If you’re looking for the perfect motorcycle tires to take you on a tour, then you’re in the right place. Like any other vehicle, the right set of tires will make all the difference and can enhance your riding experience. Before you settle on a particular tire, it’s important to consider a few factors. Your tires need to be durable enough to withstand the long-distance journey that comes with touring, provide excellent grip and be compatible with your motorbike’s size and specifications.
Durability is an essential factor to consider when purchasing tires for touring. Tires that have a high load capacity and are resistant to wear will ensure that your motorcycle runs smoothly throughout the trip. The grip is another crucial factor that directly impacts your safety while on the road. With the uncertainty of weather conditions that come with touring, it's important to have tires that will provide reliable traction on both wet and dry surfaces.
Are you planning on cross-country riding or touring different corners of your city? Do you prioritize safety over speed or vice versa? Are you looking for tires that will offer more stability when riding on uneven surfaces? If you're still undecided on which touring tire is right for you, these are just some questions that might be running through your mind. Remember, choosing the right tires for your motorcycle is critical, and you can get started by researching the top-performing motorcycle tires for touring.
10 Best Motorcycle Tires For Touring
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This product is ideal for sport touring motorcycles that require high performance and a comfortable ride.
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The product is ideal for sport touring and rear tire applications, offering good grip, stability and durability on various surfaces.
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The product is ideal for sports and touring motorcycles, specifically for the front tire.
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Ideal for sport and touring motorcycles with a front tire size of 120/70-18.
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This tire is ideal for touring on a Honda GL1500 Gold Wing motorcycle with its reliable grip and stability.
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Ideal for sport and touring motorcycles, providing performance and stability on both wet and dry roads.
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The product is ideal for sports touring on the rear tire of a vehicle.
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Ideal for sport and touring motorcycles with a front wheel size of 110/90-18.
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This motorcycle tire is ideal for touring and fits specific Honda models from 1982-1983.
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This product is ideal for use as a rear tire on motorcycles with the size 150/80B-16 (71H) and black wall design.
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1. Continental Conti Motion Sport Touring Radial Rear Tire – 160/60zr-17/–
Looking for a high-performing radial tire that can handle any weather condition? Look no further than this outstanding all-around performance radial tire. With unmatched levels of wet and dry grip, this tire delivers exceptional performance in any weather.
Thanks to its newly formulated polymer compound and modern force-oriented tread pattern, this tire also offers long-lasting durability. Whether you're driving on the highway or navigating city streets, this tire is built to last.
In addition to its impressive performance and durability, this tire is designed to provide a comfortable ride. Its advanced construction helps to reduce road noise and vibrations, so you can enjoy a smooth and quiet ride.
2. Pirelli Sport Demon Sport Touring Rear Tire – 140/70-17
The front tire profile of this product has been specifically designed to enhance its handling capabilities. With its unique shape and design, this tire offers superior control and maneuverability, allowing the rider to take on even the toughest of turns with ease. Moreover, its central sine-wave groove feature ensures excellent water evacuation, making it highly effective in wet conditions. This ensures maximum safety and stability, even in challenging weather conditions. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a novice, this product is sure to provide you with the grip and control you need for an enjoyable and safe riding experience.
3. Bridgestone Battlax Bt-020 Sport/touring Front Motorcycle Tire 120/70-17
Looking for a tire that combines high performance and long-lasting durability? Look no further than the Sport Touring & Cruiser Radials. Designed with touring-oriented sport riders in mind, these tires offer a winning combination of solid performance and excellent mileage.
Whether you're cruising down the highway or pushing your bike to the limit on winding roads, these tires give you the grip and control you need to stay safe and in control. Thanks to their advanced radial construction, they offer superior handling and stability, even at high speeds and in challenging conditions.
But that's not all. These tires are also built to last. With their tough, durable construction and long-lasting materials, they offer exceptional mileage and can stand up to even the most demanding riding conditions. So if you're looking for a tire that can handle whatever the road throws your way, look no further than the Sport Touring & Cruiser Radials.
