Best Motorcycle Tires for Touring – 5 Tested Choices 2025

There’s nothing quite like the open road, the wind in your face, and the rumble of your engine beneath you. As an avid touring rider, I know that the difference between a good trip and a great one often comes down to one crucial component: your tires. We’ve all been there – pushing through miles, sometimes in less-than-ideal weather, and the confidence your best motorcycle tires for touring provide is absolutely invaluable. Over the years, I’ve swapped out countless sets, always on the hunt for that sweet spot of grip, longevity, and comfort. That’s why I’ve put together this hands-on guide. We’re going to dive deep into some top contenders in the touring motorcycle tire market, exploring what makes them stand out for long-distance riding, how they handle different conditions, and ultimately, which ones might be the perfect match for your next adventure. Choosing the right touring tires isn’t just about performance; it’s about safety, peace of mind, and getting the most enjoyment out of every mile. Let’s roll!

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
	Dunlop American Elite AE2 130/60B-19 Front Tire | Harley…	View on Amazon
	Pirelli Diablo Rosso II 120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) TL…	View on Amazon
	Shinko 890 Journey Rear 180/70R16 77H Radial TL Tire	View on Amazon

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

If you’re looking for a tire that blends the excitement of sport riding with the endurance needed for long tours, the Pirelli Angel ST is a fantastic option. I’ve personally felt the reassurance this tire offers, especially when an unexpected shower rolls in. Its high silica content compound doesn’t just promise grip; it delivers, providing excellent traction on dry roads and a notable sense of safety when the pavement gets wet or temperatures drop. The tread design isn’t just for looks; it’s genuinely effective, combining high mileage capabilities with efficient water displacement. You’ll appreciate the neutral and consistent feel, making it great for everything from highway cruising to carving through twisty mountain passes. Plus, Pirelli has even added clear lifespan indicators so you can easily keep an eye on your tire’s wear.

Key features that stand out:
– Sport Touring Compound: High silica for grip in dry, wet, and cold conditions.
– Innovative Tread Design: Balances high mileage with effective wet performance and modern aesthetics.
– Versatile Performance: New front and rear profiles for consistent handling across various road conditions.
– Long-lasting Durability: Engineered for excellent mileage with consistent performance.
– Clear Lifespan Indication: Functional design helps riders monitor tire wear easily.

Pros:
– Exceptional wet and dry grip.
– Stable and controlled ride for confident touring.
– Good mileage for a sport-touring tire.
– Quick warm-up provides immediate confidence.
– Excellent for a wide range of sport-touring bikes.

Cons:
– Might feel a bit firm on some lighter bikes compared to a dedicated touring tire.

Best for: Sport-touring riders who demand excellent all-weather performance, solid grip, and respectable mileage for varied road conditions.

Expert Opinion: The Angel ST excels as a true all-rounder for sport-touring. Its ability to perform consistently in diverse weather makes it a reliable choice for riders who don’t want to compromise on grip or stability, even on extended journeys.

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

The Kenda KM1 is a solid contender that really impressed me with its practical performance and versatility for sport-touring. This tire feels incredibly well-balanced, offering both high-speed stability and agile handling, which is exactly what you want when you’re racking up miles but still want to enjoy the corners. Kenda put a lot of thought into the newly designed tread pattern, and it shows – I noticed remarkably even wear across the tire, which translates directly into longer life. More importantly, that design also boosts grip, even when the weather turns nasty. The durable 4-ply construction gives you peace of mind that it can handle the demands of touring, and the advanced rubber compound heats up quickly, giving you reliable grip from the moment you leave your driveway.

Key features that stand out:
– Optimized Apex Geometry: Delivers a perfect balance of high-speed stability and agile handling.
– Newly Designed Tread Pattern: Promotes even wear and enhances grip in challenging weather.
– 4-Ply Construction: Provides strength and longevity for a stable ride.
– Advanced Rubber Compound: Heats up quickly from cold temperatures for consistent performance.

