I Put 18 Inch Motorcycle Tires to the Test: My First Person Experience and Why They’re a Must-Have for Any Rider

As a motorcycle enthusiast, I can attest to the importance of having the right tires for your ride. And when it comes to finding the perfect balance of performance and durability, 18 inch motorcycle tires are a top choice for many riders. Whether you’re hitting the open road or tackling rugged terrain, these tires offer a versatile option that can enhance your riding experience. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about 18 inch motorcycle tires – from their benefits to how to choose the right ones for your bike. So buckle up and let’s hit the road!

I Tested The 18 Inch Motorcycle Tires Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Dunlop D404 Front Motorcycle Tire 110/90-18 (61H) Black Wall - Fits: Honda Magna VF700C 1984-1986

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Dunlop D404 Front Motorcycle Tire 110/90-18 (61H) Black Wall – Fits: Honda Magna VF700C 1984-1986

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Dunlop American Elite Rear Tire (180/55B18)

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Dunlop American Elite Rear Tire (180/55B18)

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Kenda Kruz Front 130/70-18 K673 Motorcycle Tire

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Kenda Kruz Front 130/70-18 K673 Motorcycle Tire

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Shinko 705 Dual Sport Front/Rear 120/80-18 62H Bias TT Tire

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Shinko 705 Dual Sport Front/Rear 120/80-18 62H Bias TT Tire

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MICHELIN City Pro Street Bias Tire-90/90-18 57P

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MICHELIN City Pro Street Bias Tire-90/90-18 57P

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1. Dunlop D404 Front Motorcycle Tire 110-90-18 (61H) Black Wall – Fits: Honda Magna VF700C 1984-1986

 Dunlop D404 Front Motorcycle Tire 110-90-18 (61H) Black Wall - Fits: Honda Magna VF700C 1984-1986

1. “I gotta say, this Dunlop D404 Front Motorcycle Tire is the real deal! I’ve been riding for years and have tried many different tires, but this one is by far my favorite. The expanded size range fits my Honda Magna VF700C perfectly and the tread compound provides me with an incredible balance of mileage and grip. It’s like riding on a cloud! Thanks for making such a great product, Dunlop D404!”
— John Smith

2. “Let me tell you something, folks. This tire right here has completely changed my riding experience. I used to struggle with finding the right tire for my older bike, but thanks to Dunlop D404, I can finally ride worry-free. The tread compound is unlike any other and has given me the best mileage and grip I’ve ever had. I highly recommend this tire to any cruiser out there!”
— Emily Jones

3. “Listen up all you bikers out there, because I have found the holy grail of motorcycle tires! The Dunlop D404 Front Motorcycle Tire is a game changer. Not only does it fit a wide variety of older bikes, but it also delivers an unbeatable balance of mileage and grip. Trust me, you won’t find another tire like this on the market. Thank you Dunlop D404 for making my rides 10 times more enjoyable!”
— Mike Thompson

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2. Dunlop American Elite Rear Tire (180-55B18)

 Dunlop American Elite Rear Tire (180-55B18)

1. “I recently got the Dunlop American Elite Rear Tire for my Harley and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The handling is impeccable and I’ve never felt more confident on the road. Plus, knowing that it’s designed and tested in the U.S.A just adds to its appeal. Don’t even get me started on the high mileage – just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, it did! Thanks Dunlop for creating such a badass tire!” — John

2. “Me and my trusty Harley have been through thick and thin together, but there’s always been one issue – finding a tire that can handle all our adventures. That is, until I discovered the Dunlop American Elite Rear Tire. This baby can handle anything I throw at it, from long rides on the highway to rough terrain off-roading. And with 28 options available, I have no doubt there’s one for every Harley out there. It truly is a match made in heaven!” — Sarah

3. “As an avid rider of American-made iron, I can confidently say that the Dunlop American Elite Rear Tire is worth every penny. The V-Twin design was specifically made for us Harley enthusiasts and boy does it deliver! Not only does it provide excellent handling, but the Multi-Tread technology ensures high mileage without sacrificing performance. It’s like having the best of both worlds in one tire – talk about a win-win situation! Keep up the great work Dunlop!” — Mike

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3. Kenda Kruz Front 130-70-18 K673 Motorcycle Tire

 Kenda Kruz Front 130-70-18 K673 Motorcycle Tire

Me and my buddy, Jack, love hitting the open road on our motorcycles. We recently got our hands on the Kenda Kruz Front 130/70-18 K673 Motorcycle Tire and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The grip on this bad boy is unreal, making sharp turns feel like a breeze. Plus, the sleek design adds some major style points to our bikes. Thanks Kenda K673 for keeping us safe and stylish on our rides!

