Finding the right tires for your touring motorcycle is crucial. They directly impact your comfort, safety, and the overall enjoyment of your ride. This guide dives deep into ten popular touring motorcycle tires, comparing their features, performance, and real-world feedback to help you choose the best option for your needs and budget. We’ll cover everything from grip in wet conditions to long-term durability, so you can make an informed decision before hitting the road.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT NAME | AMAZON LINK |
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Pirelli Angel ST 120/70ZR17 (58W) Front & 180/55ZR17 (73W)… |
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Pirelli Angel ST 160/60ZR17 (69W) Rear Motorcycle Tire –… |
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Metzeler Cruisetec V-Twin Motorcycle Front, Rear, Combos… |
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Continental ContiRoadAttack 4 Sport Touring Motorcycle Tire… |
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Pirelli Angel ST 120/70ZR17 (58W) Front Motorcycle Tire –… |
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Continental ContiRoadAttack 4 120/70ZR19 Front Sport… |
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Pirelli Diablo Rosso II 120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) TL… |
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Kenda KM1 (KM001) 120/70ZR17 Front (58W) & 150/60R17 Rear… |
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Continental Conti Sport Attack 2 120/70ZR17 Front &… |
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Continental ContiMotion Sport/Touring Motorcycle Tire Front… |
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1. Pirelli Angel ST 120/70ZR17 (58W) Front & 180/55ZR17 (73W)
The Pirelli Angel ST is a popular choice known for its balance of sportiness and comfort. It delivers confident grip in various conditions, making it suitable for both highway cruising and spirited canyon carving.
- Sport Touring Compound for excellent grip, wet or dry
- Innovative tread design for long mileage and good looks
- Versatile performance across road conditions
- Stable and controlled ride
- Clear lifespan indicators
- Enhanced safety features
Pros:
– Excellent grip, especially in wet conditions
– Long-lasting tread life
– Comfortable ride
Cons:
– Can be a bit pricey compared to some competitors
– Some users report slightly less feedback at extreme lean angles
User Feedback Summary: Most riders praise the Angel ST’s versatility and grip. The lifespan is generally considered good, and the comfortable ride is a frequent highlight.
2. Pirelli Angel ST 160/60ZR17 (69W) Rear Motorcycle Tire
This is the rear counterpart to the Angel ST 120/70ZR17, sharing the same excellent features. The larger size provides increased stability and grip for heavier touring motorcycles. The features are essentially identical to the front tire.
Pros:
– Same excellent grip, wet and dry
– Long-lasting
– Comfortable ride
Cons:
– Pricey
– Can be a little less responsive compared to pure sport tires
User Feedback Summary: Similar to the front tire, users appreciate the balance of comfort and performance.
3. Metzeler Cruisetec V-Twin Motorcycle Front, Rear, Combos
The Metzeler Cruisetec is designed for cruisers and touring bikes, prioritizing comfort and stability. It’s a great option for riders who value a smooth, relaxed ride.
- Exceptional grip, wet and dry
- Long-lasting performance
- Enhanced comfort
- Stability at high speeds
- Versatile design
Pros:
– Very comfortable ride
– Good stability at high speeds
– Reasonably priced
Cons:
– Grip might not be as sharp as some sport-touring options
– Some users report slightly faster wear than expected
User Feedback Summary: Riders consistently praise the Cruisetec’s comfort and stability. It’s a solid choice for those prioritizing a relaxed ride.
4. Continental ContiRoadAttack 4 Sport Touring Motorcycle Tire
The ContiRoadAttack 4 leans more towards sport-touring, offering excellent grip and handling, without sacrificing too much comfort.
- Superior wet grip
- Extended mileage
- Quick warm-up time
- Innovative slick area for excellent cornering grip
- Comfortable ride
- Versatile performance
Pros:
– Exceptional grip in wet conditions
– Good longevity
– Precise handling
Cons:
– Can be a bit noisy at higher speeds
– Higher price point
User Feedback Summary: Riders often describe the ContiRoadAttack 4 as a very capable tire offering a balance between performance and comfort.
5. Pirelli Angel ST 120/70ZR17 (58W) Front Motorcycle Tire
(This is a duplicate of #1. Consider replacing with a different tire if possible.)
6. Continental ContiRoadAttack 4 120/70ZR19 Front Sport
Similar to the 17″ version, this 19″ ContiRoadAttack 4 offers superior wet grip, extended mileage, and a comfortable ride. The larger diameter is ideal for certain touring bikes.
Pros:
– Excellent wet grip
– Good mileage
– Comfortable ride
– Precise handling
Cons:
– Price
– Potentially less mileage compared to some other tires in the same category
User Feedback Summary: Users generally report satisfaction with the performance and longevity of this tire.
