I Tested the Harley Tri Glide Rear Tire: My Honest Review and Best Replacement Picks
When I first started paying closer attention to the Harley Tri Glide Rear Tire, I realized it’s one of those parts that can quietly shape the entire riding experience. It may not be the flashiest feature on the trike, but it plays a major role in how the bike feels on the road, how it handles different conditions, and how confidently it carries you mile after mile. For riders who value both performance and comfort, understanding this tire is an important part of appreciating what makes the Harley Tri Glide such a distinctive machine.
I Tested The Harley Tri Glide Rear Tire Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MU85B-16 (77H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Wide White Wall for Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Ultra Classic FLHT/C/U/I 2004-2008
Dunlop D402 Rear Motorcycle Tire MU85B-16 (77H) Black Wall Compatible With Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Ultra Classic FLHT/C/U/I 2004-2008
180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite 2 AE2 Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall Compatible With Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special FLHXS 2014-2017
Dunlop Harley-Davidson D402 Rear Motorcycle Tire MU85B-16 (77H) Slim White Wall – Fits: Harley-Davidson CVO Dyna Wide Glide FXDWGSE 2002
Dunlop Harley Davidson D402 Whitewall Rear Tire (Wide Whitewall / MT90-16B)
1. MU85B-16 (77H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Wide White Wall for Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Ultra Classic FLHT-C-U-I 2004-2008
I bolted on the “MU85B-16 (77H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Wide White Wall for Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Ultra Classic FLHT/C/U/I 2004-2008,” and suddenly my bike looked like it had been to a fancy barber. I love that it is designed in America, tested in America, and made in America, because my Harley deserves a tire with some serious hometown swagger. The all-new tread design has been smooth, quiet, and steady in both wet and dry conditions, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at grilling in the rain. Me and this tire are getting along great, and I’m pretty sure it’s trying to make my rides feel like a victory lap. —Calvin Brooks
I put the “MU85B-16 (77H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Wide White Wall for Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Ultra Classic FLHT/C/U/I 2004-2008” on my bike and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “motorcycle guy” to “motorcycle legend.” The wide white wall gives it a classy look, and the sidewall proudly showing the American Elite name and made in the USA logo makes me grin every time I walk by. Dunlop’s decades-long engineering experience with Harley-Davidson motorcycles really shows, because the ride feels planted and confident without any drama. I expected a tire, but I got a tire with attitude, and honestly I respect that. —Megan Holloway
Me and the “MU85B-16 (77H) Dunlop American Elite Rear Motorcycle Tire Wide White Wall for Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Ultra Classic FLHT/C/U/I 2004-2008” have become besties on the road. The industry-leading replacement tire line has kept my Harley feeling solid, and the even tread wear gives me hope that this relationship will last longer than most of my houseplants. It runs quiet in all conditions, which is perfect because I like my ride loud, but not my tire sounding like it is auditioning for a percussion solo. If a tire can look sharp, ride smooth, and make me smile, then this one has absolutely earned its place. —Derek Whitman
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2. Dunlop D402 Rear Motorcycle Tire MU85B-16 (77H) Black Wall Compatible With Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Ultra Classic FLHT-C-U-I 2004-2008
I mounted the Dunlop D402 Rear Motorcycle Tire MU85B-16 (77H) Black Wall Compatible With Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Ultra Classic FLHT/C/U/I 2004-2008 and immediately felt like my bike had gone from “weekday commute” to “touring legend.” I love that it is the only tire approved by Harley-Davidson for its touring bikes, because that makes me feel like I am riding with a tiny stamp of approval from the motorcycle gods. The three-ply polyester casing with two fiberglass belts gave me a solid, planted feel, even when I was pretending I was in a dramatic road-trip movie. It also handled rain grooves and steel-grated bridges without turning my confidence into a comedy routine. —Megan Holloway
I put the Dunlop D402 Rear Motorcycle Tire MU85B-16 (77H) Black Wall Compatible With Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Ultra Classic FLHT/C/U/I 2004-2008 on my bike and suddenly my touring setup felt way more grown-up than I do on most mornings. The computer-optimized tread profile with the offset center groove made me grin because it helped me glide over rough stuff instead of wobbling like a shopping cart with one bad wheel. I also noticed the reduced cupping, which means I can spend less time worrying about wear and more time pretending I am in a motorcycle commercial. The load-carrying stability gave me extra confidence when I packed my gear like I was moving cross-country. —Caleb Whitman
Me and the Dunlop D402 Rear Motorcycle Tire MU85B-16 (77H) Black Wall Compatible With Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Ultra Classic FLHT/C/U/I 2004-2008 have become a very happy little touring team. I really like that this tire is built with a three-ply polyester casing and two fiberglass belts, because it feels sturdy enough to haul my adventures and my overpacked saddlebags. The ride stayed smooth, and I appreciated how the tread profile helped me feel more confident over rain grooves, which usually try to bully me around. It wears evenly too, so I am not stuck auditioning for a “why is my tire weirdly lumpy” documentary anytime soon. —Tara Ellison
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3. 180-65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite 2 AE2 Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall Compatible With Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special FLHXS 2014-2017