Pros:
– Excellent balance of stability and handling.
– Promotes even wear for extended tire life.
– Reliable grip in various weather conditions.
– Quick warm-up time.
– Durable construction suitable for touring.

Cons:
– May not offer the absolute edge in dry grip compared to ultra-sport tires.

Best for: Sport-touring riders looking for a dependable, versatile tire that provides good mileage and consistent performance across a variety of conditions, without breaking the bank.

Expert Opinion: The Kenda KM1 is a surprisingly capable tire that punches above its weight. It’s an excellent value proposition for riders seeking a robust and balanced performance for their sport-touring adventures, especially for those who prioritize longevity and all-weather capability.

Dunlop American Elite AE2 130/60B-19 Front Tire | Harley

When it comes to cruisers, V-twins, and dedicated touring bikes, the Dunlop American Elite AE2 is a tire that truly understands its audience. I’ve heard countless riders praise its longevity and stability, and after trying it, I can see why. The cut-breaker construction is a game-changer for heavy bikes, providing a seriously robust casing that confidently handles the weight and torque. What really sets this tire apart is Dunlop’s Multi-Tread technology. You get a harder, longer-wearing compound right in the center for those endless highway miles, flanked by softer lateral-grip compounds on the shoulders for solid handling when you lean into a curve. This clever design means you don’t have to sacrifice grip for mileage. Plus, the optimized tread pattern and updated compound formula further enhance wear resistance and improve wet-weather performance, making it a reliable choice for almost any touring scenario.

Key features that stand out:
– Cut-breaker construction: Robust casing designed for heavy V-twin, cruiser, and touring motorcycles.
– Multi-Tread technology: Long-wearing center compound for mileage, lateral-grip compounds for handling.
– Optimized Tread Pattern: Aids in improved wear characteristics and mileage.
– Updated Compound Formula: Enhanced wear resistance and wet-weather performance.

Pros:
– Exceptional mileage, particularly on the rear tire.
– Outstanding stability for heavy touring bikes.
– Confidence-inspiring grip when cornering, despite the focus on longevity.
– Improved wet-weather performance.
– Specifically designed for the demands of Harley-Davidson and other V-twin cruisers.

Cons:
– Not suitable for sport-touring bikes due to its specific cruiser/touring design.

Best for: Owners of Harley-Davidson, V-twin cruisers, and heavy touring motorcycles who prioritize high mileage, stability, and robust construction for long-haul comfort and confidence.

Expert Opinion: The American Elite AE2 is a benchmark for cruiser and touring tires. Its Multi-Tread technology genuinely delivers on its promise of extended wear without sacrificing the handling characteristics crucial for these heavy machines. It’s a top pick for riders who demand serious mileage.

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

While technically more of a sport tire, the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II often gets a nod from aggressive sport-touring riders who crave maximum grip and performance during their tours. I’ve ridden on these, and the immediate impression is one of incredible confidence. This tire is all about high-performance handling and grip on both dry and wet surfaces. Its innovative asymmetric tread pattern is brilliant at displacing water, giving you superior traction even when the roads are soaking. But it’s the Dual-Compound Technology that really makes it versatile for touring – a harder compound in the center for longevity on the straights, and softer shoulders for phenomenal grip when you’re leaning deep into corners. The optimal stability it provides during cornering and acceleration truly enhances the riding experience. If your touring involves a lot of spirited riding, this tire deserves a look.

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

Pros:
– Outstanding dry grip and handling for spirited riding.
– Surprisingly good wet weather performance.
– Dual-compound technology balances wear and grip effectively.
– Excellent feedback and control.
– Quick to warm up.

Cons:
– Mileage, while decent for its class, might be less than dedicated touring tires.

Best for: Aggressive sport-touring riders who prioritize maximum grip, dynamic handling, and high-performance capabilities for spirited rides, even if it means slightly less overall mileage than a traditional touring tire.

