Best Street Racing Tires for Maximum Performance and Grip

When I first started pushing my bike harder on the street, I quickly learned that the right tires weren’t just an upgrade – they were an absolute necessity. It’s not just about speed; it’s about control, confidence, and ultimately, safety. I’ve spent countless hours researching, riding, and swapping out tires to find that sweet spot between sticky performance and real-world durability. For anyone serious about getting maximum performance and grip from their machine, especially when those exhilarating street racing moments call, choosing the best street racing tires is a critical decision. This guide is built from that hands-on experience, diving deep into some top contenders to help you make an informed choice. We’re going to break down five excellent options, highlighting what makes them stand out and who they’re best suited for. Let’s dig in and find the rubber that’ll transform your ride.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Continental ContiRaceAttack 2 120/70ZR17 Front & 190/55ZR17…	View on Amazon
	Continental ContiRaceAttack 2 120/70ZR17 Front & 180/55ZR17…	View on Amazon
	Continental ContiRaceAttack 2 120/70ZR17 Front & 200/55ZR17…	View on Amazon
	Pirelli SUPER CORSA V3 200/55ZR17 78W Rear Motorcycle Tire…	View on Amazon
	Continental ContiAttack SM 2 120/70R17 Front & 150/60R17…	View on Amazon

Product Reviews

Continental ContiRaceAttack 2 120/70ZR17 Front & 190/55ZR17 Rear

This pairing from Continental is a serious contender for riders who demand top-tier performance on both the track and the street. The BlackChili Hypersport Compound is immediately noticeable, providing an impressive level of grip that instills confidence from the moment you lean into a corner. What truly sets these tires apart is their minimal negative tread profile, especially on the shoulders, which means more rubber on the road at extreme lean angles – something you’ll truly appreciate when pushing hard. I’ve found that the GripLimitFeedback Technology really works, giving you excellent communication about what the tire is doing, even as you approach its limits. This tire package is essentially a race tire that’s versatile enough for spirited road use, making it an outstanding dual-purpose option.

• Key features that stand out:

  • BlackChili Hypersport Compound: Exceptional grip on varied surfaces.
  • Minimal Negative Tread Profile: Maximized contact patch at deep lean angles.
  • GripLimitFeedback Technology: Superior control and predictability.
  • Race-Ready Design: Compatible with tire warmers and lower track pressures.
  • Dual-Purpose Performance: Blends durability with hypersport capabilities.

• Pros:

  • Delivers phenomenal grip and traction in dry conditions.
  • Excellent feedback, enhancing rider confidence.
  • Versatile for both track days and aggressive street riding.
  • Quick warm-up times thanks to the BlackChili compound.

• Cons:

  • The track-focused design means tread life might be shorter than touring tires.

• Best for: Riders with high-performance sportbikes looking for a versatile tire setup that excels in aggressive street riding and occasional track days, especially those whose bikes are optimally set up for a 190/55 rear.

• Expert Opinion: This 190/55 rear tire variant of the ContiRaceAttack 2 is an excellent choice for modern sportbikes that benefit from its specific profile for sharper turn-in and larger contact patch at lean, providing a balanced blend of agility and stability for committed riders.

Continental ContiRaceAttack 2 120/70ZR17 Front & 180/55ZR17 Rear

Just like its slightly wider sibling, this ContiRaceAttack 2 combination brings Continental’s top-tier racing technology to your street machine. The core features remain the same: that incredible BlackChili Hypersport Compound for uncompromising grip, the minimal negative tread profile for maximum lean angle contact, and the confidence-inspiring GripLimitFeedback Technology. The main difference here is the rear tire size – a 180/55ZR17. This size often suits a different range of sportbikes or riders who prefer a quicker turn-in and a slightly lighter feel through transitions. It’s still very much a race-derived tire, offering the same strong performance in aggressive riding scenarios, whether you’re carving canyons or hitting a track day. The dual-purpose performance means you get race-level feel without sacrificing too much street practicality.

• Key features that stand out:

  • BlackChili Hypersport Compound: Outstanding grip on both road and track.
  • Minimal Negative Tread Profile: Maximum contact area at extreme lean angles.
  • GripLimitFeedback Technology: Precise control and predictability at the limit.
  • Race-Ready Design: Tested for track use with lowered air pressure.
  • Dual-Purpose Performance: Perfect for high-speed track or spirited road rides.

• Pros:

  • Exceptional dry grip and responsive handling.
  • Excellent feedback, boosting rider confidence.
  • Quicker turn-in characteristics due to the narrower rear profile.
  • Race-grade performance suitable for advanced street riding.

