Best Tires For Yamaha V Star 650: Compare Cruiser Tire Sizes

#1 · Best Overall

1. Bridgestone G702 Exedra

• Load Capacity: 908 lb
• Size: 170/80-15R
• Rim Size: 15 in

Best for: Touring rear with tube-type fit.

Why it ranks #1: Its listing explicitly names the 1998–2010 V-Star 650 Classic rear and specifies 170/80-15, tube type, and 908-pound load capacity.

A tube-type 170/80-15 rear specification makes this Bridgestone G702 Exedra a clearly identified touring option for the Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic, 1998–2010. Its stated focus on American-style touring motorcycles suits riders seeking a cruiser-oriented rear tire, while the unidirectional pattern is described for reliable performance on both dry and wet surfaces.

The 170/80-15 size and rear designation make this tire relevant to buyers matching that listed Classic application, while its tube-type construction is a key installation consideration. Bridgestone identifies the G702 as specifically constructed for American-style touring motorcycles, aligning its intended use with a touring cruiser rather than a general-purpose tire. Its unidirectional tread pattern is described as providing reliable performance on dry and wet surfaces, giving riders a concrete all-weather tread benefit without claiming additional handling or longevity characteristics.

Skip it if you need tubeless construction; the Kenda Cruiser K671 170/80H-15 is explicitly listed as tubeless.

This G702 suits a V-Star 650 Classic owner seeking a touring-oriented rear tire and a tread described for dry and wet riding. Its tube-type specification is the important boundary: choose it only for a compatible wheel setup.

Listed on Amazon as: 170/80-15 (77S) Tube Type Bridgestone G702 Exedra Touring Rear Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic 1998-2010

#2 · Best Front Match

2. Dunlop D404 Front

• Load Capacity: 677 lb
• Size: 130/90-16
• Rim Size: 16 in
• Weight: 18 lb

Best for: Wet-road front cruiser choice.

Why it ranks #2: Explicitly listed for the V-Star 650 Classic from 1998–2010, this 130/90-16 front tire also cites wet grip and straight-line stability.

An offset center groove gives this Dunlop D404 front tire a specific stability focus, helping the Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic track steadily in a straight line. Its 130/90-16 size is named for the 1998–2010 Classic, while water-evacuating tread patterns address wet-road grip for riders who want a cruiser-oriented front fit.

The bias-ply construction is specified to carry loads while supporting a smooth, comfortable ride, making it relevant to riders who value comfort as well as road feel. Dunlop pairs that construction with a tread compound intended to balance mileage and grip, so the tire's stated priorities cover both wear and traction. Front-specific water evacuation and wet-grip patterns add a rain-focused benefit; the listed 677-pound load capacity offers another concrete reference when assessing the tire for the motorcycle.

Skip it if you need a rear tire; this is a front-specific 130/90-16, while the Dunlop D404 Metric Cruiser Rear is listed as a rear tire.

Choose this front D404 if your V-Star 650 Classic falls within the listed 1998–2010 fit and you want bias-ply comfort with wet-road tread features. It is a front tire, so it does not replace a rear fitment.

Listed on Amazon as: 130/90-16 (67H) Dunlop D404 Front Motorcycle Tire Black Wall for Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic 1998-2010

#3 · Tubeless Rear Option

3. Kenda Cruiser K671 170/80

• Load Capacity: 487 kg
• Size: 170/80H-15
• Rim Size: 15 in
• Weight: 19.6 lb

Best for: Tubeless wet-road rear option.

Why it ranks #3: The 170/80H-15 size matches the other listed Classic rear size, and its 6-ply-rated tubeless construction may suit buyers seeking that setup.

Deep offset tread sipes give the Kenda Cruiser K671 a defined water-dispersion focus, supporting its stated wet-weather traction for cruiser riders. This 170/80H-15 rear tire is a tubeless, six-ply-rated option, and its H rating is stated for speeds belted up to 130 mph—details that shape both setup and intended use.

