14 Best Motorcycle Tires for 2022! A Comprehensive Guide from Types and How to Choose to Usage

Two Types of Motorcycle Tire Construction

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Motorcycle tires come in two main types of construction: "radial tires" and "bias tires."

Radial tires include "competition tires" like slick tires used on racetracks, but these competition tires are not legal for public road use. Additionally, in regions with heavy snowfall, there are "spike tires" that have metal studs embedded in the tire surface for limited use.

Let's look at the differences between general radial tires and bias tires.

 

Radial Tires

Radial tires are tires where the carcass plies, which form the tire's structure, extend radially.

If a tire were simply made of rubber, it would tear from friction or deform under centrifugal force during turns. Therefore, tires are made by laminating layers of different materials and functions, and the carcass acts as the framework that maintains the tire's shape.

The outermost part of the tire, which comes into contact with the road and is what you normally see, is the tread, made of synthetic rubber. Beneath that are breakers made of textile materials like polyester or nylon, and below that layer is the carcass.

The breakers' role is to reinforce the carcass, and the structure of the carcass is what differentiates "radial tires" from "bias tires."

 

Bias Tires

Bias tires are tires where the carcass plies are arranged diagonally.

In contrast to "radial," which means radiating outward, "bias" means diagonal, and this also indicates that the type of tire is differentiated by the carcass structure.

Bias tires are made by layering multiple carcass plies diagonally. Their advantage is that they are flexible and have good shock absorption.

However, while they offer a comfortable ride, they are inferior to radial tires in terms of durability and rigidity. Especially at high speeds and during cornering, they are prone to deformation, making them unsuitable for sport riding.

 

Spike Tires

Spike tires are tires with metal studs (spikes) embedded in the tread surface (the part of the tire that contacts the ground).

Their use on four-wheeled vehicles is prohibited due to the dust they generate, but for two-wheeled vehicles, they are permitted for limited use in snowy regions during winter, primarily for moped-class vehicles.

Spike tires can be seen on delivery bikes used by post offices and for newspaper delivery in snowy regions, such as Cubs. They grip packed snow and icy roads, making them a strong ally for two-wheeled vehicles in snowy areas.

On the other hand, on dry roads, the studs are constantly in contact with the road, leading to fine vibrations and a slightly poorer ride quality.

 

Differences Between Tube and Tubeless Tires

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Motorcycle tires come in "tube tires" and "tubeless tires."

The difference between tube and tubeless lies in how the tire's air is retained.

 

Tube Tires

Tube tires are tires that have an inner tube, like bicycle tires, to hold air between the tire and the wheel.

A disadvantage is that if you run over a sharp object like a nail, the tube will puncture, and the air inside will escape rapidly, making it immediately difficult to continue riding.

While almost all on-road motorcycles use tubeless tires, off-road motorcycles often employ tube tires. Off-road motorcycle wheels have a spoke design that allows the wheel to flex, and this moderate flexing provides excellent shock absorption.

When the wheel flexes, gaps can form between the wheel and the tire, but with tube tires, air does not escape even if a gap forms, making them the primary choice for off-road use.

 

Tubeless Tires

Tubeless tires are tires that retain air within their inner surface, and they are called "tubeless" because they don't have an inner tube.

When air is pumped through the air valve, it is retained between the tire and the wheel, maintaining the air pressure.

An advantage is that even if you run over a nail and get a flat, the air does not escape immediately, and repairs are easy if the puncture is on the tread surface (the part with the tire pattern).

However, if a nail or similar object punctures the sidewall, it's almost impossible to repair, so the entire tire often needs to be replaced.

 

Motorcycle Tire Types by Application

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Motorcycle tires come in various types depending on riding application and vehicle type.

The main types are on-road tires for paved roads, off-road tires for dirt roads and gravel, winter tires for snowy regions, and race tires, which are prohibited on public roads.

 

On-Road Tires

On-road tires are designed for riding on paved roads (tarmac).

What's required is road feel (grip) and the ability to expel water in wet conditions. Tires with higher grip performance are called high-grip tires.

Tires with high grip performance use a softer compound, so they wear out faster, leading to shorter replacement cycles. Conversely, touring tires and long-life tires, which are suitable for long-distance riding, have less grip than sport tires but wear out more slowly.

