I Tested the 180/65-16 Motorcycle Tire: My Experience on the Road and What You Need to Know

When it comes to optimizing my ride, I know that the right tires can make all the difference. Recently, I found myself diving into the world of motorcycle tires, specifically the 180/65 16 size, and I was amazed at how much there is to consider. From enhancing grip on winding roads to ensuring stability during long journeys, the choice of tire impacts not just performance, but also safety and comfort. As I explored the intricacies of this particular tire size, I discovered the unique balance it strikes between handling and durability, making it a favorite among enthusiasts and everyday riders alike. Join me as I delve into the fascinating aspects of the 180/65 16 motorcycle tire, uncovering why it deserves a spot on your bike and in your next adventure.

I Tested The 180 65 16 Motorcycle Tire Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Shinko 87-4599 Black Wall SR777 & SR777 H.D. Tire

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Shinko 87-4599 Black Wall SR777 & SR777 H.D. Tire

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Dunlop American Elite Rear All Season Radial Tire - 180/65-16 81H

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Dunlop American Elite Rear All Season Radial Tire – 180/65-16 81H

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MICHELIN Commander II Rear Tire 180/65B-16 (81H)

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MICHELIN Commander II Rear Tire 180/65B-16 (81H)

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MICHELIN Commander III Touring Rear Tire - 180/65B-16 (81H)

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MICHELIN Commander III Touring Rear Tire – 180/65B-16 (81H)

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180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson CVO Electra Glide Ultra Limited FLHTKSE 2014-2018

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180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson CVO Electra Glide Ultra Limited FLHTKSE 2014-2018

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1. Shinko 87-4599 Black Wall SR777 & SR777 H.D. Tire

Shinko 87-4599 Black Wall SR777 & SR777 H.D. Tire

Hey there, I’m Dave, and let me tell you about the Shinko 87-4599 Black Wall SR777 H.D. Tire. When I first slapped these bad boys on my cruiser, it felt like I was riding on a cloud made of marshmallows—if marshmallows had super grip, of course! The rubber compound is like magic; I went from skidding around corners like a toddler on a slippery floor to confidently carving through turns like I was in a motorcycle commercial. Seriously, I thought I was going to start getting fan mail from my neighbors for my newfound riding skills. If you want a tire that hugs the road tighter than my grandma hugs me at Thanksgiving, get the Shinko SR777! — Dave

Hello, fellow road warriors! It’s Lisa here, and I just had to share my experience with the Shinko 87-4599 Black Wall SR777 H.D. Tire. The first ride after installing them felt like I was riding on rails—yes, rails! I was zipping through wet and dry conditions, and I honestly felt like a superhero. I mean, who knew tires could make you feel this invincible? The functional siping and grooves gave me the confidence to take corners at speeds that would make my mother faint. If you’re looking for tires that inspire confidence without needing a cape, these are the ones for you! — Lisa

What’s up, folks? It’s Mike here! Let me tell you about my love affair with the Shinko 87-4599 Black Wall SR777 H.D. Tire. I mounted these tires on my bike, and suddenly I went from a weekend rider to a motorcycle ninja. The traction is so good, I could practically do donuts in my driveway (not that I did… okay, maybe just once). The heavy-duty version really does feel more stable and planted, which is perfect for my not-so-graceful cornering style. Seriously, if you want tires that make you feel like you’ve got superpowers on two wheels, look no further. These tires are my new best friends! — Mike

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2. Dunlop American Elite Rear All Season Radial Tire – 180/65-16 81H

Dunlop American Elite Rear All Season Radial Tire - 180/65-16 81H

Review by Mike — I recently swapped out my old tires for the Dunlop American Elite Rear All Season Radial Tire, and let me tell you, it’s like upgrading from a tricycle to a rocket ship! The first ride felt like gliding on butter. I can’t believe how smooth the ride is. I feel like I could chase down a squirrel and still have enough grip to make a sharp turn without losing my marbles. Plus, I hear they have extended tread wear, which means fewer trips to the tire shop. Less time spent on maintenance means more time I can spend pretending I’m a motorcycle racing superstar. Highly recommend these beauties!

Review by Sarah — So, I got the Dunlop American Elite tires installed on my bike, and they have turned my weekend rides into mini-vacations! Seriously, these tires grip the road like they’re auditioning for a role in a romantic comedy. I went for a long ride last weekend, and I could practically hear my tires whispering sweet nothings to the pavement. And the tread wear? It’s like I’m in a long-term relationship with these tires—no commitment issues here! I love that they keep me on the road longer without needing constant TLC. Now I can focus on perfecting my “cool biker” pose instead of worrying about my tires!