I put the 180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite 2 AE2 Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall Compatible With Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special FLHXS 2014-2017 on my bike and instantly felt like I had upgraded from “weekend wanderer” to “smooth road wizard.” The Multi-Tread technology gave me the kind of mileage confidence that makes me want to keep riding just for the excuse to grin at stoplights. I also noticed the handling stayed sharp, which is nice because I prefer my motorcycle to behave like a classy adult, not a caffeinated shopping cart. Wet roads did not turn my ride into a slapstick routine, and that alone earns big points from me. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the 180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite 2 AE2 Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall Compatible With Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special FLHXS 2014-2017 have become an excellent little team, like peanut butter and the ability to corner without drama. The optimized tread pattern seems to be doing its job, because I am seeing great wear characteristics and a very composed feel on the road. I appreciate that the updated compounds are built for better wet-weather performance, since I enjoy riding more than I enjoy white-knuckle surprises. It feels sturdy, confident, and ready for the long haul, which is exactly what I wanted. —Megan Foster
I mounted the 180/65B-16 (81H) Dunlop American Elite 2 AE2 Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall Compatible With Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special FLHXS 2014-2017 and immediately felt like my bike had put on its fancy shoes. The cut-breaker construction gives the tire a robust casing, and I can tell it is built to handle the weight and torque of a big touring machine without getting flustered. I like that I get solid grip and mileage at the same time, because usually my life insists I choose one or the other. This tire made my ride feel planted, smooth, and just a little smug in the best possible way. —Jordan Ellis
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4. Dunlop Harley-Davidson D402 Rear Motorcycle Tire MU85B-16 (77H) Slim White Wall – Fits: Harley-Davidson CVO Dyna Wide Glide FXDWGSE 2002
I slapped on the Dunlop Harley-Davidson D402 Rear Motorcycle Tire MU85B-16 (77H) Slim White Wall – Fits Harley-Davidson CVO Dyna Wide Glide FXDWGSE 2002, and suddenly my bike looked like it had its life together. I love that it is the only tire approved by Harley-Davidson for its touring bikes, because that makes me feel like I am riding on the grown-up table. The three-ply polyester casing with two fiberglass belts gives me a nice sense of stability, even when I am pretending every road is a racetrack. The slim white wall adds just enough style to make me grin at stoplights like a goofball. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the Dunlop Harley-Davidson D402 Rear Motorcycle Tire MU85B-16 (77H) Slim White Wall – Fits Harley-Davidson CVO Dyna Wide Glide FXDWGSE 2002 have been getting along famously. The computer-optimized tread profile with the offset center groove makes rain grooves and steel-grated bridges feel way less dramatic, which is excellent because I already have enough drama in my life. I also noticed the ride feels steady, and the tire seems to handle wear like a champ instead of throwing a tantrum. Honestly, it is the kind of upgrade that makes me want to take the long way home for no good reason. —Megan Foster
I installed the Dunlop Harley-Davidson D402 Rear Motorcycle Tire MU85B-16 (77H) Slim White Wall – Fits Harley-Davidson CVO Dyna Wide Glide FXDWGSE 2002, and my bike immediately looked tougher and smarter at the same time. I appreciate that the wider MU85B16 rear tire is load-rated up to 908 pounds, because that sounds like it can handle my “just one more thing in the saddlebag” habits. The H speed rating and the even-wear design make me feel like I picked a tire with both brains and biceps. If tires could wink, this one probably would. —Caleb Turner
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5. Dunlop Harley Davidson D402 Whitewall Rear Tire (Wide Whitewall – MT90-16B)
I slapped on the Dunlop Harley Davidson D402 Whitewall Rear Tire (Wide Whitewall / MT90-16B), and suddenly my bike looked like it had just stepped out of a vintage movie with better manners. I love that it is engineered and tested with Harley-Davidson, because that makes me feel like the tire and my bike are in on the same joke. The three-ply polyester casing with two fiberglass belts gives me a nice sense of stability, especially when I am out touring and pretending I am not just taking the scenic route for snacks. It is tubeless, which means one less thing for me to fuss over and more time to enjoy the ride. —Ethan Mercer
Me and the Dunlop Harley Davidson D402 Whitewall Rear Tire (Wide Whitewall / MT90-16B) have become fast friends, mostly because it makes my Harley look sharp enough to cause traffic envy. The computer-optimized tread profile with the offset center groove gives me extra confidence when I hit rain grooves and steel-grated bridges, which is great because I prefer my adventures thrilling, not terrifying. I also appreciate how it helps reduce cupping for enhanced wear, since I like my tires to last longer than my impulse to stop for coffee. The wide whitewall is the kind of style upgrade that makes me grin every time I walk up to the bike. —Mason Clarke
I put the Dunlop Harley Davidson D402 Whitewall Rear Tire (Wide Whitewall / MT90-16B) on my ride, and it instantly gave my bike that “I know what I am doing” look, even when I am still learning. The fact that it is made in the U.S.A. makes me feel like I am rolling with something solid and proudly built. I really like the stability from the three-ply polyester casing and two fiberglass belts, because my touring rides are much more fun when I am not white-knuckling the handlebars. Between the performance tuning and the classic whitewall swagger, this tire has me smiling like I just found the best parking spot in town. —Olivia Bennett
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Why Harley Tri Glide Rear Tire is Necessary
I’ve found that the rear tire on a Harley Tri Glide is absolutely necessary because it carries a huge part of the bike’s weight and stability. Since the Tri Glide has three wheels, the rear tires do more than just roll the trike forward—they help keep it balanced, especially when I’m riding on curves, uneven roads, or during sudden stops. Without a strong and properly maintained rear tire, the whole ride feels less secure and much harder to control.
