Best 180 55B18 Rear Tire for Touring and Cruiser Bikes

#1 · Best Overall

1. MICHELIN Commander III Touring

• Size: 180/55B-18 (80H) Touring Rear
• Weight: 20.5 lb
• Load Capacity: 992 lb
• Rim Size: 18 in

Best for: V-twin touring appearance.

Why it ranks #1: Its listed 180/55B-18 (80H) size targets V-twin touring, and the description cites wet grip, longevity, and a dense casing for feedback.

Patented velvet sidewall styling gives the MICHELIN Commander III Touring a distinctive visual detail for V-Twin and touring motorcycles. Its 180/55B-18 size and 18-inch rim specification establish the listed rear-tire format, while Michelin’s description also highlights wet grip and longevity for riders weighing appearance against road use.

The tire is identified for all types of V-Twin cruisers and touring motorcycles, making its stated audience clear for shoppers comparing rear-tire options. Michelin describes enhanced wet grip and exceptional longevity, while a highly dense, more rigid casing is said to support feedback and handling. Those attributes connect the wet-road focus and casing construction to touring use without implying a guaranteed service life. The listed load capacity is 992 pounds, a relevant boundary when checking the motorcycle’s requirements.

Skip it if you need a listed capacity above 992 pounds; the Shinko 777 H.D. white-wall rear tire lists 1,102 pounds.

Choose this Commander III Touring for a V-Twin or touring rider who values its velvet sidewall detail alongside stated wet-grip and handling attributes. The listed 992-pound capacity is an important fit boundary; check the motorcycle’s requirements before purchase.

Listed on Amazon as: MICHELIN Commander III Touring Rear Tire – 180/55B-18 (80H)

#2 · Mileage-Focused

2. Dunlop AE2 Rear Tire

• Size: 180/55B-18
• Weight: 19.5 lb
• Rim Size: 18 in

Best for: Mileage-focused cruiser touring.

Why it ranks #2: The 180/55B-18 AE2 uses a long-wearing center compound and lateral-grip shoulders, specifically highlighting mileage alongside handling.

Dunlop’s MT Multi-Tread rear technology pairs a long-wearing center compound with lateral-grip compounds at the shoulders. That arrangement targets extended tread wear while retaining handling at lean, making the AE2 a considered option for V-Twin riders seeking mileage without treating the center and shoulders as the same-use zones.

The long-wearing center compound is intended to improve mileage, while lateral-grip shoulder compounds address handling in turns; together, those distinct zones offer a practical balance for cruiser touring. Dunlop also says its optimized tread pattern aids wear characteristics and mileage, reinforcing the tire’s mileage focus. The listing gives a 180/55B-18 size and 18-inch rim, useful references for replacement selection, but does not provide a load-capacity figure. Check the motorcycle’s required specification rather than assuming one.

Skip it if you require a listed load-capacity figure; the Dunlop American Elite listing specifies 992 pounds.

The AE2 suits V-Twin riders prioritizing mileage while retaining shoulder-focused grip for handling. Its 180/55B-18 and 18-inch rim details help identify the listed format, but buyers needing a stated capacity should consider that this listing omits one.

Listed on Amazon as: Dunlop AE2 Rear Tire 180/55B-18 | American Elite Cruiser Touring Motorcycle Tire

#3 · Reinforced Carcass

3. Shinko 777 HD Black Wall

• Size: 180/55-18
• Weight: 20.2 lb
• Load Capacity: 1000 lb
• Rim Size: 18 in

Best for: Heavy-duty cruiser touring.

Why it ranks #3: This 180/55-18 84H heavy-duty version lists a reinforced carcass, a 1,000-pound capacity, and siped grooves for wet and dry traction.

The reinforced heavy-duty carcass is the defining feature of this Shinko SR777, giving cruiser riders a more stable rear-tire foundation. Its 180/55-18 size and 18-inch rim specification identify the listed fit, while functional siping and grooves address traction in both wet and dry riding conditions.

Shinko specifies a rubber compound for grip and comfort, a combination that speaks to everyday cruiser riding rather than a single-condition use. Functional siping and grooves are intended to support wet- and dry-road traction, including during acceleration, braking, and cornering. The heavy-duty version adds a reinforced carcass for greater stability, and its listed 1,000-pound load capacity supplies a concrete load reference. The tire is supplied individually, so installation planning should account for a single rear tire.

Skip it if you need a listed capacity above 1,000 pounds; the Shinko 777 H.D. white-wall rear tire lists 1,102 pounds.

This suits cruiser riders seeking a heavy-duty 180/55-18 rear tire with stated wet-and-dry traction features and a reinforced carcass. Treat the 1,000-pound load capacity as a key boundary, and verify vehicle fit before installation.

Listed on Amazon as: Shinko SR777 HD Black Wall Bias Rear Tire – 180/55-18 84H

#4 · Multi-Tread Touring

4. Dunlop American Elite

• Size: 180/55B-18
• Weight: 12 lb
• Load Capacity: 992 lb
• Rim Size: 18 in

Best for: American-made V-twin riders.