• Cons:

  • Durability might not be as extensive as less aggressive street tires.

• Best for: Sportbike riders whose motorcycles are designed for or benefit from a 180/55 rear tire, seeking a nimble yet highly grippy setup for aggressive street riding and occasional track use.

• Expert Opinion: The 180/55 rear offers a noticeable increase in agility compared to wider options, making it ideal for bikes that feel more balanced with this profile, allowing for rapid direction changes without sacrificing the superior grip characteristics of the BlackChili compound.

Continental ContiRaceAttack 2 120/70ZR17 Front & 200/55ZR17 Rear

For those riding the latest generation of super high-performance sportbikes that often come stock with or are designed to utilize a wider rear tire, this 200/55ZR17 ContiRaceAttack 2 setup is the answer. It shares all the incredible attributes of the other ContiRaceAttack 2 variants: the phenomenal BlackChili Hypersport Compound that delivers unparalleled grip, the minimal negative tread profile for massive contact patches at lean, and the reassuring GripLimitFeedback Technology. The wider 200 rear tire profile provides an even larger contact patch at full lean, potentially offering more stability and sheer traction for bikes with serious horsepower. While it might slightly reduce turn-in speed compared to a 180, it compensates with immense confidence when laying the bike over. This is a top-tier option for riders who need the absolute best in street racing tires for maximum performance and grip on powerful machines.

• Key features that stand out:

  • BlackChili Hypersport Compound: Provides maximum grip on various surfaces.
  • Minimal Negative Tread Profile: Maximizes contact area for extreme lean angles.
  • GripLimitFeedback Technology: Ensures precise control and predictability.
  • Race-Ready Design: Track-tested and compatible with tire warmers.
  • Dual-Purpose Performance: Combines durability with cutting-edge hypersport performance.

• Pros:

  • Massive contact patch for exceptional stability and grip at extreme lean angles.
  • Ideal for high-horsepower sportbikes that can fully utilize a wider tire.
  • Excellent feedback and predictability at the limit.
  • Suitable for both aggressive street riding and serious track work.

• Cons:

  • The wider profile might slightly slow down turn-in on some bikes.

• Best for: Owners of modern, high-horsepower sportbikes that require or benefit from a 200/55 rear tire for enhanced stability and maximum traction, especially during aggressive acceleration and deep cornering.

• Expert Opinion: The 200/55 profile is crucial for harnessing the power of today’s liter bikes, providing a larger footprint for exceptional acceleration grip and stability at high speeds, while still offering the agile performance Continental is known for, albeit with a slightly different handling feel than narrower options.

Pirelli SUPER CORSA V3 200/55ZR17 78W Rear Motorcycle Tire

When you hear “Pirelli Super Corsa,” you’re thinking serious performance, and the V3 200/55ZR17 Rear does not disappoint. This is a street-legal racing tire, meaning it’s DOT approved but designed with track-day dominance in mind. The most striking feature is its slick shoulders for maximum grip, providing an insane amount of traction when you’re fully leaned over. I’ve personally felt the difference this makes – it’s like the tire just digs in. The innovative “Flash” groove tread design isn’t just for looks; it actively helps with wear regularity, which is a huge plus for a tire this performance-oriented. Thanks to an advanced compound formulation, this tire boasts enhanced grip, stability, and even resistance to wear. If you’re truly looking for a tire that blurs the lines between track and street, offering incredible maximum performance and grip, this Pirelli is a top-tier choice.

• Key features that stand out:

  • Street-Legal Racing Tire: DOT approved for street use, race-bred performance.
  • Slick Shoulders for Maximum Grip: Unparalleled traction at full lean angles.
  • Innovative “Flash” Groove Tread Design: Enhanced wear regularity and longevity.
  • Advanced Compound Formulation: Increased grip, stability, and wear resistance.
  • Optimized Pressure and Handling: Specific recommendations for track and street setup.

• Pros:

  • Offers race-level grip and handling, truly exceptional at lean.
  • DOT-approved for peace of mind on public roads.
  • Excellent wear characteristics for a performance tire.
  • Provides incredible feedback and confidence during aggressive riding.

• Cons:

  • High performance comes with a premium price tag.

• Best for: Dedicated track day enthusiasts and aggressive street riders who want the absolute maximum in dry grip and cornering performance, especially on high-horsepower sportbikes utilizing a 200/55 rear.

• Expert Opinion: The Super Corsa V3 is essentially a softened race slick that’s street-legal. Its strength lies in its ability to generate immense heat and grip, offering unparalleled feel and stability at the very limit, making it a favorite for riders who prioritize ultimate performance above all else.

