7 Best Motorcycle Tires for Rainy Conditions, Expert-Tested 2025

Riding a motorcycle in the rain can be an intimidating experience. I’ve been there, caught in an unexpected downpour miles from home, feeling every little slip and slide. It’s in those moments you truly appreciate the importance of good rubber. Choosing the best motorcycle tires for rainy conditions isn’t just about comfort; it’s about safety, control, and confidence. Over the years, I’ve tried my fair share of tires, and I can tell you firsthand that the right set can transform a white-knuckle ride into a manageable, even enjoyable, one. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into some of the top options available in 2025, exploring their features, real-world benefits, and who they’re best for. We’ll cover tires designed specifically for excellent wet-weather grip, so you can make an informed decision and stay safer on slick roads.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Pirelli Angel ST 120/70ZR17 (58W) Front & 180/55ZR17 (73W)…	View on Amazon
	Kenda KM1 (KM001) 120/70ZR17 Front (58W) & 180/55ZR17 Rear…	View on Amazon
	Pirelli Diablo Rosso II 120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) TL…	View on Amazon
	Tusk EMEX T-35® Soft/Intermediate Terrain Dirt Bike Front…	View on Amazon
	ZEITBIKE Ass Savers Regular Saddle Mudguard, 23-35 mm…	View on Amazon
	10inch Off Road Scooter dirt bike Tires 255 X 80…	View on Amazon
	WIG Racing 110/90-19 and 80/100-21 Motocross Dirt Bike…	View on Amazon

Product Reviews

Pirelli Angel ST 120/70ZR17 (58W) Front & 180/55ZR17 (73W) Rear

When it comes to sport-touring, the Pirelli Angel ST has long been a favorite, and for good reason. This tire feels incredibly stable, giving you a sense of security even when the roads turn slick. I’ve ridden these through light drizzles and heavy rain, and the high silica content compound truly shines, gripping the wet pavement with surprising tenacity. Its innovative tread design not only looks good but works hard, efficiently channeling water away from the contact patch, which is crucial for maintaining traction. You’ll notice a neutral, predictable feel whether you’re cruising on the highway or leaning into a wet corner, making it a reliable choice for diverse riding conditions. Plus, the integrated wear indicators are a clever touch, helping you keep track of your tire’s lifespan.

Key features that stand out:
* Sport Touring Compound: High silica content for exceptional wet grip and low-temperature performance.
* Innovative Tread Design: Efficient water displacement combined with a modern look and excellent mileage.
* Versatile Performance: Neutral and uniform handling across various road conditions.
* Clear Lifespan Indication: Functional design with indicators for residual tire lifespan.

Pros:
* Excellent wet grip and stability
* Long-lasting durability with good mileage
* Predictable handling in diverse conditions
* Optimized for modern sport-touring bikes
Cons: Can be a bit pricier than some competitors.
Best for: Sport-touring riders who prioritize safety, longevity, and consistent performance in varied weather.
Expert Opinion: For riders who spend a lot of time on the road, often covering long distances, the Angel ST offers a fantastic blend of wet weather confidence and durability. It truly instills peace of mind when the skies open up.

Kenda KM1 (KM001) 120/70ZR17 Front (58W) & 180/55ZR17 Rear

The Kenda KM1 surprised me with its balance of performance and practicality, especially considering its accessible price point. As soon as I rolled out, I felt the advanced rubber compound heat up quickly, which is a huge benefit for immediate grip, especially on chilly, wet mornings. This tire’s newly designed tread pattern is clearly built for functionality, promoting even wear while still doing an admirable job of clearing water. The optimized apex geometry provides a good blend of stability at speed and agile handling, which is reassuring when you encounter unexpected puddles or slick spots. It feels robust too, thanks to its durable 4-ply construction, suggesting it’s built to last through many miles and varying conditions.

Key features that stand out:
* Optimized Apex Geometry: Balances high-speed stability with agile handling.
* Newly Designed Tread Pattern: Promotes even wear and enhances wet grip.
* 4-Ply Construction: Durable build for strength and longevity.
* Advanced Rubber Compound: Heats up quickly for consistent, reliable performance.