The tubeless construction means the tire is specified for a tubeless setup, while the six-ply rating and stiff sidewall target handling performance for sport, touring, and cruiser bikes. Deep offset sipes address water dispersion and wet traction, and the wide contact patch is described as supporting traction and increased mileage. Its 170/80H-15 size and 487 kg load capacity provide concrete specifications to consider when checking whether this rear tire matches the motorcycle and its operating requirements.

Skip it if you want the listed 170/80-15 V-Star Classic touring fit and a higher stated load capacity; the Bridgestone G702 Exedra lists 908 pounds.

This K671 fits buyers prioritizing a tubeless cruiser rear with wet-weather tread features, provided 170/80H-15 matches their wheel. Its listed load capacity is a relevant boundary for riders comparing load specifications.

Listed on Amazon as: Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire – 170/80H-15

#4

4. Dunlop D404 Metric Cruiser

• Load Capacity: 617 lb
• Size: 130/90-16
• Rim Size: 16 in
• Weight: 18 lb

Best for: Comfort-focused 130/90 rear.

Why it ranks #4: This rear tire is 130/90-16, but the listing does not identify a V Star 650 fit; verify rear-wheel size and approved fitment first.

Bias-ply construction gives the Dunlop D404 rear a comfort-and-load-carrying focus, while its tread compound is specified to balance mileage and grip. The 130/90-16 size and 617-pound capacity make this blackwall cruiser tire a concrete option to assess for a V-Star 650, with wet-road tread design adding another practical consideration.

Dunlop's water-evacuating tread pattern is intended to support wet grip, which gives the tire a stated benefit when roads are damp. Its bias-ply construction is described as carrying loads while delivering a smooth ride, linking the casing to comfort rather than just durability. The offset center groove is also said to provide straight-line stability. Together with the 130/90-16 size and 617-pound load capacity, these features give buyers specific handling, ride, and sizing details to weigh.

Skip it if you need the higher of those listed load capacities; the Shinko 777 H.D. 130/90-16 specifies 805 pounds.

The D404 suits a V-Star 650 rider whose rear fit is 130/90-16 and who values comfort, wet-road tread features, and mileage-grip balance. Its listed 617-pound load capacity is an important selection boundary.

Listed on Amazon as: Dunlop D404 Metric Cruiser Rear Tire – 130/90H-16/Blackwall

#5 · Heavy-Duty Rear

5. Shinko 777 Rear H.D.

• Load Capacity: 805 lb
• Size: 130/90-16
• Rim Size: 16 in
• Weight: 15.1 lb

Best for: Heavy-duty cruiser traction.

Why it ranks #5: Its reinforced heavy-duty carcass and 805-pound capacity stand out, but the 130/90-16 rear size requires careful fitment confirmation.

A reinforced heavy-duty carcass distinguishes this Shinko 777 rear tire, with the stated aim of providing a more stable ride. Its 130/90-16 size, 73H designation, and 805-pound load capacity give V-Star 650 riders specific figures to compare against their rear-wheel requirements before selecting this cruiser-focused option.

Shinko describes the 777 as a cruiser tire available in sizes for many V-twin and metric cruiser models, and its 130/90-16 specification supplies a concrete sizing reference. The H.D. version's reinforced carcass is intended to increase stability, while a rubber compound formulated for grip and comfort links the tire to both traction and ride feel. Functional siping and grooves address wet and dry traction during acceleration, braking, and cornering, making the tread design relevant across changing road conditions.

Skip it if you need a 170/80-15 rear size; the Kenda Cruiser K671 170/80H-15 offers that wider listed specification.

This Shinko suits cruiser riders whose required rear fit is 130/90-16 and who value reinforced construction, comfort, and wet-and-dry tread features. Its size is the essential boundary; match it to the motorcycle's specifications.

Listed on Amazon as: Shinko 87-4594 777 Rear H.D. Motorcycle Tire 130/90b-16 (73H) Black Wall

#6

6. Kenda Cruiser K671 130/90

• Load Capacity: 307 kg
• Size: 130/90H-16
• Rim Size: 16 in
• Weight: 15.2 lb

Best for: Tubeless 130/90 cruiser rear.

Why it ranks #6: This 130/90H-16 tire offers tubeless, 6-ply-rated construction, but its listing does not verify V Star 650 rear-wheel compatibility.

