Ever feel like your motorcycle is gliding on ice, even on a sunny day? That scary feeling often comes down to one thing: your tires. Choosing the right tires for your street bike is super important. They are the only things connecting you and your bike to the road. Choosing the wrong ones can lead to a bumpy ride, poor handling, and even dangerous situations. It is important to get this right!
Picking motorcycle tires can be confusing. There are so many brands, sizes, and types! Trying to understand all the technical stuff can be a headache. You might wonder what the numbers on the side of the tire mean. You might also be unsure about the best tire for your riding style. Many riders face these problems, but don’t worry!
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about motorcycle tires for street bikes. We’ll explain the different types, sizes, and features. You will learn how to choose the perfect tires for your bike and riding style. We’ll also share tips on how to maintain your tires for a safe and enjoyable ride. So, let’s dive in and get you rolling safely!
Our Top 5 Motorcycle Tires For Street Bikes Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Motorcycle Tires For Street Bikes Detailed Reviews
1. Michelin Pilot Street 2 Front/Rear Tire (Sold Each) 90/90-14 52S Reinf Tl 26568
Rating: 9.2/10
The Michelin Pilot Street 2 tire is a great choice for scooters and smaller bikes. This tire is designed to provide excellent performance in various conditions. It is built to last and give you a safe and enjoyable ride. This tire is sold individually, so you can buy one for the front or rear. The size is 90/90-14 52S Reinf Tl 26568.
What We Like:
- Tremendous grip in the wet. The tire has special grooves to push water away. This helps you stay in control.
- Enhanced longevity. The tire is made to last longer. It uses special materials to handle different conditions.
- Optimized stability and agility. You can easily handle the tire in traffic. It is good in both wet and dry conditions. You will feel safe and confident.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description doesn’t mention any cons, so there is nothing to list here.
The Michelin Pilot Street 2 tire is a solid option for riders. It gives you great grip, long life, and good handling. This tire is worth considering for your scooter or small motorcycle.
2. Kenda KM1 (KM001) 120/70ZR17 Front (58W) & 180/55ZR17 Rear (73W) Tires for Sport Touring Motorcycles
Rating: 9.4/10
The Kenda KM1 tire set is built for sport-touring motorcycles. This set includes a 120/70ZR17 front tire and a 180/55ZR17 rear tire. These radial tires are designed for high-speed stability and great grip, even when it’s wet. The set also comes with a keychain! This tire set promises a smooth and safe ride for many motorcycle sizes.
What We Like:
- Ideal for sport-touring motorcycles.
- Offers high-speed stability.
- Provides excellent grip in wet conditions.
- Has a special tread pattern for even wear.
- Uses a 4-ply construction for strength.
- The rubber compound heats up quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The price may be a bit higher than some other options.
- Availability may be limited depending on your location.
The Kenda KM1 tires are a solid choice for sport-touring riders. They offer good performance and safety features.
3. Pirelli Angel ST Motorcycle Tire Set – High Performance
Rating: 9.4/10
The Pirelli Angel ST Motorcycle Tire Set is made for riders who love to tour! These tires are built to handle both highways and twisty roads. The set includes a front (120/70ZR-17 58W) and a rear (180/55ZR17 73W) tire. They are designed for modern sport touring bikes. These tires promise a safe, smooth, and long-lasting ride in many different conditions. They are made to keep you safe on the road.
What We Like:
- Excellent grip on dry and wet roads, thanks to the sport touring compound.
- The unique tread design looks good and lasts a long time.
- These tires work well in all kinds of road conditions and riding styles.
- You will have a stable and controlled ride.
- They are made to last a long time, so you get more value.
- The tires have clear indicators to show how much life is left.
- The tires are designed with safety in mind.
- They are made for the latest sport touring bikes.
What Could Be Improved:
- No Cons Found
The Pirelli Angel ST tires are a great choice for sport touring riders. They offer a good balance of performance, safety, and durability. You will be ready to go on your next adventure!
4. Pirelli Diablo Rosso III Motorcycle Tire Set: 110/70 ZR 17 M/C Front & 150/60 ZR 17 M/C TL Rear- High Performance
Rating: 8.7/10
The Pirelli Diablo Rosso III Motorcycle Tire Set is a top-notch choice for sport and street bike riders. This set includes a front and rear tire, sized 110/70 ZR 17 M/C and 150/60 ZR 17 M/C respectively. It is designed for high performance and durability. These tires aim to give you a safe and exciting ride.
What We Like:
- High-Performance Handling: These tires give you great control. You can handle your bike better on the road.
- Superior Grip: The Diablo Rosso III tires have a large footprint. This helps your bike grip the road tightly. You can corner at higher speeds.
- Exceptional Wet Performance: These tires work well when the road is wet. You will feel safe and in control.
- Advanced Bi-Compound Construction: Pirelli uses special technology. The tires have a soft side stripe. This helps with cornering.
- Developed with World Superbike Technology: These tires use technology from the World Superbike Championship. They are made with top-quality materials.