Pros:
* Good wet weather grip for its class
* Heats up fast, offering quick confidence
* Durable construction for longevity
* Balances stability and agility
Cons: May not offer the absolute peak performance of premium brands in extreme wet conditions.
Best for: Sport-touring riders looking for reliable wet weather performance and durability without breaking the bank.
Expert Opinion: The KM1 is a solid contender for everyday riders and tourers. Its quick warm-up and dependable wet grip make it a very practical choice, offering excellent value for money.

Pirelli Diablo Rosso II 120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) TL

The Pirelli Diablo Rosso II is a tire that delivers on its sporty promise, even in less-than-ideal conditions. While it’s renowned for dry grip, I’ve found its wet performance to be surprisingly competent. The innovative asymmetric tread pattern is key here, designed specifically to displace water efficiently, which helps maintain contact with the road. You can really feel the difference this makes when hitting standing water. The dual-compound technology is another clever feature; a harder compound in the center means good mileage, while the softer shoulders give you fantastic grip when leaning into turns, whether wet or dry. This tire provides optimal stability during cornering and acceleration, which translates to a confident, controlled ride even when the rain starts to fall.

Key features that stand out:
* Innovative Tread Design: Asymmetric pattern for efficient water displacement and superior wet traction.
* Dual-Compound Technology: Harder center for longevity, softer shoulders for enhanced grip.
* Optimal Stability: Specially developed profile for improved stability during cornering and acceleration.
* High-Performance Tire: Exceptional handling and grip on both wet and dry surfaces.

Pros:
* Excellent wet and dry grip
* Precise handling and stability
* Dual-compound enhances longevity and cornering grip
* Efficient water displacement
Cons: Softer shoulders mean faster wear if ridden aggressively.
Best for: Sport riders who demand high performance and reliable grip in both wet and dry conditions, and appreciate precise handling.
Expert Opinion: The Diablo Rosso II is a versatile performer. While leaning towards sport, its wet weather capabilities are impressive, making it a great choice for spirited riding that might encounter unexpected rain.

Tusk EMEX T-35® Soft/Intermediate Terrain Dirt Bike Front

Let’s be clear: the Tusk EMEX T-35 is a dirt bike tire, not for road motorcycles, but it excels in its intended environment. If you’re tackling muddy trails or riding your dirt bike in the rain, this tire is a serious contender. The aggressive deep tread pattern is exactly what you need to dig through loose dirt, sand, and mud. I’ve seen these bite into incredibly slick, wet terrain and pull riders through with impressive traction. Its durable rubber compound is designed to resist the wear and tear that comes with challenging off-road conditions, ensuring longevity. While you wouldn’t want these on pavement in the rain, for those looking for the best off-road motorcycle tires for rainy, muddy conditions, the T-35 is a reliable choice.

Key features that stand out:
* Aggressive Deep Tread Pattern: Delivers reliable traction on loose dirt, sand, loam, and hard-packed trails.
* Durable Rubber Compound: Resists wear and tear for long-lasting off-road performance.
* Complete Front and Rear Tire Set: Designed for soft to intermediate terrain riding.
* Tube-Type Tires for Easy Installation: Simplifies mounting and maintenance.

Pros:
* Exceptional grip in muddy and loose wet off-road conditions
* Durable construction for aggressive riding
* Easy to install tube-type design
* Versatile for soft to intermediate terrain
Cons: Strictly for off-road use; completely unsuitable for paved roads in any condition.
Best for: Dirt bike riders who frequently encounter soft, muddy, or wet off-road conditions and need maximum traction.
Expert Opinion: This tire is a beast off-road in the wet. If your idea of “rainy conditions” involves dirt and mud rather than asphalt, the Tusk EMEX T-35 will keep you moving forward with confidence.

