The 10 Best Motorcycle Tires of 2020
Motorcycle tires can make a massive difference to your bike, not only in terms of how comfortable it rides, but how well it performs. Choose the wrong ones, and not only are you in for a bumpy ride, but you’re also very possibly in danger of a risky one. The right tire choice will, in part, depend on your driving style, not to mention the type of motorcycle you ride. As thedrive.com notes, those with a sportbike will need a tire that grips well and that’s super agile. It’ll also help if it has a wide tread pattern and a low profile. Touring bikes will need tires with a flatter, higher-profile that are made from a harder rubber (what you lose in grip you’ll make back in longevity). Larger cruisers benefit from high profile tires, while smaller cruisers are well suited to a sportier tire with good traction. If you’re still in need of a little more guidance before making your next purchase, we’ve rounded up the 10 Best Motorcycle Tires of 2020 to do just that. In ascending order, here they are.
10. Dunlop American Elite Front Motorcycle Tires
If you have a Harley, you’re probably already well aware of Dunlop American Elite Front Motorcycle Tires, considering they’re the only replacement tires for Harley-Davidsons. Made from tough, durable rubber, they offer even tread, good grip, and excellent traction. As suitable to rain as to shine, they can last as long as 20,000 miles, making what’s already an affordable tire even most cost-effective in the long term.
9. Metzeler Z6 ROADTEC Street Sport Motorcycle Tires
Metzeler Z6 ROADTEC Street Sport Motorcycle Tires have a lot to recommend them. As well as bearing a W-speed rating (excellent for those who want speed without sacrificing safety), they come with enhanced shock absorption and a superb grip, making them an ideal choice for just about any weather condition you can imagine.
8. Pirelli Angel GT Tire – Rear – 180/55ZR -17
No one will argue that Pirelli isn’t a great tire manufacture. And no one would suggest the Pirelli Angel GT Tire – Rear – 180/55ZR -17 isn’t a classic example of what makes them so great. Featuring low rolling resistance, not to mention superb mileage and grip, their “W” rating for speeds of 168+ mph makes them a superb choice for sportbike owners.
7. Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire – 100/90H-19F
If you want a tire that can handle top speeds of up to 130mph without compromising on either safety or performance, the Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire – 100/90H-19F is unlikely to disappoint. Suitable for sport, cruisers, and touring, they’re as equally well suited to wet conditions as to dry, while their wide contact patch offers flawless traction and economy.
6. Shinko Dual Sport 705 Series Front/Rear Tire – 130/90-17
If you’re looking for a new set of tires for your sportbike, you might want to consider the Shinko Dual Sport 705 Series Front/Rear Tire – 130/90-17. By the latest count, 189 Amazon customers have given it a five out of five rating – and looking at some of its core qualities, it’s not hard to see why. As well as being DOT approved, these versatile tires (that, by the way, have been designed for 80% street and 20% trail riding) offer superb grip and adhesion regardless of the weather conditions (thanks, at least in part, to how well they channel water). The rubber compound they’re made from ensures excellent durability and wear-resistance for off-road driving, while the price point, especially considering the excellent quality on offer, is more than reasonable.
5. Michelin Pilot Power 2CT Tires
As Motorday.com writes, the Michelin Pilot Power 2CT Tires offers precision handling, excellent lean grip, and faultless off-road capabilities. Their economy and durability are both top-notch, as well.
4. Continental Motion Tire Set
If you want to reduce costs, you’d be well advised to look for a set of tires rather than shopping for the front and rear tires separately. This set from Continental not only offers great value for money, but they also offer superb performance. Thanks to their use of Polymer, they offer an outstandingly comfortable, stable ride. Their long-wearing durability, meanwhile, is hard to fault, especially given their low price point.
3. Michelin Anakee III Radial Tire – 170/60R17 72V
Our second entry from Michelin comes with the Michelin Anakee III Radial Tire – 170/60R17 72V. As one of the newest additions to the Michelin line, it comes with everything you’d expect of such a well-respected name: outstanding stability thanks to the high profile casing, flawless maneuverability, smooth handling, and a level of durability and wear resistance that makes it a good choice for those who like to indulge in the occasional spot of off-road riding.
2. Pirelli Diablo Rosso III Set
Carbibles.com has some great suggestions for those looking for a new set of tires, starting with this excellent set from Pirelli. As anyone with even the vaguest interest in cars, bikes, or any other vehicle knows, Pirelli is a heavyweight when it comes to reliability, quality, and performance. The key advantage of this particular example of their craftsmanship is the fact it comes as a set to include both front and rear tires; as well as eliminating the inconvenience of having to purchase front and rear tires separately, it makes for a much more affordable proposition than you’d be inclined to think. Anyone with a need for speed, meanwhile, will be pleased as punch by how the tires can safely handle speed up to a stonking 168mph.
1. Michelin Commander II Motorcycle Tire Cruiser Rear – 180/65-16 81H
If you’ve got a cruiser, take alltopstuffs.com’s advice and consider getting your hands on a Michelin Commander II Motorcycle Tire Cruiser Rear – 180/65-16 81H. Incredibly long-lasting, as durable as they come, and with a wide tread that makes them a first-rate choice for cruisers, the stability, traction, and comfort they offer are hard to pick a fault with.
