Whether you call them white wall motorcycle tires or white sidewall tires, you are saying the same thing. These kinds of tires have become very popular in the world of motorcycles because of their unique design and the flair they add to machines.
If you are a motorcyclist who cares so much about the performance and aesthetics of your bike, you probably should be interested in getting the white wall tires for your motorcycle. If that’s the case, then this article will guide you in choosing the best white wall motorcycle tires.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about the history of this unique tire, what it entails, factors to consider when choosing white wall tires, my top 5 best white wall motorcycle tires to consider buying, and installation and maintenance tips to ensure a smooth riding experience.
The Story Behind White Wall Motorcycle Tires
Before I jump into some of the best white wall motorcycle tires on the market, looking at the story behind these tires will be worth it. Why do these tires have white sidewalls? How did they come into existence? Is there any special importance of using a bike with whitewall tires? These are some of the questions people want answers to.
White wall tires have been a thing in the world of motorcycles since the early years of motorcycling. Originally, these white stripes were meant to provide some sort of reinforcement to tires’ sidewalls. However, as time went by, it turned out that whitewall motorcycle tires not only provide reinforcement to the sidewalls but also give a classic appearance to motorcycles.
Today, there are a lot of stylish riders who can hardly do without these tires because of the vintage aesthetics and style they give to motorcycles. A tire with white sidewall also enhances visibility in low-light conditions, hence, adding to its functions.
While it is a good thing for one to be interested in these special kinds of tires, you must also bear in mind that regular cleaning and maintenance is important to give the tire the best appearance all the time.
Below is a chart that summarizes the best white wall motorcycle tires:
| Product Name | Brand | Category | Get Yours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinko SR777 HD Whitewall Bias Rear Tire | Shinko | Best mid-range whitewall tire | RevZilla | Amazon |
| Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra Tires | Metzeler | Best for touring bikes | RevZilla | Amazon |
| Shinko 240 Classic White Wall Motorcycle Tires | Shinko | Best for both cruising and touring | RevZilla|MotoSport |
| Dunlop Harvey-Davidson D402 Whitewall Rear Tire | Dunlop | Best for both cruising and touring | RevZilla | Amazon |
| Dunlop American Elite Front Motorcycle Whitewall Tire | Dunlop | Best performance | RevZilla | Amazon |
Top 5 Best White Wall Motorcycle Tires to Consider Buying
Below is my top recommendation for any motorcyclist looking to purchase the best white wall motorcycle tires. Some of the things I considered before making my list include the performance of the tire, durability, and the value you get from it.
1. Shinko SR777 HD Whitewall Bias Rear Tire
From the name of the tire, you can easily tell that it was produced by Shinko Company. The company is regarded as one of the most reliable and trustworthy brands in the industry.
The SR777 HD white wall motorcycle tire was designed primarily for performance and mileage, at a mid-range price tag. The tread pattern of the tire ensures that it can provide excellent adhesion in wet weather.
Also, the reinforced construction of the tire ensures that it offers excellent resistance to wear and longevity, making it suitable for either cruising or touring. However, just as every other product, it has its pros and cons.
Pros
- The white sidewall adds to the aesthetics of motorcycles
- Made with high-quality materials for durability and resistance to wear
- It comes in different sizes to accommodate a range of motorcycles
- Superior traction on different types of road surfaces
- Provides good grip and handling
Cons
- While it’s not the most expensive on the market, it is not the cheapest.
2. Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra Tires
Buy on Moving away from Shinko, Metzeler is another good brand known for its quality products. The ME888 or Triple 8 tires offer very high mileage, performance, and long life. The tire comes in various sizes, making it suitable for different models of motorcycles. Although developed in Germany, these tires are made for American roads and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
The Triple 8 tires made my list of the best white wall motorcycle tires thanks to the advanced technology employed in delivering optimum performance and exceptional stability at low and high speeds, thus promoting smooth handling.
Other features of the tire include a deeper tread for increased tire life, specially designed for custom touring motorcycles, available in wide sidewalls, and it is tubeless.
Pros
- They are durable and have excellent grip
- Perfect for all weather
- Compatible with multiple motorcycle models
- The tires come in various sizes
- They come with wide whitewall for visibility
Cons
- A few customers talked about the price being a bit high but also said it was worth every penny spent on it.
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3. Shinko 240 Classic White Wall Motorcycle Tires (Front and Rear)
Buy on Yet again is another Shinko tire on my list. If you are interested in giving your bike an old school vibe, the Shinko 240 Classic will do that perfectly. This tire is made from premium materials that guarantee resistance to wear, durability, and high performance. If you want a blend of both vintage and modern construction, this is one of the best white wall motorcycle tires to consider.
The 240 Classic can be used in either front or rear location, optimized tread pattern for better grip and durability, H-rated tube type, comes in double or single white stripe, and it is compounded for high mileage.
Therefore, whether you are cruising along the streets in your city or embarking on a tour, this tire has standout features you will ever desire.
Pros
- The white design can be double or single, depending on your choice
- It is made from premium materials for durability and resistance to wear
- It offers solid traction on different road surfaces
- It can accommodate different motorcycle models and rim dimensions
- Suitable for cruising and touring
Cons
- Although the price is quite low, but may not be the cheapest.
