Best Motorcycle Tires For Gravel Roads for Mixed-Terrain Riding

#1 · Best Overall

1. Tusk Dsport Adventure Set

• Size: 90/90-21 (54R)/120/90-18 (65R)
• Rim Size: 16.33 in
• Load Capacity: 992 lb

Best for: Front-and-rear trail set.

Why it ranks #1: The set includes 90/90-21 and 120/90-18 tires, with an aggressive tread and DOT compliance for on- and off-road use.

This Tusk Dsport package includes both a 90/90-21 front and 120/90-18 rear tire, so riders can plan a matched front-and-rear replacement rather than source each size separately. Aggressive tread and D.O.T. compliance target a dual-sport mix of off-road traction and road use.

The set’s two specified sizes make front-and-rear replacement planning more direct, while tube-type construction means the wheels must accommodate tubes during installation. Tusk describes the aggressive tread as providing grip in tough off-road conditions and the rubber compound as balancing grip with long wear on and off road. The listed deep tread measures 11.5mm at the front and 16mm at the rear, giving buyers concrete figures to assess for their use.

Skip it if you need a tubeless tire setup; the Continental TKC 70 is explicitly listed with tubeless technology.

This set suits dual-sport riders replacing both ends for gravel and tougher off-road routes while retaining D.O.T.-compliant road use. Check the 90/90-21 front and 120/90-18 rear sizes, and plan for tube-type installation.

Listed on Amazon as: Tusk Dsport Adventure Motorcycle Tire Set – 90/90-21, 120/90-18, Tube Type

#2 · Loose-Gravel Grip

2. Continental TKC 80

• Size: 140/80-18
• Rim Size: 18 in
• Weight: 16.9 lb
• Load Capacity: 739 lb

Best for: Loose-gravel rear traction.

Why it ranks #2: Its block-style tread is specifically described for loose gravel, mud, sand, and rocky terrain; this listing is a 140/80-18 rear tire.

The TKC 80’s rugged block-style tread is specifically listed for grip on loose gravel, mud, sand, and rocky terrain, giving off-road-focused riders a clear surface match. Its rear 140/80-18 size combines that aggressive tread with stated on-road stability for touring between unpaved sections.

Continental pairs optimized tread spacing and compound with the block-style pattern, specifying smooth, stable handling on paved roads alongside traction on loose surfaces. A robust carcass and reinforced sidewalls are intended to withstand tough conditions, relevant when routes include rough terrain. The 140/80-18 dimensions identify this as a rear tire for a compatible 18-inch wheel, while the listed 739-pound load capacity provides a specific limit for evaluating the setup.

Skip it if you want both tires supplied together; the TUSK Dsport Adventure set includes front and rear sizes.

This Continental rear tire fits riders tackling loose gravel and rough terrain who also need the stated paved-road stability for touring. Confirm the 140/80-18 rear size and consider that this listing supplies one tire, not a set.

Listed on Amazon as: Continental TKC 80 140/80-18 M/C 70R TL Twinduro Rear Motorcycle Tire

#3 · Deep Rear Tread

3. Tusk Dsport Adventure Tire

• Size: 130/90-17 (68R)
• Rim Size: 17 in
• Weight: 18.4 lb
• Load Capacity: 694 lb

Best for: Aggressive dual-sport gravel.

Why it ranks #3: This 130/90-17 tube-type tire is DOT compliant for on/off-road use and lists 16mm rear tread depth for off-road grip and wear.

A deep 16mm rear tread and tall knobbies give the Tusk Dsport Adventure a clear gravel-and-trail focus, with an aggressive pattern specified for grip in tough off-road conditions. Its D.O.T. compliance also makes it a candidate for riders who want one tube-type tire for on- and off-road use.

The 130/90-17 (68R) size and tube-type construction are central fit and installation details: riders need a compatible wheel and tube-type setup. Tusk specifies a 16mm tread depth for the rear and a rubber compound intended to combine grip with long wear on and off road. Together with the aggressive tread pattern, those features suit gravel and dirt-road travel while retaining the stated D.O.T.-compliant on-road use.

