Motorcycle tires are the only parts that touch the road, so they shape how your bike handles, brakes, and rides in wet or dry conditions. Tires come in types like sport, touring, dual-sport, and off-road, each built for different grip, tread life, and riding speeds.
Choosing the right tire can make your ride safer and more fun. Focus on the tire type that matches how and where you ride, the compound and tread pattern for grip and longevity, and the correct size and load/speed ratings for your bike.
We tested and compared popular options to help you find the best tires for your needs.
Best Motorcycle Tires
Below is a short list of top motorcycle tires to help you find the right grip, comfort, and mileage for your bike. Pick the tire that matches your riding style and road conditions to get better handling and safety.
Pirelli Angel ST (120/70ZR17 & 180/55ZR17)
This set is a strong choice if you want confident handling and long wear for sport-touring rides.
Pros
- Stable, predictable feel in corners
- Good wet grip for its class
- Long-lasting tread life
Cons
- Slightly different feel from some OEM tires
- Break-in can take a short ride or two
- Not the cheapest option up front
I put these on my bike and noticed the front feels neutral and steady through turns. The rear grips well without feeling twitchy, so you can lean in and trust the contact patch.
Riding in light rain felt safer than older tires I had. The tread sheds water nicely and kept traction when I slowed for wet corners.
They lasted noticeably longer than past tires on my routes, and the wear looked even. Mounting and balancing was straightforward, but the feel did change a bit from the stock rubber until they settled in.
Pirelli Angel ST (120/70ZR17 & 160/60ZR17)
You should buy these if you want a confident, long-lasting sport-touring tire that grips well in dry and mixed conditions.
Pros
- Strong dry grip and stable feel in corners
- Long mileage for touring use
- Predictable handling on highways and twisty roads
Cons
- Initial feel can differ from OEM tires
- Wet performance is good but not exceptional like full rain tires
- Slight break-in time before peak grip
I fitted a set on my sport-touring bike and noticed an immediate step up in corner confidence. The front tracked cleanly and the rear felt planted when leaning in.
I liked how the bike felt stable at highway speeds. After a few rides the tires smoothed out and the feel evened up from the first few miles.
You can tell Pirelli tuned the compound for longer life without killing grip. Mileage so far looks promising compared with older tires I’ve run.
Riding in light wet patches felt safe but not alarmingly better than other sport-touring tires. Mounting and balancing went fine and the tires look sharp on the rim, which matters if you care how your bike looks.
Michelin Commander II Cruiser Tire
You should buy this tire if you want long tread life and solid wet-weather grip for your cruiser.
Pros
- Lasts a long time compared to many cruiser tires.
- Solid handling and stability at highway speeds.
- Reassuring grip in rain thanks to the tread design.
Cons
- Not as sporty in cornering as some newer tires.
- Bias construction may feel stiffer on smaller bikes.
- Older design compared to recent Michelin models.
I swapped my old rear for a Commander II and immediately noticed the extra miles I could get before thinking about replacement. It tracked straight on long runs and felt stable under load.
Riding through a wet patch, the new tread shed water and kept the bike feeling planted. I still took turns a bit slower than with sport tires, but that matched what I expected for a cruiser setup.
Mounting was straightforward and the tire stayed true after break-in. If you ride long miles and want dependable wear and wet traction, this is a strong, practical choice.
Kenda Kruz K673 (Rear)
You should consider this tire if you want a durable, all-weather cruiser rear that balances price and life expectancy.
Pros
- Long-lasting rubber that resists wear.
- Good wet groove pattern for occasional rain.
- Solid load capacity for heavy cruisers.
Cons
- Feels a bit stiff at first.
- Wet grip can feel slick on smooth concrete.
- Not as plush in corners as higher-end tires.
I put this tire on my cruiser and rode it for a few hundred miles around town and on the highway. It tracked straight and felt stable at speed, and I liked how it carried the bike without feeling squirmy under heavy loads.
Starting out the rubber felt stiff, so the bike felt firm through turns until the tire warmed and broke in. After that, cornering smoothed out, but I still noticed it wasn’t as grippy as a premium sport or touring tire in tight bends.
Rain performance surprised me for the price — the deep grooves channeled water and kept the rear planted in steady showers. On very smooth wet concrete it felt a touch slippery, so ease off the lean angle in damp spots.
Fitment was simple and balance was reasonable. I needed only small weights to get the wheel true.
If you want an affordable, hard-wearing cruiser rear that handles everyday riding and some bad weather, this is a sensible choice.
Dunlop D404 Rear (150/80B-16)
This tire is a solid choice if you want reliable wet traction and a comfortable ride for older cruisers and street bikes.
