Complete guide: which motorcycle tire brand should you choose?

Choosing the right motorcycle tire brand is essential for ensuring safety , performance, and longevity on the road. Whether you're an urban biker, a touring enthusiast, or a track fan, motorcycle tire manufacturers offer a variety of ranges to suit every need. This guide presents the most reliable and popular brands, as well as their specific benefits depending on your riding style.

Summary

• 1. How to choose your motorcycle tires?
• 2. The best motorcycle tire brands
• 3. Comparative table of motorcycle tire brands
• 4. FAQ

1. How to choose your motorcycle tires?

Choosing a brand is not a random decision. Here are the main criteria to consider :

• Type of motorcycle : roadster, sports, trail, custom, etc.
• Use : road, city, track, off-road.
• Weather conditions : rain, cold, heat.
• Durability : Average mileage and wear resistance.
• Budget : Some brands are more premium, others more affordable.

2. The best motorcycle tire brands

Michelin

Michelin is a global benchmark. The French brand offers excellent road/sport tires, such as the Michelin Road 6 and the Power 5 , which are highly balanced. It also excels in trail and scooter use. Its strengths include versatility , longevity, and wet grip. For demanding motorcyclists, the Power GP is a high-performance road/track- approved tire.

Pirelli

Pirelli is highly regarded by sports bikers. Its models, such as the Diablo Rosso IV and the Supercorsa SP, are designed for optimal grip on the road and track, with precise feel for cornering. Ideal for sports bikes and track riding.

Bridgestone

Bridgestone offers a very good compromise between performance and durability . The BT-016 Pro or the T32 are very popular for fast and stable driving. A good choice for road users and those who prefer comfort.

Continental

Continental is renowned for its innovative tires, offering excellent feedback and exemplary grip, especially in the rain. The ContiRoadAttack 4 and ContiSportAttack are benchmarks in touring and sport tires.

Dunlop

Dunlop offers robust and durable tires with good grip, particularly suitable for touring and sports motorcycles. The RoadSmart IV is a safe bet for long journeys. For more sporty riders, the SportSmart TT offers an excellent road/track solution.

Metzeler

Metzeler , a German brand specializing in motorcycles, stands out for its trail, touring and sports tires. The Tourance Next 2 is a benchmark for trails, while the Sportec M9 RR is aimed at high-performance sports bikes for mixed use .

Avon

Avon is a lesser-known British brand that offers excellent tires for custom bikes, cafe racers, and classic motorcycles. A good choice for vintage styling and good value for money. The Cobra Chrome is its flagship model for custom bikes.

Mitas

Mitas is a Czech brand known for its good value for money tires, especially for off-road , trail and mixed use. The E-07+ is very popular among fans of long-distance off-road trips.

Heidenau

Heidenau , a German brand, is known for its solid and durable tires, particularly for trails, scooters and classic motorcycles. The K60 Scout is a benchmark in mixed road/trail tires.

3. Comparative table of motorcycle tire brands

Brand	Highlights	Best uses	Flagship model
Michelin	Versatility, longevity, rain	Road, trail, sport	Michelin Road 6
Pirelli	Grip, performance, sportiness	Road, track	Red Devil IV
Bridgestone	Comfort, lifespan	Touring, road	T32
Continental	Excellent grip, rain	Sport, touring	ContiRoadAttack 4
Dunlop	Robustness, stability, sport	Sport, touring, circuit	RoadSmart IV / SportSmart TT
Metzeler	Trail/touring specialist	Trail, sport	Tourance Next 2
Avon	Vintage, custom	Custom, roadster	Avon Cobra Chrome
Mitas	Good grip, affordable, off-road	Trail, mixed	Mitas E-07+
Heidenau	Endurance, mixed grip	Trail, classic, path	Heidenau K60 Scout

4. FAQ

• What is the best motorcycle tire brand? There's no single answer: Michelin is known for its versatility, Pirelli for its sportiness, Metzeler for trail riding, and so on.
• How many kilometers does a motorcycle tire last? Between 8,000 and 20,000 km depending on use, brand, and type of motorcycle.
• Can I mix two brands of tires? This is not recommended unless the treads and rubbers are compatible and approved together.
• Which tires should you choose for driving in the rain? Michelin, Continental, and Bridgestone offer excellent wet grip.
• Should I choose a radial or bias tire? Radial tires are more efficient and modern, except for older trail or custom bikes where bias tires are still used.
• What pressure should I use for my tires? Always consult the manufacturer's manual. Incorrect pressure increases wear, reduces traction, and can be dangerous.
• Should you break in a new tire? Yes. The first 100 to 200 km should be driven carefully to allow the tire to "adjust" to the road and remove mold residue.