Replacing the rear tire on your Harley doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and a quality 130/90-16 rear tire, you can restore your bike’s handling, safety, and ride comfort in under an hour.
Tools You Will Need:
Motorcycle jack or lift
Torque wrench
Socket and wrench set
Tire irons or tire machine
Bead breaker
Valve core remover
Tire mounting lubricant
New 130 90 16 Rear Tire (DOT-approved, Harley compatible)
Compatible Harley Models (130/90-16 Rear Tire Fits)
This tire size is commonly used on the following models:
Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic
Road King
Electra Glide
Street Glide
Low Rider (selected years)
Touring models with 16-inch rear wheel
Recommended Product:
130/90-16 Rear Tire for Harley Davidson Touring & Softail Models
Step-by-Step Harley Tire Installation
Step 1: Lift The Harley
Park the bike on level ground.
Securely lift the rear wheel off the ground using a motorcycle jack.
Make sure the bike is stable before proceeding.
Step 2: Remove The Rear Wheel
Loosen the axle nut.
Remove the brake caliper if required.
Slide out the axle and take note of spacer positions.
Gently pull the wheel out from the swingarm.
Step 3: Remove The Old Tire
Release air from the tire by removing the valve core.
Use a bead breaker to loosen the tire bead.
Pry the tire off using tire irons or a mounting machine.
Step 4: Install The New 130 90x16 Tire
Inspect and clean the rim.
Apply lubricant to the tire bead.
Align tire directional arrow forward.
Mount tire onto rim and inflate to seat the bead.
Step 5: Reinstall The Wheel
Position the wheel back into the swingarm.
Reinstall axle, spacers, and brake caliper.
Torque the axle nut to manufacturer specs.
Step 6: Safety Check
Ensure proper tire alignment.
Set tire pressure to recommended PSI (typically 36–40 PSI).
Take a slow test ride to verify smooth handling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How often should I replace my Harley rear tire?
Every 8,000–15,000 miles depending on riding conditions, tread wear, and tire quality.
Q2: Can I use a different tire size instead of 130 90 16?
It’s not recommended. Using incorrect sizes affects handling and may cause fender clearance issues.
Q3: What is the correct tire pressure for a 130 90 x 16 tire?
Most Harley models recommend 36 PSI (solo) and up to 40 PSI when riding with a passenger or luggage.
Q4: Do I need to align the tire direction?
Yes, always check directional arrows on the tire sidewall before mounting.
Q5: Should I replace front and rear tires at the same time?
Yes, most Harley riders replace both together to keep handling balanced. A worn front tire can affect braking distance and steering even if the rear is new.
Q6: Can I use the same 130/90-16 tire for both front and rear?
Yes, certain Harley Davidson models use 130/90-16 for both front and rear. Our tires are marked for front or rear use to ensure correct load rating and handling characteristics.
Q7: Is the front tire replacement the same process as the rear?
Not exactly. While some steps are similar—like lifting the bike and breaking the bead—the front wheel is easier to remove because it doesn’t have a drive belt or chain. However, you need to disconnect the front brake caliper and pay attention to axle alignment.
Good News: If you are replacing your rear tire, it’s the perfect time to replace the front as well. A fresh front and rear tire set gives you:
Better stability and steering control
Balanced wear for safer braking
Cost savings when purchasing as a combo set
Recommended Products:
130/90-16 Front Tire for Harley Davidson
130/90-16 Rear Tire for Harley Davidson
Save More with Our Front & Rear Tire Set (130/90-16 + 130/90-16)
When choosing a 130/90-16 tire for Harley Davidson, it's important to match the correct load index and tread pattern to your riding style. Whether you’re replacing just the front tire, installing a new rear tire, or upgrading both with a Harley front and rear tire combo set, using a DOT-approved 130/90-16 motorcycle tire ensures maximum stability and mileage. Our Harley-specific 130/90-16 tires are designed for Softail, Road King, Electra Glide, and other Touring models, offering confident grip in wet and dry conditions.
