6 Best Motorcycle Tires for the 2006 Honda VTX 1800R: Grip, Mileage, and Fitment

I’ve spent a lot of seat time on big-displacement cruisers, and the VTX 1800R is one of the more unusual ones. It’s a muscle cruiser with a fat 200-section rear tire, a stout 1800cc V-twin, and a stance that begs for a corner. That combination makes tire choice matter more than it does on a typical cruiser.

If you’re shopping for the best motorcycle tires for a 2006 VTX 1800R, you’re balancing three things: grip when you open the throttle, mileage on a heavy bike, and the limited number of tires made in that 17-inch rear size. Here are the six tires I’d put on the bike, and why.

Before You Buy: What the VTX 1800R Actually Needs

The R model is the sporty one in the VTX family. It rides on an 18-inch front and a 17-inch rear, which is not the 15-inch or 16-inch cruiser rear you see on most big twins. That’s why choices are narrower than for the C or S models.

The sizes I’ve seen specified are a 130/70-18 front and a 200/50-17 rear. I’m confident about that pairing for this model, but check your own bike’s placard first. Availability of a specific tire in each size changes by brand and year, so confirm the exact size with your retailer before ordering.

Why the Wheel Sizes Look the Way They Do

If you’ve ever wondered about the larger front wheel on bikes like this, I broke it down in my piece on why the front wheel is bigger on a motorcycle. In short, it comes down to steering stability and how the bike rolls over bumps.

My Testing Criteria

I judge tires for this bike on four things: dry grip under power, wet confidence, wear life, and how the tire feels at lean. A heavy bike with this much torque punishes weak carcasses, so I put stiff construction and good heat tolerance ahead of everything else.

1. Dunlop D251 — Best Overall for the VTX 1800R

The Dunlop D251 is my first recommendation because it was developed for this kind of bike: heavy, torquey, and with a wide rear tire. It pairs a 130/70R18 front with a 200/50R17 rear, which matches what the VTX 1800R expects.

On the road, the D251 feels planted and predictable. The reinforced construction handles the bike’s weight without squirming when you roll on the throttle out of a corner. I’ve found it turns in more neutrally than many cruiser-focused tires.

What I Like

• Radial construction that supports a heavy bike well
• Confident feel in sweepers and on highway slabs alike
• A rear profile designed for the wide 200/50-17 fitment

What to Watch

Expect a price range in the mid-to-upper tier for a pair. Mileage is good but not class-leading, since the compound leans toward grip. If you plan to do mostly straight-line commuting, one of the mileage-focused tires below may suit you better.

2. Michelin Scorcher 31 — Best for Sporty Riding

The Michelin Scorcher 31 is a cruiser tire for people who actually lean their cruisers. Michelin builds it for heavier bikes with a stiffer sidewall and a profile that gives you a quick, natural transition into a turn.

When I want the VTX to feel more like a roadster than a boulevard bike, this is the tire I think of. The Scorcher 31 stays composed when you’re loaded up with a passenger or luggage, and the wet grip is better than you’d expect from a sport-leaning cruiser tire.

Fitment Note

Michelin’s range for large 17-inch cruiser rears is limited, so confirm the 200/50-17 size is currently in stock. If you also ride a sportbike and want to compare brands across categories, my rundown of the best Michelin sport tire for a motorcycle covers where the brand shines.

3. Pirelli Night Dragon — Best for Wet-Weather Confidence

The Pirelli Night Dragon is a tire I trust when the pavement is questionable. It uses a silica-rich compound and a deep, well-designed tread pattern that moves water quickly. For a heavy bike like the VTX 1800R, that matters a great deal.

I’ve found the Night Dragon gives good feedback when the road is slick, and it holds a line well. It’s also a handsome tire, with a distinctive tread that suits the muscular look of the R.

Strengths

• Excellent wet grip for a cruiser tire
• Stable at highway speeds
• Smooth turn-in with predictable feedback

Trade-Offs

Mileage is moderate rather than exceptional. If you ride hard or carry a lot of weight, plan for a replacement sooner than you would with a harder-wearing compound.

4. Metzeler ME 888 Marathon Ultra — Best for High Mileage

The Metzeler ME 888 Marathon Ultra is what I’d choose for a rider who racks up miles. Metzeler designs it for long wear on heavy touring and cruiser machines, and the carcass resists the deformation that big torque can cause.

