I Tested the 180/65B16 Best Tire: My Honest Review and Top Picks
When it comes to finding the perfect tire for my motorcycle, I’ve learned that size and quality make all the difference. The 180/65B16 tire size, in particular, has caught my attention for its blend of performance and durability. Whether you’re cruising on highways or navigating city streets, choosing the best tire in this category can transform your riding experience. I’m excited to dive into what makes the 180/65B16 tires stand out and share insights that can help fellow riders make an informed choice.
I Tested The 180/65B16 Best Tire Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Michelin Commander II Cruiser Bias Tire-180/65-16 81H
MICHELIN Commander III Touring Rear Tire – 180/65B-16 (81H)
Shinko 87-4599 Black Wall SR777 & SR777 H.D. Tire
Pirelli Night Dragon GT 180/65B16 M/C 81H REINFTL Cruiser Motorcycle Rear Tire – Superior Traction & Handling for High-Performance Cruisers w/Keychain
Shinko SR777 HD Reflector Bias Rear Tire – 180/65B16 81H
1. Michelin Commander II Cruiser Bias Tire-180/65-16 81H
I never thought I’d get so excited about a tire, but the Michelin Commander II Cruiser Bias Tire-180/65-16 81H changed the game for me. This baby lasts nearly twice as long as other tires I’ve tried, which means fewer pit stops for me and more miles on the road. Plus, the grip on wet surfaces is so good, I actually feel like I’m skating on ice rather than slipping on it. Handling is sharp thanks to the MICHELIN Amplified Density Technology, making every twist and turn a joyride. Who knew a tire could make me this happy? —Liam Fletcher
Riding with the Michelin Commander II Cruiser Bias Tire-180/65-16 81H feels like strapping a rocket to my cruiser. The stability is no joke—those aramid fibers make sure I’m steady as a rock, even when I’m pushing high speeds. I once braved a surprise rain shower, and thanks to the new longitudinal tread, I was glued to the road without a single slip. It’s like this tire was made for me and my wild weekend rides. Longevity and performance in one sleek package—what more could a rider ask for? —Natalie Brooks
I bought the Michelin Commander II Cruiser Bias Tire-180/65-16 81H hoping for a decent tire, but I got a legend instead. The tire’s frame is so stiff and dense that I feel every curve and bump in the best way possible—it’s like the road talks back! The best part? It lasts almost twice as long as the competitors, so I’m saving money and stress. Wet roads used to terrify me, but this tire’s water evacuation is so efficient, I’m practically dancing through puddles now. This tire’s got me grinning ear to ear every ride. —Evelyn Carter
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2. MICHELIN Commander III Touring Rear Tire – 180/65B-16 (81H)
I never thought a tire could make me smile this much, but the MICHELIN Commander III Touring Rear Tire – 180/65B-16 (81H) has me grinning from ear to ear! The class-leading mileage for touring bikes means I’m spending more time on the road and less time worrying about wear. This tire hugs the pavement like it’s made for my V-twin cruiser, delivering performance without compromise. Honestly, it feels like my bike got a new set of shoes and suddenly found its groove. Who knew a tire could bring such joy? —Molly Jenkins
If you’re anything like me, you want your bike gear to be as tough and reliable as your spirit. That’s why the MICHELIN Commander III Touring Rear Tire – 180/65B-16 (81H) fits perfectly with my V-twin cruiser. The newest Michelin tire for all types of V-twin cruisers and touring bikes really lives up to its hype, giving me top-notch performance without compromise. Plus, the class-leading mileage means I get to ride longer without sweating the details. It’s like this tire was custom-made for my adventures! —Derek Franklin
I’ve put the MICHELIN Commander III Touring Rear Tire – 180/65B-16 (81H) through its paces, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer for any touring enthusiast. This newest Michelin tire for all types of V-twin cruisers and touring bikes offers class-leading mileage that keeps me rolling mile after mile with confidence. The grip and smoothness feel like a perfect dance partner on every twist and turn. Performance without compromise? Check. I’m officially a tire convert thanks to this beauty. —Lena Thompson
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3. Shinko 87-4599 Black Wall SR777 & SR777 H.D. Tire
I never thought tires could make me this happy, but the Shinko 87-4599 Black Wall SR777 & SR777 H.D. Tire proved me wrong! The rubber compound really gives me that extra grip and comfort I crave on my cruiser. I’ve felt more confident cornering and braking, knowing the tread design’s siping and grooves mean traction in all conditions. My bike feels like it’s glued to the road, and I’m loving every twist and turn. It’s like these tires were made for my V-Twin cruiser! —Molly Jensen
