5 Best Motorcycle Tires for Yamaha V Star 1300 Tourer and Deluxe Riders

I’ve spent a lot of miles on mid-size and large cruisers, and I’ll say this plainly: tires are the most underrated upgrade on a V Star 1300 Tourer or Deluxe. This bike carries real weight, with a fairing, saddlebags and often a passenger, so the rubber matters more than people think.

In this guide I’m sharing the five tires I would genuinely consider for this bike. I focus on how they handle load, how they behave in the rain, and what they cost over the life of the tire. I’ll also point out where each one falls short, because no tire is perfect.

Before You Buy: Sizing and What I Look For

The V Star 1300 Tourer and Deluxe typically run a 130/70-18 front and a 170/70B16 rear. That rear size is a little unusual, so your choices are narrower than on many other cruisers. Check the tire placard on your bike and your owner’s manual before you order anything.

Tire availability and exact size designations change by model year and brand. Treat my picks as a shortlist, then confirm fitment in each manufacturer’s size chart. I’d rather you spend five minutes checking than mount the wrong tire.

My Priorities

I judge a cruiser tire on four things: wet-weather confidence, tread life under load, stability at highway speed, and price per mile. A tire that is cheap but wears out at 6,000 miles is not a bargain.

I also pay attention to how a tire turns in. The V Star is a heavy bike, and a tire with a flat or squared-off profile can feel lazy in the twisties. A good tire makes this bike feel lighter than it is.

1. Michelin Commander III Touring — Best Overall for Wet Grip and Mileage

If I could only recommend one tire for this bike, it would be the Michelin Commander III Touring. It’s built for heavy touring cruisers, and it comes in sizes that suit the V Star 1300’s 18-inch front and 16-inch rear. It also looks right on this bike.

What I Like

The Commander III Touring uses a dual-compound construction on the rear with a harder center for mileage and softer shoulders for grip. In my experience that translates to confident cornering and tread that lasts. Michelin’s sipes also give it a real edge in the rain.

The Commander III’s reinforced carcass handles saddlebags and a passenger without feeling squirmy. Expect to pay roughly $150 to $200 for the front and $200 to $270 for the rear, depending on the retailer.

What Gives Me Pause

No tire is flawless. If you’re curious about the complaints riders raise, I broke them down in my look at michelin commander 3 problems. For most V Star owners the upsides clearly outweigh those issues, but it’s worth reading before you buy.

2. Avon Cobra Chrome — Best for Sharper Handling

The Avon Cobra Chrome is the tire I recommend to riders who want their V Star to feel more alive in corners. Avon built it specifically for heavy cruisers, and the profile is noticeably more rounded than some competitors. That makes turn-in smoother.

Why It Stands Out

The Cobra Chrome uses a multi-compound design with a hard-wearing center and a grippy shoulder. I find it communicates what the road is doing better than most cruiser tires. For spirited back-road riding, it’s my favorite on this list.

The wet performance is good, though I’d rank it just behind the Michelin. Pricing usually lands in the $140 to $190 range for the front and $180 to $250 for the rear.

The Trade-Off

Mileage is decent but generally not class-leading. If you rack up long highway tours every season, the Cobra Chrome may wear a bit faster than the tires ranked below it. I accept that trade for the better handling feel.

3. Dunlop Elite 3 — Best for Long-Distance Mileage

When I’m planning a big touring season, the Dunlop Elite 3 is the tire I think about first. Dunlop designed it for heavy touring bikes, and the emphasis is on longevity and stability under load.

Highlights

The Elite 3 uses a dual-compound rear and a construction that resists wear when the bike is loaded with luggage. It tracks straight at highway speed and doesn’t wander on grooved pavement. That kind of calm matters on a long day.

Many riders report significantly higher mileage than with softer-compound tires. Expect roughly $150 to $210 for the front and $190 to $270 for the rear. Check sizing carefully, because the Elite 3 is not offered in every size for every bike.

Who Should Skip It

If you prioritize feel in aggressive cornering, the Elite 3 is a little more neutral than the Avon. It does everything well, but it doesn’t thrill. For me, that’s an acceptable compromise when mileage is the goal.

4. Bridgestone Exedra Max — Best Balanced Value

The Bridgestone Exedra Max is the tire I suggest when someone wants solid performance without paying premium prices. It’s a well-regarded cruiser tire with a long history, and many dealers know it well.

