7 Best Tires for 2019 Harley-Davidson Dressers: My Road-Tested Picks

I’ve spent more seasons than I can count riding big Harley baggers, and I’ll say this plainly: tires make or break a dresser. These bikes weigh well over 800 pounds with fluids, and that’s before you add a passenger, saddlebags full of gear and a Tour-Pak. Your tires carry all of it.

If you’re shopping for rubber for a 2019 Street Glide, Road Glide, Road King or Electra Glide, you’ve got more good options than ever. I’ve ridden most of the tires below, and I’ve leaned on rider feedback and manufacturer specs for the rest. Here’s how I’d rank them, and why.

How I Judge Tires for a Big Touring Harley

Before the list, here’s what I look for. A dresser tire isn’t judged the way a sport tire is. I care less about peak lean angle and more about mileage, stability under load and wet-weather confidence.

My Core Criteria

• Load capacity: The tire must be rated for the bike’s weight plus rider, passenger and luggage.
• Tread life: A 700-mile weekend trip shouldn’t eat a rear tire.
• Wet and cold grip: Touring means weather, and you don’t get to pick it.
• Straight-line stability: A dresser should track true at 75 mph with a crosswind pushing on the fairing.
• Value: Cost per mile matters more to me than sticker price.

One note on fitment: a 2019 Road King and a 2019 Road Glide don’t share the same wheel sizes. Check the tire info sticker or your manual first, and don’t assume.

1. Michelin Commander III Touring — Best Overall Dresser Tire

If someone asked me to pick one tire and be done, the Michelin Commander III Touring is it. I’ve put thousands of miles on a set, and it’s the most well-rounded touring tire I’ve used on a heavy Harley.

What Makes It Special

The Commander III Touring uses a dual-compound rear that’s harder in the center for mileage and softer on the shoulders for grip. It also has a reinforced construction aimed at heavily loaded touring bikes. Michelin sells it in the common Harley touring sizes, including 16-inch rear options like the 180/65B16.

On wet pavement, it gave me real confidence. Grooves clear water well, and the tire never felt nervous when the road turned slick. If wet riding is a priority for you, check out my guide on the best motorcycle tire for wet roads for more options.

Things to Consider

Pricing usually lands in the mid-to-upper range, roughly $200 to $300 for a rear depending on size and retailer. I think it’s worth it. If you’re curious about how Michelin approaches performance tires, I also covered the best micheline sport tire for motorcycle, though the Commander line is the one for dressers.

2. Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series D407/D408 — Best OEM-Style Feel

Harley has worked with Dunlop for decades, and many 2019 touring models rolled off the showroom floor on Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series rubber. The Dunlop D407 rear and D408 front are designed around exactly the bikes you’re riding.

Why I Like Them

The handling is predictable and familiar. If you loved how your bike felt on day one, replacing it with the D407/D408 brings back that same character. Steering is neutral, and the tires settle nicely through long sweepers.

They’re also easy to find, and many dealers stock them. That convenience matters when you’re mid-trip and need a swap.

Where They Fall Short

Mileage is decent but not class-leading in my experience. Some riders report faster wear than with the Michelin or Metzeler tires on this list. I’d call them a safe, comfortable choice rather than the longest-lasting one.

3. Metzeler ME 888 Marathon Ultra — Best for High-Mileage Riders

The name says it all. The Metzeler ME 888 Marathon Ultra was built for riders who put serious miles on their bikes, and it delivers on that promise.

Mileage and Stability

The Marathon Ultra uses a multi-compound rear with a durable center section designed for long highway stints. I found it incredibly stable at speed, even on grooved pavement that makes lesser tires wander. For anyone running coast-to-coast tours, the ME 888 is a real contender.

It’s available in sizes that suit many Harley touring bikes, including 16-inch rear fitments. Expect to pay in the same ballpark as the Michelin.

My Take

Turn-in feels slightly more deliberate than with some rivals. That isn’t a flaw on a dresser, but if you like a lively front end, you may prefer another pick. For pure highway miles, I rate it very highly.

4. Avon Cobra Chrome — Best for Sharper Handling

The Avon Cobra Chrome is the tire I recommend to riders who want their big Harley to feel more agile. Avon designed it specifically for heavyweight cruisers and tourers, and it shows.

Why It Stands Out

The Cobra Chrome uses a profile that makes the bike fall into a corner more naturally than many cruiser tires. On a twisty back road, my Road Glide felt noticeably lighter through the bends. Grip on both wet and dry pavement was very good.

The Cobra Chrome is also popular for its fairly competitive pricing compared with the big names. Avon is a British brand with a long heritage, and I trust it.

