Like most technology, motorcycle tires are constantly evolving to meet the needs of their customers, which is why we’ve put together this motorcycle tire buyer’s guide. The tricky part is that customers have so many needs. As the list of motorcycle types grows, so does the list of what the tires are expected to do. Sports tires need a firm grip but aren’t expected to hold up well during a cross-country trip. Travel tires need to be able to withstand heavy loads over long distances and perform well in the rain. Adventure tires must find the right balance between on-road and off-road performance.
Related: Tips for buying motorcycle tires (and 8 types of tires to try)
Besides the need for tires to perform well on different types of motorcycles, tire manufacturers must also take into account the different preferences and budgets of their customers. All things considered, there are plenty of tire options out there.
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Sports touring tires need to meet somewhere in between, providing sport-like performance as well as the life of a touring vehicle. They do not need to carry as much load as tourist tires, nor do they need to be as grippy as sports tires. However, they should be able to carry the driver on long journeys while also providing enough performance for the driver to hit the bends and get the most out of their touring sports cars.
For this motorcycle tire buyer’s guide, we’ve compiled a list of sports touring tires from 10 manufacturers to help you make an informed decision about which tire is best for you.
Many of the tires in this guide have a multi-compound construction, with stiffer midsections to prolong life and softer shoulder blades for better grip when leaning in corners. Another thing to keep in mind is wet weather performance. Rain gutters, or drains, are essential when it starts to pour in, but they sacrifice some of the ultimate grip when the road dries out. Another factor to consider is the speed rating of your tires. H-rated tires are approved for speeds up to 130 mph, V for up to 149 mph, W for up to 168 mph, Y for up to 186 mph, and Z/ZR for more than 149 mph.
Tire prices vary by size, and most of the tires in this motorcycle tire buyer’s guide come in multiple sizes. Instead of listing all prices for every size, we’ve listed the lowest MSRP in the range. Remember that you can often find deals for tires under the MSRP, so it’s a good idea to do a little research.
We hope this list helps you find the perfect touring sport tire for your bike. Enjoy the ride!
Rider’s Sport-Touring Motorcycle Tire Buyer’s Guide
Continental RoadAttack 4
These “hyper-touring” tires offer super-sporty grip, agile handling, wet/dry performance and high range for motorsport, sport touring and adventure touring. A new rubber compound provides faster warm-up times in cold and wet conditions, and an updated tread pattern provides a “slick” zone on the shoulders for optimal grip at high angles. The RoadAttack 4 tire combines Continental’s proprietary TractionSkin, RainGrip, MultiGrip, EasyHandling and GripLimit Feedback technologies. Most sizes are rated W and prices start at $293.95.
Bridgestone Battlax T32
These tires feature a tread pattern and rubber compound designed for continuous cycling, rain or shine. Pulse Groove technology absorbs water by combining pulse-shaped grooves with a deflector to balance the water flow. The silica-rich compound in the front tires helps to grip the road in wet conditions and at low temperatures, while the multi-layer compound in the rear tires provides a balance between performance and range. The 13% larger rear contact patch enhances cornering grip and improves steering feel. Most sizes are rated W and prices start at $201.95.
Shinko 011 Verge Radial
Designed for small to large displacement sportbikes and sport utility vehicles, these tires combine performance with longer mileage and reliable traction. The rear tire features Zero Degree Matchless Steel Strap technology for added stability and power, while the front tire is aramid belt for high-speed performance. The tires have a rounded profile for natural side-to-side transitions at high speeds, and the tread compound is engineered for reliable grip and extended tread life. Most sizes are rated W and prices start at $126.95.
Spirit of Avon ST
These high-performance touring sports tires include plenty of silica to ensure good traction in a variety of weather conditions. They feature Avon’s 3D Sipe technology that links three-dimensional points hidden in the grooves to improve stability by limiting tread curvature while allowing for faster warm-up times. The rear multi-compound improves life, while the softer, more grippy compound at the edges allows for enhanced grip in corners, making these tires an excellent choice for sport touring applications. Most sizes are rated W and prices start at $199.95.
Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart IV
These tires are the latest generation in the Roadsmart line with new tread patterns, textures, compounds and technology. The tire configuration has been changed to make steering 15% lighter when cornering. More durable treads and narrower tread grooves contribute to more even tire wear over the life of the tire. The tires also benefit from new technologies, including Hi Silica X, which increases the silica content for better flexibility, and the MT Multi-Tread layer on the rear tire for improved traction. They are ZR rated and prices start at $219.56.
Metzeler RoadTec Z8 . Interaction
These tires offer easy and predictable cornering thanks to a sport-touring configuration with the Greek Pi pattern and interactive multi-force technology, which uses the differential tension of the steel belt underneath the tread compound to deliver consistent performance. The high tension belt in the middle of the tire reduces compound motion and increases stability, thereby reducing wear. The low-tension belt allows for flexibility and energy absorption while providing greater grip when leaning. They are ZR rated and prices start at $194.95.
Michelin Road 6
Ideal for inclement weather, these tires provide 15% more grip in wet conditions than Michelin Road 5 tires thanks to an improved silica compound on the tread and a new tread pattern featuring Water Evergrip technology. They also offer 10% longer tread life than previous generations. The 2CT+ dual compound technology previously used only on tires is now applied to both tires and provides better stability when cornering, especially during strong acceleration or sharp braking. They are ZR rated and prices start at $262.95.
Angel Pirelli GT
This tire offers a sporty look in more driving conditions and for longer distances. They offer excellent wet-weather grip and confident handling, with performance that remains consistent throughout the tire’s life. The multi-radius contour design creates a uniform contact patch area and contributes to frequent wear for extended mileage. These dual compound tires feature a tread pattern that effectively drains water and provides good cornering grip and longevity. They are ZR rated and prices start at $205.55.
Heidenau K65
The K65s are unique on this list as they include size options that can fit everything from cruisers to touring bikes and even classic bikes, and they’re the only lined tires in this group. They have a rounded shape that offers neutral handling and the carcass is designed to provide a firm grip in corners while maintaining longevity and range. The rubber compound offers a solid balance of durability, grip and wet weather performance to further increase their versatility. They are rated H and prices start at $131.
Mitas . touring force
These tires are designed to meet your sporty touring needs no matter what driving conditions you encounter. They feature Multi Compound Tread technology for excellent mileage and cornering grip even at low temperatures, while high silica content and 3D patterned tread grooves ensure a solid grip on wet roads. Optimum Steel Strap technology provides great stability and smooth handling even under heavy loads, making these tires compatible with larger touring motorcycles. The tires are ZR rated and prices start at $159.60.