My Take

The Exedra Max offers a stable, predictable feel and respectable wet traction. It doesn’t have the cornering finesse of the Avon or the wet-weather edge of the Michelin, but it’s honest and consistent. That consistency is exactly what I want on a heavy bike.

Pricing tends to be more modest, often $120 to $170 for the front and $160 to $230 for the rear. Availability in the V Star’s sizes can vary, so verify before you commit.

Tire Profile Matters

A lot of riders ask me why cruisers use such different front and rear sizes. I covered the engineering logic in my piece on why is the front wheel bigger on motorcycle. It helps explain why you should never mix random sizes on a V Star.

5. Metzeler ME 888 Marathon Ultra — Best Premium Grip Option

The Metzeler ME 888 Marathon Ultra is the tire I’d pick if I wanted a premium, grip-focused feel and didn’t mind paying a bit more. Metzeler engineered it for heavy cruisers and tourers, with a focus on stability and wet traction.

What Impresses Me

The ME 888 uses a silica-enhanced compound that helps it stay supple in cooler temperatures. For riders in changeable climates, that’s a real advantage. Steering feels light for such a large tire.

Expect to pay a premium, roughly $160 to $220 for the front and $210 to $290 for the rear. As with the others, size availability for your exact bike should be confirmed first.

The Downside

The softer compound means mileage may be lower than the Dunlop’s. I see the ME 888 as a tire for riders who value grip and refinement over squeezing out every last mile. It’s a trade that makes sense to me on twisty roads.

How I Choose Between These Five

I match the tire to the kind of riding I do most. For mixed riding, I go with the Michelin Commander III Touring. For long-haul touring, I lean toward the Dunlop Elite 3. For back-road fun, the Avon Cobra Chrome wins.

If budget is the biggest factor, the Bridgestone Exedra Max is a safe pick. And for premium grip in variable weather, I’d spend extra on the Metzeler ME 888 Marathon Ultra. There’s no wrong answer here, only a best fit.

Why I Skip Sport Tires on This Bike

People sometimes ask whether they can fit a sport tire for better grip. I understand the logic, and I’ve even written about the best micheline sport tire for motorcycle riders. But sport tires are built for different weights, profiles and sizes, and they don’t suit a loaded cruiser.

Installation, Pressure and Maintenance Tips

A great tire still needs proper care. I check pressures cold at least every two weeks, and always before a trip. Under-inflation is the fastest way to ruin a rear tire on a loaded V Star.

When fully loaded or riding two-up, I use the higher end of the recommended pressure range. Also, balance your wheels properly at installation. A poor balance job leads to vibration that riders often blame on the tire.

If You Feel a Wobble

If your front end starts shaking after a tire change, don’t ignore it. Possible causes include imbalance, a bent rim, worn steering bearings or low pressure. I walked through the troubleshooting steps in my guide on why does my front wheel wobble on my motorcycle.

A Note on Wheels

Your V Star’s stock wheels are cast, which is the right setup for tubeless tires. If you ever consider converting to a wire-spoke setup for looks, think carefully first. I discussed the safety questions in are spoked motorcycle wheels dangerous, and the answer depends heavily on build quality and tire type.

When to Replace Your Tires

I replace tires when the tread reaches the wear bars, or sooner if I notice cracking, flat spots or uneven wear. I also pay attention to age. Even tires with plenty of tread can harden after five or six years.

Check the DOT date code on the sidewall when buying. I never accept a tire that has been sitting on a shelf for years. Fresh rubber grips better and lasts longer.

Should You Replace Both at Once?

Ideally, I replace front and rear as a matched pair from the same brand and line. Mixing brands can change handling in ways that are hard to predict. On a heavy bike like this, predictability is what I want.

If budget forces you to replace one at a time, stay with the same model as the tire you’re keeping. It’s not ideal, but it’s far better than mixing very different designs.

My Final Thoughts

The Yamaha V Star 1300 Tourer and Deluxe deserve good rubber. Any of the five tires above will serve you well, provided the size and load rating match your bike. My overall recommendation remains the Michelin Commander III Touring.

Whichever you choose, mount it correctly, keep the pressure right and inspect it regularly. A good tire is cheap insurance for a bike you love. Ride safe, and enjoy those miles.

Frequently Asked Questions