4. Dunlop Harley-Davidson D402 Whitewall Rear Tire
Buy on You probably must have been wondering why a Dunlop tire hasn’t been mentioned on my top recommendation of the best white wall motorcycle tires. Of course, I included one on my list because Dunlop is a highly sought-after choice among motorcycle enthusiasts.
If you own a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, the D402 whitewall tire is a good option to consider. It is known for its classic design and reliable performance. Also, the white sidewalls are very wide, thus making it look distinctive and charming on any motorcycle.
Since Dunlop is a trusted brand in the tire industry, you shouldn’t expect anything less than the best from them in terms of quality of materials and durability.
Pros
- Made with high-quality materials
- Durable and resistant to wear
- Wide white sidewall
- Made in the U.S.
- Optimized tread pattern
Cons
- Not compatible with all motorcycle brands
- It is more expensive than most other whitewall tires. However, its value matches the price.
5. Dunlop American Elite Front Motorcycle Whitewall Tire
Buy on To complete my list of the top 5 best white wall motorcycle tires, I have included another one from Dunlop. The Dunlop American Elite tire is the only replacement motorcycle tire for Harley-Davidson bikes that is designed, tested, and made in the United States.
The quality of the material used for this tire ensures that it can stand the test of time.
If it intrigues you to see the “Made in the USA” logo on your tire, this American Elite motorcycle tire with white sidewall is what you should consider buying.
Pros
- Made with high-quality materials
- Suitable for daily and long journey rides
- The white stripe is very visible and unique
- Offers good traction on different road surfaces
- Made in the U.S.
Cons
- So far, there’s no downside except for the price which some riders may consider a bit pricey.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best White Wall Motorcycle Tires
When it comes to choosing the best white wall motorcycle tires, there are certain things to keep in mind. Since these tires offer different levels of performance and come in various sizes, you want to make sure the one you choose meets your specifications and preferences.
Below are the factors you should consider when shopping for the best white wall motorcycle tires:
1. The Size and Type of your Motorcycle
Just because a tire looks appealing to you doesn’t mean it must fit in your motorcycle. Knowing the right size of tire and whether or not it is compatible with your motorcycle model is important. Check the rim diameter, width, and aspect ratio to confirm it is perfect for your needs. An oversized or undersized tire could compromise safety and handling.
2. The Performance of the Tire
For riders who care about high performance, appearance shouldn’t be the only factor to consider when going for a white sidewall tire. Apart from the classic appearance, you should also consider things like durability, handling, and good adhesion in wet conditions.
The kind of terrain you will be using the tires on the most should be considered. While some tires are rugged and designed for any terrain, some are meant for not-so-rough terrains.
3. Your Budget
How much you are willing to spend is another thing to consider before shopping. Do you want a premium tire with superior performance or just an affordable tire that provides excellent value for money? The truth is, you don’t have to break the bank to buy quality whitewall tires. Just ensure that you strike a balance between quality and affordability to make it a win-win situation for you.
4. Who do you Buy From?
There are dozens of tire manufacturers available on the market. However, you should only go with manufacturers that have good reputations for the quality of tires they produce. You can confirm whether a manufacturer has a good reputation or not by reading customers’ reviews. That way, you can tell the level of satisfaction to expect from the product. You want to buy from a company that will give you a high level of assurance during rides.
Tips to Get the Best from Your White Wall Motorcycle Tires
For you to get the best from your whitewall motorcycle tires, you must be ready to put in some effort. These tires need proper installation and maintenance for optimum performance and longevity.
1. Proper Installation
There’s little to say about this because as a rider, you should already know the importance of proper installation. Stick to the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid compromising your safety.
2. Regular Inspection and Routine Maintenance
The essence of regular inspection is to check for any signs of wear, damage, or punctures. If you notice anything that needs repairs or replacement, do not hesitate to act accordingly. Also, make sure tire pressure is at the recommended gauge.
3. Cleaning
If you don’t clean your tires regularly, you are not going to enjoy the unique vibe that the white sidewalls add to your motorcycle. Always keep the white strip clean by washing with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the sidewalls.
4. Storage and Handling
Lastly, store your motorcycle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. If possible, use tire stands or supports to prevent flat spots and maintain tire shape during storage.
Michael’s Summary and Conclusion
While it is true that buying white wall motorcycle tires can bring a lot of vibes to your machine, you should also keep in mind there are factors to consider when shopping for tires. These factors will guide you in choosing the best white wall motorcycle tires that meet your specs.
Also, don’t forget that maintenance is key if you want the best from tires with white stripes.
 I've diligently categorized my motorcycle gear recommendations into all available categories, with the aim of providing you with a comprehensive analysis that showcases the absolute best options for all your needs. These items are the culmination of in-depth research, extensive testing, and personal use throughout my vast experience of 50+ years in the world of motorcycling. Besides being a passionate rider, I've held leadership positions and offered consultancy services to reputable companies in over 25 countries worldwide. To See Our Top Picks and the Best Prices & Places to Buy: Click Here! |
Information for this article was partially sourced and researched from the following authoritative government, educational, corporate, and non-profit organizations:
- Tires and Fuel Economy
- The Motorcycle Industry in New York State
- Dunlop’s Buffalo NY Tire Factory Celebrates 50 Years of Motorcycle Tire Design and Production
- History of White Wall Tyre
Ni/JO