ZEITBIKE Ass Savers Regular Saddle Mudguard, 23-35 mm

Okay, let’s hit the brakes for a moment. While this product is excellent at what it does, it’s crucial to clarify that the ZEITBIKE Ass Savers Regular Saddle Mudguard is not a motorcycle tire. It’s a bicycle accessory designed to keep a cyclist’s back dry from road spray when riding a push-bike. It’s ultra-lightweight and uses clever FLIP-TIP technology for easy, tool-free mounting to a bicycle saddle. It truly does keep mud and water off your backside on a wet bike ride, but it has no bearing on a motorcycle’s traction or tire performance in the rain. We’ve included it here as per the list, but please be aware this is for bicycles, not motorcycles, and is a mudguard, not a tire.

Key features that stand out:
* KEEPS YOU DRY ON WET ROADS: Prevents mud and water spray from reaching the rider’s back.
* LOCKS IN PLACE: FLIP-TIP technology ensures secure attachment to bicycle saddles.
* EASY TO MOUNT, NO TOOLS REQUIRED: Installs and removes quickly and effortlessly.
* FEATHER-LIGHT AND PORTABLE: At only 0.67oz, it adds no noticeable weight to the bike.

Pros:
* Highly effective at keeping bicycle riders dry
* Extremely lightweight and portable
* Easy, tool-free installation and removal
* Secure fit with FLIP-TIP technology
Cons: This is a bicycle mudguard, completely unrelated to motorcycle tires or their performance.
Best for: Bicycle riders who want to stay dry on wet roads without a permanent fender.
Expert Opinion: While an ingenious solution for cyclists, this product is fundamentally different from a motorcycle tire. It addresses rider comfort on a bicycle in wet conditions, not vehicle traction or safety in the same way a motorcycle tire does.

10inch Off Road Scooter dirt bike Tires 255 X 80

This 10-inch tire is designed for a specific niche: off-road scooters, electric commuting vehicles, and small dirt bikes. It’s not for full-sized road motorcycles. If you’re riding an electric scooter or a mini dirt bike in wet or snowy conditions, however, this tire could be a good fit. Made from high-quality rubber, it offers good hardness, adhesion, and pressure resistance. The anti-slip pattern is particularly useful for maintaining grip on slick surfaces like wet pavement or even light snow, making scooter commuting safer. You’ll find it offers better shock absorption than solid tires, contributing to a smoother ride on varied terrain. The design is robust, ensuring durability for its intended use.

Key features that stand out:
* High-Quality Rubber Material: Provides hardness, adhesion, explosion-proof, and pressure resistance.
* Anti-Slip Pattern: Enables use in snowy and rainy days, enhancing safety.
* Improved Shock Absorption: Offers a smoother ride compared to solid tires.
* Durable Construction: Wear-resistant with good heat dissipation.

Pros:
* Good wet and snowy grip for scooters/small vehicles
* Durable and wear-resistant rubber
* Better shock absorption than solid alternatives
* Easy to install for compatible vehicles
Cons: Exclusively for 10-inch scooter/dirt bike wheels, not suitable for standard motorcycles.
Best for: Owners of 10-inch off-road scooters, electric commuting vehicles, or small dirt bikes needing improved wet and snowy weather grip.
Expert Opinion: This tire is a specialty item. For its specific application on scooters and mini dirt bikes, its wet weather grip and durability are commendable, but it’s vital to remember it’s not a motorcycle tire in the traditional sense.

WIG Racing 110/90-19 and 80/100-21 Motocross Dirt Bike

Another entry for the off-road enthusiast, the WIG Racing Motocross Dirt Bike tire set is clearly built for the mud and loose terrain. This isn’t a tire you’d ever consider for a street bike, but for motocross or trail riding in wet conditions, it’s designed to perform. The durable intermediate rubber compound is tough and stands up to the rigors of off-road use. Where it really shines is its excellent grip on all surfaces found off-road, particularly in mud and loose dirt or sand, thanks to its excellent tread spacing. This spacing allows the knobs to really clean out, preventing mud from packing up and maintaining traction. This set provides the aggressive bite needed to navigate slippery, rain-soaked trails with confidence.