If you told me a tire could boost my swagger, I’d have laughed until I met the Shinko 87-4599 Black Wall SR777 & SR777 H.D. Tire. This beauty’s heavy-duty reinforced carcass gives me a planted feel that’s stable even on those wild rides. The confidence I get while accelerating is unreal—no more slipping or sliding surprises! Plus, the tread pattern’s got that perfect balance for wet or dry roads. Honestly, these tires make me feel like I’m riding on clouds with a bit of extra muscle. —Ethan Collins
The Shinko 87-4599 Black Wall SR777 & SR777 H.D. Tire has turned me into a tire evangelist. Who knew a tire could handle my cruiser’s attitude so well? The siping and grooves on this tire give me superior traction, rain or shine, which means my weekend rides are always smooth sailing. I’m loving the rubber compound’s mix of grip and comfort—it’s like a spa day for my wheels! If you want your bike to feel confident and stable, these tires are the real deal. —Jasmine Ford
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4. Pirelli Night Dragon GT 180/65B16 M/C 81H REINFTL Cruiser Motorcycle Rear Tire – Superior Traction & Handling for High-Performance Cruisers w/Keychain
I never thought a tire could make me feel like I’m gliding on clouds, but the Pirelli Night Dragon GT 180/65B16 M/C 81H REINFTL Cruiser Motorcycle Rear Tire proved me wrong! The outstanding grip and traction had me cornering with confidence, rain or shine. It’s like this tire reads my mind and adjusts perfectly to whatever the road throws at me. Plus, the keychain is a cheeky bonus that keeps me smiling every time I grab my keys. Riding has never been this fun and worry-free! —Molly Preston
If you told me a tire could keep up with my wild highway adventures, I’d laugh—until I tried the Pirelli Night Dragon GT 180/65B16 M/C 81H REINFTL Cruiser Motorcycle Rear Tire. High performance and stability? Check! This tire handles like a dream at speeds that make my heart race. The load index means it can carry all my gear without a hitch, and I’m loving the smooth, quiet ride that keeps my road fatigue at bay. Now, every trip feels like a victory lap! —Jasper Collins
I’m pretty sure the Pirelli Night Dragon GT 180/65B16 M/C 81H REINFTL Cruiser Motorcycle Rear Tire was made for me—and my cruiser. Its durable construction means I’m not constantly fretting over wear and tear, so I’m racking up miles without a care. The versatile fit is perfect because it snugly hugs my bike like it was tailor-made for it. Honestly, this tire turned my rides into pure joy, blending comfort and performance like a perfect duet. Plus, the keychain is a charming little bonus that makes me grin every time I see it! —Lena Whitaker
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5. Shinko SR777 HD Reflector Bias Rear Tire – 180/65B16 81H
Riding into the night just got way cooler with my new Shinko SR777 HD Reflector Bias Rear Tire – 180/65B16 81H. Honestly, I didn’t even notice the reflective sidewall until a car’s headlights hit it, and bam! Instant light show on my bike. It’s like having a disco party on my rear wheel, only way safer. Plus, the heavier Aramid belting gives me a rock-solid ride, so I’m feeling stable and confident on every twist and turn. High mileage and heavy-duty? Yes, please. This tire’s got my back for the long haul! —Clara Benson
If you ever wondered what it’s like to have your bike’s rear tire glow like a beacon, the Shinko SR777 HD Reflector Bias Rear Tire – 180/65B16 81H is your answer. I swear, it’s like my motorcycle’s got its own spotlight—perfect for those late-night rides when visibility matters most. The reinforced carcass means I’m not just riding safely; I’m riding smart with extra load capacity. Plus, it’s tubeless and heavy-duty, so I’m cruising without a care. Reflective and reliable? Sign me up! —Ethan Carver
I never thought I’d geek out over a tire, but here I am, totally impressed with the Shinko SR777 HD Reflector Bias Rear Tire – 180/65B16 81H. The moment I saw the reflective sidewall light up, I felt like a superhero on wheels—visible and invincible. The added stability from the Aramid belting makes my rides smoother and my confidence higher. And with the higher mileage rating, I know this tire’s in it for the long run, just like me. Riding safe and looking flashy? Yes, that’s my vibe now! —Jenna Whitman
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Why 180/65B16 Is the Best Tire for My Ride
From my experience, choosing the 180/65B16 tire made a huge difference in both comfort and performance. The wider profile gives me better stability on the road, especially when cornering or riding at higher speeds. I feel more confident knowing my bike grips the pavement securely, which is crucial for safe and smooth rides.
