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Tires are among the most critical parts of your motorcycle since they’re in direct contact with the road. However, only a couple square inches come in contact with the road, but there’s still so much more than the tires have to handle.
Speeding, braking, bad weather, and different road surfaces are only a few of the things that can affect your overall experience. For this reason, you need the top sport touring motorcycle tires.
Sport touring models should be long-lasting while having a supreme grip. We’ve reviewed the best, so continue reading to discover all about their pros and cons.
10 Top Rated Sport Touring Motorcycle Tires Reviewed
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|
Pirelli  | Pirelli Key Features: For wet and dry weather, eco-friendly compound Rim Diameter: 17 inches | Check Price |
Metzeler  | Metzeler Key Features: Long-lasting, great water drainage Rim Diameter: 17 inches | Check Price |
Shinko  | Shinko Key Features: Long life, DOT approved Rim Diameter: 17 inches | Check Price |
Continental  | Continental Key Features: Reliable feedback in variable weather, long mileage Rim Diameter: 17 inches | Check Price |
Kenda  | Kenda Key Features: Stiff sidewall for better performance,for wet and dry conditions Rim Diameter: 19 inches | Check Price |
Bridgestone  | Bridgestone Key Features: Sporty and comfortable, bigger contact patch Rim Diameter: 17 inches | Check Price |
Duro  | Duro Key Features: Perfect for vintage bikes, DOT approved Rim Diameter: 16 inches | Check Price |
Dunlop  | Dunlop Key Features: Superior traction, long-lasting Rim Diameter: 17 inches | Check Price |
Heidenau  | Heidenau Key Features: Improved tread design, traction on and off-road Rim Diameter: 18 inches | Check Price |
Michelin  | Michelin Key Features: Shorter braking time, for wet and dry road Rim Diameter: 17 inches | Check Price |
Pirelli – Environmental Friendly
This is a set of front and rear tires, although each is available for separate purchase, depending on your needs. Nonetheless, it’s advised you get them both since they perform the best when used together.
Pirelli takes great pride in its environmentally friendly advanced compounds that’s not as toxic as actual rubber usually used in the industry. Plus, these have a functional and creative tread design along with the patented 0° steel belt radial structure.
Both models work equally as well in wet and dry conditions. This is ideal for commuters and people who often ride in different weather.
The design also provides extended mileage that’s always important for sport touring.
Both are W-rated for speeds of 168+ MPH.
PROS
- For wet and dry weather
- Long mileage
- Eco-friendly compound
CONS
- Some people received old tires
Metzeler – Tread Pattern
Metzeler Z8 Roadtec is made using the Multi Zone Tension technology and a new functional tread pattern. The updated tread profiles make these innovative tires an excellent choice for sport touring.
Its footprint area is now 8% wider than it was. This is achieved with the variation of steel belt tensions and a tread pattern that’s strategically placed to optimize pressure.
It’s made to deliver mileage along with optimal wet performance, so you no longer have to worry about the weather. Its performance remains the same in wet and dry conditions. The longitudinal central grooves help the water drain better when the road is wet, which allows more control and comfort in different weather.
Plus, the new patented tread design reduces the land-sea ration of the front tire to 11% and the rear one to 13%.
PROS
- Long-lasting
- For wet and dry weather
- Great water drainage
CONS
- Takes a while to warm up
Shinko – Long Life
These are also sold as a pair, although you can buy them separately. Much like other models, Shinko tires perform better when used together.
Shinko 009 Raven is specifically designed to deliver long life and impeccable performance. These high-performance radial are ideal for long mileage and people who often ride across long distances.
Another great thing about these is that they’re quite comfortable. They do take a while to warm up, but once they do, the tread compound grips onto the surface regardless of whether it’s wet or dry. Each tire is W-rated for speeds of 168+ MPH.
These are aramid-belted and DOT approved, which means they’re street legal everywhere in the United States of America.
It’s also important to note that the manufacturer claims it’s the highest tread life used on its sport performance radials.
