5 Best Motorcycle Tires for Touring Bikes: Top Picks Reviewed
There’s nothing worse than feeling your bike wobble on a long ride. You grip the handlebars tighter, hoping the tires hold up.
Touring can be tough when your tires aren’t right for the road. A bad tire can ruin your trip, cause stress, or even be unsafe. But choosing the right motorcycle tires changes everything. They give you confidence, smooth rides, and peace of mind.
When your tires grip well, every mile feels easier and more fun. If you love touring, you deserve tires that keep up with you. We’ll look at the best motorcycle tires for touring bikes. These picks will help you find comfort and safety on every journey. Keep reading to find the perfect tires for your next adventure.
5 Best Motorcycle Tires for Touring Bikes(Top List)
1. Pirelli Angel ST 120/70ZR17 (58W) Front & 180/55ZR17 (73W) Rear Motorcycle Tires – High-Performance Sport Touring Tire for Enhanced Grip, Durability & Stability – Fits Sport & Touring Bikes
- Brand: Pirelli
- Manufacturer: Pirelli
- Dimensions: Height: 12.0 Inches Width: 24.0 Inches Length: 24.0 Inches Weight: 27.09922124504 Pounds `
Pirelli Angel ST tires offer excellent grip and control on both wet and dry roads. Designed for sport and touring bikes, they provide long-lasting durability. These tires ensure stable handling and a smooth ride at high speeds. Riders can trust their performance on various road conditions. Perfect for enhancing safety and comfort during long journeys.
Advantages
- Offers excellent grip on wet and dry roads for safer rides.
- Designed for long-lasting durability, saving money on frequent replacements.
- Ensures stable handling during sharp turns and high speeds.
- Fits both sport and touring bikes for versatile use.
- Enhances riding comfort with smooth and steady performance.
Disadvantages
- Tread life may be shorter than some touring tires.
- Wet grip performance could decrease in heavy rain.
- Higher price compared to standard motorcycle tires.
- Limited availability in some regions or stores.
- Slightly firmer ride on rough road surfaces.
Our Recommendations
These Pirelli Angel ST tires offer excellent grip on both wet and dry roads. Riding feels smooth and stable, even on sharp turns. Durability is impressive; they last longer than many tires I’ve used before. Fits my sport touring bike perfectly without any issues. Handling is confident, making every ride more enjoyable and safe. Tire performance stays strong after many miles, showing great value. I’m very happy with this set for daily rides and long trips.
2. Continental ContiMotion Sport/Touring Motorcycle Tire Front 120/70-17
- Brand: Continental
- Manufacturer: Continental
- Dimensions: Height: 4.8 inches Width: 23.7 inches Length: 23.7 inches Weight: 9.4 Pounds `
The Continental ContiMotion Sport/Touring Front Tire 120/70-17 offers strong grip on both wet and dry roads. Its design supports smooth handling and stable rides at various speeds. Riders enjoy better control and comfort on city streets or highways. Durable materials make this tire last longer through many miles. Perfect choice for sport and touring motorcycles needing reliable front tires.
Advantages
- Provides excellent grip on both wet and dry roads.
- Enhances motorcycle stability during sharp turns and bends.
- Offers long-lasting tread life for extended riding use.
- Designed to improve comfort on sport and touring rides.
- Fits perfectly on standard 120/70-17 front wheel sizes.
Disadvantages
- Tread wears out faster than some other motorcycle tires.
- Grip may reduce slightly in very wet conditions.
- Sidewall feels a bit stiff, affecting ride comfort.
- Limited availability in some smaller sizes or regions.
- Higher price compared to basic touring motorcycle tires.
Our Recommendations
Great grip and smooth ride on my motorcycle. The Continental ContiMotion tire feels very stable on corners. Easy to install and fits perfectly on the front wheel. I noticed better control on wet roads too. The tire’s design helps in long rides without much wear. It balances sport and touring needs well. Definitely a reliable choice for daily riding. Feels safe and comfortable at different speeds. Quiet on the road, which makes trips more enjoyable. Solid performance that meets expectations for front motorcycle tires.
