Ever felt like you’re wrestling a greased pig on a twisty road? That feeling might come from your motorcycle tires, especially if you’re touring! Choosing the right tires can be the difference between a smooth, enjoyable ride and a white-knuckle adventure. Touring bikes, built for long distances, need tires that can handle a lot.
Picking the wrong tires can cause problems. They could wear out too fast, make your bike unstable, or even cause a crash. You want tires that can grip the road in rain or shine, last a long time, and feel comfortable on long rides. Finding all of this in one tire can be tricky!
In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about motorcycle tires for touring bikes. You’ll learn about different types of tires, their features, and how to choose the best ones for your riding style and bike. Get ready to ride with confidence and enjoy every mile! Let’s dive in and explore the world of motorcycle tires!
Our Top 5 Motorcycle Tires For Touring Bikes Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Motorcycle Tires For Touring Bikes Detailed Reviews
1. Continental ContiMotion Sport/Touring Motorcycle Tire Front 120/70-17
Rating: 9.4/10
The Continental ContiMotion Sport/Touring Motorcycle Tire Front 120/70-17 is a new radial tire. It’s designed for riders who are new to the sport. This tire offers good performance and value. It provides a safe and dependable ride. You can use it on both dry and wet roads. This tire aims to give riders confidence and control.
What We Like:
- This tire offers safe handling on both dry and wet surfaces.
- The tire is made with special polymers. This makes it last longer.
- The 0° steel-belt design gives the rear tire excellent stability.
- Riders will enjoy a comfortable ride.
- It is a good value for the money.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some riders may prefer tires with even more grip for aggressive riding.
- The tire’s performance is focused on everyday use and touring.
Overall, the Continental ContiMotion is a smart choice for riders. It is great for those wanting a reliable and affordable tire.
2. Kenda KM1 (KM001) 120/70ZR17 Front (58W) & 180/55ZR17 Rear (73W) Tires for Sport Touring Motorcycles
Rating: 9.2/10
The Kenda KM1 tire set is made for sport-touring motorcycles. This set includes a front and rear tire. They are radial tires built for high-speed stability and good grip, even when it’s wet. You also get a free keychain! This tire set is designed for riders who want a smooth, reliable ride.
What We Like:
- Ideal for sport-touring motorcycles.
- The optimized design gives you good handling.
- The tread pattern is new and improves grip.
- The tire is strong because it has 4-ply construction.
- The rubber compound heats up fast for great performance.
What Could Be Improved:
- We don’t have any cons for this product.
The Kenda KM1 tire set is a solid choice for sport-touring riders. It provides great performance and safety features. This set should be considered if you need new tires!
3. Pirelli Angel ST Motorcycle Tire Set – High Performance
Rating: 9.1/10
The Pirelli Angel ST Motorcycle Tire Set is made for sport touring bikes. This set includes a front (120/70ZR-17 58W) and a rear (180/55ZR17 73W) tire. These tires are designed to give you a safe and fun ride. They are made to handle different road conditions and riding styles. The Angel ST tires help you ride with confidence and enjoyment.
What We Like:
- Excellent grip on dry roads. The tire’s special compound helps with this.
- Great safety in wet weather. The tires are made to handle rain and cold.
- Looks good and lasts a long time. The tread design is modern and durable.
- Stable and controlled ride. You’ll feel confident on the road.
- Clear lifespan indicators. You can easily see how much life is left in the tires.
- Works well with modern sport touring bikes. The tires are made for new bikes.
What Could Be Improved:
- May not be the best choice for extreme track riding.
The Pirelli Angel ST tires are a good choice for sport touring riders. They offer a mix of performance, safety, and durability. These tires are a great investment for your bike.
4. Dunlop American Elite AE2 130/60B-19 Front Tire
Rating: 9.5/10
The Dunlop American Elite AE2 130/60B-19 Front Tire is built for Harley Touring motorcycles. It is designed to handle the weight and power of these bikes. This tire is made for riders who want a smooth and reliable ride. It can handle long trips and different weather conditions.
What We Like:
- The tire has a special Cut-breaker construction. This makes the tire strong.
- Multi-Tread technology is used. This helps the tire last longer. You get good mileage without losing grip.
- The tread pattern is designed well. It helps the tire wear evenly and last longer.
- The tire’s compound formula is updated. This means it wears better and works well in the rain.
What Could Be Improved:
- We don’t have any cons for this product.
The Dunlop American Elite AE2 front tire is a great tire for Harley Touring motorcycles. It offers a good balance of durability, performance, and longevity.
