For the new motorcycle season one of the most important tasks is to find decent tires for your bike. They are selected depending on the type of riding. The review presents a rating of quality tires for 2022 from the most famous manufacturers for various types of motorcycles.
Brief overview: types of motorcycle tires and their general characteristics
Tire designs are divided into two categories: diagonal and radial. To understand the differences between them, it is worth looking into the table and comparing the main characteristics.
Distinctive features of diagonal and radial tires:
Name | Diagonal | Radial |
What motorcycle models are installed on: | heavy | lungs |
Profile: | round | flat |
Sidewalls: | high | lower |
Layer arrangement: | each of the layers are placed in the opposite direction to each other (comparable to "X"); 3rd layer possible: applied on top of 2 others in the direction of travel | form an angle of 90 degrees in the direction of rotation of the tire |
Work specifics: | constantly deforms during movement, and then straightens to its original state | remains unchanged |
Work features: | generates heat, increases traction | low heat output, due to which the tire heats up less |
Flaws: | high temperature conditions have a detrimental effect on the tire: it reduces performance, increases wear | sidewalls bend easily; |
| tires are not resistant to heavy loads |
One of the important characteristics is the tire tread.How to choose the right tire for your motorcycle based on the pattern on the rubber?
Operating conditions of motor rubber and the required tread:
Type of | Tire tread |
Road models: for example, touring or cruisers - riding in any weather | many grooves and bends |
Off-road driving | deep grooves with lamellas |
speed riding (sport bikes) | poor drawing or lack of it |
classic, sport-tourist | intermediate option |
The function of the tire pattern is to divert water from the contact patch of rubber with asphalt. The greater the number of grooves, the better the grip in wet weather, but in dry conditions, the tenacity index with asphalt is reduced.
Tires can be chambered and tubeless. The first option is suitable for motorcycles whose wheel rims come with spokes. The second option is for those whose equipment is equipped with alloy wheels. Tubeless designs are in great demand, as they are: lighter in weight, do not heat up so quickly, do not load the suspension heavily and, in the event of a puncture, can travel some distance.
Criteria for choosing motorcycle tires
What to look for when choosing a motorcycle tire? All you need to know is the size of the item. Usually, all the data is indicated on the tire itself, but you can find out the characteristics from the operating instructions for the equipment. What does the marking of a motorcycle tire mean? There are several measurement systems in this process. The most popular and understandable is the metric system. The second most popular is “alpha” (tourist models are marked).
The main indicators of the metric system - on the example of encryption 180 / 55ZR-17:
- Width - first number (180);
- Profile width - second number (55);
- Speed index - first letter (Z);
- Tire structure - the second letter (R - radial);
- The rim diameter that the tire is compatible with is the last number (17).
The main indicators of the Alpha system using the MT90S-16 encryption as an example:
- The first letter is the name of the tire (M - motorcycle);
- The second letter is the tire width (T);
- The first number is the profile height (90);
- The letter behind the number is the speed index (S);
- The last number is the diameter of the rim compatible with the tire (16).
The speed index is the maximum driving mode.
Speed indices:
Name | Explanation (km/h): |
"L" | 120 |
"M" | 130 |
"N" | 140 |
"P" | 150 |
Q | 160 |
"R" | 170 |
"S" | 180 |
"T" | 190 |
U | 200 |
"H" | 210 |
"V" | 240 |
W | 270 |
"Y" | 300 |
Z | 300+ |
On some models, the load index is indicated - an indicator of load capacity. The table shows all values with decoding.
Load factors for motorcycle tires:
Indicator (number) / interpretation (kilograms) |
50/190 | 60/250 | 70/335 | 80/450 | 90/600 |
51/195 | 61/257 | 71/345 | 81/462 | 91/615 |
52/200 | 62/265 | 72/355 | 82/475 | 92/630 |
53/206 | 63/272 | 73/365 | 83/487 | 93/650 |
54/212 | 64/280 | 74/375 | 84/500 | 94/670 |
55/218 | 65/290 | 75/387 | 85/515 | 95/690 |
56/224 | 66/300 | 76/400 | 86/530 | 96/710 |
57/230 | 67/307 | 77/412 | 87/545 | 97/730 |
58/236 | 68/315 | 78/425 | 88/560 | 98/750 |
59/243 | 69/325 | 79/437 | 89/580 | 99/775 |
Regarding the rubber material:
- Soft compound: good grip but wears out quickly;
- Rigid composition: poor adhesion, but long service life;
- Uneven stiffness: grip and service life are balanced.
The best manufacturers: an overview of the top 5 world-famous motorcycle tire companies:
- Bridgestone;
- "Continental";
- "Metzeler";
- Avon;
- Kenda.