What Could Be Improved:
- The initial cost might be higher compared to some other tire options.
The Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tires offer an amazing riding experience. They are a great choice for riders who want performance and safety.
5. SunF 19×7-8 ATV UTV Quad Tire 19x7x8 Hardpack Race Sport 6 PR A021 – PAIR of 2
Rating: 9.4/10
The SunF A021 tire is built for ATV and UTV riders. This tire is a great choice for hard-packed surfaces. It is designed to give you a smooth ride. This review covers a pair of 19×7-8 tires designed to fit 8-inch rims. It’s perfect for riders who want a reliable tire for paved roads and trails.
What We Like:
- These tires work well on paved and hard-packed surfaces. You will have good control.
- The 6-ply construction makes the tires strong. They can handle tough terrain.
- The tires offer a wide range of sizes. You can find a size that fits your ATV.
- The tires are versatile. They are good for many types of riding.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description does not tell you the exact tire pressure.
- The tires are only for hard surfaces. They might not be good for mud or loose dirt.
The SunF A021 tires are a good option for riders. They offer a balance of performance and durability. If you ride on hard surfaces, these tires are worth a look.
Motorcycle Tires for Street Bikes: Your Guide to the Road
Choosing the right tires is super important for your street bike. They keep you safe and let you have fun. This guide helps you pick the perfect tires.
Key Features to Look For
You need to know what to look for.
- Tread Pattern: The pattern on your tire is key. Different patterns work best in different conditions.
- Sport tires: They have a grippy tread for great handling. They are good for fast riding and leaning into turns.
- Touring tires: These tires have a tread that lasts a long time. They work well for long rides on the highway.
- Sport-Touring tires: They are a mix of sport and touring tires. They are good for many different kinds of riding.
- Size: Make sure the tire size matches your bike. The bike’s manual tells you the right size.
- Load Index and Speed Rating: These numbers show how much weight the tire can carry. They also tell you the maximum speed the tire can handle. You must check these.
- Compound: The rubber compound affects how the tire grips the road. Softer compounds grip better but wear out faster. Harder compounds last longer but don’t grip as well.
Important Materials
Tires are made of tough stuff.
- Rubber: It’s the main part. Different types of rubber are used. This affects how the tire performs.
- Belts: These are layers inside the tire. They help the tire keep its shape and handle weight. Steel or nylon belts are common.
- Casing: This is the tire’s body. It’s made of fabric. It gives the tire its strength.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a tire good or bad.
- Quality of Rubber: Better rubber grips the road better. It also wears out slower.
- Manufacturing Process: Tires made with good techniques last longer. They also perform better.
- Storage: If tires are stored properly, they last longer. Keeping them out of direct sunlight is helpful.
- Riding Style: How you ride affects tire life. Aggressive riding wears tires out faster.
- Road Conditions: Rough roads can damage tires. Smooth roads help them last longer.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you ride.
- Sport Riders: They want tires with a lot of grip. They enjoy fast riding and leaning into turns.
- Touring Riders: They want tires that last a long time. They usually ride on highways.
- Commuters: They need tires that are good in all conditions. They ride to work daily.
- Weekend Riders: They enjoy a mix of riding styles. Sport-touring tires might be perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about motorcycle tires.
Q: How often should I check my tire pressure?
A: Check your tire pressure at least once a week. Do this when the tires are cold.
Q: How do I know when to replace my tires?
A: Check the tread wear indicators. These are small bars in the tire grooves. If the tread is even with the bars, change the tires. Also, look for cracks or damage.
Q: What’s the difference between radial and bias-ply tires?
A: Radial tires have plies that run at a 90-degree angle to the center. Bias-ply tires have plies that run at an angle. Radials usually handle better.
Q: Can I mix different brands of tires?
A: You can, but it’s usually best to use the same brand and model. This helps with handling.
Q: What does the date code on a tire mean?
A: The date code shows when the tire was made. It’s usually a four-digit number. The first two digits are the week. The last two digits are the year.
Q: How important is tire warm-up?
A: Very important! Tires need to warm up to grip properly. Ride gently for the first few miles.
Q: Can I use a different size tire than what’s recommended?
A: It’s not recommended. Using the wrong size can affect handling and safety. Always use the size your bike’s manual says.
Q: What should I do if I get a flat tire?
A: Pull over safely. Then, you can try to repair it if you have a kit. Otherwise, call for help. Don’t ride on a flat tire.
Q: How do I clean my motorcycle tires?
A: Use soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals. They can damage the rubber.
Q: Where can I buy motorcycle tires?
A: You can buy them at motorcycle shops, online retailers, and some auto parts stores.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Luigi Smith, the voice behind carrepairmag.com. As a passionate car enthusiast with years of hands-on experience in repairing and maintaining vehicles, I created this platform to share my knowledge and expertise. My goal is to empower car owners with practical advice, tips, and step-by-step guides to keep their vehicles running smoothly. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a beginner looking to learn, carrepairmag.com is your go-to source for all things car repair!