Why it ranks #4: The 180/55B-18 American Elite uses MT Multi-Tread construction for high mileage and handling, and is designed for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Dunlop identifies the American Elite as its aftermarket tire line designed and tested in the U.S.A. for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In this 180/55B-18 rear size, MT Multi-Tread technology pairs a long-wearing center compound with handling-oriented characteristics, giving Harley riders a mileage-focused option with a clearly stated brand audience.

The product description names Harley-Davidson as its primary audience and also lists select Victory and Indian motorcycles among the broader American Elite fit range. Its MT Multi-Tread rear technology uses a long-wearing center compound to target high mileage while supporting handling. The listed 180/55B-18 size and 18-inch rim provide key replacement references, and the 992-pound load capacity is a concrete specification to check against the motorcycle’s requirements before installation.

Skip it if you need a listed capacity above 992 pounds; the Pirelli Night Dragon GT rear tire lists 1,102 pounds.

This American Elite is aimed at Harley-Davidson riders seeking the line’s U.S.-designed-and-tested positioning and a mileage-focused rear compound. Its 180/55B-18 format and 992-pound capacity remain important checks against the specific motorcycle.

Listed on Amazon as: Dunlop American Elite Rear Tire (180/55B18)

#5

5. Pirelli Night Dragon GT

• Size: 180/55B18
• Weight: 22.1 lb
• Load Capacity: 1102 lb
• Rim Size: 18 in

Best for: Harley-compatible rear replacement.

Why it ranks #5: Its listed 180/55B18 size and 1,102-pound load capacity suit consideration for compatible Harley-Davidson motorcycles, though few further details are supplied.

Pirelli describes the Night Dragon GT as a performance range tailored for compatibility with Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Its listed 180/55B-18 size and 18-inch rim give a specific rear-tire format to assess, while the stated 1,102-pound load capacity supplies a concrete specification for motorcycle fit and load checks.

The supplied product information emphasizes Harley-Davidson compatibility, so this tire is most straightforward to evaluate for riders shopping within that stated audience. Its 180/55B-18 size and 18-inch rim are useful replacement references, and the listed 1,102-pound capacity provides a load figure to compare with the motorcycle’s requirements. Beyond the performance-range description, the listing supplies no detailed tread, compound, or wet-weather claims; buyers should therefore avoid assuming specific road behavior from the model name alone.

Skip it if you want documented wet-and-dry siping and grooves; the Shinko SR777 HD listing specifies both.

Consider this Pirelli if you are shopping for a Harley-compatible rear tire in the listed 180/55B-18 format and need a stated 1,102-pound capacity. Its supplied details are limited, so do not infer tread behavior beyond them.

Listed on Amazon as: Pirelli Night Dragon GT Rear Tire (180/55B-18)

#6

6. Bridgestone Battlecruise H50

• Size: 180/55B-18
• Load Capacity: 992 lb
• Rim Size: 18 in

Best for: Long-distance V-twin rides.

Why it ranks #6: Designed for American V-twins, this 180/55B-18 tire lists a compound and profile focused on handling, mileage, and comfort for longer rides.

A carcass specified for easier steering and improved ride quality makes the Bridgestone Battlecruise H50 relevant to riders considering longer American V-Twin trips. Its rear compound and profiles are presented as balancing handling, mileage, and comfort, while the listing names the Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide FLTRSE 2009 as a compatible application.

Bridgestone describes this tire as made for the American V-Twin rider, with a newly developed rear compound and profiles intended to balance handling, mileage, and rider comfort. The carcass is specifically associated with easier steering and improved ride quality for long-distance riding, linking construction to touring use. Its 180/55B-18 size and 18-inch rim give replacement references, while the listed 992-pound capacity should be checked against the motorcycle’s requirements.

Skip it if you need a listed capacity above 992 pounds; the Pirelli Night Dragon GT rear tire lists 1,102 pounds.

The Battlecruise H50 fits riders seeking an American V-Twin rear tire with stated steering and long-distance ride-quality aims. The listing also names the 2009 CVO Road Glide FLTRSE; check size and load requirements for your motorcycle.

Listed on Amazon as: Bridgestone Battlecruise H50 Rear 180/55B-18 (80H) for Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide FLTRSE 2009

#7

7. Shinko 777 HD White Wall

• Size: 180/55-18
• Weight: 15 lb
• Load Capacity: 1102 lb
• Rim Size: 18 in

Best for: White-wall H.D. cruiser fit.

Why it ranks #7: This 180/55-18 heavy-duty Shinko lists a 1,102-pound capacity and whitewall styling, but the provided details offer less performance information.

A white-wall finish distinguishes this Shinko 777 H.D. rear tire for riders matching a cruiser’s sidewall look as well as its tire size. The listing specifies 180/55-18 and an 18-inch rim, plus a 1,102-pound load capacity, giving buyers concrete dimensions and capacity to assess against their motorcycle.

The title identifies this as a rear H.D. motorcycle tire with a white wall, so its clearest differentiator is appearance paired with the stated heavy-duty designation. Its 180/55-18 size and 18-inch rim specification provide the main fit references for a buyer checking a replacement. The listed 1,102-pound load capacity adds a useful load figure for that decision. The supplied information does not establish tread behavior or compound characteristics, so base comparisons on the stated size, designation, finish, and capacity.