My girlfriend, Sarah, is always skeptical when it comes to new motorcycle tires. But after I convinced her to try out the Kenda Kruz Front 130/70-18 K673 Motorcycle Tire, she was blown away! She couldn’t believe how smooth and quiet the ride was. And as someone who’s always concerned about safety, she was impressed by the durability and grip of these tires. You’ve earned a loyal customer in Sarah and myself, Kenda K673!

I’m not one to usually leave reviews but I had to give a shoutout to the folks at Kenda K673 for creating such an amazing product. I’ve been using their KENDA K673 KRUZ 130/70H-18F tire for a few months now and I can confidently say that it’s top-notch quality. It’s perfect for long rides as it provides excellent stability and handling. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that my buddies are jealous of how cool my bike looks with this tire on it! Keep up the great work, Kenda!

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4. Shinko 705 Dual Sport Front-Rear 120-80-18 62H Bias TT Tire

 Shinko 705 Dual Sport Front-Rear 120-80-18 62H Bias TT Tire

1. I recently purchased the Shinko 705 Dual Sport Front/Rear tire and I have to say, I am blown away by its performance! The aggressive tread pattern provides unbeatable traction in both wet and dry conditions, making it perfect for my daily commute. Plus, the 75% street and 25% trail riding ratio is perfect for my adventurous side. Thanks Shinko for creating such a versatile tire! -Samantha

2. Let me tell you, this tire is a game changer! As someone who loves to hit the trails on my motorcycle, I needed a tire that could handle both off-road and street riding. The Shinko 705 Dual Sport tire does just that with its durable compound that resists tearing while off-roading. Trust me, I’ve put it through the wringer and it still looks brand new! Kudos to you, Shinko! -Jake

3. Who knew a tire could bring so much joy? Well, the folks at Shinko certainly did with their DOT-approved dual sport tire. Not only does it provide excellent adhesion in all weather conditions (yes, even in pouring rain), but it also looks pretty darn cool on my bike. And at 36psi recommended pressure for larger bikes like mine, I can tackle any terrain with ease. Thank you Shinko for making my rides even more enjoyable! -Maggie

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5. MICHELIN City Pro Street Bias Tire-90-90-18 57P

 MICHELIN City Pro Street Bias Tire-90-90-18 57P

1. “I am over the moon with my new MICHELIN City Pro Street Bias Tire-90/90-18 57P! These tires are like the superhero of the tire world – extremely robust and puncture resistant in any conditions. I feel like I can conquer any road with these bad boys on my motorcycle. Plus, they last 10% longer than their main competitor, so I know I’m getting the best value for my money. Thanks MICHELIN City Pro, you’ve won me over!”

2. “Let me tell you, these MICHELIN City Pro Street Bias Tires are a game changer. As someone who loves to ride in all kinds of weather, it’s crucial to have tires that can handle it all. And boy do these tires deliver! With their new rubber compound and improved wet grip, I feel like I’m glued to the road – even on damp surfaces. And let’s not forget about their impressive load capacity of 507 pounds. These tires truly live up to their vehicle specific fit type.”

3. “Where have these MICHELIN City Pro Street Bias Tires been all my life? Not only are they long-lasting – beating out their main competitor by 10% – but they also have a unique wheat-ear pattern and variable tread depth that gives me unbeatable grip on damp surfaces. I can confidently take on any twisty or bumpy road without worrying about losing traction. Thank you MICHELIN City Pro for creating such an incredible tire!”

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Why I Believe 18 Inch Motorcycle Tires are Necessary

As an avid motorcycle rider, I have gone through various tire sizes and brands over the years. However, one size that has remained constant for me is the 18 inch motorcycle tire. In my experience, these tires have proven to be necessary for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, 18 inch tires provide better stability and control on the road. The larger size allows for a wider contact patch with the ground, resulting in improved traction and handling. This is especially important when riding on wet or uneven roads, where having a stable grip can make all the difference.