Rating of the best motorcycle tires from the Japanese company "Bridgestone"
BATTLAX BT-014
Model "120/60R17 55W" for sport tourists is designed for 600-1000 cc engines according to the latest developments. With the help of Narrow Ply technology, an additional layer was created, located under the shoulder areas of the tread, which provides resistance to dynamic deformations. A special onboard filler evenly distributes the load over the entire surface of the contact patch.
Tire design "BATTLAX BT-014"
Specifications:
Purpose: | motorcycles, quad bikes |
Parameters (centimeters): | width:12 |
profile height:5.5 |
Permissible speed (km per hour): | 270(W) |
Type of: | radial |
For rim: | 17 inches |
By price: | 2600 rubles |
BATTLAX BT-014
Advantages:
- Controllability;
- Ideal braking parameters;
- Good grip;
- Overcoming long distances;
- Ensuring a comfortable ride;
- For all weather conditions;
- Used technology "3D-C.T.D.M." while creating.
Flaws:
Exedra G702
Model "180/70 R16 77H" for tourists, owners of large bikes. It is installed on American-style motorcycles with a powerful engine equipped with a turbocharger. The front tires have longitudinal grooves that collect water from the contact patch. In addition, they divide the spot into two parts, thereby improving directional stability.
Tires "Exedra G702" put on the rim
Specifications:
Purpose: | motorcycles, quad bikes |
Parameters (centimeters): | width:12 |
profile height:5.5 |
Permissible speed (km per hour): | 270(W) |
Type of: | radial |
For rim: | 17 inches |
By price: | 2600 rubles |
Exedra G70
Advantages:
- dual purpose;
- Excellent handling;
- Coating resistance in wet weather;
- Resistance at extreme angles of attack;
- The specifics of the grooves;
- Contact patch size.
Flaws:
Hoop H01
Model "3/0 R10 42J" for sporty scooter riding. Provides excellent grip on wet and dry road surfaces.
The appearance of the front tire "Hoop H01"
Specifications:
Profile width | 3 mm |
Height: | 0% |
Load: | 42 |
Speed: | 100 km/h |
Wheel size: | R10 |
Season: | summer |
Hoop H01 3/0 R10 42J
Advantages:
- Short braking distance;
- For driving in any weather;
- Movement safety;
- exchange rate stability;
- narrow purpose;
- Design.
Flaws:
"Battlecross X20"
The 80/100 R21 51M TT pre NHS model is designed for cross-country skiing on soft to medium surfaces. Can move very well in mud. The design feature is double grip when cornering in a wide operating range.
Battlecross X20 tire test
Specifications:
For whom: | any riders |
Purpose: | front |
Profile parameters (centimeters): | width - 8, height - 10 |
Rim diameter: | 21 inches |
Type of: | chamber |
Load index: | 51 |
Max speed: | 130 km/h |
average price | 3850 rubles |
Battlecross X20 80/100 R21 51M TT before NHS
Advantages:
- Considered versatile - a wide range of surfaces are available;
- Braking and acceleration are good;
- Stability in the passage of the route;
- For beginners and professionals;
- Special distribution of blocks;
- Functional.
Flaws:
- Not suitable for street and highway use.
Quality tires for motorcycles from the German company "Continental"
TKC 80 Twinduro
Model "TKC 80 TWINDURO M+S 3.00-21 51S TT FRONT" for tourenduro. Reminiscent of "cross" because of the tread blocks, but in this design they are optimized for asphalt trails. Rubber suitable for any style of riding. In rainy weather, it instantly removes dirt and water from the point of contact (the sharp edges of the tread answer). Thanks to the latest technology, tires recover faster when deformed compared to other models.
The appearance of tires "TKC 80 Twinduro"
Specifications:
vendor code | 2072220000 |
Road: | dirt track |
Type of: | with a camera |
Bike class: | off-road |
Axis: | anterior |
Width: | 3.00 |
For rim: | 21 inches |
Speed index: | S |
Load factor: | 51 |
For the season: | summer |
The weight | 4 kg 177 g |
Comparative tests: | high-speed driving on the highway - 5 thousand km; moderate movement - 10-12 thousand km |
What is the price | 3600 rubles |
TKC 80 TWINDURO M+S 3.00-21 51S TT FRONT
Advantages:
- For various types of road surface;
- Universal - for bikes of any format;
- Stability on bends and straight sections of roads;
- Properties of adhesion to the surface in any weather;
- 100% no hydroplaning;
- Recovery abilities;
- Lifetime;
- Durable material.