On a VTX, the ME 888 Marathon Ultra feels smooth and stable on the highway. It’s not the sharpest tire at full lean, but it makes up for that with comfort and long life. If you commute or tour on your R, that’s a good trade.

My Take on Value

The price per mile is excellent when you count the longer life. I’d treat it as the sensible choice for the rider who wants to stop worrying about tires. Just verify that your preferred size is listed for your bike before ordering.

5. Avon Cobra Chrome AV92 — Best for Cruising Comfort

The Avon Cobra Chrome AV92 is a cruiser-focused tire with a sporty twist. Avon built it with a dual-compound-style philosophy that puts grip where you lean and wear resistance where you ride straight.

I like the AV92 for relaxed highway miles and the occasional spirited run. It gives a plush ride, absorbs rough pavement well, and holds up under the weight of the VTX. It’s a nice alternative if you want a European tire with a distinct feel.

Fitment Caveat

Avon’s size lineup for the wide 17-inch rear is narrower than some competitors. Check current availability, because a tire you can’t get in the right size isn’t much use.

6. Bridgestone Battlax Exedra Max — Best Value-Minded Pick

The Bridgestone Battlax Exedra Max is a solid all-rounder for riders who want a trusted name without paying a premium. Bridgestone designed it for big cruisers, with a stable carcass and a profile that tracks cleanly.

I’d call the Exedra Max the sensible, no-drama choice. It delivers predictable grip, decent wet performance, and respectable mileage. It won’t thrill like the Scorcher 31 or the D251, but it won’t let you down either.

Who It Suits

It’s a great fit if you want dependable performance at a friendlier price. Again, verify the 200/50-17 size is offered, since line-ups change.

A Tire I Considered and Passed Over

I looked at the Michelin Commander III for this bike, and it’s a fine cruiser tire. But it’s aimed at bikes with different sizing, and I’ve heard enough owner complaints that I wanted to dig in. If you’re curious about what riders report, I compiled the Michelin Commander 3 problems I’ve come across.

How to Choose Between These Tires

If I had to pick one tire for most VTX 1800R owners, it would be the Dunlop D251. It matches the bike’s design and balances grip with mileage. That’s my top overall recommendation.

For sportier riding, I’d lean toward the Michelin Scorcher 31. For wet climates, the Pirelli Night Dragon. For long-distance riders, the Metzeler ME 888 Marathon Ultra. Match the tire to the way you actually ride, not the way you imagine you ride.

A Quick Decision Guide

• Best all-rounder: Dunlop D251
• Best for spirited riding: Michelin Scorcher 31
• Best in the rain: Pirelli Night Dragon
• Best for mileage: Metzeler ME 888 Marathon Ultra
• Best for comfort: Avon Cobra Chrome AV92
• Best value: Bridgestone Battlax Exedra Max

Installation and Care Tips I Swear By

A great tire installed poorly is still a poor setup. Have a reputable shop mount and balance both tires, and ask them to check the wheel for bends or damage. A wide rear tire like this one is especially sensitive to bad balance.

Once the tires are on, give them a gentle break-in of 100 miles or so. New tires have a slick mold-release finish, and you don’t want to find out the hard way that it hasn’t worn off.

Pressure and Inspection

Check pressures cold, and follow the bike’s placard rather than the sidewall maximum. I also inspect tread depth and look for cracks, bulges, or embedded objects. Tires also age out, so check the four-digit date code and be wary of anything older than about five years.

If Something Feels Off

A new tire should feel smooth and stable. If you notice a shimmy at speed, the cause might be balance, a bent rim, or worn steering bearings. I explain the likely culprits in my guide on why your front wheel wobbles on your motorcycle.

A Word on Wheel Type

The VTX 1800R comes with cast wheels, which suit tubeless tires. If you ever consider changing wheel style, read my article on whether spoked motorcycle wheels are dangerous first, because the tire and tube requirements change.

Final Thoughts From My Garage

The 2006 VTX 1800R deserves good rubber. It’s a heavy, powerful machine with a rear tire that’s anything but ordinary, so cutting corners on tires is a false economy.

My advice is to start with the Dunlop D251 and branch out based on your riding. Confirm the size, check the date code, and get the tires mounted and balanced right. Do that, and your VTX will reward you every time you roll on the throttle.

Frequently Asked Questions