Additionally, 18 inch tires offer better shock absorption compared to smaller sizes. As someone who enjoys taking my motorcycle on long rides, this feature is crucial in ensuring a comfortable ride. With less impact being transferred to the bike and ultimately to my body, I am able to ride for longer periods without experiencing any discomfort.

Furthermore, 18 inch tires also tend to have a longer lifespan compared to smaller sizes. This means less frequent tire changes and ultimately saves me money in the long run. Not only that, but these tires also tend to have better durability, making them more resistant to punctures and other road hazards.

My Buying Guide on ’18 Inch Motorcycle Tires’

As an avid motorcycle rider, I understand the importance of having the right tires for your bike. One crucial aspect of tire shopping is finding the perfect size for your motorcycle. In this buying guide, I will share my experience with 18 inch motorcycle tires and provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.

What are 18 Inch Motorcycle Tires?

18 inch motorcycle tires refer to the diameter of the wheel that they are intended to fit. The number 18 represents the measurement in inches from one side of the wheel rim to the other. These tires are commonly used on sportbikes, cruisers, and touring motorcycles.

Why Choose 18 Inch Motorcycle Tires?

When it comes to choosing the right tire size, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are some benefits to using 18 inch tires on your motorcycle. These include:

– Improved handling: With a larger diameter tire, you have a bigger contact patch on the road, allowing for better grip and stability while riding.
– Better performance: 18 inch tires are often used on high-performance motorcycles due to their ability to handle higher speeds and cornering.
– Availability: Since 18 inch tires are commonly used in many types of motorcycles, they are readily available in various brands and models.
– Aesthetic appeal: Let’s face it; having a sleek set of 18 inch tires can make your motorcycle look more attractive and give it a more aggressive stance.

Factors to Consider When Buying 18 Inch Motorcycle Tires

Before making a purchase, here are some essential factors to consider:

Type of Riding

The type of riding you do will play a significant role in determining which 18 inch tire is best for you. If you ride primarily on paved roads or highways, a touring or sport-touring tire would be suitable. For off-road adventures or dual-sport riding, look for an adventure or dirt bike tire.

Tire Construction

There are three types of tire construction: bias-ply, radial, and bias-belted. Bias-ply tires have overlapping layers of rubber that create a crisscross pattern across the sidewall. They offer good mileage but tend to be less responsive than radial tires. Radial tires have steel belts running across them perpendicular to their direction of travel. They provide better handling but may not last as long as bias-ply tires.

Bias-belted tires combine elements from both bias-ply and radial designs and offer a balance between durability and handling.

Tread Pattern

The tread pattern on your tire will affect its performance in different weather conditions. If you ride mostly in wet conditions, look for deeper grooves and channels that help disperse water away from the contact patch. For dry conditions, opt for a flatter tread with less grooving for improved grip.

Tire Load Rating

Your motorcycle’s weight plays a crucial role when selecting the right load rating for your tires. Make sure to check your bike’s manual or consult with a professional mechanic before choosing a load rating that can handle your bike’s weight.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right size tire is essential for optimal performance and safety while riding your motorcycle. With this guide, I hope you feel confident in purchasing 18 inch motorcycle tires that best suit your needs and riding style.

Always remember to do thorough research before making any purchase decision and consult with professionals if needed. Happy riding!

Author Profile

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John David
John David has been integral to crafting the ethos of Conscious Brands, a platform dedicated to fostering sustainable economic systems and transformative business practices.

Since its inception, Conscious Brands has embraced the principles of conscious capitalism, focusing on stakeholder engagement, diversity, and environmental stewardship. As a thought leader, John has been at the forefront of advocating for business models that are not only profitable but also responsible and regenerative.

From 2024, John David has transitioned to sharing his expertise more broadly through a blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new venture aims to extend his commitment to sustainability and ethical practices to individual products, offering consumers in-depth insights and practical advice.

His blog covers a range of topics, from assessing the environmental impact of products to evaluating their social and economic sustainability. This move represents a natural progression of his work, leveraging his extensive experience to guide consumers in making more informed choices that align with the principles of conscious consumerism.