PROS
- Long life
- DOT approved
- Comfortable and stable
CONS
- Longer warm-up time
Continental – Ideal for Dry & Wet Roads
Continental is a well-known name in the industry, offering a wide range of different tires made for all kinds of motorcycles. The ContiMotion Sport Touring tires are the best blend of performance and longevity.
They’re sold separately as well as in pair, but as always, the manufacturer advises that you use them together. The brand new concept radial construction is ideal for entry-level riders and people who don’t have as much experience.
They’re designed to deliver maximum feedback that’s reliable and comfortable on both dry and wet roads. This is ideal for commuters who live and ride in areas with variable weather.
Formulated polymers in the compound enhance the mileage, so the ContiMotion Sport Touring is bound to last you a long time. Plus, the 0° steel-belt construction on the back provides added comfort and stability.
PROS
- Reliable feedback in variable weather
- Long mileage
- Excellent comfort and stability
CONS
- They require a lot of breaking in
Kenda – Stiff Sidewall
Kenda K657 tire is available in quite a few sizes, depending on the particular bike you have. It’s a DOT approved product that’s also H-rated for speeds up to 130 MPH.
The 6-ply tube/tubeless carcass design is very responsive, which you’ll notice right away. It does require some breaking in, much like all tires, but that shouldn’t last too long. The unique design allows easier cornering and handling as a whole.
The tread is designed to resist tracking, helping all the rain and moisture to get out of the way. Another thing that’s important to mention is its stiff sidewall. It’s a small but critical thing that makes handling even easier.
It’s long-lasting and easy to mount on pretty much any sport tourer. However, as we mentioned, you should pair the front with its matching rear tire.
PROS
- Long-lasting
- Stiff sidewall for better performance
- Great for wet and dry conditions
CONS
- Buzzing sound on a smooth surface
Bridgestone – Contact Feel
Bridgestone Battlax Sport Touring T31 rear tire is among the best choices if you’re looking for enhanced contact and feedback. It performs equally as well on wet roads as it does on dry surfaces, so it’s quite versatile.
The innovative pattern design provides a safe feeling and enhanced comfort, even during long-distance trips. Its compound upgrades add that much more to the overall comfort, helping you feel more confident in different road and weather conditions.
One of the best things about it is its wet grip performance. It’s great to use in wet conditions and low temperatures thanks to the silica dispersion inside the rubber.
It has a bigger contact patch compared to other Bridgestone models, which is especially important for lean angles. Its dry handling is improved, allowing you to have more fun and freedom with how you ride.
PROS
- Sporty and comfortable
- For wet and dry weather
- Bigger contact patch
CONS
- Not as compatible with many tourers
Duro – Classic Vintage
Duro HF319 is specifically designed for vintage/classic bikes. It’s a combination of modern rubber compounds and unique construction that creates high-quality performance and durability.
It’s P-Rated for speeds up to 93 MPH and recommended to be used in pair with back/front tire. Also, when replacing the HF319, you should go for a new tube and rim strip as well.
Another thing worth noting is that this is a DOT approved tire, so it’s legal to use in all states in the USA. Its bias construction and 4-ply rating deliver smooth handling, balance, and stability. It’s a good choice for long mileage as well.
While it performs well in different weather, you should be careful when the road is wet. Plus, keep in mind that it takes some time to break in as well.
PROS
- Perfect for vintage bikes
- DOT approved
- Long-lasting
CONS
- Takes a while to break-in
Dunlop – Great Traction
Dunlop Roadsmart 2 is one of the best choices if you’re looking for tires to use in wet weather. You’ll notice its quick responsiveness and traction characteristics that stand out when the roads are wet.
It’s similar to the first-generation Roadsmart model, although its virtues are now enhanced and elevated. As a result, this new and improved model offers a higher level of performance, especially when it comes to long mileage.
You can buy both front and rear separately or as a pair, which is always better if you’re looking for top performance. The manufacturer still uses its popular cosecant-curve groove pattern for the front tire.
