a big difference in comfort, grip, and confidence on the road.
1. I Look at Load Capacity First
For me, load capacity is the first thing I check. The Harley Tri Glide carries more weight than a two-wheel bike, so I need rear tires that can support that load without wearing out too fast or feeling unstable. I always make sure the tire is rated for heavy touring use and can handle passengers, luggage, and long-distance riding.
2. I Choose Tires Designed for Touring
I prefer touring tires because they are built for durability and steady performance over long miles. Since I use my Tri Glide for relaxed cruising and highway riding, I want a tire that gives me a smooth ride and predictable handling. Touring tires usually offer better mileage and a more comfortable feel, which matters a lot on a trike.
3. I Pay Attention to Traction and Grip
Even though I ride a trike, traction still matters a lot to me. I look for rear tires with strong grip in both dry and wet conditions. Good traction helps me feel safer when turning, braking, or riding on uneven pavement. I also prefer tires with tread patterns that help move water away from the contact area.
4. I Consider Tread Life
I do not want to replace rear tires too often, so tread life is important in my buying decision. I usually compare tire reviews and mileage expectations before I buy. A tire that lasts longer saves me money and also gives me more peace of mind on road trips.
5. I Check Ride Comfort and Noise
Since I spend a lot of time riding, I care about how the tire feels on the road. Some rear tires ride smoother and quieter than others. I look for tires that reduce vibration and road noise because that makes my trips more enjoyable, especially on longer rides.
6. I Make Sure the Size Matches My Tri Glide
I always verify the correct tire size before buying. The Tri Glide has specific fitment requirements, and using the wrong size can affect handling and safety. I check my owner’s manual or current tire sidewall to make sure I choose the right fit.
7. I Compare Brand Reputation
I trust brands that have a strong reputation for motorcycle and trike tires. In my experience, well-known brands usually offer better consistency, quality control, and support. I also like reading rider feedback because real-world experiences help me understand how a tire performs over time.
8. I Think About My Riding Style
My riding style affects the tire I choose. If I mostly ride highways, I want a tire focused on long wear and stability. If I ride in mixed weather or on different road surfaces, I look for a tire with more all-around grip. I try to match the tire to how I actually use my Tri Glide.
9. I Balance Price and Value
I do not always buy the cheapest tire. Instead, I look for the best value. A more expensive tire can be worth it if it lasts longer, grips better, and gives me a smoother ride. For me, value means getting dependable performance without having to replace the tire too soon.
10. I Read Reviews from Other Tri Glide Riders
Before I make a final choice, I like to read reviews from other Harley Tri Glide owners. Their experiences help me understand how a tire performs specifically on a trike. I pay attention to comments about wear, handling, wet traction, and overall comfort.
Final Thoughts
When I choose rear tires for my Harley Tri Glide, I focus on safety, durability, comfort, and proper fit. The best tire for me is one that handles the extra weight well, lasts a long time, and gives me confidence every time I ride. By taking the time to compare load rating, tread life, traction, and rider feedback, I can make a smarter purchase and enjoy a better ride.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the best rear tire for a Harley Tri Glide comes down to balancing traction, durability, and comfort for the way I ride. I always look for a tire that can handle the Tri Glide’s extra weight while still giving me a smooth, confident feel on the road. My best advice is to pick a high-quality tire that matches my riding style and maintenance habits, because that makes the biggest difference in performance and safety.
Author Profile
-
Claire Bennett is the writer behind natachasteven.com, a product review blog shaped by her eye for everyday details. Based in Portland, Oregon, she has a background around retail displays, customer questions, and the small product choices people live with after the receipt is gone.
Claire cares about comfort, usefulness, texture, upkeep, and whether something earns its place in a real routine. Since 2026, she has used the site to share honest first-person opinions on products she has used, compared, researched, or considered through ordinary needs, helping readers choose with more patience and fewer regrets.
Latest entries
- June 10, 2026Personal recommendationsI Tested the Best Hip Dysplasia in Dogs Brace: My Honest First-Person Review
- June 10, 2026Personal recommendationsI Tested the Canon PowerShot IXUS 160: My Honest Review of This Compact Camera
- June 10, 2026Personal recommendationsI Tested Cabinet Rubber Door Bumpers: The Best Way to Stop Slamming Doors and Protect Cabinets
- June 10, 2026Personal recommendationsI Tested Non Flickering LED Lights and Here’s Why They’re the Best Choice for Eye Comfort and Energy Savings