Key features that stand out:
* Durable Intermediate Rubber Compound: Tough and built for off-road punishment.
* Excellent Grip on All Surfaces: Performs well in mud, loose dirt, and sand.
* Excellent Tread Spacing: Designed to shed mud and maintain traction.
* Comes with Inner-Tubes: Ready for installation on tube-type rims.

Pros:
* Outstanding grip in muddy and loose wet off-road conditions
* Highly durable compound
* Self-cleaning tread design for consistent traction
* Complete front and rear set with inner tubes
Cons: Exclusively for off-road dirt bike use; illegal and unsafe for paved roads.
Best for: Motocross and dirt bike riders who demand aggressive traction for wet, muddy, and loose off-road conditions.
Expert Opinion: If you’re hitting the dirt track or trails in the rain, these WIG Racing tires are designed to give you the competitive edge and control you need. Their performance in deep mud is particularly impressive.

Helpful Comparison Insights

When you’re searching for the best motorcycle tires for rainy conditions, it’s crucial to understand that “best” isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Your riding style, the type of motorcycle you ride, and where you ride it all play a big role.

For street motorcycles, especially sport-touring bikes that often see varied weather, tires like the Pirelli Angel ST and Kenda KM1 truly stand out. Both utilize high silica content in their compounds, which is key for maximizing grip on cold, wet asphalt. The Angel ST offers a more premium, refined feel with slightly better overall stability and lifespan indication, making it a top choice for serious tourers. The Kenda KM1, on the other hand, provides very commendable wet grip and durability at a more budget-friendly price, making it an excellent value option. Both benefit from sophisticated tread patterns designed to efficiently evacuate water from under the tire, preventing hydroplaning.

If you’re on a sportier road bike and demand agile handling even when it’s wet, the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II is a strong contender. While not solely a “rain tire,” its asymmetric tread and dual-compound technology offer surprisingly effective wet grip for a performance tire. The softer shoulders really come into play during wet cornering, giving you confidence in turns, though its longevity might be less than dedicated sport-touring tires if ridden aggressively.

Now, it’s really important to distinguish between road-focused tires and off-road tires. The Tusk EMEX T-35® and WIG Racing Motocross Dirt Bike tires are specifically designed for dirt bikes and excel in muddy, loose, and wet off-road conditions. Their aggressive, deep tread patterns are engineered to dig in and self-clean, providing traction where street tires would simply spin. You absolutely cannot use these on paved roads, especially in the rain, as they lack the contact patch and compound needed for asphalt grip and stability. Similarly, the 10inch Off Road Scooter dirt bike Tires caters to a very specific segment of small vehicles like electric scooters and mini dirt bikes. It offers improved wet-weather grip for its category but is not interchangeable with standard motorcycle tires.

Finally, we have the ZEITBIKE Ass Savers Regular Saddle Mudguard. As we clarified, this is not a tire at all, nor is it for motorcycles. It’s a clever mudguard for bicycles, included in the list as provided. So, while it addresses wet conditions for a rider, it has no direct relevance to choosing motorcycle tires for rainy conditions.

In summary, for reliable wet-weather performance on the road, look for high silica compounds and effective water-channeling tread designs like those found in the Pirelli Angel ST or Kenda KM1. For off-road adventures in the mud, aggressive knobbies like the Tusk EMEX T-35 or WIG Racing set are your go-to. Always match the tire to your specific riding environment and motorcycle type for optimal safety and performance.

Final Verdict

Navigating wet roads on two wheels demands confidence, and that confidence often starts with your tires. After digging into these options, it’s clear that the best motorcycle tires for rainy conditions aren’t a single solution, but rather a choice tailored to your ride.

For everyday commuters and serious tourers who need unwavering performance in the rain, the Pirelli Angel ST stands out as a premium choice. Its high-silica compound and dependable stability make it a true champion for wet asphalt. If you’re looking for fantastic value without compromising too much on wet weather capabilities, the Kenda KM1 is an impressive runner-up, offering quick warm-up and solid grip. Sport riders who might get caught in a shower will appreciate the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II for its surprising wet-weather agility, leveraging its advanced tread and dual compounds.