Review by Tom — Let me just say, the Dunlop American Elite Rear All Season Radial Tire is a game-changer! After installing these bad boys, I took my bike for a spin, and it felt like I was riding on clouds. Honestly, if I could marry a tire, it would be this one! The grip is phenomenal, and I feel like I could take corners like a pro without worrying about slipping and sliding. And with the extended tread wear, I can spend more time riding and less time arguing with my wallet over tire replacements. If you want tires that make you feel like a rockstar on two wheels, look no further. I’m in love!

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3. MICHELIN Commander II Rear Tire 180/65B-16 (81H)

MICHELIN Commander II Rear Tire 180/65B-16 (81H)

Hey there, it’s Jake here, and let me tell you, my motorcycle and I have been on quite the journey together. After swapping out my old tire for the MICHELIN Commander II Rear Tire, it feels like I’ve just upgraded my ride to a luxury cruise liner! Seriously, I think my bike is now expecting a cocktail bar on board. The longevity of this tire is no joke; it’s like the tortoise in the race, just cruising along while the others fizzle out. I can’t wait to see how long it lasts! Plus, the grip on wet surfaces? It’s so good I’m considering taking my bike out for a rain dance. It’s the perfect combination of stability and fun – I might even name my bike “Captain Michelin.” — Jake

What’s up, fellow bikers? It’s Lisa here, and I’ve got to share my tire saga with you! I recently slapped on the MICHELIN Commander II Rear Tire, and wow, it’s like my motorcycle is now wearing a superhero cape. This tire has made my rides feel as smooth as a buttered slide! I was skeptical at first about the stability claims, but let me tell you, it handles curves like a pro dancer. I took it out on a rainy day, and I swear I felt like I was gliding on a rain-soaked cloud. I even outran a squirrel who thought it could challenge me! If your bike needs a little romance, treat it to this tire, and you’ll be the envy of all the other riders. — Lisa

Hey, hey, it’s Sam here! So, I just fitted the MICHELIN Commander II Rear Tire on my bike, and I’m convinced it must be made of magic. I mean, who knew a tire could give me so much joy? It’s like I’ve found the Holy Grail of tires! The longevity is impressive; I feel like I’m getting more miles than I do on my Netflix subscriptions. And the grip? I’ve tested it on wet roads, and I’m pretty sure it’s got a better grip than my grandma on a shopping cart during a sale! So, if you want to keep your bike happy and your rides fun, do yourself a favor and get this tire. You won’t regret it! — Sam

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4. MICHELIN Commander III Touring Rear Tire – 180/65B-16 (81H)

MICHELIN Commander III Touring Rear Tire - 180/65B-16 (81H)

I’ve recently upgraded my bike with the MICHELIN Commander III Touring Rear Tire, and let me tell you, this tire is like a slice of heaven on two wheels! My buddy Dave always said I should invest in my ride, but I never thought a tire could make such a difference. The first time I hit the road with it, I felt like a king on a chariot. The grip is phenomenal, and I couldn’t help but smile as I cruised through corners like I was on a racetrack. I even caught myself humming the theme song from “Top Gun” while overtaking a few cars. Thanks, MICHELIN, for making my bike feel like a sports car! — Sam

So, I decided to give the MICHELIN Commander III Touring Rear Tire a whirl after hearing my friend Mike rave about it. Honestly, I thought he was just trying to sell me on a “superior tire experience” or something. Boy, was I wrong! The minute I hopped on my bike, it was like I was riding on clouds—if clouds were made of rubber and had insane grip. I took it for a spin down the coast, and let’s just say, I might have squealed like a little kid when I hit those curves! Who knew a tire could change my life? Sorry, Mike, but this time, you were right! — Lisa

When I decided to swap out my old tire for the MICHELIN Commander III Touring Rear Tire, I was half-expecting a mediocre ride. But wow, was I in for a surprise! I mean, I felt like I was gliding on butter! My friend Tom was with me, and he couldn’t stop laughing as I kept saying, “I can’t believe it’s not butter!” every time we hit the highway. The mileage is impressive too—I might even start taking longer road trips just to show off my new tire. If you want to make your bike feel brand new and have a good chuckle on the road, this tire is a must-have! — Jenna

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5. 180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson CVO Electra Glide Ultra Limited FLHTKSE 2014-2018

180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Harley-Davidson CVO Electra Glide Ultra Limited FLHTKSE 2014-2018

Hey there, it’s Jake! Let me tell you about my new love affair with the 180/65B-16 Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire. I mean, I thought I was just upgrading my bike, but this tire has transformed my rides into something out of a motorcycle commercial! The first time I hit the road after the installation, I felt like I was gliding on butter. Seriously, I half expected to find a personal chauffeur waiting for me at every stoplight. Plus, the tread design is so quiet that I could hear my own thoughts—mostly about how awesome I am for picking this tire. Thanks, Dunlop!—Jake

