The best 140/70-18 motorcycle tires for Cruisers and Tourers balance wet and dry grip, stability, and long wear. This guide highlights five options that suit riders seeking confident handling on town streets and highway touring. Each product is suitable for different rider needs, from sport-touring to cruiser days. The following table summarizes how each tire fits common riding intents.
| Product | Brand | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenda K671 Cruiser ST Rear Tire (140/70-18) | Kenda | Sport-touring and cruisers | Aggressive tread with strong wet/dry traction |
| Shinko 757 Journey Touring Radial Rear Tire – 140/70-18 | Shinko Motorcycle Tires | Touring cruisers | Designed for cruising with ample grip in varied conditions |
| Shinko 741 Series Rear 140/70-18 | Shinko Motorcycle Tires | Cruisers and classic bikes | Budget-friendly option with reliable wet/dry performance |
| Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire – 140/70H-18 | Kenda | Street and sport-touring bikes | DOT approved, tubeless, good water dispersion |
| Bridgestone Battlax BT46 Rear Tire (140/70-18) | Bridgestone | All-around riding and touring | Silica compound for grip and wear |
Kenda K671 Cruiser ST Rear Tire 140/70-18
The K671 Cruiser ST is designed for smaller sport-touring machines and cruisers. It features an aggressive tread pattern that helps with traction in both wet and dry conditions. Best for riders who want confident grip and a sporty feel on mixed roads, including light touring duties.
- Best for: Sport-touring and cruisers needing sharp handling
- Why chosen: Aggressive tread aids water dispersion and grip
- Limitation: May wear faster in very aggressive street riding compared to touring-focused designs
Shinko 757 Journey Touring Radial Rear Tire – 140/70-18
The Shinko 757 Journey Touring radial is engineered for cruisers and mid-size sport-touring bikes. It emphasizes comfort and long-distance stability, with tread designed for reliable traction in varied weather. Choose this if you prioritize touring comfort and predictable handling on highways.
- Best for: Touring cruisers and long trips
- Why chosen: Multisize availability and solid wet/dry performance
- Limitation: Not as aggressive for sport riding as some sport-touring tires
Shinko 741 Series Rear 140/70-18 63V Bias TL Tire
The Shinko 741 Series is a budget-friendly tire designed for cruisers. It provides reliable grip in wet and dry conditions and is suitable for everyday riding. Best for riders who want a balance of cost and dependable performance on city streets and highways.
- Best for: Budget-conscious cruisers
- Why chosen: Consistent performance at a lower price point
- Limitation: Bias-ply construction may feel less planted at high speeds on rough roads
Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire – 140/70H-18
The K671 Cruiser K671 is a tubeless street tire designed for cruisers and sport-touring bikes, with a 6-ply rating and DOT approval. It emphasizes dependable water dispersion and wet-weather traction. Best for riders who want a versatile, tubeless option for everyday cruising.
- Best for: Street-cruiser riders needing tubeless reliability
- Why chosen: Tubeless construction supports easy maintenance and puncture resilience
- Limitation: H-rated for up to 130 mph, not ideal for extreme high-speed track use
Bridgestone Battlax BT46 Rear Tire (140/70-18)
The Battlax BT46 is an all-around tire designed for riders who cover town use, long touring, and winding roads. It uses a silica-enhanced compound to maximize grip and wear in a range of conditions. Best for riders seeking a balanced, all-season touring tire with stable handling.
- Best for: All-around riding and touring
- Why chosen: Silica compound improves grip and longevity
- Limitation: May not deliver the maximum sport performance of dedicated high-grip race tires
Buying Guide
What to consider when choosing a 140/70-18 tire for cruisers and tourers:
- Riding style: For sport-touring, prioritize tread design and grip in wet weather. For long-distance touring, seek comfort and durability.
- Tread pattern: Deeper grooves aid water dispersion; more aggressive patterns offer sharper handling but may wear faster.
- Construction: Tubeless tires suit most modern bikes and are easier to patch. Bias-ply versus radial affects stability and ride feel.
- Speed rating: Ensure the tire’s speed rating matches or exceeds your typical riding speeds.
- Size compatibility: Double-check that 140/70-18 fits your front or rear wheel as specified by your motorcycle’s manufacturer.
FAQ
- Q: Is 140/70-18 suitable for most cruisers? A: Yes, many cruisers use 140/70-18 rear tires, but always verify your model’s recommended tire size.
- Q: What does H-speed rating mean? A: H-rated tires are suitable for speeds up to 130 mph, common for street riding.
- Q: Tubeless vs bias-ply: which to choose? A: Tubeless radial tires generally offer better usability and stability on modern bikes; bias-ply can be traditional for some older models.
- Q: How important is water dispersion in tires? A: Very important for safety in wet conditions; tread design and siping influence traction.
- Q: Can I mix tire brands on a cruiser? A: It’s best to pair front and rear tires with similar performance characteristics and speeds, but always consult your motorcycle manual.