Ah, the thrill of the open road! But wait, before you rev up that engine, there’s a crucial decision to make: choosing the right road tyres for your motorcycle.
With so many options available, how do you know which one is the best fit? It’s a tough decision every rider faces.
Get it wrong, and you’re looking at sketchy traction in the rain, rapid wear, or even a nasty high-speed accident. This isn’t just about tearing up the tarmac; it’s about keeping you and your bike rubber side down.
We get the struggle and the stakes. With our expertise and meticulous research, we’re here to guide you. Dive into our comprehensive guide on the 5 best road motorcycle tyres of 2024 and ride with confidence, knowing you’ve made the right choice. Let’s get rolling!
If you want to know what the overall best tyres are for this year, look no further.
The Quicklist
Before we dive into the details, here’s a summary of our top picks for 2024 and why they made the list.
Michelin Road 6: Infused with ground breaking technologies, this tyre boasts unparalleled wet and dry grip, exceptional longevity, precision handling, and the stellar reputation of the Michelin brand.
Pirelli Angel GTII: This tyre offers exceptional dry and wet grip, versatile performance for touring and sport riding, and innovative technology for enhanced safety and handling.
Metzeler Roadtec 02: This tyre offers adaptability for super-sport touring, excelling in both dry and wet conditions with innovative technology for enhanced grip, stability, and versatile performance.
Bridgestone T32: Engineered with advanced Pulse Groove pattern technology, the T32 offers exceptional wet and dry grip, enhanced contact feel, impressive mileage, and a new benchmark in the Sport Touring category, making it a top choice for riders seeking all weather performance.
Dunlop Roadsmart IV: Designed to excel in wet performance, this tyre provides effortless handling, advanced durability, and is designed for a responsive, stable ride in various weather conditions.
For more detail on why we picked these tyres, find out below.
What to consider when buying road motorcycle tyres
Picking the perfect tyre isn’t just about how it looks (though, that’s a bonus). It’s about understanding the features and benefits that’ll make your ride smoother, safer, and more fun. Whether you’re a weekend rider or a daily commuter, these key factors will ensure you’re making the best choice.
Dry Grip: Essential for those sunny rides, good dry grip ensures stability and confidence when leaning into those corners.
Wet Grip: Rain shouldn’t dampen your spirit! A tyre with excellent wet grip ensures you stay upright and in control, even on slippery surfaces.
Feedback: A great tyre communicates! It should give you a clear sense of the road beneath, giving you feedback on road surface changes and grip levels.
Handling: Whether you’re navigating city streets or winding roads, your tyre’s handling capabilities can make or break your ride. Look for tyres that respond well to your bike and the type of riding you do.
Seasonal Suitability: Whether it’s summer heat or winter chills, pick a tyre that’s tailored to the season and your riding conditions.
These are what to look for when choosing the best road bike motorcycle tyres. With these considerations in mind, you’re well on your way to making an informed decision. Ready to discover the best rubber for your ride?
Top 5 Best Road Motorcycle Tyres of 2024
Now we know what to consider, let’s dive into our line up of the best road motorcycle tyres of 2024, in no particular order:
Michelin Road 6
When it comes to motorcycle tyres, the Michelin Road 6 is a game-changer. This tyre is the culmination of two decades of relentless innovation and high-level expertise. Let’s dive into why it’s part of our top picks for 2024.
Dry Grip
One of the standout features is its phenomenal dry grip. Thanks to Michelin’s 2CT+ Technology, the tyre has harder rubber beneath the softer rubber on the shoulders. What does this mean for you? Exceptional grip when you’re leaning into those corners. And let’s not forget the silica technology, which means you can push further and harder.
Wet Grip
The Road 6 also shines when the roads are wet. It offers a staggering 15% more wet grip than its predecessor, the Road 5. This is achieved through the use of 100% silica technology and a unique tread pattern. Additionally, Michelin’s Water Evergrip technology ensures that the tyre’s water evacuation capabilities improve over time. So, even as your tyres age, you can trust them to keep you safe on wet roads.
Feedback
Feedback from your tyres is crucial, especially when you’re pushing them to the limit. The Michelin Road 6 doesn’t disappoint, thanks to its Aramid Shield Technology. This results in a highly dense and rigid tyre casing, which gives you superb feedback in real-time, allowing you to gauge how well the tyre is performing.
Handling
When it comes to handling, the Michelin Road 6 is in a league of its own. The Radial-X technology, featuring 90° plies on the crown, provides excellent adherence and stability. Combine that with the Aramid Shield Technology, and you get a tyre that’s lightweight yet offers excellent stability, even at high speeds.