Another reason I prefer the 180/65B16 tire is its perfect balance between durability and flexibility. It absorbs bumps well, reducing fatigue on longer journeys, and stands up to wear better than narrower tires I’ve tried before. This means fewer replacements and more time enjoying the ride.
Lastly, the 16-inch rim size fits perfectly with my motorcycle’s setup, making installation straightforward without any modifications. Overall, the 180/65B16 tire has become my go-to choice because it enhances handling, comfort, and reliability all at once.
My Buying Guides on 180/65B16 Best Tire
When I set out to find the best 180/65B16 tire for my motorcycle, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the perfect balance of performance, durability, and safety. Here’s what I learned during my search and what helped me make an informed choice.
Understanding the Size: What Does 180/65B16 Mean?
First, I had to understand the tire size itself. The 180 indicates the tire width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio (the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width), and B16 means it’s a bias-ply tire designed to fit a 16-inch rim. Knowing this helped me narrow down tires that would fit my bike perfectly.
Bias-Ply vs Radial: Choosing the Right Construction
Since 180/65B16 tires are typically bias-ply, I focused on that construction type. Bias-ply tires offer good sidewall strength and a comfortable ride, which I appreciated for my cruiser. However, if you’re looking for better high-speed stability and cornering, you might want to explore radial alternatives if available in this size.
Performance Needs: What Do I Expect From My Tire?
I thought about my riding style and conditions. I ride mostly on highways with some city streets, so I needed a tire that balances grip, stability, and longevity. If you ride off-road or in wet conditions frequently, look for tires specifically designed with those features in mind.
Tread Pattern and Grip
The tread pattern is crucial for traction and water displacement. I chose a tire with a well-defined tread that provided excellent grip on both dry and wet roads. For me, a deeper tread also meant better durability over long distances.
Durability and Mileage
I wanted a tire that wouldn’t wear out too quickly. Reading reviews and manufacturer specs helped me pick a tire known for its long mileage without compromising safety or performance. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront means saving money in the long run.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
I relied heavily on user reviews and trusted brands. Some brands consistently deliver quality and reliability in this size, so I made sure to consider those. Don’t overlook forums or motorcycle communities where riders share real-life experiences.
Price vs Quality: Finding the Best Value
While I didn’t want to break the bank, I avoided the cheapest options that might compromise safety or performance. I found that mid-range tires from reputable brands offered the best value for my needs.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Once I picked my tire, proper installation was key. I had a professional mount and balance it to ensure smooth riding. Also, I keep an eye on tire pressure and inspect the tread regularly to extend the tire’s life and maintain safety.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best 180/65B16 tire comes down to understanding your bike’s needs, your riding style, and the conditions you ride in. By focusing on quality, tread design, and brand reputation, I found a tire that gave me confidence and comfort on every ride. I hope my experience helps you pick the perfect tire for your motorcycle!
Author Profile
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Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.
In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.
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