Continental ContiAttack SM 2 120/70R17 Front & 150/60R17 Rear

For the Supermoto crowd or anyone with a lighter, agile bike that loves to carve corners, the Continental ContiAttack SM 2 is a dream come true. This specific setup, with its 150/60R17 rear, is perfectly tuned for the unique demands of Supermoto riding – think aggressive braking, quick flickability, and serious lean angles. It features Continental’s renowned Black Chili compound for superior traction and impressively short warm-up times. What I particularly love is the GripLimitFeedback Technology, which is even more crucial on a Supermoto where you’re constantly exploring the edge of grip. These tires are engineered for optimized stability and damping under extreme braking and acceleration, which is exactly what a Supermoto demands. It’s a racing-inspired design that also offers improved longevity thanks to increased tread depth, making it a surprisingly durable option for its performance class.

• Key features that stand out:

  • High-Performance Grip Technology: Superior traction with Black Chili compound.
  • GripLimitFeedback Technology: Enhanced safety and maximum traction at lean.
  • Optimized Stability and Damping: Engineered for extreme braking and acceleration.
  • Racing-Inspired Design: Exceptional handling on both track and street.
  • Improved Longevity: Increased tread depth for better mileage while maintaining performance.

• Pros:

  • Tailor-made for Supermoto riding dynamics, offering exceptional agility.
  • Outstanding grip and quick warm-up for instant confidence.
  • Excellent stability during hard braking and acceleration.
  • Good blend of performance and decent tread life for its category.

• Cons:

  • Not designed for heavy sportbikes or touring, limiting its application.

• Best for: Supermoto riders and owners of lightweight, agile sportbikes seeking the ultimate in quick handling, aggressive grip, and stability for spirited street riding and track days.

• Expert Opinion: The ContiAttack SM 2 is a specialized tire that truly shines in its intended environment. Its carcass design and compound are perfectly calibrated for the demands of Supermoto, offering a level of instantaneous grip and feedback that is unmatched for this class of bike, making it the top pick for precise, aggressive riding.

Helpful Comparison Insights

When looking for the best street racing tires for maximum performance and grip, understanding the subtle differences between these fantastic options is key.

The three Continental ContiRaceAttack 2 variants (190/55, 180/55, and 200/55 rear sizes) are essentially the same tire technology, adapted for different bike requirements. They all share the incredible BlackChili Hypersport Compound and GripLimitFeedback Technology, making them phenomenal for dry grip and feedback. The main distinction is how they influence handling. The 180/55 rear will generally offer the quickest turn-in and a more nimble feel, often favored by bikes where agility is paramount. The 190/55 rear is a great all-rounder, balancing stability with good turn-in, suitable for a wide range of modern sportbikes. For the most powerful machines, the 200/55 rear provides the largest contact patch, excellent for harnessing extreme horsepower and maintaining stability at high lean angles, though it might feel a touch slower to transition. All three are excellent dual-purpose options, fantastic for spirited street riding and very capable on the track.

The Pirelli Super Corsa V3 200/55ZR17 Rear stands out as arguably the most track-focused of the bunch that’s still street-legal. While the ContiRaceAttack 2 tires are race-ready, the Super Corsa V3 feels like it pushes that boundary even further with its slick shoulders for maximum grip at full lean. If your primary goal is track dominance with the convenience of riding to the track, the Pirelli often takes the edge in sheer outright grip during heated track sessions. Its advanced compound formulation and “Flash” groove tread design also contribute to impressive wear characteristics for such a sticky tire. However, this extreme performance often comes with a higher price point and potentially less versatility in cold or wet conditions compared to the ContiRaceAttack 2, which generally offers a bit more confidence outside of perfect dry track scenarios.

Finally, the Continental ContiAttack SM 2 is a different beast altogether. It’s purpose-built for Supermoto bikes, which have unique demands for quick changes of direction, aggressive braking, and slide control. While it also uses the fantastic Black Chili compound and GripLimitFeedback Technology, its carcass and profile are specifically engineered for lighter, more agile bikes. You wouldn’t put this tire on a liter bike, and you wouldn’t get the optimal performance out of a Supermoto with the other options. Its optimized stability and damping are crucial for the frantic nature of Supermoto riding. If you ride a Supermoto, this tire is in a class of its own for delivering maximum performance and grip for that specific style.

In essence, if you need a versatile, confidence-inspiring performance tire for a range of sportbikes, the Continental ContiRaceAttack 2 series is fantastic. If you ride a powerful liter bike and want the absolute most out of dry track days and aggressive street riding, the Pirelli Super Corsa V3 is hard to beat. And for the unique demands of Supermoto, the ContiAttack SM 2 is the clear winner.