4. Bridgestone Battlax Bt-020 Sport/touring Front Motorcycle Tire 120/70-18
This line of Sport Touring and Cruiser Radials are the perfect choice for touring oriented sport riders who demand both solid performance and longevity from their tires. These tires are designed with a silica enriched compound, which provides exceptional grip and traction on both wet and dry surfaces. Riders can confidently tackle any road condition knowing that their tires will provide the necessary grip to handle any situation.
The Mono-spiral belt construction of the rear tires offers superior high-speed stability and shock absorption, ensuring riders can enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride. The letter code found on some tire size and rating columns is stamped on both the sidewall and tire label, making it easy for riders to identify the exact tire they need.
Each tire in this line is designed with specific compounds and constructions that are tailored to suit the weight, horsepower, and handling characteristics of the model for which it was created. This ensures that every rider can get the most out of their motorcycle, no matter what type of touring or cruising they enjoy.
In addition to the impressive performance characteristics, these Sport Touring and Cruiser Radials are also built to last. The combination of exceptional grip and longevity makes them an excellent value for riders who demand the best from their tires.
5. Bridgestone Exedra G702 Touring Rear Tire For Honda Gl1500 Gold Wing – 160/80-16
The tires listed below are the standard original equipment tires for a variety of vehicles. It is important to note that all tires listed are bias ply unless specifically marked as radial. Additionally, TL indicates that the tire is tubeless.
Please be aware that the use of the tire and other vehicle data and information provided through this webpage is restricted to individuals located within the United States of America and Canada. While the data is believed to be accurate, there is no warranty or guarantee regarding the quality or accuracy of the information presented.
To confirm the validity of any information provided, it is recommended that individuals consult with a tire professional, the vehicle placard (which can typically be found on an inside door panel or on the vehicle frame), and/or the vehicle owner's manual. By doing so, individuals can ensure that they are making informed decisions regarding their tires and overall vehicle safety.
6. Bridgestone Battlax Bt-45v Sport/touring Front Motorcycle Tire 110/80-18
The Battlax BT45 V-rated bias ply is a top-quality motorcycle tire that has been specifically designed to provide both high performance and long-lasting durability for sport bikes. With its advanced technology and superior construction, this tire delivers exceptional grip and handling, allowing riders to confidently navigate corners and curves with ease.
One of the key features of the Battlax BT45 V-rated bias ply is its V-rating, which indicates that it has been rigorously tested and approved for speeds of up to 149 mph. This makes it an ideal choice for riders who demand both speed and agility from their motorcycles.
In addition to its impressive performance capabilities, the Battlax BT45 V-rated bias ply is also designed to provide excellent mileage. Its durable construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of everyday use, making it a great choice for riders who want a tire that will last for the long haul.
7. Pirelli Sport Demon Sport Touring Rear Tire – 130/80-17
The front tire profile of this product has been specifically designed to enhance handling, offering an exceptional riding experience. Additionally, the central sine-wave groove ensures the efficient evacuation of water, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.
The rear tire profile features a multiple-radius design, enhancing the bike's stability and precision in all riding conditions. This innovative radial-like handling is achieved with bias-ply tires, providing a lighter and more responsive feel.
This tubeless tire is rated H for speeds up to 130 mph, V for speeds up to 149 mph and (V)-rated for speeds of 149+ mph. It is important to note that the use of this tire and any other vehicle data and information provided is limited to individuals located in the United States of America and Canada.
While the data presented is believed to be accurate, there is no warranty or guarantee made regarding the quality or accuracy of the information. It is recommended that all data be verified by a tire professional, the vehicle placard (typically located on an inside door panel or on frame), and/or the vehicle owner's manual.
8. Bridgestone Battlax Bt-45v Sport/touring Front Motorcycle Tire 110/90-18
The Battlax BT45 V-rated bias ply tire is the perfect choice for sport bike enthusiasts who demand both performance and longevity. This advanced tire boasts a Dual Tread Compound (DTC) in the rear, which provides superior stability from center and longer mileage compared to a single compound tire. The edges of the tire offer excellent grip and performance while cornering, ensuring a smooth and confident ride even in tight turns.