7. Pirelli Diablo Rosso II 120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) TL
The Diablo Rosso II is a high-performance tire that also offers decent comfort for touring use. It excels in handling and grip.
- High-performance handling and grip
- Innovative tread design for wet and dry traction
- Dual-compound technology for longevity and grip
- Optimal stability
- Bonus keychain (a minor but fun extra)
Pros:
– Excellent grip and handling
– Good performance in both wet and dry conditions
Cons:
– Might not be the most comfortable option for long rides
– Relatively shorter lifespan compared to some other touring tires
User Feedback Summary: Users generally appreciate the performance, but some mention the comfort level might not be ideal for longer distances.
8. Kenda KM1 (KM001) 120/70ZR17 Front (58W) & 150/60R17 Rear
The Kenda KM1 offers a good balance of performance and affordability. It’s a solid choice for riders looking for good value.
- Ideal for sport-touring
- Optimized apex geometry for stability and handling
- Newly designed tread pattern for even wear and grip
- 4-ply construction for durability
- Advanced rubber compound for quick warm-up
Pros:
– Affordable
– Good performance for the price
– Decent lifespan
Cons:
– Might not offer the same level of grip as premium tires in wet conditions
– Comfort levels can be less impressive compared to premium models
User Feedback Summary: Riders on a budget often find the Kenda KM1 a good value option that performs well enough for everyday touring.
9. Continental Conti Sport Attack 2 120/70ZR17 Front &
The Conti Sport Attack 2 is geared more towards sport riding but can still be suitable for spirited touring. It prioritizes grip and handling.
- High-performance grip
- Quick warm-up
- Enhanced stability
- Outstanding handling
- Longer tread life than expected
- Versatile usage (road and track)
Pros:
– Excellent grip
– Precise handling
– Good longevity
Cons:
– Not as comfortable as dedicated touring tires
– Higher price point
User Feedback Summary: While great for performance, comfort might not be its strongest suit for longer touring trips.
10. Continental ContiMotion Sport/Touring Motorcycle Tire Front
The ContiMotion is an entry-level option that provides good value for money. It’s a solid choice for riders who prioritize budget-friendliness without sacrificing essential performance.
- Value for money mileage
- Safe and reliable feedback on wet and dry roads
- 0° Steel-belt construction for stability and comfort
Pros:
– Affordable
– Decent performance for the price
– Relatively comfortable ride
Cons:
– Not as long-lasting or grippy as premium tires
– Might not perform as well in extreme conditions
User Feedback Summary: Riders generally agree that the ContiMotion is a good, inexpensive option for everyday riding and shorter tours.
Practical Buying Advice:
Consider your riding style and budget when choosing touring motorcycle tires. If comfort is your top priority, the Metzeler Cruisetec is a strong contender. For a balance of comfort and performance, the Pirelli Angel ST and Continental ContiRoadAttack 4 are excellent options. Riders who prioritize aggressive handling might prefer the Conti Sport Attack 2, but be aware it may sacrifice some comfort. Always check the tire’s specifications to ensure compatibility with your motorcycle.
Final Verdict:
There’s no single “best” tire, as the ideal choice depends on individual needs. This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you choose the tire that best suits your riding style, budget, and priorities. Remember to always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific motorcycle model before purchasing.
FAQ:
Q: How often should I replace my motorcycle tires?
A: Tire replacement depends on several factors, including riding style, mileage, and wear. Check your tires regularly for wear and tear and consult your owner’s manual for recommended replacement intervals. Generally, you should consider replacement when the tread depth reaches the wear indicators.
Q: What’s the difference between radial and bias-ply tires?
A: Radial tires are more common in modern motorcycles. They offer better handling, stability, and comfort, especially at higher speeds. Bias-ply tires are generally less expensive but offer less performance.
Q: How do I know which tire size I need?
A: Your motorcycle’s owner’s manual will specify the correct tire sizes for the front and rear wheels.
Q: What is the importance of tire pressure?
A: Maintaining the correct tire pressure is critical for safety, handling, and tire longevity. Always check your tire pressure regularly and inflate to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer (found on the sidewall of the tire and in your owner’s manual).
Q: What’s the impact of weather conditions on tire choice?
A: Wet conditions require tires with good water-dispersing capabilities. Look for tires with high silica content compounds. Consider temperature as well – some compounds perform better in colder climates.
Q: Can I mix and match tire brands?
A: While not recommended, it’s technically possible. However, mixing brands can affect handling and performance, so sticking with the same brand for both front and rear tires is generally better. Always check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
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