Best Motorcycle Tires: Enjoy Confident Traction and Handling
Safety first with these durable and reliable motorcycle tire choices.
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If you’re an avid rider, a total newbie, or a die-hard dirt biker, at some point you’re going to be in the market for a new set of motorcycle tires. It’s a little disconcerting to realize that those narrow strips of rubber are the only things keeping you in one piece while riding. You want to be able to ride with confidence, knowing that you’re on a set of rugged, durable, and dependable tires.
When it comes to choices for motorcycle tires, there’s no shortage of options, each promising to deliver the best and safest riding experience. In order to cut through the smoke, I’ve come up with a list of top picks that deserve your consideration.
Michelin Road 5 Tires
- Great multipurpose functionality
- Long lifespan
- Confident wet and dry traction
- Somewhat limited sizing
- A little pricey
Dunlop Q3 Plus Sportmax Tires
- Confident road grip in dry conditions
- Reasonably priced
- Short break-in period
- Short lifespan depending on riding style
- Poor wet weather traction
Shinko 705 Dual Sport Tires
- Great bang for your buck
- Lots of variety in sizing, including tube or tubeless
- Reliable performance on different terrain
- High demand causes dicey availability
- Somewhat underperforms on loose or gravelly surfaces
Summary List
Best Overall: Michelin Road 5 Tires
Best Sport: Dunlop Q3 Plus Sportmax Tires
Best ADV: Shinko 705 Dual-Sport Tires
Best Performance: Metzeler Cruisetec Tires
Best for Dirt: Bridgestone Battlecross X31 Tire
Best for Street: Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Tires
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
Learn moreOur Methodology
When deciding which motorcycle tires deserved to be on this list, I based my choices on several factors, including purpose, tread pattern, wet- and dry-weather traction ability, pricing, sizing, and speed rating. Preference was also given to well-established, long-standing brands with a solid reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable products. I also relied on expert reviews, consumer testimonials, and The Drive’s comprehensive research methodology.
Best Motorcycle Tires Reviews & Recommendations
Specs
- Brand: Michelin
- Sizes: 7 available
- Load index rating: 58-118
Pros
- Great multi-purpose functionality
- Long lifespan
- Confident wet and dry traction
Cons
- Somewhat limited sizing
- A little pricey
Specs
- Brand: Dunlop
- Sizes: 9 available
- Load index rating: 54-75
Pros
- Confident road grip in dry conditions
- Reasonably priced
- Short break-in period
Cons
- Short lifespan depending on riding style
- Poor wet weather traction
Specs
- Brand: Shinko
- Sizes: 11 available
- Load index rating: 54-70
Pros
- Great bang for your buck
- Lots of variety in sizing
- Reliable performance on different terrain
Cons
- High demand
- Underperforms on loose surfaces
Specs
- Brand: Metzeler
- Sizes: 30 available
- Load index rating: 54-77
Pros
- Plenty of size options
- Good wet weather performance
- Dual-rubber compound extends tire life
Cons
- Too many size choices
- Pricey
Specs
- Brand: Bridgestone
- Sizes: 6 available
- Load index rating: 51-64
Pros
- Handles broad range of terrain
- Increased biting edges for better handling
- Asymmetric rear tire provides enhanced cornering traction
Cons
- Limited sizes
- Model lacks a lot of real-life user data
Specs
- Brand: Pirelli
- Sizes: 13 available
- Load index rating: 58-75
Pros
- Excellent grip in both wet and dry conditions
- Large road contact
- Rated for speeds of more than 168 mph
Cons
- Sport-bike application
- Premium pricing
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a great all-around, durable, high-performance motorcycle tire that’s suitable for a wide variety of applications, my top choice overall has to be the Michelin Road 5 Tires. On the flip side, the Dunlop Q3+ is not just aggressive and race-ready, it’s also street-legal, making it a reliable sport choice that will feed your need for speed.