 

Off-Road Tires

Off-road tires are designed to improve performance on unpaved roads (gravel), such as dirt roads.

Unlike on-road tires, which have grooves carved into a smooth tire surface, off-road tires appear to have chocolate-like blocks on their surface.

They are also called block tires due to the numerous visible blocks, and they are designed to prevent mud and sand from covering the surface.

 

Winter Tires

Winter tires include spike tires and studless tires.

Studless tires have deep grooves designed to run on snowy roads. Their characteristic is that these grooves create blocks of snow, which are then kicked out, allowing the tire to grip the road. They are called studless tires because they lack spikes (studs), unlike spike tires that have them.

 

 

Race Tires

Race tires are specialized tires for closed courses such as racetracks. Their use on public roads is prohibited, and they will naturally not pass vehicle inspections.

Among on-road race tires, slick tires are those with no grooves on the tire surface.

Slick tires melt due to thermal friction and grip the racetrack surface, generating powerful grip. However, they are difficult to handle, requiring careful temperature management to achieve their full performance.

 

How to Read Markings on Motorcycle Tires

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The surface of a motorcycle tire has markings that indicate tire information such as size and load capacity.

Being able to read tire information will help you know what kind of tire to choose when it's time for a replacement, and also understand the appropriate usage environment.

Here, we explain the information necessary to identify tires.

 

Tire Size, etc.

Motorcycle tires are consumables, and tire size is essential when replacing them.

Tire sizes are marked on the tire surface, such as "180/55 ZR 17," and this marking provides tire information.

 

180 (tire width) / 55 (aspect ratio) ZR (radial) 17 (rim diameter)

 

Tire width is the tire's width in millimeters, aspect ratio indicates how flat the tire is (lower numbers mean flatter), ZR is a "speed rating" for radial tires suitable for speeds over 270 km/h, and rim diameter is in inches, so 17 means 17 inches.

When replacing tires, it's generally best to choose a tire with the same markings.

 

Speed Symbol

The speed symbol indicates the maximum speed (speed range) the tire can withstand, represented by an alphabet letter.

For example, a tire rated for speeds up to 100 km/h will have "J," while a tire with a maximum speed of 200 km/h will have "U."

From B for 50 km/h to S for 180 km/h, the further down the alphabet the letter is, the higher the maximum speed the tire can handle, with ZR being the maximum for speeds over 270 km/h.

If you're riding on a circuit with tires only rated for 100 km/h, there's a risk of damage like a blowout, which can be dangerous. Therefore, choose tires with a speed range appropriate for your usage environment.

 

Load Index = LI (Load Index)

The load index = LI (Load Index) is an indicator of how much load a tire can withstand under specified conditions.

LI is expressed as a number; 20 means up to 80kg, and 52 means up to 200kg, with higher numbers indicating higher load capacity.

If you often carry a lot of luggage or enjoy tandem touring, be sure to check the load index when choosing tires.

 

Tire Pressure

Tires are designed to perform best at a specified air pressure, so it's important to maintain the manufacturer's recommended pressure.

The required air pressure is often indicated on a sticker on the swingarm for most motorcycle models.

Especially when riding at high speeds, such as on highways, low tire pressure increases the risk of a blowout. Always check tire pressure before long rides or high-speed journeys.

Tire pressure checks can be done at motorcycle shops and most gas stations.

 

When to Replace Motorcycle Tires?

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Tires are consumables, so regular replacement is necessary.

Braking distance also changes depending on the condition of the tires, so neglecting replacement can lead to unexpected accidents and is dangerous.

To avoid this, this section explains guidelines for when to replace tires.

Always check your tires before riding, and replace them as needed to enjoy a safe motorcycle life.

 

Use the Age of the Tire as a Guideline

It's a good idea to use the time since the tires were installed as a guideline for replacement.

Since tires are made of rubber, the rubber deteriorates over time.

It is generally recommended to replace tires approximately three years after they are new, so you can use the period of use to determine the replacement timing.

However, if the motorcycle has not been ridden for a long time, or if it has been parked in direct sunlight or exposed to wind and rain without a cover, the tires will deteriorate faster, and the replacement cycle will be shorter.

 

Use Mileage as a Guideline

The mileage accumulated since new tires were installed also serves as a guideline for tire replacement.