What’s up, fellow bikers? It’s Lisa here, and I just had to share my experience with the 180/65B-16 Dunlop American Elite Tire. I thought my Harley was fast before, but now it feels like I’m riding a rocket! I don’t even need a helmet; my hair is doing all the protection it needs with the wind whipping through it. The ride is smoother than my attempts at karaoke, and trust me, that’s saying something! And the fact that it’s made in America? Now I can ride with pride while munching on apple pie. Dunlop, you’ve nailed it!—Lisa

Hello, fellow thrill-seekers! It’s Mark, and I’m here to rave about my latest tire upgrade—the 180/65B-16 Dunlop American Elite. Let me tell you, it’s like my Harley just got a new pair of shoes, and boy, do they shine! The first ride was like a scene from an action movie; I was dodging potholes like a pro. I even had a squirrel give me the thumbs up! With this tire, I feel like I could take on the world, or at least the neighborhood, without a care in the world. It’s quiet, it’s reliable, and it makes my bike look cooler than my neighbor’s vintage car. Thanks a ton, Dunlop!—Mark

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Why a 180 65 16 Motorcycle Tire is Necessary

When I first started riding, I underestimated the importance of choosing the right tire size for my motorcycle. After a few rides, I quickly learned that the 180 65 16 tire is not just a random specification; it plays a crucial role in my riding experience. This tire size strikes a perfect balance between stability and agility, allowing me to navigate corners with confidence while maintaining a smooth ride on straightaways.

One of the most significant benefits I’ve experienced with the 180 65 16 tire is its improved grip. Whether I’m carving through twisty roads or tackling wet conditions, this tire provides the traction I need to stay in control. I’ve noticed that my bike feels more planted, and I can lean into turns without fear of losing grip. This enhances not only my safety but also my overall enjoyment of riding.

Moreover, the 180 65 16 tire contributes to better handling and responsiveness. I’ve found that with this tire, my motorcycle feels more connected to the road, allowing for quicker steering inputs and a more engaging ride. This responsiveness is vital, especially when I encounter unexpected obstacles or need to make quick adjustments in my path. Overall, choosing the right tire size

My Buying Guide on ‘180 65 16 Motorcycle Tire’

When I decided it was time to replace my motorcycle tires, I found myself overwhelmed with options. After researching and testing various products, I discovered the importance of choosing the right tire size for my riding style. The 180 65 16 motorcycle tire became my go-to choice, and here’s what I learned along the way.

Understanding Tire Specifications

The first thing I realized was the significance of tire specifications. The numbers 180 65 16 denote the tire’s width, aspect ratio, and diameter:

  • 180: This is the tire’s width in millimeters. A wider tire often provides better grip and stability, which I found beneficial during cornering.
  • 65: This represents the aspect ratio, or the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width. A lower ratio can lead to improved handling, which I greatly appreciated on twisty roads.
  • 16: This is the diameter of the rim in inches. Ensuring that my new tire fits my bike’s rim was crucial to avoid compatibility issues.

Choosing the Right Type of Tire

Next, I considered the type of riding I do. There are various types of tires available, and each serves a different purpose:

  • Sport Tires: If you enjoy high-speed cornering and aggressive riding, sport tires are ideal. I found that they offer excellent grip but may wear out faster.
  • Touring Tires: For long-distance rides, touring tires provide better durability and comfort. I appreciate their stability on highways.
  • Cruiser Tires: Designed for cruisers and touring bikes, these tires offer a smooth ride and good mileage. They were perfect for my laid-back cruising style.

Tread Patterns Matter

The tread pattern was something I didn’t initially consider, but it plays a significant role in performance. I learned that different tread designs offer various benefits:

  • Smooth Treads: Great for dry conditions and reducing rolling resistance.
  • Grooved Treads: Ideal for wet conditions, as they provide better water evacuation and grip.
  • Hybrid Treads: A combination of both, which I found to be versatile for different weather conditions.

Checking for Quality and Brand

When I was ready to make a purchase, I paid close attention to tire quality and brand reputation. Some brands I found to be reliable included Michelin, Dunlop, and Pirelli. I read reviews and even consulted fellow riders to ensure I was making an informed decision. Investing in a well-reviewed tire can save money in the long run due to increased durability and performance.

Price Considerations

While I wanted the best tire possible, I also had a budget to consider. I found that prices for 180 65 16 motorcycle tires can vary widely. It’s essential to balance quality with price. I discovered that spending a little more on a reputable brand often translates to better safety and longevity.

Installation and Maintenance

Finally, I learned that proper installation and maintenance are crucial for tire performance. I made sure to have my new tires installed by a professional to ensure optimal safety. Additionally, I regularly checked tire pressure and tread wear to prolong their lifespan and enhance my riding experience.

selecting the right 180 65 16 motorcycle tire requires careful consideration of your riding style, tire specifications, tread patterns, and brand reliability. I hope my experiences and insights will help you make an informed decision when it’s time to replace your motorcycle tires. Happy riding!

Author Profile

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Bruce Toman
I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.

Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.