Seasonal Suitability
The Road 6 is a true all-season warrior, courtesy of its silica technology. Whether you’re riding in the hot sun or braving cooler temperatures, this tyre maintains its grip and durability.
In summary, the Michelin Road 6 Motorcycle Tyre offers an unrivalled blend of grip, longevity, and real-world performance. With its array of advanced technologies seamlessly integrated, it’s easy to see why this tyre has earned a spot on our list of the best road motorcycle tyres for 2024.
Buy this tyre if:
- If you value performance, this tyre offers superior grip in both wet and dry conditions, thanks to its innovative tread pattern and silica technology.
- Seasonal flexibility is important to you. This is a tyre that’s adaptable to various weather conditions, ensuring grip and durability across seasons.
Don’t buy this tyre if:
- Budget Constraints are an issue. If you’re looking for the most economical option available and are willing to compromise on some advanced features, you may need to look elsewhere.
- You’re a casual rider only: Your motorcycle journeys are infrequent and short, making high-end features less of a priority.
Click here to check the latest price of the Michelin Road 6 motorcycle tyre
Pirelli Angel GT II
The Pirelli Angel GT II Motorcycle Tyre is a solid addition to our best tyre line up, showcasing a balance between Gran Turismo concept and Pirelli’s sporty features. As a successor in the sport touring tyre category, it offers improved performance across various conditions.
Dry Grip
Built on the PIRELLI DIABLO™ racing design, the Angel GT II provides strong dry grip. Its tread design and dual compound layout improve road interaction, offering stable grip in dry conditions and ensuring rider confidence.
Wet Grip
Incorporating high-silica compounds and DIABLO™ Wet technologies, the tyre performs well in wet conditions. The high-silica content maintains traction on wet roads, enhancing safety and control.
Feedback
The tyre offers consistent feedback. Its tread pattern and structure reduce unnecessary steering inputs, leading to a smoother ride. This allows riders to better understand and respond to road conditions.
Handling
The Angel GT II is known for its handling. Its unique contour and compound design ensure performance across different lean angles, suitable for both touring and more dynamic riding. It maintains a consistent footprint, offering reliable handling.
Seasonal Suitability
This tyre is adaptable to different weather conditions, thanks to its Gran Turismo Concept Evolution. This feature makes it a dependable choice for riders in various climates, ensuring a stable ride year-round.
In summary, the Pirelli Angel GT II is a testament to Pirelli’s focus on innovation and quality, offering a blend of safety, performance, and longevity. It continues to redefine standards in the motorcycle tyre industry, promising a reliable riding experience.
Buy this tyre if:
- You value a tyre that provides reliable performance in both dry and wet conditions, ensuring safety and control in varied weather.
- You’re looking for a tyre that balances sporty handling with the durability needed for long-distance touring.
Don’t buy this tyre if:
- You primarily ride in off-road or extreme conditions where specialised tyres might be more suitable.
- You’re seeking the most budget-friendly option and are willing to compromise on some of the advanced features and technologies this tyre offers.
Check the latest price of the Pirelli Angel GT II motorcycle tyre here
Metzeler Roadtec 02
The Metzeler Roadtec 02 Motorcycle Tyre is an excellent addition to your lineup, especially if you’re a super-sport touring rider. It uniquely combines the steady performance of a Sport-Touring tyre with the agility of a Supersport tyre, adapting to various riding styles and conditions.
Dry Grip
The Adaptive Tread Pattern technology adjusts the tyre’s behaviour, offering the precision and agility of a Supersport tyre during spirited, dry rides. This ensures strong grip and stability in dry conditions.
Wet Grip
With 100% silica-based compounds, the tyre provides exceptional grip on wet surfaces. It balances high-speed stability with safety and control, making it reliable in various weather conditions.
Feedback
The tyre’s design increases the footprint and consistency at different lean angles. This results in smoother, more precise rides, offering enhanced stability and grip, which improves the overall feedback to the rider.
Handling
The innovative Groove Closure Mechanism improves traction and stability during high-speed manoeuvres. As you lean into corners, the grooves partially close, increasing the contact patch with the road for better handling.
Seasonal Suitability
Equipped to handle different weather conditions, its adaptive pattern and silica compounds ensure consistent performance, making it suitable for diverse seasonal use.
Overall, the Metzeler Roadtec 02 is ideal for riders seeking a tyre that adapts to both relaxed and spirited riding. It provides consistent performance across conditions, ensuring a versatile and enjoyable riding experience.
Buy this tyre if:
- You want a tyre that adapts to different riding styles, providing the stability of a Sport-Touring tyre and the agility of a Supersport tyre.
- You’re looking for a tyre with excellent performance in both dry and wet conditions, ensuring safety and control during various rides.
