The Top 5 Best Motorcycle Tires

September 1, 2023

How Long Do Motorcycle Tires Last?

The lifespan of motorcycle tires depends on a number of factors, including the type of tire, the riding conditions, and the maintenance schedule. In general, motorcycle tires should be replaced every 5 years, or sooner if they show signs of wear and tear.

Here are some of the factors that can affect the lifespan of motorcycle tires:

Type of tire: The type of tire can affect its lifespan. For example, sport tires tend to wear out faster than touring tires.
Riding conditions: The riding conditions can also affect the lifespan of motorcycle tires. For example, tires that are ridden in wet or cold weather will wear out faster than tires that are ridden in dry or warm weather.
Maintenance schedule: Regularly inspecting and maintaining your motorcycle tires can help extend their lifespan. This includes checking the tire pressure, inspecting the tread for wear and tear, and rotating the tires as needed.

Here are some of the signs that it's time to replace your motorcycle tires:

The tread is worn down to the wear bars. The wear bars are small raised ridges that are located on the bottom of the tire tread. When the tread is worn down to the wear bars, it is time to replace the tires.

Motorcycle tire wear bars

The tires are cracked or dry rotted. Cracks or dry rot in the tire sidewalls can indicate that the tires are no longer safe to ride on.
The tires are unevenly worn. Uneven wear can indicate that the tires are not properly inflated or that the suspension is not properly adjusted.
The tires have been damaged in an accident. If the tires have been damaged in an accident, they should be replaced even if they do not appear to be worn out.

It is important to replace your motorcycle tires when they are worn out or damaged. Worn out or damaged tires can be dangerous and can lead to a loss of control.

How To Read Motorcycle Tires?

Here are the things you need to know about reading motorcycle tires:

Size: The size of a motorcycle tire is denoted by a three-digit number followed by a letter. The first two digits are the width of the tire in millimeters. The third digit is the aspect ratio, which is the height of the tire as a percentage of its width. The letter is the rim diameter in inches. For example, a tire with the size 180/55 R17 has a width of 180 millimeters, an aspect ratio of 55%, and a rim diameter of 17 inches.

Motorcycle tire size

Load rating: The load rating is a number that indicates how much weight the tire can support. The load rating is followed by a letter that indicates the speed rating. For example, a tire with the load rating 51S can support a load of 510 pounds at a speed of 112 miles per hour.

Motorcycle tire load rating

Speed rating: The speed rating is a letter that indicates the maximum speed at which the tire can be safely operated. The speed ratings are as follows:

A: Up to 30 miles per hour
B: Up to 50 miles per hour
C: Up to 65 miles per hour
D: Up to 80 miles per hour
E: Up to 90 miles per hour
F: Up to 100 miles per hour
G: Up to 112 miles per hour
H: Up to 130 miles per hour
I: Up to 150 miles per hour
J: Up to 168 miles per hour
K: Up to 186 miles per hour
L: Up to 200 miles per hour
M: Up to 212 miles per hour
N: Up to 240 miles per hour
P: Up to 275 miles per hour
Q: Up to 290 miles per hour
R: Up to 300 miles per hour
S: Up to 186 miles per hour (for snow tires)
T: Up to 193 miles per hour (for snow tires)
U: Up to 200 miles per hour (for snow tires)
V: Up to 208 miles per hour (for snow tires)
W: Up to 217 miles per hour (for snow tires)
Y: Up to 230 miles per hour (for snow tires)

Construction: Motorcycle tires can be made from different materials, including bias ply, radial, and belted radial. Bias ply tires are the most common type of motorcycle tire. They are made from two layers of fabric that are laid at a bias angle to each other. Radial tires are more expensive than bias ply tires, but they offer better handling and performance. They are made from one layer of fabric that is laid radially around the tire. Belted radial tires are the most advanced type of motorcycle tire. They offer the best handling and performance, but they are also the most expensive.

Motorcycle tire construction

Tread pattern: The tread pattern of a motorcycle tire is designed to provide traction on a variety of surfaces. Some tread patterns are designed for wet weather, while others are designed for dry weather. Some tread patterns are also designed for off-road riding.

Motorcycle tire tread pattern

Date code: The date code of a motorcycle tire is located on the sidewall of the tire. It is a four-digit number that indicates the week and year the tire was manufactured. For example, the date code 1819 indicates that the tire was manufactured in the 18th week of 2019.

Motorcycle tire date code

It is important to know how to read motorcycle tires so that you can choose the right tires for your needs. You should also regularly inspect your tires for wear and tear and replace them when necessary.

When choosing motorcycle tires, it is important to consider the following factors:

Your riding style: If you do a lot of touring, you will need a different tire than if you are a track day enthusiast.
The type of motorcycle you have: Some tires are designed for specific types of motorcycles, such as cruisers or sportbikes.
The weather conditions you ride in: If you ride in wet or cold weather, you will need a different tire than if you only ride in dry conditions.
Your budget: Motorcycle tires can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars, so it is important to set a budget before you start shopping.

There are many great motorcycle tires on the market, so it really depends on your specific needs and riding style. Here are a few of the best motorcycle tires in different categories:

The Top 5 Best Motorcycle Tires

Best all-around motorcycle tire: Michelin Road 5

The Michelin Road 5 is a great all-around tire that is designed for sport touring motorcycles. It offers a good balance of performance, comfort, and durability. It is also known for its excellent wet weather performance.

