Can I put a 180/60/16 on the rear of a 1500... I have a lead on a set of Dunlop Elite3 for a great price... send me a text so I know to come back for answers...317-319-9044
On a lot of bikes, the swingarm becomes the limiting factor for maximum tire width. Take a look at the size you have on there now and compare it to the 180. So if you have original sized tires, which are 150/80, you'd need 15mm [(180-150)/2] of additional clearance between the sidewall and the swingarm (on each side) to fit the 180/60. Of course, you need to ensure there's enough clearance everywhere else too. Without checking, my guess is there's not enough room. The wild card is that not all tire manufacturers tire size specs measure the same when actually installed. So if the width is close, the only way to know for sure if it'll fit is to mount the tire and see.
As far as height goes, the stock 150/80 gives a height of 120mm while the 180/60 gives a height of 102mm so you shouldn't have any trouble there.
I don't know of anyone who has gone to 180 without serious rear end modifications. Metzeler says stage 1 upsize is 160/80B16 75H TL, and stage 2 would need rear end modifications.