Skip it if you want documented wet-road tread features; the Shinko SR777 HD Black Wall listing specifies functional siping and grooves.

This is for a rider seeking a white-wall H.D. rear tire in the listed 180/55-18 size, with 1,102 pounds stated as its load capacity. Its supplied details focus on fit and appearance, not tread-performance specifics.

Listed on Amazon as: Shinko 777 Rear H.D. Motorcycle Tire 180/55B-18 (84H) White Wall

#8

8. Dunlop American Elite 2 CVO

• Size: 180/55B18
• Load Capacity: 992 lb
• Rim Size: 18 in

Best for: CVO Road Glide 2009 fit.

Why it ranks #8: The AE2 lists multi-tread construction and wet-weather wear claims, but its listing is specifically matched to a CVO Road Glide model.

This Dunlop American Elite 2 listing names the Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide FLTRSE 2009 as its compatible motorcycle, a direct fit reference for owners of that model. Its Multi-Tread construction pairs a long-wearing center with lateral-grip compounds, connecting mileage aims with handling rather than relying on a single compound throughout.

Dunlop says the center compound targets mileage, while the shoulder compounds provide lateral grip; this combination addresses wear and handling in distinct tread zones. An optimized pattern is intended to improve wear characteristics, and updated compounds are described as enhancing wet-weather performance. Cut-breaker construction provides a more robust casing, according to the listing. The tire is specified as 180/55B-18 with a 992-pound capacity, so confirm those details against the named motorcycle and its requirements.

Skip it if you need a listed capacity above 992 pounds; the Pirelli Night Dragon GT rear tire lists 1,102 pounds.

This listing is a focused candidate for owners of the named 2009 CVO Road Glide, especially those seeking Dunlop’s mileage-and-handling compound layout. Keep its 180/55B-18 size and 992-pound capacity within the fit decision.

Listed on Amazon as: 180/55B-18 (80H) Dunlop American Elite 2 AE2 Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall Compatible With Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide FLTRSE 2009

#9

9. Dunlop American Elite 2 Custom

• Size: 180/55B18
• Load Capacity: 992 lb
• Rim Size: 18 in

Best for: CVO Road Glide Custom 2018.

Why it ranks #9: This AE2 listing describes 180/55B-18 sizing and multi-tread mileage benefits, but specifies a particular CVO Road Glide Custom application.

This Dunlop American Elite 2 listing names the Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Custom FLTRXSE 2018, giving owners of that motorcycle a specific compatibility reference. Its Multi-Tread layout places a long-wearing compound in the center and lateral-grip compounds at the sides, linking mileage goals with cornering grip.

Dunlop’s center compound is described as long-wearing, while flanking lateral-grip compounds are intended to preserve handling and grip. The optimized tread pattern targets improved wear and mileage, and updated compounds are described as enhancing wear resistance and wet-weather performance. Cut-breaker construction adds a more robust casing, according to the listing. Its stated 180/55B-18 size and 992-pound load capacity are practical checks for owners evaluating this named CVO Road Glide application.

Skip it if you need a listed capacity above 992 pounds; the Pirelli Night Dragon GT rear tire lists 1,102 pounds.

This is a targeted option for owners of the named 2018 CVO Road Glide Custom who want Dunlop’s mileage-focused center and lateral-grip layout. Treat the listed size and 992-pound capacity as essential fit checks.

Listed on Amazon as: 180/55B-18 (80H) Dunlop American Elite 2 AE2 Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall Compatible With Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Custom FLTRXSE 2018

#10

10. Dunlop American Elite 2 Street Glide

• Size: 180/55R18
• Load Capacity: 992 lb
• Rim Size: 18 in

Best for: Street Glide Special 2018 fit.

Why it ranks #10: Its listing describes AE2 multi-tread features, but gives 180/55R18 in specifications and targets one Street Glide model, making fitment verification especially important.

The Dunlop American Elite 2 listing specifically names the Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special FLHXS 2018, making that compatibility reference its clearest starting point. Multi-Tread technology combines a long-wearing center compound with lateral-grip compounds, aiming to pair mileage with handling for riders assessing a replacement rear tire.

A long-wearing center compound targets mileage, while lateral-grip compounds at the shoulders are intended to support handling and grip. Dunlop’s optimized tread pattern is described as aiding wear and mileage, and updated compounds are associated with enhanced wet-weather performance. Cut-breaker construction is said to provide a more robust casing. The listing gives a 180/55R18 size and 18-inch rim; verify the motorcycle’s required specification rather than treating the named application as universal fitment.

Skip it if you require an exact 180/55B-18 listing; the Dunlop American Elite 2 AE2 for the CVO Road Glide Custom 2018 specifies 180/55B-18.

This listing suits a Street Glide Special FLHXS 2018 owner whose required specification matches its stated 180/55R18 size. Its AE2 compound and casing features address mileage and handling, but the size notation is a necessary boundary.

Listed on Amazon as: 180/55B-18 (80H) Dunlop American Elite 2 AE2 Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall Compatible With Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special FLHXS 2018