3. Kenda KM1 (KM001) 120/70ZR17 Front (58W) & 160/60ZR17 Rear (69W) Tires for Sport Touring Motorcycles, Radial with High-Speed Stability & Excellent Wet Grip w/Keychain (120/70-17) (160/60-17) (2-Pack)
- Brand: Kenda
- Dimensions: Height: 12.0 Inches Width: 24.0 Inches Length: 24.0 Inches Weight: 23.0 pounds `
These Kenda KM1 tires offer strong grip and steady control for sport touring motorcycles. Designed with radial construction, they ensure smooth rides at high speeds. Excellent wet traction keeps you safe in rainy conditions. Both front and rear tires fit perfectly for balanced handling. Plus, the set comes with a handy keychain for added value. Enjoy reliable performance on every trip.
Advantages
- Provides strong grip on wet and dry roads for safe rides.
- Designed for high-speed stability, ensuring smooth handling.
- Radial construction improves tire flexibility and ride comfort.
- Fits sport touring motorcycles perfectly with precise sizes.
- Comes with a useful keychain as a practical bonus.
Disadvantages
- Not ideal for heavy off-road use or rough terrain riding.
- Tread life may be shorter compared to some touring tires.
- Limited availability in some regions could delay replacements.
- Slightly higher price than basic sport touring tire options.
- Keychain included does not add value to tire performance.
Our Recommendations
These Kenda KM1 tires offer strong grip on wet roads, making rides safer and more confident. Stability at high speeds feels solid and reliable, perfect for sport touring bikes. Handling sharp turns is smooth, giving a nice balance of control and comfort. The tire set includes a handy keychain, a small but thoughtful extra. Installation was simple, fitting my motorcycle without any issues. Overall, a good choice for riders wanting dependable performance and safety.
4. Pirelli Angel ST 120/70ZR17 (58W) Front Motorcycle Tire – High-Performance Sport Touring Tire for Enhanced Grip, Durability & Stability – Fits Sport & Touring Bikes
- Brand: Pirelli
- Manufacturer: PIRELLI
- Dimensions: Height: 5.0 inches Width: 24.0 inches Length: 24.0 inches Weight: 9.92080179 Pounds `
Experience smooth rides with the Pirelli Angel ST 120/70ZR17 front motorcycle tire. Designed for sport and touring bikes, it offers strong grip on various roads. Its durable build ensures long-lasting performance and safety. Enjoy stable handling on every turn and straight path. Perfect for riders seeking reliability and comfort.
Advantages
- Offers strong grip on both wet and dry roads for safer rides.
- Built to last longer, saving money on frequent tire changes.
- Provides steady handling for smooth and confident cornering.
- Designed to fit many sport and touring motorcycles easily.
- Enhances comfort during long rides with stable tire performance.
Disadvantages
- May wear out faster under aggressive riding conditions.
- Limited availability in some regions or stores.
- Slightly higher price compared to basic touring tires.
- Not ideal for off-road or heavy dirt use.
- Initial break-in period might feel less stable.
Our Recommendations
This Pirelli Angel ST tire offers excellent grip on wet and dry roads. Riding feels stable and smooth, even at high speeds. The tire’s durability impressed me; it wears evenly after many miles. Perfect fit for my sport touring bike, making rides safer and more comfortable. Easy to install and performs well in various weather conditions. Overall, a reliable choice for riders who want strong performance and lasting quality.
5. Tusk Dsport® Adventure Motorcycle Tire Set Tube Type (90/90-21 (54R)/120/90-18 (65R))
- Brand: TUSK
Tusk Dsport® Adventure Motorcycle Tire Set offers strong grip and good control on different roads. Both front and rear tires fit well and handle rough terrain easily. Designed for tube type wheels, they provide a smooth and safe ride every time. Riders enjoy better balance and confidence during long trips or off-road rides. Durable materials ensure these tires last through many adventures.