Designed with a larger crown radius, this tire offers exceptional stability and a longer lifespan than other models on the market. Whether you're cruising down the highway or pushing your bike to its limits on the track, the Battlax BT45 V-rated bias ply tire delivers the performance and reliability you need to take your riding experience to the next level.
With its cutting-edge technology and advanced features, this tire is the perfect choice for anyone who takes their sport bike seriously. So why settle for anything less? Upgrade to the Battlax BT45 V-rated bias ply tire today and experience the ultimate in performance and durability.
9. Dunlop Elite 3 Touring Motorcycle Tire – Gold Wing Compatible
Dunlop presents a comprehensive collection of high-mileage premium touring motorcycle tires that are ideal replacements for the 491 Elite II tires in corresponding sizes. These tires come with black sidewalls and are available in both bias and belted-bias constructions.
The Elite 3 motorcycle tire by Dunlop is designed with a motorcycle tire profile that mimics the shape of contemporary radial-construction motorcycle tires, delivering similar benefits. This bias-ply tire is an excellent choice for riders seeking superior handling and stability on the road.
Dunlop has increased the weight rating of the Elite 3 rear tire for the Honda GL1500 to 992 pounds, enhancing its load carrying capacity. This upgrade allows for greater versatility in carrying loads, making it a preferred choice for touring motorcycles.
Dunlop's Elite 3 bias and bias-belted motorcycle tires are designed to cater to a broad range of large-displacement touring motorcycles, as well as many of the most popular cruiser motorcycles available. These high-mileage tires are engineered to deliver outstanding performance and durability, making them a reliable choice for riders.
Additionally, Dunlop has introduced a new 90/90-21 size to its collection, which is highly suitable for custom applications. This new size further enhances the versatility of the Elite 3 motorcycle tire range, catering to a broader range of motorcycles on the market.
10. Dunlop D404 Rear Motorcycle Tire 150/80b-16 (71h) Black Wall
The Dunlop D404 tire is an excellent choice for a wide range of older bikes and cruisers. With its expanded size range, this tire provides a perfect fit for a variety of motorcycles. The tread compound is specifically designed to deliver an exceptional balance of mileage and grip, ensuring that you can ride with confidence on any surface.
Both the front and rear tread patterns are engineered to provide outstanding water evacuation and wet grip, ensuring that you stay in control, even in the rain. The bias-ply construction of the tire is designed to deliver excellent load-carrying capacity, making it ideal for carrying heavy loads. In addition, the construction provides a smooth ride, ensuring maximum comfort on long journeys.
The offset center groove of the Dunlop D404 tire offers excellent straight-line stability, providing you with a safe and smooth ride. This tire is tube type, which means that you will need to purchase a tube separately. It is important to note that the Dunlop D404 is not recommended for use on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Best Motorcycle Tires For Touring FAQs
Are there any specific types of motorcycle tires that perform better on long-distance trips?
Yes, there are specific types of motorcycle tires that are designed to perform better on long-distance trips. These tires are known as touring tires and are specifically designed to provide stability, comfort, and durability during long trips. Touring tires are made with a harder compound rubber that provides better wear resistance, which means they can last for thousands of miles without needing to be replaced. They also have a larger contact patch, which provides better traction and stability on the road.
Touring tires also have a unique tread pattern that helps to disperse water and prevent hydroplaning, which is particularly important during long trips in wet weather conditions. Additionally, touring tires are designed to provide a comfortable ride, with softer sidewalls that absorb the shock and vibration of the road.
Overall, if you're planning a long-distance trip on your motorcycle, it's a good idea to invest in a set of touring tires. These tires will provide you with the stability, comfort, and durability you need to make the most of your trip.
Are there any touring tires that perform well in both wet and dry conditions?
Yes, there are touring tires that perform well in both wet and dry conditions. Touring tires are designed to provide a comfortable ride and long tread life, but some models also excel in wet and dry grip.
