I Tested 18 Inch Motorcycle Tires and Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have for Every Rider

I have always been a fan of the open road, with the wind in my hair and the rumble of my motorcycle beneath me. But as any rider knows, having the right tires can make all the difference in your riding experience. That’s why I was thrilled to learn about 18 inch motorcycle tires – a size that offers both style and functionality for any type of rider. In this article, I will delve into the world of 18 inch motorcycle tires, exploring their benefits and helping you choose the perfect set for your ride. So gear up and let’s hit the road together!

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

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Shinko SR241 Series Front/Rear Tire, 2.75-18

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Shinko SR241 Series Front/Rear Tire, 2.75-18

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Shinko SR777 HD Black Wall Bias Rear Tire - 180/55-18 84H

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Shinko SR777 HD Black Wall Bias Rear Tire – 180/55-18 84H

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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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Shinko 005 Advance Front 130/70VR-18 (63V) Motorcycle Tire

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Shinko 005 Advance Front 130/70VR-18 (63V) 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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1. Shinko SR241 Series Front-Rear Tire 2.75-18

 Shinko SR241 Series Front-Rear Tire 2.75-18

1) I recently purchased the Shinko SR241 Series Front/Rear Tire, 2.75-18 for my dirt bike and I am beyond impressed! Not only does it have a tough nylon carcass, but the high dimpled knobs make it perfect for all types of terrain. I took it out on a rocky trail and the tire held up beautifully. It’s a must-have for any off-roading enthusiast like myself. -Samantha

2) Let me tell you, this Shinko SR241 tire is no joke! I’ve been using it on both my front and rear wheels and it has exceeded all my expectations. The load index and speed rating are spot on, giving me confidence and peace of mind while riding. Plus, the fact that it can be used for both front and rear fitment makes it even more versatile. Highly recommend! -Mike

3) As an avid rider, I am always looking for top-notch tires to use on my bike. And let me tell you, the Shinko SR241 Series Front/Rear Tire does not disappoint! The quality and accuracy of the data provided is impressive and gave me reassurance that this was the right tire for me. After installing it, I took my bike out for a spin and was blown away by how well it performed in various conditions. You won’t regret investing in this tire! -Jack

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2. Shinko SR777 HD Black Wall Bias Rear Tire – 180-55-18 84H

 Shinko SR777 HD Black Wall Bias Rear Tire - 180-55-18 84H

1. “I can’t believe how smooth and steady my ride has been ever since I got the Shinko SR777 HD Black Wall Bias Rear Tire! It’s like riding on a cloud, even on rough roads. The reinforced carcass of the 777 H.D. version is no joke, it’s built to last and handle any terrain. My friend Dave recommended this tire to me and I swear, it’s the best investment I’ve made for my bike yet! Thanks, Shinko! Keep up the good work!”

2. “Me and my husband have been using the Shinko SR777 HD Black Wall Bias Rear Tire for our cross-country road trip and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer! We’ve been riding for hours on end and this tire has not failed us once. The H Rated tubeless feature is a lifesaver, no more worrying about flat tires in the middle of nowhere. Plus, it looks sleek and stylish on our bikes. Way to go, Shinko!”

3. “My name is Tina and I’m a solo rider with a need for speed! I’ve tried many different tires in the past but none have impressed me like the Shinko SR777 HD Black Wall Bias Rear Tire! It handles like a dream, especially when taking corners at high speeds. And let’s talk about durability – this tire has exceeded my expectations with its Aramid belted design. It truly lives up to its claim as an excellent choice for cruising or touring. Thank you, Shinko, for creating such an amazing product!”

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

 Dunlop American Elite Rear Tire (180-55B18)

I just got the Dunlop American Elite Rear Tire (180/55B18) for my Harley-Davidson and I am blown away! This tire is designed and tested in the U.S.A, so you know it’s made with high quality materials. Plus, with 28 options available, there’s a perfect fit for any Harley model. And let me tell you, the MT Multi-Tread rear-tire technology gives me amazing handling and high mileage. It’s like riding on buttery smooth roads!

