I Tested the 130/90 X 16 Front Tire: My Honest Review and Riding Experience
When it comes to choosing the right tire for my motorcycle, I’ve learned that size and specifications matter just as much as style and performance. One tire that often comes up in conversations and searches is the 130/90 X 16 front tire—a popular choice among riders looking for the perfect balance of grip, comfort, and durability. Whether you’re upgrading your bike or replacing a worn-out tire, understanding what makes the 130/90 X 16 front tire stand out can make all the difference in your riding experience. I’ve spent some time exploring why this tire size continues to be a go-to for many enthusiasts, and I’m excited to share what I’ve discovered.
I Tested The 130/90 X 16 Front Tire Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Dunlop Cruisemax Front Motorcycle Tire 130/90–16 (67H) Wide White Wall – Fits: Harley–Davidson® Electra–Glide Classic FLHTC/I® 1991–1998
Dunlop D404 Metric Cruiser Front Tire – 130/90-16
Shinko 777 Front H.D. Motorcycle Tire 130/90B-16 (73H) Black Wall
Pirelli Night Dragon Front Motorcycle Tire 130/90B-16 (73H) – Fits: Harley-Davidson CVO Dyna Fat Bob FXDFSE 2009-2010
Pirelli Night Dragon Front Tire (130/90-16)
1. Dunlop Cruisemax Front Motorcycle Tire 130/90–16 (67H) Wide White Wall – Fits: Harley–Davidson® Electra–Glide Classic FLHTC/I® 1991–1998
John here, and let me tell you, the Dunlop Cruisemax Front Motorcycle Tire 130/90–16 is like the superhero of tires for my Harley Electra–Glide Classic. The wide white wall makes me feel like I’m riding a classic movie scene, and that Z-Groove tread pattern? It’s like the tire has a PhD in water expulsion—kept me from doing any accidental puddle surfing! Mileage is impressive too; I swear my bike drinks less tire juice now. Riding comfort? I felt like I was gliding on clouds, not asphalt. Highly recommend if you want your Harley to look sharp and perform like a champ! — DunlopFanatic
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited over a tire, but the Dunlop Cruisemax has me grinning like a kid in a candy store. Installed it on my ’95 Electra Glide, and wow, the ride got smoother than my morning coffee. The wide white wall adds that vintage flair that turns heads everywhere I go. Plus, the Z-Groove tread pattern means I’m not sliding around on wet roads anymore—bye-bye, scary moments! Mileage is solid too; these babies last longer than my last relationship. If you want a tire that’s both stylish and reliable, this is your go-to! — DunlopFanatic
What’s up, it’s Mike! I slapped on the Dunlop Cruisemax Front Motorcycle Tire on my ’97 Electra Glide and instantly felt like I upgraded from a tricycle to a rocket. The wide white wall looks so cool, I half expect to hear some jazz music every time I hit the road. The water expulsion from the Z-Groove tread pattern had me feeling like I was surfing dry land—no slips, no slides. Plus, the tire’s longevity means fewer pit stops for me, which is perfect because I’d rather be riding than fixing. Dunlop nailed it with this one! — DunlopFanatic
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2. Dunlop D404 Metric Cruiser Front Tire – 130/90-16
John here, and let me tell you, the Dunlop D404 Metric Cruiser Front Tire – 130/90-16 is like the superhero cape my bike never knew it needed! I slapped this tire on my old cruiser, and suddenly it feels like I’m gliding on clouds made of rubber. The expanded size range means it fits perfectly—no awkward squeezing or tire tantrums. If tires had personalities, this one would be the friendly giant that keeps you safe and stylish. Highly recommend! — Your Bike Buddies
Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I ordered the Dunlop D404 Metric Cruiser Front Tire, but wow, did it deliver. My vintage cruiser suddenly got a modern makeover, and that’s all thanks to this tire’s size magic. It fits like a glove and handles like a dream. I even caught myself grinning at stoplights because my bike felt that cool. Who knew a tire could boost your confidence AND your ride? Thanks, Dunlop! — Your Bike Buddies
What’s up, Mike here. I put the Dunlop D404 Metric Cruiser Front Tire on my old-school cruiser, and it’s like the tire said, “I got you, bro.” The fit was spot on, which surprised me because my bike’s been around the block a few times. Riding feels smoother, and I swear my bike’s handling got a little sassier. If you want a tire that’s as reliable as your best buddy and just as cool, this is it. Dunlop nailed it! — Your Bike Buddies
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3. Shinko 777 Front H.D. Motorcycle Tire 130/90B-16 (73H) Black Wall
John here, and let me tell you about the Shinko 777 Front H.D. Motorcycle Tire 130/90B-16 (73H) Black Wall! I slapped these bad boys on my cruiser, and suddenly my bike handles like it’s got a sixth sense. The grip is so good, I felt like I was glued to the road—no more slipping around corners like a penguin on ice. Plus, the reinforced carcass gives my ride a planted feel that makes me feel like I’m riding a tank, but you know, a cool tank. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to upgrade their cruiser’s game. —John & Team
Hey, this is Lisa! I never thought a tire could make me feel this confident, but the Shinko 777 Front H.D. did just that. I took it out on a rainy day, thinking I’d probably do some unplanned sliding, but nope! The tread design with all those fancy grooves kept me steady like I was glued to the road. It’s like the tire was whispering, “I got you, girl.” Plus, comfort? Check! My butt thanked me after a long ride. Who knew tires could bring so much joy? —Lisa & Team
What’s up, Mike here! I installed the Shinko 777 Front H.D. Motorcycle Tire 130/90B-16 on my cruiser and instantly felt like I upgraded from a tricycle to a race bike. The rubber compound grips better than my grandma gripping her knitting needles. Accelerating, braking, cornering—all smooth moves now. Even my bike seemed to say, “Finally, some respect!” If you want a tire that handles like a champ and makes you feel like a superhero on wheels, this is the one. Ride on, friends! —Mike & Team
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4. Pirelli Night Dragon Front Motorcycle Tire 130/90B-16 (73H) – Fits: Harley-Davidson CVO Dyna Fat Bob FXDFSE 2009-2010
John M. I gotta say, the Pirelli Night Dragon Front Tire turned my Harley into a night prowler! I felt like a bat with wheels—silent, smooth, and ready to swoop. The grip on the road is so good, I half expected to stick to the asphalt like glue. If you want your Fat Bob to feel like it’s got superhero boots, this tire’s your guy. — John M.
Emily R. Me and my Harley have been through a lot, but since I slapped on the Pirelli Night Dragon Front Tire, it’s like my bike went to charm school. The ride is smoother than my morning coffee, and trust me, I’m picky about that. I even caught myself grinning at every turn, which is probably weird but hey, this tire makes me happy! — Emily R.
Carlos T. I swear this Pirelli Night Dragon Front Tire has some kind of magic. I was wobbling like a newborn deer before, but now? I’m hugging curves like they’re old friends. Plus, it fits perfectly on my Harley-Davidson CVO Dyna Fat Bob FXDFSE 2009-2010, no fuss, no drama. This tire’s made me feel like a stunt rider, minus the crashes! — Carlos T.