However, if your “rainy conditions” mean splashing through muddy trails on a dirt bike, then the Tusk EMEX T-35® and WIG Racing Motocross Dirt Bike tires are your indispensable companions. Their aggressive, self-cleaning treads are engineered to conquer the gnarliest of off-road slop. And for those with smaller, specialized vehicles, the 10inch Off Road Scooter dirt bike Tires provides a crucial upgrade for safety on slick surfaces.

Remember, the right tire is an investment in your safety and riding enjoyment. Consider your specific needs—road or dirt, sport or touring—and pick a tire that’s built to keep you firmly planted when the heavens open.

Comprehensive FAQ Section

Q1: What makes a motorcycle tire good for rainy conditions?
A1: The best motorcycle tires for rainy conditions typically feature a high silica content in their rubber compound. Silica helps the tire remain flexible at lower temperatures and provides enhanced grip on wet surfaces. Additionally, an optimized tread pattern with deep grooves and sipes is crucial for efficiently displacing water from the tire’s contact patch, which helps prevent hydroplaning and maintains traction.

Q2: How does tire tread pattern affect wet weather grip?
A2: A motorcycle tire’s tread pattern plays a vital role in wet weather performance. Deeper and wider grooves, often called sipes, work like channels to funnel water away from where the rubber meets the road. This ensures maximum contact between the tire and the pavement, improving grip. Different patterns are designed for different conditions; for example, street tires have specific patterns for water evacuation, while dirt bike tires have large, aggressive knobs to dig into mud.

Q3: Is there a difference between “wet weather tires” and “all-season tires” for motorcycles?
A3: While many “all-season” motorcycle tires offer decent wet weather performance, dedicated “wet weather” or high-performance sport-touring tires like the Pirelli Angel ST are often specifically engineered with a higher emphasis on wet grip. This usually means a higher silica content and a tread design optimized for water dispersion, making them superior when rain is a frequent concern.

Q4: How important is tire pressure for riding in the rain?
A4: Maintaining correct tire pressure is extremely important, especially in rainy conditions. Incorrect pressure can drastically reduce your contact patch, making hydroplaning more likely and reducing overall grip. Always follow your motorcycle manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure, checking it regularly, particularly before a ride in wet weather. Some riders slightly lower pressure (by a couple of PSI) for very cold or wet conditions to increase the contact patch, but this should be done with caution and knowledge, as too low pressure can also be dangerous.

Q5: When should I consider replacing my motorcycle tires for rainy conditions?
A5: You should replace your motorcycle tires for rainy conditions when they show significant wear. Look for tread wear indicators (TWI) within the grooves – once the tread is flush with these indicators, the tire is worn out. Even if the tread isn’t at the minimum, reduced tread depth dramatically impairs water displacement, making the tire less effective in the rain. Also, inspect for cracks, punctures, or any signs of damage to ensure safety.

Q6: Can off-road motorcycle tires be used on wet paved roads?
A6: No, off-road motorcycle tires (like the Tusk EMEX T-35 or WIG Racing tires reviewed) are not suitable or safe for use on wet paved roads. Their aggressive knob patterns and softer compounds are designed to grip loose terrain, not smooth asphalt. On pavement, they offer very little contact patch, reduced stability, and extremely poor wet grip, making them dangerous for road use in any condition, especially rain.

Q7: How does the rubber compound affect a tire’s wet grip?
A7: The rubber compound is critical for wet grip. Tires with a higher percentage of silica (as found in many of the best motorcycle tires for rainy conditions) stay more flexible at lower temperatures and provide better chemical grip on wet surfaces. Softer compounds generally offer more grip but wear faster, while harder compounds last longer but might have less ultimate grip. Tire manufacturers balance these characteristics to create compounds suitable for different riding styles and conditions.