7 Best Motorcycle Tires for a 2011 Harley-Davidson Road Glide (Rider-Tested Picks)

I’ve spent more miles than I can count behind that big batwing fairing, and I can tell you the right rubber changes everything about a Road Glide. The frame-mounted fairing, the long wheelbase, and a loaded bike with saddlebags and a passenger put real demands on a tire. A 2011 model also means your original tires are almost certainly long gone, so this is a fresh decision.

In this guide I walk through the seven tires I’d actually consider for a 2011 Road Glide. I cover mileage, wet grip, ride feel, and value. I also explain how I’d choose between them, because the “best” tire depends on how you ride.

Before You Buy: Confirming Your Size

A 2011 Road Glide isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Depending on the model, you may be running an 18-inch wheel at both ends, or a 17-inch front paired with a 16-inch rear. Wheel style and trim change the answer.

I always read the numbers off the sidewall of the tire currently on the bike and cross-check them against the owner’s manual. Don’t guess from memory or a forum post. Availability also differs by size, so a tire I love in one size may not exist in yours.

If you’re comparing across the touring family, my guides to the best motorcycle tires for touring bikes and the best 2019 motorcycle tire for harley davidson dressers cover a lot of overlapping ground.

1. Michelin Commander III Touring — Best Overall

The Michelin Commander III Touring is the tire I recommend first to most Road Glide owners. It’s built specifically for heavy cruisers and baggers, with a reinforced carcass that handles the weight of a loaded bike without feeling vague.

Why I Like It

What stands out to me on the Commander III Touring is how planted it feels in crosswinds and on grooved pavement. The Road Glide’s fairing can catch the wind, and this tire keeps the front end calm. Its wet-weather behavior is excellent thanks to the tread pattern and silica-enriched compound.

Mileage is a real strength too. I’ve seen riders report strong longevity compared with older cruiser tires, especially on the rear. Expect to pay in the mid-to-upper range for a pair.

Things to Consider

It’s not the cheapest option, and the stiffer sidewall can feel firm if you like a softer ride. But for a rider who racks up touring miles, the Commander III Touring is the safest bet I know of.

2. Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series (D407/D408) — Best OEM-Style Replacement

If you want the factory feel, the Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series is the obvious answer. Dunlop has long been a factory supplier for Harley, and the D407 and D408 designs were engineered around the touring platform.

Ride Character

The Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series tires have a familiar, predictable steering feel. They turn in smoothly and don’t surprise you mid-corner. If your Road Glide still wears its original rubber, a swap to these will feel like home.

Grip in the wet is solid, and the construction is stable at highway speed. They’re also easy to find, which matters when you’re stuck on a road trip with a worn tire.

Trade-Offs

Mileage is good but not class-leading in my experience. Still, for sheer predictability, the Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series tires are a trustworthy, no-drama choice.

3. Dunlop American Elite — Best for Style and Handling

The Dunlop American Elite is the tire I’d pick if looks matter as much as performance. It features a wide, aggressive footprint and an optional wide whitewall in some sizes, which suits a custom or blacked-out Road Glide beautifully.

Performance

The American Elite uses a multi-tread design aimed at cornering confidence and wet traction. I find it feels sportier than the standard touring tires, with a more responsive turn-in. That’s great for riders who enjoy twisty roads.

Riders who want a bit of attitude without giving up touring manners tend to love it. Just confirm the American Elite comes in your exact front and rear sizes.

The Catch

The sportier profile can mean slightly less mileage than a dedicated touring compound. If you’re logging 10,000-mile summers, I’d think twice. If you ride more weekends than cross-country hauls, it’s a fun upgrade.

4. Metzeler ME 888 Marathon Ultra — Best for Wet-Weather Confidence

The Metzeler ME 888 Marathon Ultra is one of the tires I turn to when rain is a regular part of the riding picture. Metzeler built it for heavy touring cruisers, and the compound is designed to stay grippy in cold and wet conditions.

What Impressed Me

The Marathon Ultra has a reputation for tenacious wet grip and a smooth, stable ride. On a long, fully loaded day, the stability inspires real confidence. It also offers a modern profile that helps with quick direction changes.

Mileage is respectable, and the tire holds its shape well as it wears. That’s an underrated trait on a heavy bagger.

Where It Falls Short

Sizing options can be narrower than Michelin or Dunlop, so verify fitment first. It’s also priced like a premium tire. If your size is available, though, it’s a seriously good option.

5. Avon Cobra Chrome AV91/AV92 — Best for Cornering Feel

The Avon Cobra Chrome is a favorite of mine for riders who want a bagger to actually handle. Avon engineered the AV91 front and AV92 rear to deliver a more neutral, flickable feel than traditional cruiser tires.

