Best Motorcycle Tires For Cruisers & Sport Bikes

Best motorcycle tires

(Last Updated: April, 2024)

What Changed?

  • Continental Motion Tire Set
  • Removed discontinued products
  • Adjusted pros and cons on Dunlop America Elite Rear Tire

Motorcycle tires are without a doubt one of the most important parts of your bike. They make contact with the ground, and provide you with grip, maneuverability and safety. A bad set of tires can do the opposite though! Just like with cars, some motorcycle tires are WAY better than others. 

When we test motorcycle tires, we look for things like grip, durability, price, and fit style. In this post, we're going to highlight some of the best choices for motorcycle tires currently on the market.

According to our tests, the best motorcycle tires are Pirelli Diablo Rosso III Tire SetThese top-tier racing tires provide incredible grip, efficiency, and overall quality.

In this article, we will provide you with information about some of the best tire products, along with some of their greatest advantages and flaws. You will be able to use this information to your advantage when you're looking to buy new motorcycle tires.

More About Pirelli Diablo Rosso III Tire Set

This set of tires by Pirelli are for riders who need extra grip and confidence around tight turns. They offer superior road handling, and next level durability across many different terrain types.

Pirelli tires are a go-to for all kinds of race bike, even including Harley Davidsons, and have a very high speed rating. Because of this, they're generally a go-tot for most competitive motorcycle racers. 

Pirelli bas been a brand known for manufacturing some of the best quality motorcycles for years. They have a reputation for making high quality and durable tires with Pirelli technology developed within the World Superbike Championship.

Whether you opt for this specific set of tires are not, Pirelli is a brand you can trust for sport bikes and cruisers alike.

>> Related Content: Best Motorcycle Lifts

Pros

  • They are built for both recreational and racing purposes.
  • Amazing grip on the road.
  • Built for any racing terrain.
  • High speed rating

Cons

  • They are softer than other tires, which isn't ideal for touring.

Shop Related Products

Michelin II

Michelin Commander II

Pirelli Angel ST

Pirelli Angel ST

Dunlop D402

Dunlop D402

Metzeler ME 888

Metzeler ME 888

More About The Continental Contimotion Tire Set

The Continental Motion Tire Set is a long lasting set of tires built with both stability and comfort in mind for their riders. Its formulated polymer compound will guarantee that the tires will uphold its level of durability through both dry conditions and wet roads. With these tires, you will be able to spend less time worrying about taking your motorcycle for a spin on more difficult terrain and more time getting to your destination or simply cruising for enjoyment.

Products from Continental have been proven to be a great value by those who have invested in their tires while also upholding their reputation for durability. Their tires can endure long distances and travel over many different terrains.

>> Related Content: Best Motorcycle Loading Ramps

Pros

  • Good deal for the price they are served for.
  • Fast shipping.
  • Amazing grip in any weather condition.

Cons

  • May need to be checked frequently in case its level of performance decreases.

Shop Related Products

Michelin II

Michelin Commander II

Pirelli Angel ST

Pirelli Angel ST

Dunlop D402

Dunlop D402

Metzeler ME 888

Metzeler ME 888

More About The Shinko 009 Raven 180/55ZR17 Motorcycle Tire

The Shinko 009 motorcycle tires were specifically designed to have a high level of durability and performance on the road. It is also built with comfort and strong road grip in both wet and dry roads for genuinely smooth riding.

This product is guaranteed to last for a long time and will provide you with the best qualities of a motorcycle tire so you will able to receive the best value for your money. The number of miles you will be able to travel while having these tires equipped will definitely make your purchase meaningful.

Pros

  • Exceptionally long life expectancy.
  • Great value for its price and the qualities provided.
  • Amazing traction.

Cons

  • Takes a fair amount of time for the tire to warm up.

Shop Related Products

Michelin II

Michelin Commander II

Pirelli Angel ST

Pirelli Angel ST

Dunlop D402

Dunlop D402

Metzeler ME 888

Metzeler ME 888

More About The Michelin Pilot Power 2CT 180/55-17 73W

This tire is specifically designed for use on both a race track and the open road. The 2CT is included with two-compound technology and will hold strong on even the wettest of roads.

If you are searching for high-quality racing tires, then this may be the brand for you. These tires will do an exceptional job of gripping and sticking to the road and will be perfect for whatever purpose you intend to use them for.

Pros

  • Comes with qualities such as dry grip, lean angle, handling and progressive acceleration.
  • Real MotoGP technology from a highly renowned tire brand.
  • Three separate areas of tread surface.

Cons

  • Can be a bit difficult to balance.

Shop Related Products

Michelin Commander II

Michelin Commander II

Pirelli Angel ST

Pirelli Angel ST

Dunlop D402

Dunlop D402

Metzeler ME 888

Metzeler ME 888

More About The Full Bore Super Bike F2 Tire Set

The Full Bore Super Bike F2 Tire Set are specially designed for any superbike you are able to handle. They provide an exceptional amount of handling so you will be able to remain safe while racing.

Superbikes were engineered for high performance and agility, and by using these tires you will be able to reap the benefits that the qualities of these tires have to offer. They will keep you safe through sharp corners and unexpected turns at every angle.

Pros

  • Superior traction.
  • Designed for modern day sport and superbikes.
  • Exceptionally long tire life.

Cons

  • Limited tread channels for wet environments.

Shop Related Products

Michelin Commander II

Michelin Commander II

Pirelli Angel ST

Pirelli Angel ST

Dunlop D402

Dunlop D402

Metzeler ME 888

Metzeler ME 888

More About The Bridgestone Excedra G850 Cruiser Rear Motorcycle Tire

The Bridgestone Excedra G850 is a motorcycle tire that provides a solid level of performance and an exceptionally high mileage for their use. The tires will be made to suit any model characteristics of your motorcycle.