Skip it if you need a complete front-and-rear set in one purchase; the TUSK Dsport set supplies both tire sizes.

Pick this TUSK rear tire for dual-sport riders prioritizing knobby traction on gravel, dirt roads, and technical terrain. It is a single 130/90-17 tube-type tire, so account for the matching front tire and tube-compatible wheel.

Listed on Amazon as: Tusk Dsport® Adventure Motorcycle Tire – Tube Type 130/90-17 (68R) – Off-Road & Dual-Sport

#4 · Gravel-Specific Label

4. MMG Street Gravel Tire

• Size: 2.75-18
• Rim Size: 18 in
• Weight: 6 lb
• Load Capacity: 374 lb

Best for: Compact 18-inch gravel fit.

Why it ranks #4: Its title explicitly names street, gravel, and unpaved use; the 2.75-18 tubeless size makes it a distinct fit-dependent option.

The MMG’s explicit street, gravel, and unpaved designation gives riders a straightforward option for mixed-surface use. Its 2.75-18 size and tubeless construction are the key concrete details: they help identify a compatible wheel setup and whether this tire suits a motorcycle’s intended gravel-road route.

The 2.75-18 size, also listed as 70/90B18, gives buyers two supplied sizing references to compare with their motorcycle’s requirements before installation. Tubeless construction can suit a compatible tubeless wheel without requiring a tube. The listed 374-pound load capacity provides a specific limit to consider when accounting for the motorcycle and its load. Its stated street, gravel, and unpaved application makes the intended surface mix clear, though no tread-depth or grip-performance figures are supplied.

Skip it if you need a listed tread depth or quantified grip performance for gravel; the TUSK Dsport specifies deep rear tread.

Consider this MMG tire for a compatible 18-inch setup used on streets, gravel, and unpaved roads. Its 374-pound load capacity is a relevant boundary, and buyers should verify the supplied size against their motorcycle’s requirements.

Listed on Amazon as: MMG 2.75-18 Tubeless Tire, Street/Gravel/Unpaved, Motorcycle

#5

5. Continental TKC 70

• Size: 170/60 R 17
• Rim Size: 17 in
• Weight: 7 kg
• Load Capacity: 716 lb

Best for: Mixed-road adventure touring.

Why it ranks #5: The 170/60 R17 rear tire is presented for on-road and light off-road use, fitting riders whose gravel trips are less demanding.

Continental’s on-road and light off-road versatility makes the TKC 70 a practical choice for riders who split time between pavement and gravel. Its advanced tread design and compound are specified to provide traction across varied surfaces, while the optimized profile supports stable, predictable handling as the route changes.

The 170/60 R17 rear size identifies the wheel and tire dimensions to match when checking motorcycle fit, and tubeless construction offers the stated safety and convenience benefit without a tube. Reinforced construction is intended to resist wear over continued use, while the optimized profile supports predictable handling on both paved roads and light off-road routes. With a listed 716-pound load capacity, the tire also provides a concrete load limit for evaluating a compatible setup.

Skip it if you regularly tackle technical trails or the toughest off-road conditions; the TUSK Dsport Adventure tire lists aggressive tread for demanding off-road grip.

Choose this Continental rear tire for mixed pavement and light-gravel rides where predictable handling and tubeless convenience matter. Check that the 170/60 R17 size and 716-pound load capacity suit your motorcycle and intended load.

Listed on Amazon as: Continental TKC 70 170/60 R17 M/C (72V) TL Rear Motorcycle Tire – Adventure-Ready Tire for On-Road and Light Off-Road Use – Durable, Versatile, and High-Performance 170/60-17

#6

6. Dunlop Trailmax Mission

• Size: 90/90-21
• Rim Size: 21 in
• Weight: 14.6 lb
• Load Capacity: 467 lb

Best for: All-terrain 21-inch front.

Why it ranks #6: Its 90/90-21 front tire is described for varied terrain, with an aggressive pattern for hard terrain and grooves for wet-weather conditions.