However, the replacement cycle varies depending on the riding environment. If you frequently ride on winding roads in the mountains, 5,000 km to 7,000 km is a benchmark. If you primarily use your motorcycle for daily commuting to work or school, 25,000 km is a good replacement guideline.

High-grip sport tires use a softer compound to enhance grip, so their replacement cycle is typically shorter, around 3,000 km to 5,000 km.

 

Check the Tread Wear Indicator

Tread wear indicators (also known as "wear bars" or "sipes") are marks that appear as the tire wears down. When they become visible, it's time to replace the tire, regardless of its age or mileage.

Tread wear indicators appear on the side of the tire, along the extension of the "▲" mark.

When performing a pre-ride inspection, check the tire's surface and sidewalls for cracks, and ensure that the tread wear indicators are not showing.

 

【By Use】14 Recommended Tires for Touring

Here, we introduce tires suitable for touring.

We present 14 types of tires, ranging from leisurely touring to touring that includes winding road riding, to match your riding environment.

Please use this as a reference when replacing your tires.

 

1. Dunlop SPORTMAX ROADSMART III

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Dunlop "SPORTMAX ROADSMART III" is recommended for those who want to enjoy stable, long-distance riding. Its excellent handling performance and ability to absorb road imperfections contribute to reduced fatigue on long tours. This tire also boasts excellent wear resistance, making it perfect for enjoying grand touring to the fullest.

 

・Specs: High durability, handling performance, gap absorption
・Category: On-road/Touring
・Situation: Touring

 

2. Bridgestone BATTLAX TS100

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Like a familiar pair of sneakers, the Bridgestone "BATTLAX TS100" is a tire for casually and easily riding a motorcycle. It covers everything from daily commutes and school runs to touring and even some winding road riding, offering excellent balance between ease of handling and durability.

This model features basic performance covering both dry and wet roads, and its affordable price makes it a tire with excellent cost-performance.

 

・Specs: Dry/wet performance, cost-performance focus
・Category: On-road
・Situation: Touring, city riding, winding roads

 

3. Michelin ROAD 5

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The Michelin ROAD 5 is a tire also adopted by motorcycle manufacturers as original equipment.

It's a well-balanced tire that performs well in all weather conditions, from dry to wet, and its high wear resistance ensures stable performance over a long lifespan. It's suitable for a wide range of situations, from touring to daily commuting and city riding.

 

・Specs: High durability, wet performance
・Category: On-road
・Situation: Touring, city riding

 

4. Pirelli ANGEL GT II

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"Pirelli ANGEL GT II" is a high-speed tire recommended for those who want to enjoy winding road riding. Besides its sport performance on winding roads, it also excels in wet conditions, allowing for safe riding even in the rain.

The rear tire features a dual compound with different characteristics on the sides and center, contributing to straight-line stability and stable behavior during cornering, making it a high-performance sport touring tire.

 

・Specs: Handling, wet performance, sport performance
・Category: On-road
・Situation: Touring, winding roads

 

5. Dunlop SPORTMAX ROADSMART IV

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Dunlop "SPORTMAX ROADSMART IV" is a touring tire that prioritizes ease of riding.

Its high ability to absorb road irregularities and appropriate rigidity prevent excessive swaying, contributing to reduced fatigue during long rides. Its stability in a straight line is particularly high, making it a tire that sparks a sense of adventure, urging you to ride further.

 

・Specs: High durability, ride comfort, handling
・Category: On-road/Touring (for large touring bikes)
・Situation: Touring (especially long distances)

 

6. Michelin PILOT ROAD 4

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The Michelin PILOT ROAD 4 is a well-balanced tire with enhanced wet performance, unaffected by weather conditions.

It's also adopted as an OEM tire for models like the BMW R1200 and YAMAHA TRACER 700, offering flexibility and excellent durability. The tread pattern is designed with drainage in mind even when banked, providing peace of mind if you encounter rain during a tour.

 

・Specs: High durability, wet performance
・Category: On-road
・Situation: Touring, city riding

 

7. Bridgestone BATTLAX HYPER SPORT S22

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The Bridgestone "BATTLAX HYPER SPORT S22" is recommended for those who want to enjoy sport riding on winding roads. The specially designed tire pattern provides high grip performance and handling, offering a light and agile feeling as if the bike has become lighter.

This tire covers sport riding from sport touring on winding roads to track riding.