Flaws:
"Street Race"
The model "120/70 ZR17 (58W) TL FRONT" for a sport bike is a combination of racing and road structures, equipped with a combined composition: with areas of different stiffness, providing a maximum contact area at various angles of inclination. Thanks to the reinforced carcass with a metal cord, motorcycle tires provide excellent stability in any emergency situations, while increasing dynamic performance.
Street Race tire design
Specifications:
Vendor code: | 2441510000 |
Motorcycle class: | track |
Type of: | tubeless |
Tape material: | steel |
Axis: | anterior |
Tire dimensions (centimeters): | width - 12, height - 7 |
Rim diameter: | 17 inches |
Load index: | 58 |
Permissible speed limit: | 300+ km/h |
average cost | 8500 rubles |
Continental Street Race 120/70 ZR17 (58W) TL FRONT
Advantages:
- The tire is universal in use: suitable for tracks and ordinary roads;
- High-speed;
- Durable material;
- Handling with increased surface area;
- Grip and speed control;
- Design;
- Reinforced cord;
- Resistance to mechanical and deforming damage;
- Innovative drainage system;
- Excellent performance;
- Suitable for any weather.
Flaws:
ContiRoadAttack 2 EVO
Model "190/50 ZR17 (73W) TL REAR" for high-performance two-wheeled sport touring vehicles is equipped with a special drainage system with non-standard grooves. The design allows you to move in any weather and feel comfortable. The TractionSkin system frees tires from running in, as the surface of this type of rubber has many tiny roughnesses, which increases braking performance and improves dynamic performance.
Tires "ContiRoadAttack 2 EVO" mounted on a motorcycle
Specifications:
Vendor code: | 2443640000 |
Bikes: | tourist, sports |
Axes: | rear |
Profile dimensions (centimeters): | width - 19, height - 5 |
Rim diameter: | 17 inches |
Type of: | tubeless |
Speed class: | Z |
Load index: | 73 |
Priced approximately | 11000 rubles |
ContiRoadAttack 2 EVO 190/50 ZR17 (73W) TL REAR
Advantages:
- Optimal performance;
- Depth of drainage grooves;
- Handling on bends and straight sections of the road;
- Provide comfort while driving
- Short braking distance;
- wear evenly;
- No aquaplaning;
- Does not need running in;
- Safe;
- Durable.
Flaws:
"ContiTwist"
Model "110/90-13 56Q TL FRONT/REAR" - motorcycle tires for scooters and sports bikes. Different groove depths speed up the evacuation of dirt and water from the contact point. The best option for the city and country roads.
Tire "ContiTwist" on a motorcycle wheel, rubber design
Specifications:
Seasonality: | summer |
Vendor code: | 2401100000 |
Bike type: | scooter, bikes |
Profile dimensions (centimeters): | width - 11, height - 9 |
Rim diameter: | 13 inches |
Load index: | 56 |
Permissible speed: | 160 km / h - class "Q" |
Axes: | front, rear |
Type of: | tubeless |
Average cost: | 2800 rubles |
110/90-13 56Q TL FRONT/REAR
Advantages:
- Inexpensive;
- Durability;
- Functional;
- For tracks of any format;
- quality;
- Groove design;
- Unique shape;
- Completely eliminate the effect of aquaplaning;
- Ensuring safe driving;
- Wear-resistant rubber;
- Comply with global environmental standards.
Flaws:
Popular models of motorcycle tires from the German company Metzeler
LASERTEC
Model "100/90 -18 56H TL FRONT" for road motorcycles with a classic tread pattern is created using the most advanced technologies:
- "MRC" - tire contour design;
- "MBS" - creating a diagonal belt.
Tires are suitable for installation, in fact, on all types of motorcycles of the "Touring" class. The central part of the design has a sharp radius of curvature, which provides quick and precise control. In dry and wet weather, tires show excellent dynamic and grip properties.
Tires "LASERTEC" on the rim, appearance
Specifications:
Vendor code: | 1529800 |
For motorcycles: | roadster, classic |
Profile parameters (centimeters): | width - 10, height - 9 |
Axis: | anterior |
Load class: | 56 |
Rim diameter: | 18 inches |
Type of: | without camera |
Speed index: | "H" (210 km/h) |
By price: | 6400 rubles |
100/90 -18 56H TL FRONT
Advantages:
- High quality material;
- Provide a high level of comfort;
- Efficient drainage from the contact patch;
- Safe movement;
- Good directional stability when cornering;
- Intuitive control.
Flaws:
MS-360
Model "MID HARD 100/100-18 59M TT MST REAR" for amateur and professional sports motorcycles. The main feature of tires is reuse after wear: the rubber is turned 180 degrees and exploited again.