Dunlop’s staggered-step tread blocks add rigidity to the contact patch, giving this Trailmax Mission front tire a specific feature aimed at off-road performance. Its 90/90-21 size and stated mix of knobby-like off-road ability, street grip, ride quality, and stability suit riders crossing between gravel and pavement.

The staggered-step design is specified to increase contact-patch rigidity, while the aggressive tread pattern targets traction in hard terrain; together, these details support control across unpaved sections. Dunlop also lists deep grooves for wet-weather performance and biting edges for off-road use, useful when gravel routes encounter rain or harder surfaces. The 90/90-21 specification identifies this as a front tire, so buyers should plan for a compatible front-wheel fit and source a rear tire separately.

Skip it if you need front and rear tires in one package; the TUSK Dsport Adventure set includes both sizes.

Choose the Dunlop front for adventure riders balancing gravel, hard terrain, wet conditions, and street miles. It is a 90/90-21 front tire rather than a complete set, so match it with a suitable rear tire.

Listed on Amazon as: Dunlop Trailmax Mission Front Tire (90/90-21)

#7

7. Tusk 2Track Adventure Set

• Size: 120/70B-19 & 170/60B-17
• Rim Size: 19 in

Best for: BMW R1300GS matched set.

Why it ranks #7: This set pairs 120/70B-19 and 170/60B-17 tires for the BMW R1300GS, with balanced paved and unpaved use described.

The Tusk 2Track package lists both 120/70B-19 and 170/60B-17 sizes and names the BMW R1300GS, making its intended motorcycle and front-and-rear set format explicit. Its dual-sport tread is specified for balanced traction on paved and unpaved routes, including gravel-road riding.

Having both listed sizes in one set helps R1300GS riders plan front-and-rear replacement together, while the stated front and rear sizing clarifies each position. Tusk describes the tread as balancing traction, cornering, and braking on paved and unpaved conditions, supporting mixed-route use. The rubber compounds are specified to withstand trail hazards and long-distance riding while maintaining performance. The product description also calls out smooth, predictable on-road performance alongside off-road capability.

Skip it if you ride a different motorcycle; the Dunlop Trailmax Mission is listed as a 90/90-21 front tire without a named BMW-only application.

This set suits BMW R1300GS riders seeking coordinated tires for paved travel and unpaved adventures. The listed sizes are 120/70B-19 and 170/60B-17; confirm those match the intended front and rear fitment.

Listed on Amazon as: Tusk 2Track Adventure Tire Set – 120/70B-19, 170/60B-17 for BMW R1300GS

#8

8. Michelin Anakee Adventure 2

• Size: 90/90-21 (54V) 48372
• Weight: 5618.19 g

Best for: Quieter adventure-road miles.

Why it ranks #8: The 90/90-21 front tire emphasizes quieter rides, wet grip, and mileage; the supplied description offers less gravel-specific tread detail.

Michelin’s optimized tread is specified to reduce perceived noise, making the Anakee Adventure 2 a distinctive option for riders spending long stretches on the road before reaching gravel. Silica-based compounds combined with Michelin 2CT Technology are also listed for wet-surface grip and high mileage.

The optimized tread’s noise-reduction focus can make long rides less tiring, according to the supplied product description, while the silica-based compound and 2CT Technology are intended to support grip on wet surfaces. The product is listed in 90/90-21 (54V), giving front-wheel fitment and speed/load designation details to check against the motorcycle. The supplied facts support a road-oriented comfort and wet-weather case, but do not specify a tread depth or a dedicated off-road terrain range.

Skip it if you prioritize specified aggressive tread for tough gravel and trail conditions; the Continental TKC 80 lists grip on loose gravel and rocky terrain.

Choose this Michelin for adventure riders who value quieter long road miles and stated wet-surface grip before reaching gravel. Its listed size is 90/90-21; consider that the supplied description does not detail a specific off-road terrain range.

Listed on Amazon as: Michelin Anakee Adventure 2 Motorcycle Tire (90/90-21 (54V) 48372)