 

・Specs: Sport performance, wet performance
・Category: On-road
・Situation: Winding roads, touring

 

8. Bridgestone BATTLAX SPORT TOURING T32

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For those who want to enjoy everything from touring to sport riding on winding roads, the Bridgestone "BATTLAX SPORT TOURING T32" is recommended.

Its excellent drainage pattern provides high confidence on wet roads, handling sudden rain during touring. With responsive and agile handling characteristics, it offers the joy of cornering, making it a perfect tire for touring on mountain roads.

 

・Specs: Winding roads, wet performance
・Category: On-road
・Situation: Touring, winding roads

 

9. Michelin ANAKEE ADVENTURE

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Michelin "ANAKEE ADVENTURE" is a tire with a distinctive block pattern resembling a tortoise shell. Designed for adventure bikes, it suppresses the feeling of collapse due to insufficient block rigidity during on-road riding, ensuring comfortable travel.

It excels in wear resistance and offers a high-level balance of grip and durability, making it a versatile tire for touring and city riding.

 

・Specs: High durability, wet performance
・Category: On-road
・Situation: Touring, city riding

 

10. Metzeler ME 22 Classic Touring

Source: https://www.metzeler.com/ja-jp/products/tyres/me-22

 

Metzeler is a German tire manufacturer that, as a brand under Italy's Pirelli, primarily produces touring tires.

"ME 22 Classic Touring" adopts a traditional tire pattern as a model specifically for medium and small motorcycles, designed to enhance drainage and prevent uneven wear.

While classic in appearance, it utilizes the latest compound technology to improve straight-line stability and adhesion during cornering, making it a well-balanced tire for both dry and wet roads.

 

・Specs: High durability, wet performance
・Category: On-road
・Situation: Touring, city riding

 

11. Bridgestone BATTLAX BT46

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For vintage and discontinued motorcycles with a retro feel, the Bridgestone "BATTLAX BT46" is recommended.

It's the successor to the long-selling BT45V model, with enhanced wet performance achieved through the incorporation of the latest silica compounds and improved pattern design. Models marked "USE TUBE ON TUBE TYPE RIM" on the sidewall can also be used as tube tires by inserting an appropriately sized tube.

 

・Specs: Wet performance
・Category: On-road
・Situation: Touring, city riding

 

12. Metzeler ROADTEC 01 SE

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Metzeler "ROADTEC 01 SE" is a model that enhances wear resistance while boosting grip for enjoyable sport riding. Aimed at large-displacement supersport and naked bikes, its design is more geared towards sport riding, with grip increasing as the lean angle changes.

With a pattern that achieves an almost 100% slick contact patch at lean angles of 25 degrees or more, this tire offers enhanced stability during cornering.

 

・Specs: High sport performance, wet performance
・Category: On-road
・Situation: Touring, winding roads

 

13. Dunlop kabuki D404

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Dunlop's "kabuki D404" is sold for American-style motorcycles.

Based on a tire pattern design with a proven track record as an OEM tire for Harley, it achieves the stability desired by American bikes by balancing durability and grip. The front tire also prioritizes drainage, making it a versatile tire for a wide range of American bikes, regardless of displacement, in both wet and dry conditions.

 

・Specs: High durability, dry/wet performance
・Category: On-road (all American-style bikes)
・Situation: Touring, city riding

 

14. Pirelli ANGEL GT

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Pirelli's "ANGEL GT" from the Italian tire manufacturer is recommended for riders who carry luggage or enjoy tandem touring.

Building on the previous Angel ST, it boasts improved durability and wet performance for long-distance touring, providing stable grip throughout its lifespan. Made with two types of compounds, it's a tire that also offers the sport performance typical of Pirelli, which supplies race tires.

 

・Specs: High durability, wet performance
・Category: On-road
・Situation: Touring, city riding, winding roads

 

Summary

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Motorcycle tires primarily come in two types, radial and bias, and are further categorized based on their intended use. Tires are also a consumable item, requiring regular replacement, and we have explained the guidelines for when to replace them.

Additionally, tire information such as size and load capacity is marked on the tire, and you should use this information to find new tires.

While tires can be purchased online, some motorcycle shops may refuse to install customer-provided tires, so it's a good idea to confirm with the shop performing the replacement whether they allow tire carry-ins.