Tire "MC-360" on the front wheel, building element
Specifications:
Vendor code: | 2763100 |
Axes: | rear |
Purpose: | amateur off-road driving; for professional sports: motocross, supercross, freestyle and cross-country |
Profile parameters (centimeters): | width and height - 10 |
Rim Size: | 18 inches |
Type of: | chamber |
Load index: | 59 |
Speed class: | "M" |
MST Engine: | 1645 cc OHV V4 (90 degree camber) |
By price: | 4600 rubles |
MID HARD 100/100-18 59M TT MST REAR
Advantages:
- Mixed coverage;
- Perfect grip;
- High passability on sandy and stone routes;
- Resistance to various types of damage;
- Features in operation;
- Affordable price;
- Long service life;
- For riders of all skill levels.
Flaws:
ROADTEC 01
Model "180/55 ZR17 (73W) TL REAR HWM" for motobikes of naked, enduro, sport class. The two-layer construction of the tire makes the technique more stable. A steel breaker runs along the entire tire. This tire withstands any test and is famous for its increased wear resistance.
Running-in tires "ROADTEC 01"
Specifications:
Vendor code: | 2681300 |
Purpose: | sports touring |
Profile parameters (centimeters): | width - 18, height - 5.5 |
Type of: | tubeless |
Rim: | 17 inches |
Load index: | 73 |
Permissible speed class: | Z |
Axis: | rear |
Material: | combined: shoulder area - rubber compound with 100% silica content, in the central area - carbon black + silica in a percentage ratio of 30:70 |
average cost | 13200 rubles |
ROADTEC 01
Advantages:
- Ensuring a long run;
- Maximum grip force;
- Stable and comfortable ride;
- The maneuverability of the motorcycle thanks to the rubber is predictable;
- Tread pattern;
- An improved version of the "Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact" based on other developments;
- Short and extended contact patch;
- Consistent performance across the bus.
Flaws:
Description of the model range of motorcycle covers from the American company "Avon"
3D ULTRA SPORT AV80
Model "190/55 ZR17 (75W) TL REAR" for powerful sports bikes. Design features: increased contact patch, 3D sipes, special rubber compound and reinforced carcass.
Tire design "3D ULTRA SPORT AV80"
Specifications:
Vendor code: | 4530016 |
Motorcycle class: | sport |
Profile parameters (centimeters): | width - 19, height - 5.5 |
Load index: | 75 |
Type of: | tubeless |
Rim diameter: | 17 inches |
Structure: | radial |
Permissible speed: | 300+ km/h |
Axis: | rear |
Season: | summer |
By price: | 9000 rubles |
3D ULTRA SPORT AV80
Advantages:
- Peculiarities;
- Good grip with the track even in extreme conditions;
- High level manageability;
- durable;
- Wear resistant;
- Fast warming up to operating temperatures;
- For wet and dry weather;
- All high-speed heavy bikes;
- Guarantee.
Flaws:
TRAILRIDER AV53
Model "110/80 R19 59V TL FRONT" is designed for long trips on asphalt or dirt roads. Thanks to the "Super Rich Silica" technology, the rubber has a good grip on curves relative to the track. Tire composition: hard; sides are soft.
Front and rear tires "TRAILRIDER AV53" put on the rim
Specifications:
Vendor code: | 4230011 |
Class: | enduro (road) |
Type of: | tubeless |
Profile dimensions (centimeters): | width - 11, height - 8 |
Rim: | 19 inches |
By building: | radial |
Load index: | 59 |
Speed limit (class): | "V" |
Axis: | anterior |
Average price: | 7600 rubles |
TRAILRIDER AV53
Advantages:
- Comfortable movement;
- Rubber quickly warms up to the desired operating temperature conditions;
- Reduces the risk of falling;
- Stability at high speeds;
- resistance to deformation;
- Multicomponent compound.
Flaws:
COBRA CHROME
Model "130/70 R18 63H TL FRONT" is one of the representatives of the new development of this series. Its main features: increased up to 5% area of contact with the road; extended service life by 10%; wide range of sizes: up to 33 cm wide, rim diameter up to 23 inches; improved appearance - the image of a cobra on the edge of the tire.
Two "COBRA CHROME" tires on rims and highlighted cobra graphic
Specifications:
Vendor code: | 4120013 |
Axis: | before |
Motorcycle class: | chopper, cruiser |
Profile parameters (centimeters): | width - 13, height - 7 |
Rim Size: | 18 inches |
Type of: | tubeless |
Load index: | 63 |
Compound: | radial |
Speed class: | "N" |
Year of issue: | October 2018 |
Average cost: | 8400 rubles |
COBRA CHROME
Advantages:
- New;
- Huge selection of sizes;
- Improved running characteristics;
- For all weather conditions;
- Tire design;
- durable;
- Maneuverability: timely repetition of commands given by the rider;
- Excellent quality.