Both the shape and groove placement are designed to promote even wear, especially on the front one. The pattern is also stiffened to extend its overall life.
PROS
- Superior traction
- Even wear
- Long-lasting
CONS
- Takes some getting used to
Heidenau – Dual Sport
Heidenau K60 Dual Sport might be your best choice if you’re riding on off-road surfaces as much as on smooth pavements. It’s a dual-sport tire, offering top performance in different terrains.
K60 is great to use in variable weather as it performs well in wet and dry conditions. It offers sufficient traction and grip regardless of the weather or the kind of surface. On top of that, its long-lasting tread adds that much more to its traction and grip abilities.
The improved compound provides durability, so the K60 is a long-lasting tire. The compound also increases cornering performance and its overall stability in different weather, on and off-road.
It’s a highly compatible model as it fits a large number of adventure bikes. On top of that, the 50/50 design allows versatility and is an ideal choice for commuters and adventurists.
PROS
- Improved tread design
- Cornering stability
- Traction on and off-road
CONS
- A bit tricky to mount
Michelin – Dual Compound
With Michelin’s 2AT Technology, you’ll feel enhanced handling and comfort on straight stretches and curves. You’ll notice its improved performance regardless of whether or not your bike is loaded and you’re carrying a passenger.
Its revolutionary architecture adds even more to the overall comfort, providing firmness that’s always needed for long trips.
The tire also features the brand’s new XST+ sipe technology, boasting a 17% shorter braking time. This is especially useful for beginners and riders who don’t have as much experience.
It’s a good choice for both wet and dry weather conditions, which is ideal for commuters and people who ride in variable weather. It offers plenty of stability and safety regardless of the road conditions.
PROS
- Shorter braking time
- For wet and dry road
- Comfortable and stable
CONS
- A bit unstable on gravel
Understanding Motorcycle Tires
Motorcycle Tire Variety & Style
Race Tires
These are typically designed for circuit and track use. Some models are road legal, but you shouldn’t use them on public roads anyway. In most cases, you should use them to get to the track and not to ride around town.
Riding on public roads wouldn’t generate enough heat needed to achieve sufficient grip.
Commuter Tires
Commuter tires offer the best performance from cold. They have a great grip and feel on smooth pavements and highways.
These are designed to be used in traffic since they’re perfect for crossing different dangers you might encounter while riding around town.
Sports Tires
Sport tires are usually designed to deliver durability as they can handle rougher roads as well as smooth pavements. They’re the best for occasional track adventures.
Sports models offer superior handling and excellent grip, but don’t expect much mileage from them. They’re not the best when it comes to longevity.
Sports Touring Tires
These are made for riders who commute on a bike but also like riding long-distance quite often. Sports touring tires offer great handling and grip, and they also perform well from cold.
These are great for different temperatures, offering good mileage and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest brand?
Finding the cheapest brand is a bit tricky because most manufacturers offer plenty of different tires that range in price.
However, Duro is probably the most affordable name in the industry, although Kenda is quite close to it as well. Although these two brands make quality tires, you should always double-check the overall quality of products when looking for a cheap brand.
How to break in new sport touring motorcycle tire?
The first thing to remember is that you should take it easy when using new tires. All of them, regardless of the price, require breaking in, although the process takes more or less time in some cases.
Take it easy when trying new tires because they’re cold, and the treads are also cold. What you can do is find a parking lot to make slow turns on. Counter-lean your body for increased turn angle and do slow figure-8’s.
Don’t try to speed up the process, especially if the manufacturer pointed on the mileage it takes to break it in.
Conclusion
Sport touring motorcycles might be the most popular for their versatility. You can do so much with a sports tourer, but that’s only if it has the right set of tires.
As we pointed out already, it’s always better to have matching tires. Still, you can’t just use any – it should be a specifically made sport touring tire that matches your tourer.
Look for longevity, traction, and comfort before anything else, but make sure also to consider the road as well as the weather you ride in.