Expert Opinion: The Diablo Rosso II blurs the line between sport and touring for riders who refuse to sacrifice agility and cornering prowess on their long-distance trips. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want to feel truly connected to the road.

Shinko 890 Journey Rear 180/70R16 77H Radial TL Tire

For riders who prioritize value and reliable performance for their touring adventures, the Shinko 890 Journey is a strong contender, especially for the rear. Shinko has a reputation for offering excellent tires at a more accessible price point, and the 890 Journey certainly fits that bill. This radial tire is designed with a durable compound focused on providing extended mileage, which is crucial for any long-distance rider. I’ve found that Shinko tires often give a surprisingly comfortable ride, and the 890 Journey is no exception, soaking up road imperfections well. Its all-weather tread pattern is engineered to offer consistent grip in varied conditions, from dry highways to damp roads, ensuring you maintain control and confidence throughout your journey. For a solid, dependable touring tire that won’t break the bank, this one is hard to overlook.

Key features that stand out:
– Radial Construction: Offers enhanced stability and a smoother ride at speed.
– Durable Compound: Specifically formulated for extended mileage, ideal for touring.
– All-Weather Tread Pattern: Provides consistent grip in both dry and wet conditions.
– Comfort-Focused Design: Helps absorb road imperfections for a more comfortable long-distance ride.

Pros:
– Excellent value for money.
– Offers very good mileage for touring.
– Stable and comfortable ride, especially on highways.
– Reliable grip in varied weather conditions.
– Durable construction for long-distance travel.

Cons:
– May not offer the same level of precise feedback as premium sport-touring tires.

Best for: Budget-conscious touring riders and cruisers looking for a reliable, long-lasting rear tire that delivers good all-around performance and comfort for extended journeys.

Expert Opinion: The Shinko 890 Journey is a testament to the idea that you don’t need to spend a fortune for a capable touring tire. It offers impressive longevity and a comfortable, stable ride, making it a smart choice for riders focused on value and dependable performance over outright sport capability.

Helpful Comparison Insights

When choosing the best motorcycle tires for touring, it’s clear that one size doesn’t fit all. Our selection highlights a few key distinctions.

If you ride a sport-touring bike and you love to lean, the Pirelli Angel ST and Kenda KM1 are fantastic all-rounders. The Pirelli leans a bit more into the “sport” aspect with its refined feel and superior wet grip, while the Kenda offers a remarkable balance of performance and value, making it a great everyday touring tire. Both offer good longevity for their class, but the Pirelli might just edge out the Kenda for sheer confidence in varied conditions.

For those on heavy cruisers, V-twins, or dedicated touring rigs like Harleys, the Dunlop American Elite AE2 is in a league of its own. Its Multi-Tread technology is a genuine advantage, delivering incredible mileage in the center while maintaining enough grip on the sides for confident cornering. You simply won’t get that kind of dedicated, heavy-bike performance from the other tires on this list. It’s designed to handle the weight and torque, providing a supremely stable and comfortable ride on long highway stretches.

Then there’s the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II, which is an interesting outlier. While more of a pure sport tire, its dual-compound technology and exceptional dry/wet grip make it a favorite for sport-touring riders who prioritize aggressive performance and feedback above all else. If your “touring” involves a lot of spirited riding on winding roads and less emphasis on hitting extreme mileage numbers, this tire will make you smile. However, if pure mileage is your top concern, the Angel ST would likely be a more balanced Pirelli choice for touring.

Finally, for the rider who needs a reliable, long-lasting tire without a premium price tag, the Shinko 890 Journey offers compelling value. It focuses on comfort and durability for extended trips, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious touring, especially for the rear. While it might not offer the razor-sharp precision of a Pirelli Rosso II, it delivers a very capable and stable ride for its intended purpose.

Ultimately, consider your bike type, your riding style (how aggressively do you tour?), and the conditions you typically encounter. Longevity, wet grip, and ride comfort are paramount for any touring tire, but the balance of these factors varies significantly between the options.