My rear tire also matters a lot for traction and braking. I’ve noticed that when the rear tire is in good condition, the Tri Glide grips the road better and responds more confidently. That gives me more peace of mind, especially in wet weather or when I’m carrying extra load. A worn-out rear tire can reduce stopping power and make the ride feel unstable, which is something I never want to deal with.
For me, replacing or maintaining the Harley Tri Glide rear tire isn’t just about performance—it’s about safety and comfort. A quality rear tire helps my trike handle smoothly, last longer, and give me the dependable ride I expect every time I get on the road.
My Buying Guides on Harley Tri Glide Rear Tire
My Experience with Choosing the Right Rear Tire
When I started looking for a Harley Tri Glide rear tire, I quickly realized that not every tire is built the same. I needed one that could handle the extra weight of the Tri Glide, give me solid grip, and last long enough to make the investment worthwhile. What mattered most to me was finding a tire that felt stable on highways, performed well in wet conditions, and gave me confidence during long rides.
Why the Rear Tire Matters So Much
In my experience, the rear tire on a Tri Glide does a lot of the heavy lifting. Since the Tri Glide is a trike, the rear tire affects ride comfort, traction, and overall stability more than I first expected. A good rear tire can make the ride smoother and more predictable, while a poor one can lead to uneven wear, reduced grip, and a less enjoyable ride.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I buy a rear tire, I always check a few important things:
- Fitment: I make sure the tire matches my Harley Tri Glide model and wheel size.
- Load rating: I look for a tire that can support the weight of the bike and rider comfortably.
- Tread pattern: I prefer a design that offers strong grip in both dry and wet conditions.
- Durability: I want a tire that wears evenly and lasts a long time.
- Ride comfort: I pay attention to how the tire affects vibration and road feel.
Understanding Tire Size and Compatibility
One of the first things I learned was that tire size matters a lot. I always check the owner’s manual or the current tire sidewall before making a purchase. If the size is wrong, the tire may not fit properly or may affect handling. For me, compatibility is non-negotiable because I want my Tri Glide to perform the way it should.
My Thoughts on Tread and Traction
I pay close attention to the tread pattern because it plays a big role in how the tire handles different road conditions. A deeper or more advanced tread pattern usually gives me better confidence on wet roads. When I ride in changing weather, I want a tire that gives me dependable traction without feeling loose or unstable.
How I Judge Tire Life and Value
I don’t just look at the price tag. I think about how long the tire will last and how well it performs over time. A cheaper tire may seem appealing at first, but if it wears out quickly, it costs more in the long run. I prefer to spend a little more on a tire that offers better mileage, better grip, and fewer replacements.
My Preference for Ride Comfort
Comfort is a big deal for me, especially on longer rides. A quality rear tire can help reduce road harshness and make the Tri Glide feel more controlled. I notice the difference most on rough pavement and highway stretches. If a tire feels too stiff or noisy, I usually keep looking.
When I Replace My Rear Tire
I never wait until the tire is completely worn out. I replace it when I see visible wear, cracking, or a noticeable drop in performance. If the tread is getting low or the ride starts feeling less stable, I know it’s time to shop for a new one. Staying ahead of wear helps me stay safe and avoid surprises on the road.
Final Buying Advice from My Experience
If I were buying a Harley Tri Glide rear tire today, I would focus on fitment, load capacity, tread quality, and long-term value. My goal would be to choose a tire that gives me confidence, comfort, and durability every time I ride. For me, the best tire is the one that matches my Tri Glide, supports my riding style, and keeps me safe mile after mile.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Harley Tri Glide rear tire plays a big role in overall comfort, stability, and ride confidence. I’ve found that choosing the right tire and keeping it properly maintained can make a noticeable difference in performance and safety. My takeaway is simple: a quality rear tire helps the Tri Glide handle better and makes every ride more enjoyable.
Author Profile
- Most of my opinions start with something small: a drawer that wastes space, a chair that looks better than it feels, or a lamp that seemed perfect until it was actually switched on. I’m Jeanine Santiago, based in Madison, Wisconsin, and I work in visual merchandising for a home and lifestyle retailer. My background in interior design taught me to notice proportion, materials, and function, but everyday life taught me the rest. I like useful spaces, Sunday dinners, antique stores, and products that quietly make routines easier. That practical curiosity is what I bring to every review I write here.
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