Best 240 40R18 Motorcycle Tire 3 for Cruiser Fitments

#1 · Best Overall

1. Michelin Commander II Rear Tire

• Size: 240/40R-18 (79V)
• Rim Size: 18 in
• Weight: 8.57 kg

Best for: High-mileage cruiser touring.

Why it ranks #1: Its 240/40R-18 (79V) size and 18-inch rim match the search, while the listing emphasizes cruiser stability and long tire life.

Michelin says independent third-party tests found the Commander II rear tire lasts nearly twice as long as leading competitors, making longevity its clearest draw for cruiser riders. Its 240/40R-18 (79V) specification and stated focus on stability and handling pair that mileage claim with practical road-control priorities.

For riders who cover substantial cruiser mileage, Michelin’s reported longevity advantage can mean fewer tire changes over time; the claim is specifically based on independent third-party tests. Amplified Density Technology is named alongside stability and maneuverability, connecting the tire’s construction approach with steadier, more responsive handling. The 240/40R-18 (79V) size gives buyers a defined fitment to check, while the 18-inch rim specification narrows the wheel match. Michelin describes the Commander II for cruisers, not every motorcycle category.

Skip it if you ride outside the cruiser category; the Pirelli Night Dragon is described for high-performance HD and metric cruisers.

This fits cruiser riders prioritizing long tire life alongside stability and maneuverability for an 18-inch rear wheel. Its cruiser-specific positioning and 240/40R-18 (79V) size are boundaries to weigh against your motorcycle’s requirements.

Listed on Amazon as: Michelin Commander II Rear Tire (240/40ZR-18)

#2 · Highest Capacity

2. Pirelli Night Dragon Rear Tire

• Size: 240/40R18
• Rim Size: 18 in
• Weight: 4 lb

Best for: Harley-Davidson cruiser fit.

Why it ranks #2: This 240/40R18, 18-inch-rim rear tire lists a 1,279-pound load capacity and is described as tailored to compatible Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Pirelli identifies the Night Dragon as a performance range tailored to compatible Harley-Davidson motorcycles, giving cruiser riders a clearly stated application rather than a universal-tire pitch. This rear tire is sized 240/40R18 for an 18-inch rim, and its listed load capacity is 1,279 pounds.

The 240/40R18 size and 18-inch rim specification give buyers concrete dimensions to compare with their motorcycle’s required rear-tire fitment. Pirelli’s Harley-Davidson-focused performance positioning narrows the intended use to compatible cruisers, while the 1,279-pound listed load capacity provides a specific figure for checking against the motorcycle’s requirements. The supplied description does not identify individual Harley-Davidson models, so the broad compatibility statement alone does not establish a fit for every bike in the marque’s range.

Skip it if you need a named Harley-Davidson fitment; the Michelin Scorcher 11 lists specific motorcycle applications.

This suits a Harley-Davidson cruiser owner seeking a Pirelli performance rear tire in 240/40R18. Treat the compatibility wording as general, not a model-by-model fitment list, and check the motorcycle’s required size and load specifications.

Listed on Amazon as: Pirelli 1862300 Night Dragon Rear Tire – 240/40R18

#3 · Harley Fitment Pick

3. Michelin Scorcher 11 Rear Tire

• Weight: 17.2 lb

Best for: Named Harley-Davidson fitments.

Why it ranks #3: The listing specifies 240/40R-18 (79V) and identifies approved Harley-Davidson fitments, including the CVO Softail Breakout.

Michelin lists the Scorcher 11 as original equipment on specified Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including the CVO Softail Breakout FXSBSE for 2013–2014. Its semi-slick tread is described as maximizing dry-road contact, while optimized grooves evacuate water for wet grip, giving the model a clear road-use focus.

The named original-equipment applications help Harley-Davidson owners identify whether this tire belongs on their specific motorcycle; additional listed fitments include Sportster SuperLow, V-Rod Muscle, and V-Rod Night Rod Special. Michelin’s semi-slick tread pattern increases contact on dry roads, while the optimized grooves are described as moving water away for wet grip. The manufacturer also links its rubber compounds to durability and high performance, and its radial technology to maneuverability and agility. Verify that your exact model and year appear among approved applications.

Skip it if you need a broadly described cruiser tire rather than named Harley-Davidson applications; the Michelin Commander II is presented for cruisers.

This is a strong match for owners of the listed Harley-Davidson applications who want dry-road contact, wet grip, and agile handling. Model and year fitment remain the key boundary; use the approved application details for your bike.

Listed on Amazon as: Michelin Scorcher 11 Harley-Davidson® Rear Motorcycle Tire 240/40R-18 (79V) – Fits: Harley-Davidson® CVO Softail Breakout FXSBSE® 2013-2014

#4 · Cruiser Performance

4. Pirelli Night Dragon Rear Tire

• Size: 240/40R-18
• Rim Size: 18 in
• Weight: 0.27 g

Best for: Custom cruiser performance.

Why it ranks #4: Its listed 240/40R-18 size and 18-inch rim align with the search, and the description identifies it for high-performance HD and metric cruisers.

Pirelli positions the Night Dragon for high-performance Harley-Davidson and metric cruisers, making its intended rider and motorcycle category unusually clear. The brand describes better adherence and road holding than standard Custom/Cruiser tires, pairing that performance focus with a 240/40R-18 size for an 18-inch rim.