One such example is the Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT. This tire features a unique tread pattern that evacuates water quickly, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and increasing wet grip. It also has a soft compound that provides excellent dry grip while still maintaining longevity.
Another option is the Bridgestone Battlax T31. This tire has a multi-compound construction that provides both wet and dry grip, as well as increased durability. It also has a unique tread pattern that enhances wet weather performance by channeling water away from the contact patch.
Ultimately, it's important to do your research and choose a tire that suits your specific needs and riding style. Consult with a trusted tire dealer or professional mechanic to help you make the best decision for your motorcycle.
Can certain motorcycle tires improve fuel efficiency on long rides?
Yes, certain types of motorcycle tires can improve fuel efficiency on long rides. Tires play a significant role in determining the fuel efficiency of a motorcycle. The type of tire you choose can affect the rolling resistance, which is the amount of energy required to keep the tire rolling. Lower rolling resistance tires require less energy to move and thus offer better fuel efficiency.
Some manufacturers offer specialized tires designed for efficient fuel consumption. These tires are designed with a harder rubber compound to reduce rolling resistance and increase fuel economy. They may also have a unique tread pattern that enhances traction while reducing rolling resistance.
It's important to note that while specialized tires may improve fuel efficiency, they may also sacrifice other performance characteristics such as grip and handling. It's essential to choose a tire that meets your specific needs and riding style.
In conclusion, choosing the right motorcycle tire can significantly affect fuel efficiency on long rides. Opting for a tire with low rolling resistance can improve fuel economy, but it's important to consider other factors such as grip and handling before making a final decision.
Do touring tires have different handling characteristics than sport or race tires?
Yes, touring tires have different handling characteristics than sport or race tires. Touring tires are designed for long-distance rides, offering a comfortable and smooth ride with good stability and durability. They have a harder rubber compound that provides longer tread life and better mileage compared to sport or race tires. Touring tires also have a less aggressive tread pattern that provides better traction in wet conditions and reduces road noise.
On the other hand, sport and race tires are designed for high-performance riding with excellent cornering and braking capabilities. They have a softer rubber compound that provides better grip and traction on dry surfaces, allowing for better handling and faster speeds. Sport and race tires also have a more aggressive tread pattern that provides better traction on dry surfaces but can be less effective on wet roads.
Therefore, the choice of tire depends on the type of riding and the conditions in which it will be used. Touring tires are ideal for long-distance rides and daily commuting, while sport and race tires are suitable for aggressive riding and track use.
How do I determine the correct tire size for my touring motorcycle?
Determining the correct tire size for your touring motorcycle is crucial for a safe and comfortable ride. To do so, you will need to refer to your motorcycle's owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to obtain the recommended tire size. The tire size is usually indicated on the sidewall of the tire and is expressed in metric measurements such as width, aspect ratio, and rim diameter.
When selecting a tire size, it's important to consider the type of riding you'll be doing, the weight capacity of the tire, and the recommended tire pressure. These factors will impact your motorcycle's handling, stability, and longevity of the tires.
It's also important to ensure that the tires you choose are compatible with your motorcycle's rims and are designed for touring or long-distance riding. Consult with a reputable tire dealer or mechanic to ensure that you have selected the correct tire size for your touring motorcycle and that they are properly installed and balanced. Remember, proper tire maintenance and selection can make a significant difference in your safety and enjoyment on the road.
How important is tread pattern when selecting touring tires?
Tread pattern is an important factor to consider when selecting touring tires. The pattern on the tire's surface determines how well the tire can handle different road conditions, including wet and dry surfaces. Touring tires typically have a tread pattern that is designed to provide good traction and stability on long-distance trips.
The tread pattern on a touring tire typically features large, deep grooves that help to channel water away from the tire's contact patch, providing better grip on wet roads. The pattern may also include sipes, which are small slits in the tread blocks that help to create more biting edges, increasing traction on slippery surfaces.
Additionally, the tread pattern can affect the tire's noise level and ride comfort. Tires with a more aggressive tread pattern may produce more road noise and provide a harsher ride, while those with a smoother pattern may offer a quieter and more comfortable ride.