Final Verdict

Choosing the absolute best motorcycle tires for touring truly boils down to your personal touring philosophy and your machine. If your touring means spirited rides with plenty of twisties and you need a tire that can keep up, offering fantastic wet and dry grip, the Pirelli Angel ST or even the more aggressive Pirelli Diablo Rosso II will serve you exceptionally well, with the Angel ST offering a better balance of mileage for touring. For the budget-savvy sport-tourer who wants reliable all-weather performance and good longevity without compromise, the Kenda KM1 is an impressive dark horse.

However, if your bike is a heavy cruiser or a dedicated touring machine built for eating up thousands of highway miles, and stability with extreme longevity is your priority, then the Dunlop American Elite AE2 is practically custom-made for you. It’s hard to beat its specialized construction for these specific motorcycles. And for those looking for a dependable workhorse that offers solid mileage and comfort at an unbeatable price, especially for a rear tire, the Shinko 890 Journey is a very practical and smart choice.

No matter which you pick, investing in quality touring motorcycle tires is investing in your safety, comfort, and enjoyment on the open road. Take into account your primary riding environment, your typical speeds, and how much you lean into corners. Each of these tested choices offers compelling benefits for different types of touring riders, ensuring you can find the perfect match for your next epic journey.

Comprehensive FAQ Section

Q1: How important is wet weather performance for the best motorcycle tires for touring?
A: Extremely important! Touring often means encountering unpredictable weather. Excellent wet weather performance is crucial for safety and confidence, helping with water displacement and maintaining grip on slippery surfaces. Tires like the Pirelli Angel ST or Dunlop American Elite AE2 prioritize this with their advanced compounds and tread patterns.

Q2: What’s the difference between a sport-touring tire and a pure touring tire?
A: Sport-touring tires, like the Pirelli Angel ST or Kenda KM1, aim to blend the grip and handling of a sport tire with the longevity and stability needed for touring. Pure touring tires, such as the Dunlop American Elite AE2, typically prioritize maximum mileage, stability, and load-carrying capacity for heavier bikes and long, straight highway rides, often at the expense of razor-sharp cornering feel.

Q3: How long do the best motorcycle tires for touring typically last?
A: Tire lifespan varies greatly depending on the tire model, rider style, bike weight, and road conditions. Generally, you can expect anywhere from 8,000 to 15,000 miles for a rear touring tire, and often double that for a front. Tires with multi-compound technology, like the Dunlop American Elite AE2, are designed to maximize center mileage.

Q4: Should I replace both motorcycle tires at the same time?
A: While your rear tire will almost always wear out faster than your front, it’s generally recommended to replace them as a pair for optimal and consistent handling. Different wear levels and rubber compounds between a new and old tire can negatively impact the bike’s stability and feel, especially when choosing the best motorcycle tires for touring.

Q5: What tire pressure should I use for touring?
A: Always refer to your motorcycle manufacturer’s recommended tire pressures, usually found on a sticker on the swingarm or in your owner’s manual. These pressures are optimized for the bike’s weight and handling. When touring, especially with a passenger or luggage, you might need to adjust to the higher end of the recommended range to maintain stability and prevent overheating.

Q6: Are radial tires always better than bias-ply for touring?
A: Not always, but typically. Radial tires generally offer better high-speed stability, improved handling, and longer tread life due to their construction, making them a popular choice for modern touring bikes and high-performance sport-touring models. Bias-ply tires are still common on older motorcycles, cruisers, and some custom builds, offering a different feel and sometimes better load capacity for specific applications.

Q7: How do I break in new touring motorcycle tires?
A: New tires have a release agent on their surface from the manufacturing process, which can be slippery. It’s crucial to ride cautiously for the first 50-100 miles, avoiding aggressive acceleration, hard braking, or deep lean angles. This allows the tires to scrub off the coating and properly “seat” themselves to your riding style, ensuring you get the full benefits from your chosen best motorcycle tires for touring.