The stated high-performance cruiser application helps narrow the choice for custom riders deciding between a general-purpose tire and one aimed at HD and metric cruisers. Pirelli’s claims of improved adherence and road holding explain the practical intent: maintain contact and composure during road use. Its 240/40R-18 designation and 18-inch rim size offer specific dimensions to compare against the motorcycle’s rear-wheel requirements. The supplied description also emphasizes the tire’s look, so it addresses appearance as well as performance for Custom/Cruiser builds.

Skip it if you prioritize a stated long-life comparison; the Michelin Commander II cites nearly twice the life of leading competitors.

This suits custom and cruiser riders looking for a Pirelli rear tire with a stated performance and road-holding focus. Its 240/40R-18 size and cruiser application should match your motorcycle’s specified requirements.

Listed on Amazon as: Pirelli Night Dragon Rear Tire (240/40R-18)

#5

5. Pirelli Night Dragon 79V Tire

• Size: 240/40-18
• Rim Size: 18 in

Best for: Quick-acceleration cruiser riding.

Why it ranks #5: It lists a 240/40VR18 79V rear tire and adds a Pirelli keychain, but its stated load capacity is 963 pounds.

Pirelli’s Night Dragon is described as offering strong grip for quick acceleration while helping riders stay in control, a combination aimed at performance-minded cruiser use. This 240/40 VR 18 79V TL rear tire lists an 18-inch rim size and a 963-pound load capacity for fitment checks.

The stated strong grip for quick acceleration connects the Night Dragon’s performance focus to riders who want responsive drive from a cruiser rear tire. Its 240/40 VR 18 79V TL designation and 18-inch rim size provide concrete dimensions and rating information for comparing against the motorcycle’s requirements. The listed 963-pound load capacity is another figure to check against the vehicle. Pirelli’s supplied guidance says to use the pressure recommended by the motorcycle manufacturer, making the handbook relevant during setup and maintenance.

Skip it if you want a tire with a stated longevity comparison; the Michelin Commander II cites nearly twice the life of leading competitors.

Choose this for a cruiser rider seeking Pirelli Night Dragon grip for quick acceleration in a 240/40 VR 18 rear size. Check load and fitment requirements, and set inflation to the motorcycle maker’s recommendation.

Listed on Amazon as: Pirelli Night Dragon 240/40 VR 18 79V TL Rear Motorcycle Tire

#6

6. Michelin Commander II Rear Tire

• Size: 240/40R-18
• Rim Size: 18 in
• Weight: 19 lb

Best for: Long-life cruiser replacement.

Why it ranks #6: Its size is listed as 240/40R-18 and its description notes Michelin Amplified Density Technology, but the specification details are less complete.

Michelin says the Commander II nearly doubles the tire life consumers would see from competitors, making extended service life the headline for cruiser riders. MICHELIN Amplified Density Technology is also cited for increased responsiveness, while the 240/40R-18 size and 963-pound load capacity provide concrete rear-fitment figures.

The stated longevity comparison makes the Commander II relevant to riders seeking longer intervals between tire replacements; Michelin frames the claim against competitor tire life. Amplified Density Technology is linked to increased responsiveness, adding a handling benefit alongside the mileage focus. The 240/40R-18 size and 18-inch rim specification help identify the wheel match, while the listed 963-pound load capacity gives another figure to compare with the motorcycle’s requirements. Those dimensions and load details remain important even when durability is the primary buying goal.

Skip it if you need a listed load capacity above 963 pounds; the Pirelli Night Dragon 1862300 listing gives 1,279 pounds.

This is for cruiser riders who value Michelin’s stated longevity and responsiveness benefits in a 240/40R-18 rear tire. The listed 963-pound capacity is a relevant boundary, so compare it with your motorcycle’s requirements.

Listed on Amazon as: MICHELIN Commander II Rear Tire – 240/40R-18 (79V)

#7

7. Michelin Scorcher 11 Tire

• Size: 240/40R-18 (79V)
• Rim Size: 17 in
• Weight: 1724 g

Best for: Dry-and-wet road grip.

Why it ranks #7: The title gives 240/40R-18 (79V), but its specifications list a 17-inch rim and 100/80-17F size, creating a major fitment conflict.

Michelin’s Scorcher 11 uses a semi-slick tread design to increase contact area for dry-surface grip, while optimized grooves evacuate water for wet grip. The combination gives road-focused riders stated traction benefits in changing conditions, alongside a rubber blend Michelin says balances durability with high performance.

The semi-slick design increases the contact area for dry-road traction, while the grooves are intended to evacuate water and support wet grip; those features address two common road conditions. Michelin’s race-winning-tire compounds inform a rubber blend described as durable and high-performing, and the radial technology is linked to smooth maneuvering and handling. However, the supplied specifications conflict: the title gives 240/40R-18, while the specification fields list a 17-inch rim and 100/80-17F. Resolve that discrepancy before selecting it.

Skip it if you need internally consistent size specifications; the Pirelli Night Dragon 1862300 listing gives a matching 240/40R18 size and 18-inch rim.

This suits a road rider seeking stated dry and wet grip plus agile handling. The title and specification fields disagree on size and rim, so that inconsistency is a firm boundary before choosing this Scorcher 11.

Listed on Amazon as: Michelin Scorcher 11 Tire (240/40R-18 (79V))