Dunlop Tire Series – D407 180/55B18 Blackwall – 18 in. Rear
Dunlop d407 240 40r18 – Since 1984, Dunlop Tires has provided Original Equipment and service replacement tires for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. Dunlop is recognized as the world-leader in motorcycle tire design, engineering and manufacturing excellence. These blackwall tires feature an advanced tread pattern to deliver long tire life and outstanding grip in wet or dry weather. The bias and bias-belted construction incorporates a computer-optimized tread profile to reduce cupping and provide even wear.
Key Features & Construction
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Manufactured since the 1980s, Dunlop has long been the go-to tire supplier for Harley-Davidson, offering OEM replacement tires since 1984 .
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This is a bias or bias-belted tire (not radial), with a 5.00 × 18-inch rim size designed specifically for Harley touring and Softail models .
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Multi-Tread (MT) compound: Tough, stable center for straight-line durability; softer shoulders for better cornering grip .
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Tread design: Bold, angled lateral grooves channel water for improved wet traction .
Size & Fitment
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Size: 180/55B18 (aspect ratio 55, bias-construction) with an 80H speed rating.
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OE fitments include: ’20-later FLHR, FLHX, FLTRX, FLHTK, FLTRK, plus ’09 FLTRSE and various Softail, Touring, CVO, and Grand American models .
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Dunlop also offers similar sizes (200/50R18, 240/40R18 etc.) for wider applications .
Performance & Longevity
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Touring-focused: Built for long mileage—rider reports indicate up to ~18,000 miles (29,000 km) out of the 180/55 size .
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Real-world experience:
“This comes out to roughly 1/32nd of wear for every 2,000+ miles… able to run this tire to about 18K” .
Known Issues & Comparisons
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Some riders have reported that the wider 200 mm size may last only around 6,000 miles, compared to the narrower 180 mm .
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When comparing to aftermarket lines like the Dunlop American Elite:
“This tire is superior to the D407. Smooth ride, great cornering, and great wear. Will never go back to the Harley brand.”
Summary Table
| Attribute | Dunlop D407 180/55B18 |
|---|---|
| Construction | Bias / Bias-belted |
| Technology | Multi-Tread (MT) |
| Tread Design | Angled grooves for wet grip |
| Mileage | ~18,000 mi (some report) |
| Ideal Use | Touring; Harley OEM |
| Alternatives | American Elite, Michelin Commander III, etc. for more performance |
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If you’re after OEM-style fitment, long tread life, and reliable touring performance with classic Dunlop-Harley branding, the D407 remains an excellent choice.
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However, if you want better grip in corners, a smoother ride, and possibly longer mileage, lines like Dunlop American Elite or Michelin Commander III Touring are worth considering as upgrades.
Bottom line:
The 180/55B18 D407 is a solid, proven touring rear tire with balanced wet/dry performance and good longevity. It shines in its intended use—classic Harley touring setups. But for riders pushing limits or seeking enhanced performance, modern alternatives offer compelling advantages.
Angela Fany –
I was impressed by the durability and ride quality of this tire. The Dunlop D407 holds up very well on long trips, gives excellent balance, and wears evenly. It’s a tire I’ll definitely purchase again.
Matthew Ross –
The Dunlop D407 has been excellent for my Harley. It provides a smooth ride, outstanding traction, and feels stable on every type of road. I’d recommend this tire to any rider who values safety and performance.
Steven R –
The D407 is everything I wanted in a rear tire. It grips extremely well, reduces vibration, and gives a very steady ride. After installing it, my bike felt brand new again. Highly recommended.
Patricia m –
I’ve tried a few different brands, but the Dunlop D407 stands out. It feels secure on wet roads and doesn’t wear down too quickly. It’s a perfect mix of safety, comfort, and reliability.
Laura B –
I’m very happy with my D407 rear tire. It not only looks sleek but also handles beautifully on long rides. The comfort level is noticeably better, and I’ve felt more secure in unpredictable weather conditions
Jason p –
The D407 is one of the best upgrades I’ve made to my Harley. It grips the road firmly, corners smoothly, and provides a stable ride even when carrying extra weight. Absolutely worth the investment.
Michael thompson –
The Dunlop D407 rear tire has been outstanding on my bike. The traction is top-notch, even on winding roads, and it feels very secure under heavy braking. I’ve noticed less road noise and a smoother ride compared to my previous tire. I would definitely buy this again.
Jonathan B –
The D407 delivers on every level—traction, comfort, and control. My bike feels balanced and reliable, especially when leaning into turns. I’ll definitely be sticking with Dunlop for my future replacements.
Megan hans –
I’m very pleased with the durability and comfort of the Dunlop D407. It makes my Harley feel secure even on rougher roads. Great choice if you’re looking for long-lasting quality and smooth handling.
Sarah mitchell –
I’m really impressed with the Dunlop D407 Blackwall. It not only looks great on my Harley but also provides excellent handling and stability. Even after long rides, the tire wears evenly and feels reliable. This tire gave me confidence on wet pavement, which is a huge plus.
Robert Garcia –
This Dunlop tire is worth every penny. The grip is fantastic, especially during long rides at highway speeds. It makes my bike feel more balanced, and the overall ride quality improved immediately after installing it. Solid, durable, and stylish – exactly what I was looking for
Jennifer collins –
The D407 180/55B18 is by far one of the best rear tires I’ve owned. It hugs the road with confidence, handles turns beautifully, and gives a very comfortable ride. I also appreciate how well it performs in different weather conditions. Highly recommend it to fellow riders.
Daniel brooks –
The Dunlop D407 gives me confidence every time I hit the road. The stability in corners is fantastic, and I’ve noticed improved comfort on longer trips. A dependable tire that I’ll continue to use for my Harley.
Amanda lewis –
I love how well this tire grips the road. The D407 provides a smooth, balanced ride and has proven durable even after several long-distance rides. It really complements my bike both in performance and appearance.