Here are some of the features of the Michelin Road 5:

New XST Evo technology: This technology improves wet weather performance by increasing the number of grooves in the tire and by making the grooves wider.
Updated tread pattern: The tread pattern has been updated to improve grip and handling in both wet and dry conditions.
New compound: The compound has been updated to improve wear resistance and to provide a more comfortable ride.
3PMSF certification: The Michelin Road 5 has been certified by the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRACC) for snow-handling performance.

The Michelin Road 5 is a good choice for riders who want a tire that offers good performance in all conditions. It is also a good choice for riders who want a tire that will last for a long time.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Michelin Road 5:

Pros:

Excellent wet weather performance
Good grip and handling in both wet and dry conditions
Long tread life
Comfortable ride
3PMSF certification

Cons:

Can be a bit pricey
Not as aggressive as some sport tires

Overall, the Michelin Road 5 is a great all-around tire that is a good choice for most riders. It offers good performance, comfort, and durability, and it is also known for its excellent wet weather performance.

Best sport touring tire: Pirelli Angel GT II

The Pirelli Angel GT II is a sport touring tire that is designed for long-distance riding. It offers excellent performance in both wet and dry conditions, and it is also known for its comfortable ride.

Here are some of the features of the Pirelli Angel GT II:

New Smartech compound: This compound improves wet weather performance by increasing the grip of the tire on wet surfaces.
Updated tread pattern: The tread pattern has been updated to improve water evacuation and to provide more grip in wet conditions.
New carcass construction: The carcass construction has been updated to improve the handling of the tire and to reduce vibration.
3PMSF certification: The Pirelli Angel GT II has been certified by the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRACC) for snow-handling performance.

The Pirelli Angel GT II is a good choice for riders who want a tire that offers good performance in all conditions, especially wet. It is also a good choice for riders who want a tire that will last for a long time.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Pirelli Angel GT II:

Pros:

Excellent wet weather performance
Good grip and handling in both wet and dry conditions
Long tread life
Comfortable ride
3PMSF certification

Cons:

Can be a bit pricey
Not as aggressive as some sport tires

Overall, the Pirelli Angel GT II is a great sport touring tire that is a good choice for most riders. It offers good performance, comfort, and durability, and it is also known for its excellent wet weather performance.

Best sport motorcycle tires: Dunlop Q3+

The Dunlop Sportmax Q3+ is a hypersport tire that is designed for high-performance riding. It offers excellent grip and handling, and it is also known for its long tread life.

Here are some of the features of the Dunlop Sportmax Q3+:

Carbon Fiber Technology (CFT): The CFT sidewalls provide exceptional cornering performance and feel.
Intuitive Response Profile™ (IRP): The IRP technology in the rear tire allows greater latitude in line choice while cornering, plus amazingly linear steering.
Multi-Tread Technology: The Multi-Tread Technology uses a combination of different compounds to provide optimal grip and performance in a variety of conditions.
Wet Grip Technology: The Wet Grip Technology helps to improve wet weather performance by increasing the number of grooves in the tire.

The Dunlop Sportmax Q3+ is a good choice for riders who want a tire that offers the best possible performance on the track and on the street. It is also a good choice for riders who want a tire that will last for a long time.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Dunlop Sportmax Q3+:

Pros:

Excellent grip and handling
Long tread life
Good wet weather performance
Comfortable ride
3PMSF certification

Cons:

Can be a bit pricey
Not as aggressive as some sport tires

Overall, the Dunlop Sportmax Q3+ is a great hypersport tire that is a good choice for most riders. It offers excellent performance, comfort, and durability, and it is also known for its long tread life.

Best cruiser tire: Michelin Commander III

The Michelin Commander III is a cruiser tire that is designed for comfort and long life. It offers good traction and handling, and it is also known for its durability.

Here are some of the features of the Michelin Commander III:

Amplified Density Technology: a dense, ultra rigid tire casing delivers excellent feedback and handling.
Aramide tread plies: on the rear tire resist centrifugal growth, reduce weight and provide excellent stability.
Premium Touch™ Design: The patented sidewall design of the Michelin Commander III tires enhance the styling of V-Twin motorcycles.
3PMSF certification: The Michelin Commander III has been certified by the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRACC) for snow-handling performance.

The Michelin Commander III is a good choice for riders who want a tire that offers a comfortable ride and long life. It is also a good choice for riders who want a tire that will perform well in wet weather.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Michelin Commander III:

Pros:

Excellent wet weather performance
Good traction and handling
Long tread life
Comfortable ride
3PMSF certification

Cons:

Can be a bit pricey
Not as aggressive as some cruiser tires

Overall, the Michelin Commander III is a great cruiser tire that is a good choice for most riders. It offers good performance, comfort, and durability, and it is also known for its excellent wet weather performance.

Best off-road tire: Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR

The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR is an off-road tire that is designed for adventure touring motorcycles. It offers excellent traction and handling on a variety of terrain, and it is also known for its durability.

Here are some of the features of the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR:

SmartGRIP compound: This compound provides excellent grip on a variety of terrain, including wet and loose surfaces.
Rugged carcass: The carcass is designed to withstand the rigors of off-road riding.
Wide tread pattern: The tread pattern provides good traction in mud, sand, and gravel.
3PMSF certification: The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR has been certified by the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRACC) for snow-handling performance.

The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR is a good choice for riders who want a tire that offers excellent traction and handling on a variety of terrain. It is also a good choice for riders who want a tire that will last for a long time.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR:

Pros:

Excellent traction on a variety of terrain
Durable carcass
Wide tread pattern
3PMSF certification

Cons:

Can be a bit pricey
Not as good as some tires on pavement

Overall, the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR is a great off-road tire that is a good choice for most riders. It offers excellent performance, comfort, and durability, and it is also known for its excellent traction on a variety of terrain.