Why It Works on a Road Glide

The Cobra Chrome’s tread design and profile make the bike feel lighter in transitions. On a big machine like the Road Glide, that’s a welcome change. The front end feels communicative, and you get good feedback on what the pavement is doing.

Wet grip is strong, and the tire gives a good balance between sport feel and touring durability. It sits in a sweet spot for riders who want a bit more fun.

Consider This

Avon tires can be a bit more expensive and aren’t stocked everywhere. If you ride your Road Glide hard in the twisties, the Avon Cobra Chrome deserves a place on your shortlist.

6. Michelin Scorcher 31 — Best for Spirited Riding

The Michelin Scorcher 31 is the tire I’d choose for a Road Glide that gets ridden with some enthusiasm. It’s designed as a performance cruiser tire, with strong grip and a confident feel when leaned over.

Performance Notes

The Scorcher 31 provides a stable, planted feel and good wet traction. Michelin’s bi-compound technology on the rear helps balance mileage with grip. That matters on a heavy bike where centerline wear can be severe.

I like it when the road gets twisty and I want the bike to track cleanly. It keeps the front end honest and the rear well hooked up.

Limitations

Size availability is the main limiter, and it isn’t designed as a pure high-mileage touring tire. For a rider who values feel over longevity, it’s a rewarding choice.

7. Shinko 777 H.D. — Best Budget Pick

The Shinko 777 H.D. is my go-to recommendation when money is tight. It’s a bias-ply style tire designed for heavy cruisers, and it comes in a wide range of Harley-fitting sizes at a price that makes accountants smile.

Value and Durability

The Shinko 777 H.D. offers a surprisingly durable build for the money, and the tread life is decent for casual riders. The ride is a bit more traditional and less refined than the Michelin or Dunlop options. For short trips and local rides, it does the job well.

If your Road Glide spends more time in the garage than on the road, the 777 H.D. makes a lot of financial sense.

Where I’d Hold Back

I wouldn’t pick it for heavy two-up touring or wet-weather riding where grip is critical. The performance gap to the premium tires is real. But as a budget swap, the Shinko 777 H.D. is hard to argue with.

How I Choose Between These Tires

Match the Tire to Your Riding

I start by asking how the bike is used. For long-distance touring and loaded two-up trips, I lean toward the Michelin Commander III Touring or the Metzeler ME 888 Marathon Ultra. For canyon carving, I’d look at the Avon Cobra Chrome or the Michelin Scorcher 31.

For a balanced, factory-like feel, the Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series is hard to beat. And for casual riding on a budget, the Shinko 777 H.D. fits the bill.

Consider Weight and Load

A Road Glide is a heavy bike before you add luggage, a passenger, or accessories. I always favor tires with reinforced carcasses and a load rating that suits the bike. Never skimp on load capacity, because overloaded tires run hot and wear unevenly.

Think About Tire Age and Pressure

Even great tires degrade with age, so I check the DOT date code before buying. A tire that’s several years old can harden and lose grip even if it’s never been mounted. And once they’re on the bike, I check pressure cold and often.

Installation and Break-In Tips

New tires have a slick mold-release coating, so I take the first 50 to 100 miles gently. Avoid hard braking or aggressive lean angles until the surface scuffs in. This is one of the simplest ways to prevent an early scare.

I also recommend having the wheels balanced by a shop that knows heavy cruisers. A proper balance reduces vibration and extends tire life. And if you’re replacing both tires, take the opportunity to inspect your wheel bearings and valve stems.

Other Tire Guides Worth Reading

If you own more than one bike, you may find these related guides useful. My breakdown of the best riding motorcycle tires for harley road king overlaps with many of the tires above, since the Road King shares much of the same touring DNA.

If you ever pick up something smaller, I’ve covered the best tires for small motorcycle too. And for riders who stray off the pavement on a different bike, check out the best all terrain motorcycle tires for off road riding. Just don’t take your Road Glide there.

Final Thoughts

For most 2011 Road Glide owners, my pick remains the Michelin Commander III Touring. It balances mileage, wet grip, and stability better than anything else I’ve ridden on a bagger. The Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series is a close second if you want that classic factory feel.

If you prioritize style or cornering, the Dunlop American Elite, Avon Cobra Chrome, and Michelin Scorcher 31 all bring something special. And if budget is the priority, the Shinko 777 H.D. gets you rolling without breaking the bank.

Whichever you choose, confirm your size, check the date code, and set your pressure properly. Good tires are the cheapest safety upgrade you can buy for a bike this heavy. Ride safe, and enjoy every mile.

Frequently Asked Questions