Don’t buy this tyre if:
- Your riding is mainly off-road or on extremely rough terrains, which would benefit more from a tyre specifically designed for those conditions.
- You prefer a tyre with a singular focus, either on sport or touring, rather than a hybrid of the two.
Check the latest price of the Metzeler Roadtec 02 motorcycle tyre here.
Bridgestone T32
The Bridgestone Battlax Sport Touring T32 tyre is a top choice for riders seeking control and performance, especially in wet conditions. It’s designed for those who demand a blend of safety, stability, and all-weather reliability in their rides.
Dry Grip
The T32’s advanced technology and large contact patch ensure a secure grip on dry roads. This tyre provides stability and confidence, allowing for a more enjoyable and safe ride in dry conditions.
Wet Grip
A standout feature is the tyre’s 7% shorter wet braking distance compared to its predecessor, thanks to Bridgestone’s new Pulse Groove pattern design. This technology enhances performance in wet conditions, offering improved safety and control.
Feedback
Riders will appreciate the T32’s feedback, particularly in terms of its braking and stability. The increased contact patch and advanced tread design contribute to a more responsive riding experience, keeping the rider well-informed of road conditions.
Handling
The Bridgestone T32 is known for its handling, especially with a 13% larger contact patch on the rear tyre. This feature provides a stable and smooth ride, ensuring reliable handling across various road conditions.
Seasonal Suitability
With its unique compound and tread design, the T32 is well-suited for all weather conditions. This makes it a versatile choice for riders who encounter diverse climates and want a tyre that can reliably perform year-round.
In summary, the Bridgestone Battlax T32 is a durable and reliable tyre, offering balanced performance across a variety of conditions. Its advanced design and materials ensure longevity, making it a wise choice for riders who prioritise consistent performance and safety on their journeys.
Buy this tyre if:
- Your riding involves frequent wet conditions, and you need a tyre with excellent wet grip and improved braking capabilities.
- You’re looking for a tyre that performs well in various weather conditions, providing steady handling and stability throughout.
Don’t buy this tyre if:
- You mainly engage in track racing or require a tyre specifically designed for high-performance sports riding.
- Your motorcycle usage is minimal or predominantly for short, urban commutes where the advanced features of the T32, such as enhanced wet grip and stability, may not be fully utilised.
The latest price for the Bridgestone T32 is available by clicking here.
Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart IV
The Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart IV Motorcycle Tyre is a top-tier choice for riders seeking advanced tyre technology and performance. It stands out particularly for its wet conditions capabilities, offering a blend of safety, control, and comfort.
Dry Grip
This tyre provides excellent grip on dry roads, thanks to its Multi-Tread (MT) technology. The unique compound and tread pattern ensure a secure and stable ride, even at high speeds or during aggressive cornering.
Wet Grip
One of its key strengths is enhanced wet performance. The advanced compounds used in the tyre provide superior wet grip, crucial for maintaining control and safety in challenging weather conditions.
Feedback
The Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart IV is designed with the Dynamic Front Formula (DFF), which optimises the front tyre shape and mould profile. This results in balanced steering, stability, and feedback, giving riders a confident and enjoyable ride.
Handling
The tyre’s low steering effort and fast warm-up time contribute to effortless handling. The innovative tread pattern and JointLess Tread (JLT) technology ensure responsive handling and stability, enhancing the riding experience, especially on long tours or with additional load.
Seasonal Suitability
With its optimised tread pattern and compound, the Roadsmart IV is suitable for a range of weather conditions. It provides consistent performance, ensuring riders can enjoy their journeys regardless of the season.
In conclusion, the Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart IV is engineered for riders who demand high performance and durability. Its design and technologies ensure a smooth, responsive, and safe ride, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of riding conditions and styles.
Buy this tyre if:
- You require a tyre that excels in handling and stability, especially during touring or long-distance rides.
- You value advanced technology in tyres, such as the Dynamic Front Formula (DFF) and Multi-Tread (MT) technology, for an enhanced riding experience.
Don’t buy this tyre if:
- You primarily engage in track racing or high-performance sports riding, which may require a different tyre specification.
- Your usage involves mainly short, urban commutes where the specific features of the Roadsmart IV, like enhanced wet grip and advanced durability, may not be fully utilised.
Find out the very latest price for the Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart IV by clicking here.
To sum up
Choosing the right motorcycle tyre is pivotal, with factors like tread pattern, grip, handling, and brand reputation playing crucial roles. Whether you’re navigating city streets or open roads, the right tyre ensures safety, performance, and longevity.
Still feeling overwhelmed by the options? Don’t fret! Reach out to us, and our experts will guide you to the perfect fit for your ride. Your next adventure awaits, and we’re here to ensure you embark on it with the best tyres beneath you.
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