A wide contact patch is the Kenda Cruiser K671's stated route to traction and increased mileage, setting this 130/90H-16 tire apart for riders matching that rear size. Its tubeless, six-ply-rated construction and H speed rating—listed for speeds belted up to 130 mph—make setup and intended operating range central buying details.

Deep offset tread sipes are specified to disperse water and support wet-weather traction, giving this K671 a concrete rain-focused feature. Its stiff sidewall is intended to improve performance and handling, while six-ply-rated tubeless construction makes the tire's setup type explicit for cruiser, touring, and sport/street applications. The 130/90H-16 size and 307 kg load capacity are practical limits to compare with the motorcycle's requirements before installation.

Skip it if you need the higher listed load capacity; the Dunlop D404 Metric Cruiser Rear 130/90-16 specifies 617 pounds.

Consider this K671 if your V-Star 650 calls for 130/90H-16 and you want a tubeless tire with wet-weather tread features. Its stated 307 kg load capacity is a key boundary when matching the motorcycle's requirements.

Listed on Amazon as: Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire – 130/90H-16

#7

7. Michelin Commander III Touring

• Load Capacity: 1019 lb
• Size: 180/65B-16 (81H) Touring Rear
• Rim Size: 16 in
• Weight: 22 lb

Best for: Touring mileage and wet grip.

Why it ranks #7: It offers a 1,019-pound listed capacity and touring-focused wet grip, but its 180/65B-16 size differs from the explicit Classic rear size.

Enhanced wet grip paired with claimed exceptional longevity gives the Michelin Commander III Touring a clear touring-focused proposition for V-twin riders. Its 180/65B-16 (81H) rear specification is precise, so V-Star 650 owners should first compare that size with their required fitment instead of assuming this tire suits every model configuration.

Michelin positions the Commander III Touring for V-twin cruisers and touring bikes, with enhanced wet grip intended to support riding in damp conditions and exceptional longevity aimed at extending useful service. A highly dense, more rigid casing is described as helping deliver feedback and handling, connecting casing construction to the rider's sense of response. The listed 180/65B-16 size and 1,019-pound load capacity are practical reference points, but size remains a key compatibility boundary for a V-Star 650.

Skip it if you need a listed 170/80-15 rear size; the Bridgestone G702 Exedra Touring is specified for the V-Star 650 Classic in that size.

Choose this Commander III Touring if its 180/65B-16 size matches your V-Star 650 and wet grip, longevity, and casing feedback are priorities. Confirm the required rear specification before treating it as a fit.

Listed on Amazon as: MICHELIN Commander III Touring Rear Tire – 180/65B-16 (81H)

#8

8. Michelin Commander II Cruiser

• Load Capacity: 1000 lb
• Size: 180/65B-16 (81H)
• Rim Size: 16 in
• Weight: 21.5 lb

Best for: Longevity-focused cruiser rear.

Why it ranks #8: The 180/65B-16 size is not the listed V-Star 650 Classic rear size, and the product title does not establish a matching application.

Michelin's Commander II pairs a high-density, stiffer frame with a longevity focus, aiming to extend rear-tire service life without giving up stability and handling. The 180/65B-16 size and 81H designation identify this particular tire, so V-Star 650 owners should treat fitment as a specification to match rather than assume it suits every version.

Michelin says Amplified Density Technology increases responsiveness through a high-density, stiffer frame, connecting the construction to the stated stability and maneuverability benefit. The brand also cites commissioned third-party tests in which the Commander II rear lasted almost twice as long as its main competitors; that claim makes longevity a central reason to consider it. Its 180/65B-16 size is a crucial practical boundary, so compare the motorcycle's required rear size and wheel specifications before choosing this tire.

Skip it if you need a listed 170/80-15 rear size; the Bridgestone G702 Exedra Touring is identified in that size for the V-Star 650 Classic.

Consider this Commander II if longevity and a responsive, stable cruiser tire matter and its 180/65B-16 specification matches your wheel. The size is the deciding boundary for a V-Star 650 purchase, not the longevity claim.

Listed on Amazon as: Michelin Commander II Cruiser Bias Tire-180/65-16 81H