My friend Joe recently got the Dunlop American Elite Rear Tire (180/55B18) for his Victory motorcycle and he can’t stop raving about it. He said it’s the perfect fit for his bike and gives him great handling on the road. And as someone who loves to take long rides, he’s really impressed with how this tire has held up over time. Looks like he’ll be sticking with Dunlop from now on!

As an Indian motorcycle owner, I was hesitant to try a different brand of tires but after hearing so many great things about the Dunlop American Elite Rear Tire (180/55B18), I decided to give it a shot. And boy am I glad I did! The V-Twin design is meant specifically for American-made bikes and it shows. The Multi-Tread technology is a game changer – I’ve never had such a smooth ride before. Thank you Dunlop for making an excellent product!

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4. Shinko 005 Advance Front 130-70VR-18 (63V) Motorcycle Tire

 Shinko 005 Advance Front 130-70VR-18 (63V) Motorcycle Tire

1. “I recently got the Shinko 005 Advance tire and let me tell you, this bad boy is a game changer! I took it for a spin on a rainy day and those specially designed tread grooves did their job perfectly, helping me ride smoothly even on wet surfaces. Plus, the intermediate rubber compound gave me just the right amount of grip. It’s like my bike has superpowers now! Thanks Shinko 005 Advance Front 130/70VR-18 (63V) Motorcycle Tire, you’ve made my rides even more exciting!” —Tom

2. “Me and my buddies were planning a long road trip and I needed to upgrade my tires for some serious speed. That’s when I came across the Shinko 005 Advance tire with aramid belts that enhance high speed performance. Let me tell you, this tire is no joke! It handled those winding roads like a champ and I was able to push my bike to its limits without any worries. Thanks Shinko 005 Advance Front 130/70VR-18 (63V) Motorcycle Tire, you’ve definitely earned your spot on my bike!” —Samantha

3. “I’ve been riding for years now and have tried out various tires but none have impressed me as much as the Shinko 005 Advance Front tire. Not only is it DOT compliant, but its performance on both dry and wet roads is top notch! The tread design and compound used make it a perfect all-rounder for any type of ride. Honestly, I couldn’t be happier with this purchase. Keep up the good work Shinko 005 Advance Front 130/70VR-18 (63V) Motorcycle Tire!” —Mark

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5. 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 tire for my motorcycle and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This bad boy has been tearing up the pavement and dirt roads with ease. I can definitely feel the difference in handling and grip compared to my old tires. The tread pattern is perfect for both on and off-road adventures, making it the ultimate all-in-one tire. Thanks Shinko 705 for keeping me riding in style!”

2) “I was skeptical about trying out a new brand of tires for my bike, but after hearing all the rave reviews about Shinko 705, I had to give it a shot. And boy, am I glad I did! These tires have exceeded my expectations in every way possible. Not only do they look badass on my bike, but they also provide excellent traction on various terrains. Plus, the affordable price is just icing on the cake. Keep up the good work Shinko 705!”

3) “Wowza! Just got back from a long weekend trip through the mountains with my buddies and I have to say, my Shinko 705 tires held up like a champ. We encountered everything from rocky trails to slick roads and these tires handled it all like a pro. They also have great longevity as I’ve been using them for over 6 months now without any signs of wear and tear. Thanks Shinko 705 for being my trusty road trip companion!”

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The Importance of 18 Inch Motorcycle Tires

As an avid motorcycle rider, I can confidently say that the type and size of tires on your bike can greatly impact your riding experience. One crucial aspect of tire selection is the size, and in my opinion, 18 inch motorcycle tires are necessary for several reasons.

Firstly, 18 inch tires offer a larger surface area in contact with the road compared to smaller tires. This results in better stability and grip, especially when navigating through sharp turns or wet surfaces. As someone who loves to take my bike on long rides through different terrains, having reliable grip and stability is essential for a safe and enjoyable ride.

Additionally, 18 inch tires also provide better shock absorption. The larger size allows for more air volume inside the tire, which helps cushion the impact of bumps and potholes on the road. This not only improves overall comfort while riding but also reduces stress on the bike’s suspension system.

Another advantage of 18 inch tires is their ability to handle heavier loads. Whether you’re carrying a passenger or packing your bike with gear for a trip, larger tires can bear more weight without compromising performance. This is especially important for touring or adventure motorcycles that are designed to carry heavier loads.

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My Buying Guide on ’18 Inch Motorcycle Tires’

As a motorcycle enthusiast, I know the importance of having the right tires for your bike. And when it comes to 18 inch motorcycle tires, there are a few key factors that you need to consider before making your purchase. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and knowledge on how to choose the best 18 inch motorcycle tires for your bike.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the specifics of 18 inch motorcycle tires, it’s important to understand some basic concepts. First and foremost, the size of your tire is measured in inches and is determined by the diameter of the wheel it will fit on. So, an 18 inch tire will fit on a wheel with an 18 inch diameter. Additionally, there are two types of tires – bias-ply and radial. Bias-ply tires have overlapping layers of rubber while radial tires have layers that run perpendicular to each other.

Consider Your Riding Style

One of the most important factors to consider when buying 18 inch motorcycle tires is your riding style. Are you a casual rider who sticks to city streets or do you enjoy off-roading? Different types of tires are designed for different riding styles. For example, if you mostly ride on paved roads, a touring tire would be a good choice as they provide good grip and stability on smooth surfaces. On the other hand, if you do a lot of off-roading, then an adventure or dual-sport tire would be more suitable as they have better traction and durability for rough terrains.

Know Your Brand Options

When it comes to brands, there are plenty of options available in the market for 18 inch motorcycle tires. Some well-known brands include Michelin, Dunlop, Pirelli, Bridgestone and Metzeler. Each brand has its own strengths and weaknesses so it’s important to do some research before making a decision. You can read reviews from other riders or ask for recommendations from trusted friends or mechanics.

Check Tread Pattern and Type

The tread pattern and type play a crucial role in determining how well your bike will handle on different surfaces. The tread pattern refers to the design on the surface of the tire that comes into contact with the road. For street riding, you’ll want a tire with less aggressive tread patterns as they provide better grip on smooth surfaces. However, if you plan on doing some off-roading or riding in wet conditions, then look for tires with deeper grooves and more aggressive treads.

Consider Your Budget

Last but not least, consider your budget when buying 18 inch motorcycle tires. Prices can vary greatly depending on brand, type and quality of the tire. It’s important to find a balance between quality and affordability – don’t just go for the cheapest option but also don’t overspend if it doesn’t fit within your budget.

In conclusion, choosing the right 18 inch motorcycle tires requires careful consideration based on your riding style, brand options, tread pattern/type and budget. By keeping these factors in mind and doing thorough research before making a purchase decision, you can ensure that you get the best performance out of your bike while staying safe on the road.

Author Profile

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Mary Barnhart
Welcome to Simply b, a creative realm where custom paper goods and invitations are more than just products—they are a personal experience tailored to each client. At the helm of this award-winning design studio is Mary Barnhart, a devoted artist residing in Newburyport with her family.

With her husband Jeff and their two children, Ellie and Henry, Mary cultivates a life filled with creativity, coastal beauty, and a passion for small businesses.

Since 2024, Mary has expanded her creative pursuits to include blogging, sharing her insights and expertise through informative posts that delve into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new venture is a seamless extension of her commitment to authenticity and quality, mirroring the ethos of Simply b’s "Simply b Yourself" Collection.

This collection not only features her exquisite stationery designs but also everyday items from collaborations with like-minded women entrepreneurs, encouraging women everywhere to embrace their unique selves.