Overall, it is important to consider the tread pattern when selecting touring tires to ensure that you get a tire that can handle the conditions you will be driving in while providing a comfortable ride.
How often should I replace my touring motorcycle tires for optimum performance and safety?
The longevity of touring motorcycle tires can vary depending on various factors such as the type of tire, the riding conditions, and the frequency of use. However, as a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to replace your touring motorcycle tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles or every two to three years, whichever comes first.
It is essential to keep an eye on the condition of your tires regularly. Check for any visible signs of wear, including cracks, bulges, or uneven wear patterns. Also, monitor the tire pressure regularly to ensure that it is at the recommended level for your motorcycle. Riding on worn-out tires can be dangerous, as it can lead to poor handling, reduced traction, and increased risk of a blowout.
In conclusion, replacing your touring motorcycle tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles or every two to three years is an excellent practice to ensure optimum performance and safety. However, it is essential to monitor the condition of your tires regularly and replace them as soon as you notice any signs of significant wear and tear.
What are the best motorcycle tires for touring on the highway?
For touring on the highway, it is important to have motorcycle tires that provide a smooth and stable ride, as well as excellent grip and durability. There are several options available in the market, but some of the best motorcycle tires for touring on the highway are:
1. Michelin Commander II: These tires are known for their long-lasting durability and excellent grip, which makes them ideal for touring on the highway.
2. Dunlop Roadsmart III: These tires offer a smooth and comfortable ride, and their dual-compound construction provides excellent grip and stability on wet and dry roads.
3. Bridgestone Battlax T31: These tires offer a great balance between grip, durability, and comfort. They have a high silica content which provides excellent wet weather performance.
4. Pirelli Angel GT II: These tires have a dual-compound construction that provides excellent grip and stability, and their unique tread design offers a smooth ride on the highway.
Overall, when selecting motorcycle tires for touring on the highway, it is important to consider factors such as durability, grip, stability, and comfort. It is also important to choose a tire that is specifically designed for touring and highway use.
What should I look for when choosing motorcycle tires for touring?
When choosing motorcycle tires for touring, there are a few important factors to consider. Firstly, you should consider the type of terrain you will be riding on. If you will be riding on mostly paved roads, then a touring tire with a high-mileage compound and good wet-weather performance would be ideal. On the other hand, if you will be riding on a mix of paved and unpaved roads, then a dual-sport tire with a more aggressive tread pattern would be a better option.
Secondly, you should consider the load capacity of the tire. Make sure the tire you choose can handle the weight of your motorcycle and any luggage you will be carrying.
Thirdly, consider the size of the tire. Make sure you choose a tire size that is compatible with your motorcycle and won't affect its handling or performance.
Lastly, consider the brand and reputation of the tire. Look for a reputable brand that is known for producing high-quality tires that are durable and reliable.
Overall, choosing the right motorcycle tire for touring requires careful consideration of the terrain, load capacity, size, and brand reputation. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you choose a tire that will provide optimal performance and safety on your tour.
Which brand produces the most durable and long-lasting touring tires?
There are several brands in the market that produce durable and long-lasting touring tires, but it's difficult to pinpoint one specific brand as the best. The durability and longevity of a tire depend on various factors such as driving style, road conditions, vehicle weight, and maintenance. However, some brands have gained a reputation for producing high-quality touring tires that offer excellent durability and longevity.
One such brand is Michelin. Their touring tires are known for their exceptional durability and long-lasting performance. They use advanced tire technologies and materials that help enhance tire life and provide excellent grip and handling on both wet and dry roads.
Another brand that produces durable and long-lasting touring tires is Continental. They have a range of touring tires that offer excellent mileage, grip, and comfort. Their tires feature innovative tread patterns and compounds that help improve wear resistance and reduce rolling resistance, resulting in increased fuel efficiency.
Other notable brands that produce durable and long-lasting touring tires include Bridgestone, Goodyear, and Pirelli. Ultimately, the choice of the best touring tire brand depends on various factors, including personal preference, driving needs, and budget.