5. Dunlop Harley Davidson D402 Front Tire (Single / MT90B-16)
Rating: 9.0/10
The Dunlop Harley-Davidson D402 Front Tire (Single / MT90B-16) is made for Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. This tire works well for touring. It is built to handle the demands of the road. Dunlop and Harley-Davidson® worked together to make this tire. It aims to give you a smooth and safe ride. This is the approved tire for Harley-Davidson® touring bikes.
What We Like:
- This tire was tested with Harley-Davidson® for top performance.
- It is the approved tire for Harley-Davidson® touring.
- The tire has a three-ply casing. This helps with stability.
- The tread design is computer-optimized. It helps with riding on wet roads and bridges.
- The tire is tubeless.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some riders might want more options for different riding styles.
The Dunlop Harley-Davidson D402 Front Tire is a solid choice for Harley-Davidson® touring riders. It provides a reliable and stable ride. It is built to handle long trips.
Touring Bike Tire Buying Guide: Hit the Open Road!
Are you ready to explore the world on your touring motorcycle? Great tires are super important for a safe and fun ride. This guide helps you choose the right ones for your adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When picking touring tires, think about what you need.
- Long Mileage: Touring tires should last a long time. Look for tires that promise many miles before wearing out.
- Wet Weather Grip: You might ride in the rain. Good tires have excellent grip on wet roads. This helps you stop and turn safely.
- Stability: Your bike needs to feel stable, especially when loaded with gear. Choose tires designed for carrying weight and handling well.
- Comfort: Long rides can be tiring. Some tires absorb bumps better, making your ride smoother.
- Load Capacity: Check the tire’s load index. This tells you how much weight the tire can safely carry.
- Speed Rating: This tells you the maximum speed the tire can handle. Match the tire’s speed rating to your bike’s capabilities.
Important Materials
What are touring tires made of? The materials matter!
- Rubber Compound: This is the main part of the tire. Different rubber mixtures affect grip, wear, and performance. Softer rubber grips better but wears faster. Harder rubber lasts longer but might not grip as well in the rain.
- Casing: This is the tire’s structure. It’s like the skeleton of the tire. It is usually made of layers of fabric. The casing helps the tire hold its shape and handle weight.
- Belt Plies: These are layers of steel belts that go around the tire. They add strength and stability.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make tires better or worse.
- Quality of Materials: Better rubber compounds, strong casings, and well-made belts mean a better tire.
- Tire Construction: How the tire is put together matters. Look for tires made with good manufacturing processes.
- Tread Pattern: The pattern on the tire affects grip and water evacuation. Deep grooves help push water away.
- Proper Inflation: Keeping your tires inflated to the correct pressure is key. Check your bike’s manual for the right pressure.
- Riding Style: How you ride affects tire wear. Aggressive riding wears tires faster.
- Road Conditions: Rough roads wear tires down more quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Touring tires are for long rides.
- Long Distance Riding: These tires are perfect for trips across states or countries.
- Riding with a Passenger and Luggage: Touring bikes often carry a lot of weight. Touring tires are made for this.
- Comfortable Handling: They give a stable and smooth ride, even on bumpy roads.
- All-Weather Performance: Many touring tires perform well in both wet and dry conditions.
- Everyday Commuting: You can use touring tires for daily rides too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I know what size tire to buy?
A: Check your motorcycle’s owner’s manual. It tells you the correct tire size for your bike.
Q: How often should I replace my touring tires?
A: It depends on how much you ride and how you ride. Check your tires regularly for wear. Replace them when the tread is worn or they are damaged.
Q: What is the difference between touring tires and sport tires?
A: Sport tires are made for quick turns and sporty riding. Touring tires are built for long miles and comfort.
Q: Can I use touring tires on a different type of motorcycle?
A: It depends. Make sure the tire size and load rating are correct for your bike. It is important that the tires are made for the type of riding you do.
Q: What is the best tire pressure for my touring tires?
A: Check your motorcycle’s owner’s manual or the tire sidewall. It tells you the recommended tire pressure.
Q: How do I check my tire tread depth?
A: Use a tread depth gauge. You can also use the wear bars on the tire. These bars show when the tire is worn.
Q: What should I do if I get a flat tire?
A: Stop riding safely. You can try to repair it with a plug kit. Or, you’ll need to get the tire replaced.
Q: Should I buy tires online or at a shop?
A: You can buy them either way. Shops can install the tires for you. Online stores often have lower prices.
Q: How do I store my touring tires?
A: Store them in a cool, dry place. Keep them away from sunlight and chemicals.
Q: Are there different types of touring tires?
A: Yes! Some are for wet weather. Some are for long life. Some are for a mix of conditions.
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!