The best rear tire for a motorcycle is one that matches the bike’s required size, load rating, and riding style. The Michelin Commander II is a strong fit for cruiser riders prioritizing longevity, while the Shinko SR777 suits buyers seeking cruiser-focused tread with wet- and dry-road grooves. The Dunlop D404 and Kenda Kruz offer additional size and tread options. Confirm the exact fitment in your owner’s manual before choosing.
| Tire | Best For | Listed Size |
|---|---|---|
| Michelin Commander II | Longevity-focused cruiser riders | 180/65-16 |
| Shinko 777 Rear H.D. | Wet- and dry-road cruiser use | 130/90B-16 |
| Dunlop D404 Rear | Older bikes and cruisers | 170/80-15 |
| Kenda Kruz K673 Rear | All-weather cruising | 130/90H-16 |
| Michelin Commander II Reinforced | Stability and mileage | 150/80-16 |
Michelin Commander II 180/65-16
The Michelin Commander II is a cruiser tire for riders who place a high priority on mileage without giving up stability and handling. The listed rear size is 180/65-16, so it is a candidate only for motorcycles that call for that specification.
- Michelin says commissioned third-party tests found the Commander II rear tire lasted almost twice as long as its main competitors.
- Amplified Density Technology uses a high-density, stiffer frame intended to support handling and responsiveness.
- Aramid fibers in the rear tire’s top layers are described as supporting stability at higher speeds.
Best for: Cruiser owners whose approved fitment is 180/65-16 and who want a tire positioned around longevity and stable handling. Limitation: The listed benefits do not replace checking the size and load requirements for your specific motorcycle.
Shinko 777 Rear H.D. 130/90B-16
This Shinko 777 heavy-duty rear tire is specifically designed for cruiser motorcycles. Its listed size is 130/90B-16, and the manufacturer’s description says the 777 range includes sizes for many V-twin and metric cruisers.
- The rubber compound is formulated for grip and comfort.
- Functional siping and grooves are intended to provide traction in wet and dry conditions.
- The heavy-duty designation is part of the product name; verify the tire’s full specifications against the motorcycle’s requirements.
Best for: Cruiser riders who need the listed size and want a tread design with grooves and siping for varied road conditions. Limitation: The supplied product details do not provide a mileage comparison, so buyers prioritizing documented longevity may prefer to compare other options.
Dunlop D404 Rear 170/80-15
The Dunlop D404 is a rear motorcycle tire in size 170/80-15. Its listed features emphasize a broad size range for older bikes and cruisers, along with a tread compound designed to balance mileage and grip.
Best for: Riders of older motorcycles or cruisers whose specified rear-tire size is 170/80-15 and who want a balance of wear and traction. The stated compound trade-off is useful when neither mileage nor grip alone is the only priority.
Limitation: The provided product information does not specify wet-road tread features or a quantified mileage result. Check your manual and tire markings rather than assuming this size fits based on the motorcycle’s age or category.
Kenda Kruz K673 Rear 130/90H-16
The Kenda Kruz K673 is a street rear tire listed in size 130/90H-16. Kenda describes it as DOT approved and H-rated for speeds up to 130 mph when belted up. Its deep, wide grooves are intended for all-weather cruising.
- A 3+2 casting design is described as supporting handling and high load-carrying capacity.
- The tread design includes deep, wide grooves for cruising in different weather conditions.
Best for: Riders whose motorcycle specifies 130/90H-16 and who want an H-rated tire with a grooved tread. Limitation: Do not treat the speed rating as a recommendation to ride at that speed; follow local laws and the motorcycle manufacturer’s guidance.
Michelin Commander II Reinforced 150/80-16
This Commander II rear tire is listed in size 150/80-16 and is described as a reinforced cruiser tire. Michelin highlights mileage, stability, and handling, with a high-density frame and aramid-fiber reinforcement in the top layers.
Best for: Cruiser riders who need this exact size and want Michelin’s stated focus on durability and responsiveness. The product information also reports independent third-party testing in which the Commander II rear tire lasted nearly twice as long as leading competitors.
Limitation: The test result is a manufacturer-provided claim, not a guarantee of service life on every motorcycle or road. Actual wear can vary, and fitment must be confirmed.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Rear Motorcycle Tire
Which tire size should I buy?
Start with the size specified in your motorcycle owner’s manual or on the existing tire. Compare every part of the marking, including width, aspect ratio, rim diameter, and any construction or load information. The products above are not interchangeable simply because they are all rear tires or cruiser tires.
Should I prioritize mileage, grip, or wet-weather tread?
Match the tire’s stated features to your main riding needs. Michelin emphasizes Commander II longevity and stability. Shinko describes the SR777’s siping and grooves for wet and dry traction. Dunlop describes a compound balancing mileage and grip, while Kenda highlights deep, wide grooves for all-weather cruising.
What do the speed and load markings mean?
Use the motorcycle manufacturer’s required load and speed ratings as a minimum reference, and confirm the exact tire specification before purchase. A speed rating is a capability classification, not a safe target speed. The supplied details list an H rating for the Kenda and the Michelin 180/65-16 model, but verify the complete markings for the tire you select.
Does “heavy-duty” mean it fits more motorcycles?
No. A heavy-duty label does not establish fitment or replace the required size and ratings. Choose a tire only when its specifications match the motorcycle’s approved requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different rear tire size than the manual lists?
Do not assume a different size is suitable. Check the motorcycle manufacturer’s approved specifications or consult a qualified tire professional before changing sizes.
Which tire is described as lasting longer?
Michelin positions the Commander II around longevity and cites third-party testing for its mileage claims. Those results do not guarantee the same lifespan in every riding situation.
Which listed tire highlights wet- and dry-road traction?
The Shinko 777 description specifically cites functional siping and grooves for traction in wet and dry riding conditions.
Is the Kenda Kruz K673 suitable for all weather?
Kenda describes its deep, wide grooves as intended for all-weather cruising. That description does not mean the tire is suitable for every road or severe weather condition.