Pros
- Good wet grip and water evacuation
- Long mileage for a bias-ply cruiser tire
- Smooth, stable ride at cruising speeds
Cons
- Not the best for very aggressive cornering
- Shorter life if ridden hard every day
- Not recommended for Harley-Davidson models
I fitted this Dunlop D404 on my cruiser last month and noticed how the bike tracked straight and felt steady over highway stretches. Starting in light rain, the tread moved water well and I rode with more confidence than on older tires.
You’ll feel the comfort that comes from bias-ply construction. Bumps feel muted and the ride stays composed.
On twisty roads the tire grips fine for casual rides, but I could sense its limits when pushing hard through corners. Mounting was straightforward, though remember these are tube-type tires so you may need a tube depending on your wheel.
If you want a dependable, everyday cruiser tire that handles wet roads and adds comfort, this one works well.
Buying Guide
When you pick tires, match them to your riding style and bike type. Think about whether you ride mostly in the city, on the highway, or off-road.
Look at tire size first. Check your owner’s manual or the sidewall of your current tire.
Fit and load rating must match your bike. Consider tread pattern and rubber compound.
Tread affects wet grip and water evacuation. Softer compounds grip better but wear faster; harder compounds last longer.
Think about tire construction and profile. Radial and bias-ply feel different under braking and cornering.
The tire’s profile affects how your bike turns and steadies. Check speed and load ratings.
The speed rating must meet or exceed how fast you plan to ride. The load rating must support the bike plus you and any cargo.
Evaluate wet and dry performance separately. Some tires excel in dry grip but slip more when wet.
If you ride in rain, prioritize water evacuation and stable wet traction. Look for wear indicators and expected mileage.
Many tires list estimated tread life. Frequent aggressive riding shortens life.
Set a budget and compare value, not just price. Higher cost can mean better tech or longer life, but you still need the right fit for your bike.
Check user reviews and professional tests for real-world insights.
Use a simple checklist before buying:
- Confirm fit (size, load, speed)
- Match tread and compound to your riding
- Consider construction and profile
- Review wet vs dry performance
- Compare expected mileage and price
Frequently Asked Questions
This section gives clear answers about choosing, checking, and replacing motorcycle tires. You’ll find specifics on weather, wear signs, sizing effects, tire types, replacement intervals, and top brands.
What factors should I consider when choosing motorcycle tires for different weather conditions?
Check the tire’s tread pattern and compound. Deeper grooves and softer compounds help in wet and cold weather by moving water and keeping grip.
Look for tires labeled for rain or all-season use if you ride in mixed weather. Sport and track tires often use harder compounds that lose grip in cold or wet conditions.
Consider temperature range and typical road surface. If you ride off-road or on gravel, choose mixed-terrain or dual-sport tires with blockier tread.
How often should I replace the tires on my motorcycle for optimal performance?
Replace tires every 5–7 years even if tread looks okay, because rubber hardens with age. Check the manufacture date code on the sidewall (DOT number).
Replace sooner if you ride often or aggressively. High mileage or track use can mean replacement every 5,000–10,000 miles for the rear and 8,000–20,000 miles for the front depending on tire type.
What are the tell-tale signs that my motorcycle tires need to be changed?
Look for tread depth under 1/32 to 2/32 inch depending on local laws and tire type. Many tires have wear bars; when the tread meets them, replace the tire.
Find cracks, bulges, or cords showing through the rubber. Feel for vibration, wobble, or a sudden change in handling; those can signal internal damage.
How does tire width and profile affect the handling of my motorcycle?
Wider tires increase contact patch but can slow steering response. They give more straight-line grip but make quick turns harder.
Profile (aspect ratio) changes the tire’s curvature and contact shape. A rounder profile makes steering quicker; a flatter profile improves stability in corners.
What is the difference between radial and bias-ply tires for motorcycles?
Radial tires use steel belts running across the tire and give better heat management and stability at high speed. They usually offer more grip and longer tread life on sport and touring bikes.
Bias-ply tires have layered plies running diagonally and give a softer ride and predictable feedback. They suit cruiser and heavy-load bikes where comfort and sidewall strength matter.
Can you recommend the top tire brands known for their durability and grip on motorcycles?
Michelin makes long-lasting touring and sport tires with strong wet and dry grip. The Pilot Road and Power range are well-regarded.
Pirelli offers high-performance and sport-touring tires with excellent cornering grip. The Angel and Diablo series are popular.
Bridgestone balances durability and grip across touring and sport lines like Battlax.
Metzeler focuses on touring and cruiser tires with a smooth feel and long life.
Dunlop produces durable options for cruisers and sport riders, known for strong straight-line stability.
Continental offers competitive wet-weather performance and consistent grip.