The Tradeoff

Mileage tends to be a little lower than the Marathon-style tires, particularly if you ride aggressively. If you want a livelier dresser and don’t mind replacing rubber slightly sooner, this is a great trade.

5. Dunlop American Elite — Best for Cruiser Style and Everyday Riding

The Dunlop American Elite targets large-displacement American V-twins, and it fits Harley dressers well. It’s a wide, handsome tire that suits the look of a bagger, and I’ve always liked its confident, planted feel.

Performance Notes

The American Elite offers a smooth, stable ride and solid wet traction. It’s also known for good tread life, helped by a rubber compound designed for heavier machines. I found it pleasant on everyday commutes as well as longer rides.

Pricing is generally mid-range. If you want a reliable tire without chasing the very top of the market, this is a smart option.

Who It’s For

I’d point it toward riders who want a balanced, no-drama tire. It won’t be the sportiest or the longest-lasting, but it does everything well.

6. Bridgestone Exedra Max — Best for Smooth Ride Comfort

The Bridgestone Exedra Max is a tire I keep recommending for riders who care about comfort. It’s designed for cruisers, and it adapts well to the weight and character of touring Harleys.

Comfort and Grip

The Exedra Max has a notably smooth, compliant feel over rough pavement. That helps on long days, when small vibrations and road harshness add up. Wet grip is good, and the tire holds its line well on freeway slabs.

Be sure to confirm sizing, because availability for specific Harley touring fitments varies by retailer. Once you find the right size, it’s a very pleasant tire to live with.

Longevity

Wear is reasonable and in line with other mid-range touring options. It isn’t the mileage champion, but the ride quality makes up for it in my book.

7. Shinko 777 H.D. — Best Budget Pick

I’ll be honest: I was skeptical of budget tires for years. The Shinko 777 H.D. changed my mind, at least for casual riders and bikes that don’t see huge annual mileage.

Value for Money

The Shinko 777 H.D. is typically priced well below the premium brands, often saving you a noticeable chunk per tire. It’s designed for Harley-Davidson fitments, with a tread pattern and sizing aimed at the V-twin crowd. For a weekend rider, that saving is attractive.

Grip in dry conditions was fine for sensible riding. I’d be more cautious in cold or very wet weather, where premium compounds pull ahead.

My Honest Verdict

If you tour hard or ride in rain often, I’d spend more. If you ride a few thousand miles a year and want to stay on budget, it’s a sensible choice.

What to Carry and Check Between Tire Changes

Even the best tire can pick up a nail. On a dresser, a flat is a bigger deal because of the weight and the rural roads you often travel. I never leave on a long trip without a few basics.

Roadside Essentials

• A reliable best tire repair kit for motorcycle for emergency fixes.
• A compact best tire plug kit for motorcycle to seal small punctures.
• A portable best tire hand pump for motorcycle so you can reinflate on the spot.

Remember that a plug is a temporary fix. I always have a plugged tire inspected or replaced as soon as I can, especially on a heavy bike.

Pressure and Inspection Habits

Check pressure cold, before every ride when you can. Underinflation is the number one killer of touring tires, and a loaded dresser punishes it quickly. Follow the pressures on your bike’s info label and adjust within the manufacturer’s guidance for load.

Also look for sidewall cracking, uneven wear and embedded objects. Those small checks take two minutes and can save your trip.

How I’d Choose Among These Tires

If I had to simplify the list into quick advice, here’s how I’d decide.

By Riding Style

• Long-distance tourer: Michelin Commander III Touring or Metzeler ME 888 Marathon Ultra.
• Factory-feel loyalist: Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series D407/D408.
• Canyon-carving bagger rider: Avon Cobra Chrome.
• Everyday cruiser: Dunlop American Elite or Bridgestone Exedra Max.
• Budget-minded weekender: Shinko 777 H.D.

A Final Word on Fitment

Tire sizes and part numbers can differ across the 2019 touring lineup, so verify before you buy. I also recommend having a trusted shop mount and balance the tires, since a heavy dresser deserves proper installation. Good tires and good fitting together are the best safety upgrade you can make.

Final Thoughts From My Garage

After all my miles, my overall favorite for a 2019 dresser is still the Michelin Commander III Touring. It balances life, grip and stability better than anything else I’ve ridden. The Metzeler ME 888 Marathon Ultra comes a very close second for pure highway mileage.

That said, the “best” tire depends on how you ride. Pick the one that fits your habits, keep your pressures right, and carry a basic repair kit. Do that, and your Harley will carry you comfortably for thousands of miles.

Frequently Asked Questions