Final Verdict

After logging miles and exploring the limits with these tires, it’s clear that choosing the best street racing tires for maximum performance and grip isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. For riders who balance aggressive street riding with occasional track days on a modern sportbike, the Continental ContiRaceAttack 2 series – be it the 180/55, 190/55, or 200/55 rear – offers an exceptional blend of BlackChili Hypersport Compound grip, communicative feedback, and versatility that truly elevates the riding experience. They’re a solid, confidence-inspiring choice.

However, if your definition of “street racing” leans heavily into track performance, and you crave every ounce of dry grip possible from your high-horsepower machine, the Pirelli Super Corsa V3 200/55ZR17 Rear is a formidable contender. Its slick shoulders and advanced compound push the boundaries of street-legal performance, making it a go-to for serious enthusiasts.

And let’s not forget the agile, flickable world of Supermoto. For those machines, the Continental ContiAttack SM 2 is unmatched. Its specialized design and optimized stability mean it provides the definitive maximum performance and grip for Supermoto riders, precisely where they need it most.

Ultimately, your best choice will align with your bike’s requirements, your riding style, and where you primarily intend to push its limits. Each of these tires represents a peak in motorcycle tire technology, promising exhilarating performance and unparalleled control.

Comprehensive FAQ Section

Q1: What exactly are “street racing tires” and how do they differ from regular street tires?
A1: “Street racing tires,” often called hypersport or track-day tires, are designed for maximum performance and grip on both public roads and racetracks. They typically feature softer compounds, minimal tread patterns on the shoulders, and specific carcass constructions that allow for higher lean angles and better feedback under aggressive riding conditions. Unlike regular street tires, which prioritize longevity and all-weather performance, street racing tires focus on dry grip, quick warm-up, and precise handling.

Q2: Are street racing tires safe for everyday street riding, especially in wet conditions?
A2: While DOT-approved street racing tires are technically legal for street use, their primary focus is on dry performance. Their softer compounds and shallower, often minimal, tread patterns mean they might not perform as well in cold or wet conditions compared to dedicated touring or sport-touring tires. They can be safe for street use, but riders should be aware of their limitations, especially regarding water displacement and cold grip. Always ride within your tire’s and your own limits.

Q3: How do I choose the right size of street racing tires for my motorcycle?
A3: Always consult your motorcycle’s owner’s manual or the tire manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct tire size. Incorrect sizes can negatively affect handling, stability, and safety. Factors like rim width, suspension geometry, and desired handling characteristics (e.g., quicker turn-in vs. maximum stability) play a role. For example, a 180/55 rear might offer quicker handling than a 200/55 rear on the same bike, but the latter could provide more stability for high-horsepower machines.

Q4: What’s the significance of “BlackChili Hypersport Compound” and “GripLimitFeedback Technology” in Continental tires?
A4: Continental’s BlackChili Hypersport Compound is a proprietary rubber blend that optimizes grip at a microscopic level, leading to excellent traction, fast warm-up times, and even good durability for a performance tire. GripLimitFeedback Technology refers to the tire’s ability to communicate clearly to the rider as it approaches its traction limits, providing predictable warning rather than sudden loss of grip. This enhances rider confidence and safety, especially when pushing for maximum performance and grip.

Q5: How often should I replace my street racing tires?
A5: The lifespan of street racing tires varies greatly depending on riding style, road conditions, tire compound softness, and whether they’re used on track or street. Aggressive riding and track use will wear them out much faster than casual street riding. Always inspect your tires regularly for visible wear (tread depth, flat spots, cracking) and damage. Most manufacturers also recommend replacing tires after a certain age (typically 5-7 years, regardless of tread) as rubber degrades over time.

Q6: Can I use tire warmers with these street racing tires?
A6: Yes, many high-performance street racing tires for maximum performance and grip, like the Continental ContiRaceAttack 2 series and Pirelli Super Corsa V3, are designed to be compatible with tire warmers. Using tire warmers is common practice on the track to bring tires to optimal operating temperature before riding, allowing for immediate maximum grip from the first corner. This is less practical for street riding but highlights their race-bred characteristics.

Q7: Is a wider rear tire always better for street racing performance?
A7: Not necessarily. While a wider tire (like a 200/55) can provide a larger contact patch and potentially more straight-line grip and stability for high-horsepower bikes, it can also slow down turn-in and reduce agility compared to a narrower tire (like a 180/55). The “best” width depends on your bike’s design, your riding style, and the specific handling characteristics you prefer. It’s about finding the right balance for your setup to achieve optimal maximum performance and grip.