What to Consider When Buying Motorcycle Tires
The motorcycle world is as enticing and diverse as a candy store when you’ve just gotten your weekly allowance as a kid. It’s pretty small, however, compared to the choices of motorcycle tires available. There are many things to consider when it comes to choosing the best tire for your bike and riding style.
Motorcycle Tire Key Features
Size
When it comes to the ideal motorcycle tires, size matters. For optimum performance, be sure to pick a tire that’s the same size as the original tire for your specific bike. You may be tempted to go with a wider tire for better grip or cornering performance, but double check to be sure that you aren’t going to compromise safety.
Tread Pattern
Pattern is a huge factor. If you ride primarily in dry conditions or on a track, you’ll likely opt for something slick with fewer channels. If you want to ride around town or are a daily commuter who often gets caught in wet weather, you need a tread pattern that has more aggressive grooves and sipes that can efficiently clear water so you don’t lose traction. Obviously, off-road applications require an aggressive, knobby tire with a blocky and deep tread pattern that can chew up gravel and loose soil.
Single or Dual Compound
If a motorcycle tire is constructed from single-compound rubber, it will give you confident and superior grip at lean angles. A dual-compound tire features softer rubber on the sidewalls and is harder in the center. This decreases overall wear without sacrificing a lot of grippiness, which can be a good choice for a street tire, cruiser, or commuter.
Radial and Bias Ply
As with car tires, a motorcycle radial tire features steel belts that run at 90-degree angles to the tread’s centerline. They’re rigid and offer solid traction but tend to wear down quicker. Bias-ply tires incorporate nylon belts that run at 30- to 45-degree angles to the centerline. This is better for carrying heavier loads or having a softer ride.
Tube and Tubeless
Tube tires are traditional. They’re still common on vintage bikes and are a more affordable option. The newer tubeless tires run cooler. They might offer better performance and handling and tend to deflate slower than tube tires. They are pricier, though.
Pricing
You can get a decent commuter or street tire for less than $100. These are fine for daily driving on smooth, even roads and can offer between 3,000 and 5,000 miles before needing to be changed. The majority of good-quality motorcycle tires live in the $120-$250 price range. They provide reliable traction and responsive handling and can even be suitable for track days. If you’re looking for a top performer, superb grip, or good handling on tracks or off-road, expect to spend upwards of $250 per tire.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: How many miles do motorcycle tires typically last?
A: Motorcycle tires are going to need to be changed out much more frequently than car tires. Even the best-rated motorcycle tire might only last up to 25,000 miles. Most motorcycle tires will need to be changed out within 3,000-5,000 miles, depending on your driving style and road conditions.
Q: Which motorcycle tires wear out the fastest?
A: Typically, the rear tire will wear out faster than the front tire on your motorcycle. This is mainly due to the fact that more power is usually channeled through the rear tire. Wheel misalignment, incorrect tire pressure, aggressive driving, and several other factors can cause the front tire to wear more prematurely or even cause both tires to wear unevenly.
Q: How often should I check my motorcycle tire pressure?
A: Correct tire pressure is especially critical for safety when it comes to motorcycles. It can also dictate performance and tread life. I recommend checking your tire pressure and tire condition prior to every ride, just to be safe. Keep in mind that your specific bike may require a different tire pressure than the maximum pressure listed on the tire, so be sure to check your owner’s manual for correct pressure settings.
Q: Can winter storage damage my motorcycle tires?
A: Taking precautions can easily prevent tire damage during winter. Elevating your bike on its center stand using a jack or block of wood that prevents the tires from sitting on the ground and developing a damaging flat spot is very helpful. You can also move the motorcycle every few weeks to rotate the tires.
Q: Do I have to replace my motorcycle tires in pairs?
A: Not always. You should, however, use the same brand of tire on the front and rear and size replacement recommended for optimal performance. Motorcycle tire manufacturers design their tires to work in concert to produce the most reliable performance and responsive handling.