Flaws:
The best motorcycle tires from the Taiwanese company "Kenda"
K774F
The 80/100-21 51M TT cross-country model is suitable for beginners and professional athletes for off-road driving.Provide a comfortable ride in any emergency, regardless of weather conditions.
The appearance of the tire "K774F"
Specifications:
Vendor code: | 5618 |
The weight: | 4 kg |
Motorcycles: | sports, enduro |
Density: | 60 TPI |
Pressure: | 1.4 |
Axis: | any |
Rubber composition: | medium soft |
Profile dimensions (centimeters): | width - 8, height - 10 |
Diameter: | 21 inches |
Type of: | chamber |
Load index: | 51 |
Speed limit: | class "M" |
Price: | 4200 rubles |
K774F
Advantages:
- Budget;
- Excellent hook qualities;
- durable;
- Controllability;
- Lightweight;
- Long service life.
Flaws:
K772 CARLSBAD
The 100/90-19 57M TT REAR is designed for hard and intermediate terrain. All characteristics with high scores, which makes the tire resistant to various deformations and damage, and also increase its service life.
Tires "K772 CARLSBAD", design
Specifications:
Vendor code: | 292397 |
Class: | cross |
Type of: | chamber |
Profile dimensions (centimeters): | width - 10, height - 9 |
Rim diameter: | 19 inches |
Axis: | rear |
Load index: | 57 |
Speed limit: | class "M" |
The weight: | 5 kg 163 g |
By cost | 4350 rubles |
K772 CARLSBAD
Advantages:
- Passability on any roads;
- Excellent traction properties;
- Design: material and structure;
- Reliable;
- wear-resistant;
- For all weather conditions;
- Affordable;
- The special composition of the compound;
- High self-cleaning rate.
Flaws:
K678 BIG BLOCK PAVER
Model "90/90 B21 54H TL FRONT" has wide and long drainage grooves that improve the tenacity of rubber on the road. This structure helps to quickly remove water from the contact patch.Tires are considered universal, as they can be used for driving on asphalt and dirt, but in the second case there are limitations. The percentage for hard and soft surfaces is 80:20.
Tire design "K678 BIG BLOCK PAVER"
Specifications:
Vendor code: | 24549 |
Bike class: | enduro road |
Axis: | anterior |
Type of: | tubeless |
Profile size (centimeters): | height, width - 9 |
Rim diameter: | 21 inches |
Load index: | 54 |
Speed limit: | class "H" |
The weight: | 3 kg 900 g |
Season: | summer |
Average price: | 5000 rubles |
K678 BIG BLOCK PAVER
Advantages:
- Dual purpose tyres: for paved roads and some unpaved ones;
- Weigh little;
- Structure;
- Abrasion resistant compound;
- Appearance;
- The tire material has the property of elasticity even at low temperatures;
- sustainable;
- For any weather.
Flaws:
Conclusion
Attention is drawn to five categories of tires, each of which is the responsibility of a specific manufacturer. It is worth noting that any company creates its own brand using its own technologies, so there can be no absolutely identical tires from different companies. In addition, world leaders have several branches in their assortment that relate to a specific type of motorcycle or type of riding. In this regard, the rating includes popular, according to buyers, categories of motorcycle tires with one of the representatives for which a brief description is given, technical characteristics are deciphered and the pros and cons of the model are indicated.
The popularity of models, among the population, received sports, tourist and urban tires. However, combined options are more in demand.
The specification of tires in the rating is given only for an example and a better perception. In fact, all categories of tires come in different sizes, which affects both performance and cost.
Basic requirements for tires:
- Controllability;
- patency;
- Resistance to various damages;
- Comfort while driving.
Which company is better to buy motorcycle tires? The answer to this question will be the study of the class of rubber for a particular type of ride and a comparative analysis of all brand representatives.
Popular mistakes when choosing - the owner is trying to install a tire wider or smaller in width on his motorcycle. In this case, you need to study the instructions for the bike, since some equipment allows you to combine several options. This rule applies when buying tires. Any specialist will tell you whether the selected rubber option is suitable for your motorcycle or not, and will offer an alternative version. Sometimes, the advice of bikers who share useful information on various forums helps in this matter.
Having studied all the recommendations, you can easily make a choice. And which company is better to buy tires for a motorcycle - the choice is yours.