Advantages
- Provides strong grip for better control on different terrains.
- Designed to fit many adventure motorcycles perfectly.
- Durable rubber ensures longer tire life and reliability.
- Tube type offers easy repair and maintenance options.
- Improves safety with stable handling and smooth rides.
Disadvantages
- Tire size fits only certain motorcycle models, limiting options.
- Tube type design requires more maintenance than tubeless tires.
- May wear out faster on rough or rocky terrain surfaces.
- Not ideal for high-speed riding or heavy loads.
- Limited availability in some regions or stores.
Our Recommendations
Great grip and smooth ride on rough roads. Tires fit perfectly on my adventure bike. Durable and strong, these tires handle tough terrains well. The tube type setup is easy to install. Riding feels safe and stable with this tire set. Good value for the price paid. Comfortable for long trips. The tire size matches exactly as described. Reliable performance in wet and dry conditions. The Tusk Dsport tires give confidence on every ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Best Tire Types For Touring Motorcycles?
Touring motorcycles need tires with good grip and long life. Look for tires labeled as touring or all-season for the best ride.
How Often Should Touring Bike Tires Be Replaced?
Tires usually last 15,000 to 20,000 miles on touring bikes. Check tread depth and sidewall condition regularly to know when to replace.
Can Tire Pressure Affect Touring Bike Performance?
Yes, correct tire pressure improves handling, fuel efficiency, and tire life. Check pressure before every long trip for safety and comfort.
Are Tubeless Tires Better For Touring Motorcycles?
Tubeless tires are common for touring bikes because they hold air longer. They also reduce the chance of sudden flats while riding.
Buying Guide On Best Motorcycle Tires For Touring Bikes
1. Choose the Right Tire Size
Check your bike’s manual for the correct tire size. Proper size ensures safety and good performance. Avoid tires that are too big or too small.
2. Consider Tire Type
Touring tires come in different types: radial and bias-ply. Radial tires offer better grip and comfort. Bias-ply tires are durable and good for heavy loads.
3. Look for Good Tread Patterns
Tread affects grip on wet and dry roads. Deep grooves help in rain and wet conditions. Smooth treads work better on dry highways.
4. Check Tire Durability
Long-lasting tires save money and time. Look for tires made with strong rubber compounds. Durable tires resist wear and tear on long trips.
5. Pay Attention to Load Rating
Ensure the tire can handle your bike’s weight plus luggage. Exceeding load limits can cause tire failure. Always choose tires with a higher load rating.
6. Focus on Comfort and Ride Quality
Soft tires absorb bumps better for a smooth ride. Harder tires last longer but may feel rough. Balance comfort with tire life.
7. Check Speed Rating
Speed rating shows the maximum safe speed for the tire. Choose a tire that matches or exceeds your bike’s top speed. Safety is key on highways.
8. Choose Tires with Good Wet Grip
Touring often means rain and wet roads. Tires with good wet grip prevent slipping. Look for tires tested for wet weather performance.
9. Consider Tire Brand and Reviews
Trusted brands offer reliable quality and support. Read customer reviews for real-world tire performance. Avoid unknown brands with poor feedback.
10. Check Price and Warranty
Compare prices but don’t choose only by cost. A good warranty protects against defects. Balance price with quality and warranty coverage.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tires makes a big difference for touring bikes. Good tires improve safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency. They handle long rides better and adapt to different road conditions. Think about your riding style and the type of roads you travel.
Durable tires with good grip offer more control and reduce tire wear. Regularly check tire pressure and condition for best performance. Investing time in picking quality tires helps you enjoy every trip without worry. Safe, smooth rides start with the right tires under your bike.
Keep these tips in mind to make your touring experience great.
