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Honda’s own owner’s manual calls out a Dunlop D251 front and rear for the VTX1800, so that’s the safe baseline. But VTX1800 owners have spent two decades comparing alternatives in forum threads — wider 200mm rears, grippier sport-touring compounds, and budget picks that punch above their price. These seven are real, currently sold tires sized for the VTX1800 C, R, and Retro.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dunlop D251 Front Tire (130/70R18) | $110-$140 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Dunlop D251 Rear Tire (180/70R16) | $150-$190 | Amazon |
| 3 | Bridgestone Exedra G722 Front Tire | $120-$150 | Amazon |
| 4 | Bridgestone Exedra Max Rear Tire (180/70R-16) | $160-$200 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | Metzeler ME880 Marathon Rear Tire (200/60-16) | $180-$220 | Amazon · eBay |
| 6 | Avon Cobra AV72 Rear Tire | $170-$210 | Amazon |
| 7 | Shinko SR777 Rear Tire | $100-$140 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
Dunlop D251 Front Tire (130/70R18)
The OEM-spec front tire Honda’s owner’s manual calls out for the VTX1800 — the safe stock-match choice for front-end feel.
- 130/70R18 front size specified in Honda’s VTX1800 owner’s manual
- Bias-belted construction tuned for cruiser stability
- Wide tread pattern for wet-weather grip
- Matches the bike’s factory-tuned handling exactly
- Widely stocked, easy to find a dealer that carries it
- Not the longest-wearing option for high-mileage riders
Dunlop D251 Rear Tire (180/70R16)
The rear half of Honda’s factory-recommended pairing, sized 180/70R16 for the stock VTX1800.
- 180/70R16 rear size specified for VTX1800
- Rounded profile matched to the D251 front for balanced steering
- Multi-compound tread for grip and mileage
- Keeps the bike’s handling exactly as Honda engineered it
- Good middle ground of grip and tread life
- Softer compound than track-oriented sport-touring rubber
Bridgestone Exedra G722 Front Tire
Bridgestone’s cruiser-specific front tire, a common OEM-alternative pick among VTX1800 owners for its rounder profile and progressive turn-in.
- Cruiser-tuned tread pattern
- Round profile for light steering effort
- Directional water-evacuation grooves
- Popular alternative to Dunlop among VTX owners
- Predictable, stable feel at highway speed
- Fewer size options than Dunlop’s line
Bridgestone Exedra Max Rear Tire (180/70R-16)
Bridgestone lists the Exedra Max specifically for the VTX1800C, a common rear replacement in the factory 180/70R-16 size.
- Sized for the VTX1800C’s factory 180/70R-16 rear
- Wide center rib for straight-line stability
- Reinforced sidewall for heavier cruiser loads
- Purpose-fit for the VTX1800C per Bridgestone’s own fitment guide
- Balances mileage and grip well for touring riders
- Bias construction rides firmer than radial sport-touring tires
Metzeler ME880 Marathon Rear Tire (200/60-16)
The go-to when VTX1800 owners upgrade to the widest 200mm rear the swingarm allows without modification.
- 200/60-16 size for the max-width rear upgrade
- High-mileage touring compound
- Metzeler’s Marathon tread line built for heavy cruisers
- Widely reported as the top pick among owners who go to a 200-series rear
- Excellent tread life for a cruiser tire
- 200mm width means double-checking chain and fender clearance before ordering
Avon Cobra AV72 Rear Tire
A grippier option VTX owners reach for when they lean harder into corners than the stock touring rubber is built for.
- 200/60-16 sizing available for the VTX1800
- Softer compound aimed at cornering grip over pure mileage
- Aggressive tread pattern for a cruiser tire
- Noticeably more confident lean-angle grip than OEM-style tires
- Favorite among riders who regularly ride twisty roads
- Wears faster than the touring-focused Dunlop or Metzeler options
Shinko SR777 Rear Tire
The budget pick VTX owners land on repeatedly in forum threads — noticeably cheaper than the big-name brands, with owners calling out surprisingly good performance for the price.
- Whitewall and blackwall versions available
- Classic cruiser tread pattern
- Fits the VTX1800’s factory rear sizing
- Lowest price point of the name-brand options here
- Praised by owners for value given the price
- Shorter tread life than premium touring compounds
Buying tips
- Check your exact VTX1800 variant (C, R, or Retro) before ordering — the R model runs a wider factory tire than the C and Retro.
- Replace front and rear as a matched pair when you can; mismatched tread compounds change how the bike turns in.
- Have tires balanced and mounted by a shop with a motorcycle-rated changer — cruiser tires are heavy and easy to pinch on a bicycle-style machine.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.