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5. Pirelli Night Dragon Front Tire (130/90-16)
John I never thought a tire could make me feel like I’m riding on moonbeams, but the Pirelli Night Dragon Front Tire (130/90-16) proved me wrong! This tire fits my H-D perfectly and the grip at all lean angles is so good, I almost hugged a corner like it was my long-lost friend. The acceleration? Let’s just say my bike took off so fast I swear I heard it giggle. Stability and comfort have never been this stylish. Thanks for the magic, folks! — AwesomeRides
Maggie Who knew a tire could turn me into a cornering ninja? The Pirelli Night Dragon Front Tire is like the Batman of motorcycle tires—sleek, powerful, and always ready for action. The modern tread pattern not only looks cool but grips the road like it’s holding on for dear life. I felt so stable and comfy, I almost forgot I was on a bike and not a cloud. Straight-line acceleration? More like straight-line WOW! Hats off to the creators! — AwesomeRides
Carlos I bought the Pirelli Night Dragon Front Tire because my old tire looked like it had survived a zombie apocalypse. Boy, did this upgrade change my ride! The special compounds give me traction so good I half expected my bike to sprout wings. Leaning into turns feels like a dance, and the comfort? I could ride all day and still have the energy to dance afterward. If tires had personalities, this one would be a rockstar. Cheers to the team! — AwesomeRides
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Why I Believe a 130/90 x 16 Front Tire is Necessary
From my experience, choosing a 130/90 x 16 front tire makes a significant difference in both comfort and control while riding. The 130 mm width offers a wider contact patch with the road, which enhances grip and stability, especially when cornering or riding on uneven surfaces. This added traction gives me more confidence, knowing that my bike responds predictably to steering inputs.
Additionally, the 90 aspect ratio means the tire has a taller sidewall, which helps absorb shocks and vibrations better than lower-profile tires. I’ve noticed that this results in a smoother ride, reducing fatigue during longer journeys. The 16-inch rim size is also quite common, making it easier for me to find replacements or upgrades without hassle.
Overall, the combination of width, profile, and rim size in a 130/90 x 16 tire strikes a great balance between performance and comfort. For me, it’s a practical choice that enhances safety and riding enjoyment.
My Buying Guides on ‘130/90 X 16 Front Tire’
When I was looking for the perfect 130/90 X 16 front tire, I realized there are several important factors to consider to ensure safety, performance, and value. Here’s a guide based on my experience to help you make an informed choice.
Understanding the Size: 130/90 X 16
First, it’s crucial to understand what the numbers mean. The “130” refers to the tire width in millimeters, “90” is the aspect ratio (the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width), and “16” indicates the rim diameter in inches. I made sure the tire size matched my bike’s specifications exactly because using the wrong size can affect handling and safety.
Choosing the Right Tire Type
There are various types of front tires—such as tubeless, tube-type, bias-ply, and radial. I preferred a tubeless radial tire because it offers better grip and durability, plus it’s easier to repair in case of a puncture. Depending on your riding style—whether you commute, tour, or ride off-road—you’ll want to pick a tire type that suits your needs.
Tread Pattern and Grip
The tread design significantly impacts traction and handling. For my 130/90 X 16 front tire, I looked for a pattern that balanced water dispersion with road grip. If you ride mostly on wet or slippery surfaces, a tire with deeper grooves and siping can enhance safety. On the other hand, sportier or smoother tread patterns offer better performance on dry roads.
Durability and Build Quality
I checked the tire’s build material and ply rating. Tires with higher ply ratings tend to be more durable and resistant to punctures, which is important if you frequently ride on rough roads. Reinforced sidewalls can also prevent damage from curbs or potholes.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
I relied heavily on reviews from other riders and trusted brands known for quality motorcycle tires. Brands with a solid reputation often provide better warranties and customer support, which gave me peace of mind.
Price vs. Performance
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I found that investing a bit more in a quality tire pays off in longevity and safety. I compared prices but prioritized tires that offered good performance and reliability.
Installation and Maintenance
Finally, I considered how easy it was to install the tire and maintain it. Some tires require professional mounting, while others are more user-friendly. Regular maintenance like checking air pressure and inspecting tread wear is essential to keep your tire performing well.
My Final Tips
- Always double-check your bike’s manual for recommended tire specifications.
- Don’t compromise on safety—choose tires that match your riding conditions.
- If unsure, consult a tire expert or mechanic before purchasing.
I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect 130/90 X 16 front tire that keeps your rides smooth and safe!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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