These tires were specifically designed to meet the high demands of the modern day high-performance cruiser and will provide you with an exceptional amount of safety and mileage for a wonderful value.

Pros

  • High-speed stability and shock absorption.
  • Really good grip for both wet and dry conditions
  • Designed for any high speed cruisers.

Cons

  • Only a rear tire, not a set

Shop Related Products

Michelin Commander II

Michelin Commander II

Pirelli Angel ST

Pirelli Angel ST

Dunlop D402

Dunlop D402

Metzeler ME 888

Metzeler ME 888

More About The Dunlop America Elite Rear Tire

The Dunlop America Elite Rear Tire is a tire that provides exceptional mileage and is especially used for Harley Davidson motorcycles. No matter what level of mileage you achieve with these tires, they are able to maintain a strong level of durability.

Pros

  • Will withstand a large amount of distance.
  • Manufactured in the U.S.A
  • Amazing handling.

Cons

  • May not come in a suitable size

Shop Related Products

Michelin Commander II

Michelin Commander II

Pirelli Angel ST

Pirelli Angel ST

Dunlop D402

Dunlop D402

Metzeler ME 888

Metzeler ME 888

What to Consider When Buying Motorcycle Tires

Before setting out to buy motorcycle tires, you need to consider all the things you want your bike to do. This, in turn, will help you decide what tire you need to buy. There are several different categories of bikes that you can choose from and you need to select the proper tires to match them. The categories of bikes include street, dual sport, dirt, or cruiser.

Cruiser bikes

These bikes are designed for long distance rides. This means they will need thick tires that will not easily get worn out. Furthermore, the thread pattern for these bikes needs to provide a great amount of grip on the pavement. The best tires for cruiser bikes are known as bias-ply tires.

This type of tire is reinforced with plies which give it more stability against occasional rough road conditions. Another tire option to use for cruiser bikes is radial tires. These tires are often used instead of bias-ply because of the better traction that they provide. However, they do not last as long before wearing out, nor are they as comfortable to use.

Street Bikes

These are smaller and more streamlined bikes that combine the aspect of long distance riding and extreme speed into one bike. When considering which tires to purchase for a street bike, keep in mind that these tires will need to be sturdy and durable because not only will they be traveling long distances, but they will also often be traveling very quickly. Radial tires are usually the preferred option for this type of bike because of their increased stiffness that offers greater responsiveness.

Dual Sport Bikes

These types of bikes are made to cover all different types of terrain. The design of the bike allows it to work on not only the city streets but also dirt streets as well. It can become difficult to choose the right type of tire for this bike because it is very dependent on the driver.

The driver will need to assess which terrain they spend the most time riding on and select the tire depending on that. ADV tires are specifically for this type of bike because it has a ratio on how much it is meant to be used on each terrain. Using this ratio, bike drivers can select the specific ADV tire that matches the percentage of the time that they’ll be on that terrain.

Dirt Bikes

This bike is made specifically for off-road use, and even has dirt bike specific helmets. That is why it is important to remember that while it is okay to use them on the regular road sometimes, excessive use of the bike that way will wear and tear the tires. Most of the tires used for dirt bikes are radial tires because the rigid nature is essential for providing more traction.

Different Types Of Motorcycle Tires

Here are several of the best tires to choose from.

Michelin Commander II Front Tire

This tire is superior in handling wet conditions. The tires’ unique tread patterns allow it to clear water very quickly from the tire’s surface and grip the ground. The treads are also designed to avoid wearing unevenly and with dense carcass and sidewall. This makes handling and turning much easier on the driver.

Pirelli Diablo Rosso III Set

To start with, Pirelli is a company known for bringing to the table high-quality tires. However, what makes this great is the fact that this is a complete tire set, with both front and back tires included for one price.

Drivers will then be able to not only change their tires all at the same time but also get all their tires from the same manufacturer. These tires are designed to have higher agility, with great tire response to quick turns.

Dunlop Elliot 4

This tire is known for its multi-thread technology. This refers to the design of the tire where the center is equipped with construction that includes a rubber compound that is guaranteed to provide high mileage and a long tire lifespan. The tread pattern is designed to quickly and effectively clear away water in order to establish a tight grip on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible for a motorcycle tire to be repaired?

Yes and no. While it is quite possible to repair small punctures with a puncture kit, or a good quality tire sealant, any larger damages should not be repaired at home.

What should I look for in the tire that tells me it needs to be replaced?

Watch the mileage being put on the tire. You should know that most bike tires are meant to last you between 5000 and 12000 miles. Do make the effort to find out what the exact range is for the ones you have.

Furthermore, you should already have a basic knowledge of the endurance your tire has. You should also be performing visual inspections of your tires regularly. Lastly, check the tire’s age. Any tires that are 10 years or older need to be replaced. This is because the tire will inevitably start to reduce in quality and be less safe.

What size tube do I need to purchase?

If you currently own your own tubed wheel, your best option to find the size is to measure the diameter of your tube. Another option is to read the sidewall for tire size.

Is it possible to use a rear tire as a front tire?

To be frank, no. On most bikes, the front-rear motorcycle tires have different designs due to the different weights that are put on them as you ride your bike. The front tire is made to withstand the drag forces that are generating by applying the bike brakes, while the rear tire is made to withstand forces that are generated by it being attached to the wheel the motor drives.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when it comes to choosing the right tires for your motorcycle. Make sure you carefully examine your bike to identify its needs so you can properly equip it with the necessary tools to work effectively. Start with the best brands that we have picked out here and you’ll be on your way to choosing the best quality tires for your bike.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *