Best Road Motorcycle Tyres for Touring and Sport Riding

#1 · Best Overall

1. MICHELIN Road 6 Rear Tire

• Size: 180/55ZR-17 (73W)
• Rim Size: 18 in
• Vehicle Tire ISO Metric Size Description: 180/55R17
• Load Capacity: 800 lb

Best for: Wet-weather sport touring.

Why it ranks #1: This sport-touring rear tyre lists 15% more wet grip and 10% longer tread life than the Road 5, in size 180/55ZR-17.

Water Evergrip Technology paired with 100% Michelin Silica Technology gives this Road 6 rear tire its clearest wet-weather distinction: Michelin reports 15% more wet grip than the Road 5. Its 180/55ZR-17 size and 800-pound load capacity identify a specific rear-tire option for sport-touring riders.

The silica tread compound and Water Evergrip pattern work together to support wet-road grip, while Michelin’s stated 10% longer tread life than the previous generation addresses riders tracking replacement intervals. This is a rear tire in 180/55ZR-17, not a complete front-and-rear set, so it suits a replacement plan that calls for that size. The 800-pound listed load capacity is another specification to consider alongside the motorcycle’s requirements.

Skip it if you need a front-and-rear pair in one purchase; the Pirelli Angel ST set includes both tires.

A sport-touring rider seeking a 180/55ZR-17 rear tire with stated wet-grip and tread-life improvements may find this a relevant fit. It is rear-only, so plan separately for a matching front tire.

Listed on Amazon as: MICHELIN Road 6 Rear Tire (180/55ZR-17), black

#2 · Best Matched Touring Set

2. Pirelli Angel ST Set

• Size: 120/70ZR17 190/50ZR17
• Rim Size: 17 in
• Vehicle Tire ISO Metric Size Description: 120/70ZR17 (F), 190/50ZR17 (R)
• Load Capacity: 520 lb

Best for: Paired sport-touring tires.

Why it ranks #2: The set includes 120/70ZR17 front and 190/50ZR17 rear tyres, with a sport-touring compound described for dry, wet, and low-temperature grip.

This Pirelli Angel ST listing supplies both 120/70ZR-17 front and 190/50ZR-17 rear tires, making it a matched-size set for a complete changeover. Its high-silica sport-touring compound is specified for dry grip and wet-road safety, including at low temperatures.

The high-silica compound is presented as a source of dry grip and wet-surface safety, with low-temperature use also named in the product details. Pirelli’s tread design combines high-mileage capability with a modern appearance, connecting the pattern to both intended longevity and its visual finish. Front and rear profiles are described as new and versatile. Check the motorcycle handbook for its recommended tire pressures, as Pirelli’s supplied guidance directs riders there.

Skip it if you need 180/55ZR-17 at the rear; the MICHELIN Road 6 Rear Tire is listed in that size.

Riders changing both tires on a motorcycle requiring these 17-inch sizes may appreciate the paired format and sport-touring compound. Verify the specified front and rear sizes and follow the motorcycle maker’s pressure guidance.

Listed on Amazon as: Pirelli Angel ST Motorcycle Tire Set 120/70ZR17 58W & 190/50ZR17 73W

#3 · Best Wet-Grip Alternative

3. MICHELIN Road 5 Rear Tire

• Size: 190/50ZR-17 (73W)
• Rim Size: 17 in
• Vehicle Tire ISO Metric Size Description: 190/50ZR-17
• Load Capacity: 890 lb

Best for: Road 5 rear replacement.

Why it ranks #3: This 190/50ZR-17 rear tyre features XST Evo siping and 2CT+ compounds, with listed wet grip and handling benefits over the Pilot Road 4.

XST Evo sipes are the defining feature of this MICHELIN Road 5 rear tire, with the listing stating that braking after 3,500 miles remains as short as new Pilot Road 4 tires. The 190/50ZR-17 size makes it a specific rear-replacement option, rather than a complete tire set.

The XST Evo siping supports the stated wet-weather braking performance, while the 2CT+ compounds are cited alongside improved dry grip, stability, and handling versus the Pilot Road 4. ACT+ casing technology also contributes to the listed handling and stability benefits. Because this is a 190/50ZR-17 rear tire, it fits a replacement workflow only when that size is appropriate; it does not provide a front tire for a full changeover.

Skip it if you want a paired set; the Continental Conti Motion set includes front and rear tires in 17-inch sizes.

Road 5 owners or riders seeking a 190/50ZR-17 rear replacement can weigh its siping, casing, and compound claims. It is not a pair, and the listed comparison is specifically against Pilot Road 4 tires.

Listed on Amazon as: MICHELIN Road 5 Rear Tire 190/50ZR17 73W (88786)

#4 · Best Multi-Tread Rear

4. Dunlop Roadsmart 3 Rear Tire

• Size: 180/55ZR-17
• Rim Size: 17 in
• Vehicle Tire ISO Metric Size Description: 180/55R17 (Rear)
• Load Capacity: 805 lb

Best for: Multi-compound touring rear.

Why it ranks #4: Its 180/55ZR-17 rear fitment and MT Multi-Tread design combine a high-mileage centre compound with higher-adhesion lateral compounds.

Dunlop’s MT Multi-Tread design pairs a high-mileage center compound with high-adhesion lateral compounds, giving this Roadsmart 3 rear tire a specific touring-and-cornering focus. Its listed size is 180/55ZR-17, and Dunlop describes the tire for performance touring and wet-weather use.

The center compound’s high-mileage aim can suit riders who want touring use, while the lateral compounds are described as high adhesion for leaning through corners. Dunlop also calls out wet-weather performance, though the supplied listing does not quantify it. This is a rear tire in 180/55ZR-17, so it supports a targeted replacement rather than a complete front-and-rear change. Its listed load capacity is 805 pounds, another specification to check against requirements.

Skip it if you need a paired set in one listing; the Continental Conti Motion set supplies front and rear tires.

Touring riders replacing a 180/55ZR-17 rear tire may value the split compound approach and stated wet-weather focus. It is a single rear tire, and the wet-performance claim is not quantified in the supplied details.

Listed on Amazon as: Dunlop Roadsmart 3 Rear Tire (180/55-17)

#5 · Best Sport-Touring 190/50

5. Kenda KM1

• Size: 190/50-17 R
• Rim Size: 17 in
• Vehicle Tire ISO Metric Size Description: 190/50ZR17(R)
• Load Capacity: 805 lb

Best for: Sport-touring 190/50 rear.

Why it ranks #5: This 190/50ZR17 rear tyre is explicitly aimed at sport-touring and lists directional tread, a solid centre rib, and optimized apex geometry.

Kenda’s optimized apex geometry is presented as balancing high-speed stability with agile handling, giving the KM1 a clear sport-touring use case. This listing specifies a 190/50ZR17 rear tire with a directional tread design and a solid center rib for straight-line travel.

The apex geometry is tied to stability at speed and agile handling, while the directional tread is described as delivering grip, stability, and responsiveness. A solid center rib supports smooth, straight-line travel, a practical detail for riders spending time on road sections between turns. The listing identifies one 190/50ZR17 rear tire, not a pair, and gives an 805-pound load capacity. Confirm the listed size and position against the motorcycle’s requirements.

Skip it if you want a front-and-rear package; the Kenda KM1 listing supplies one rear tire only.

Sport-touring riders needing a 190/50ZR17 rear tire may appreciate the stated stability, responsiveness, and center-rib benefits. Its single-tire format makes it less suited to a paired replacement purchase.

Listed on Amazon as: Kenda KM1 190/50ZR17 Sport Touring Motorcycle Tire 73W (190/50-17)

#6

6. Continental Conti Motion Set

• Size: 120/70R17, 190/50R17
• Rim Size: 17 in
• Vehicle Tire ISO Metric Size Description: 120/70R17, 190/50R17

Best for: 17-inch paired replacement.

Why it ranks #6: The set pairs 120/70R17 front and 190/50R17 rear fitments, making it a straightforward matched option for bikes requiring those sizes.

A front-and-rear pairing in 120/70R17 and 190/50R17 is the clearest practical feature of this Continental Conti Motion listing. It gives riders whose motorcycle calls for those sizes a single listing for both ends, with the product identified as a motorcycle tire set.

The supplied specifications name a 120/70R17 front and 190/50R17 rear, so the key buying check is whether those sizes match the motorcycle’s requirements. Buying the two listed sizes together can simplify planning a paired replacement, rather than sourcing front and rear separately. The listing provides no tread compound, wet-grip, or mileage details, so it does not support a comparison on those performance points; use the stated sizes as the clear basis for consideration.

Skip it if you want stated wet-grip and mileage features; the Pirelli Angel ST set lists a high-silica compound and high-mileage tread design.

This set may suit riders seeking a paired Continental replacement in the listed 17-inch sizes. Its supplied information centers on size and set format, so riders comparing specific grip or mileage claims will need more product detail.

Listed on Amazon as: CONTINENTAL Conti Motion Motorcycle Tire Set 120/70zr17 Front & 190/50zr17 Rear 120/70-17 190/50-17

#7

7. Dunlop Roadsmart III Front

Best for: Honda CB1000 front fit.

Why it ranks #7: Its touring-oriented compound and wet-performance features suit road riding, but the listed 120/70ZR-18 front size is specified for Honda CB1000 models from 1994–1995.

Dunlop’s Multi-Tread design places a high-mileage compound at the center and a high-adhesion compound on the lateral flanks, balancing straight-line wear aims with cornering grip. This Roadsmart III is listed as a 120/70ZR-18 front tire for Honda CB1000 models from 1994–1995.

The center-and-flank compound arrangement connects the high-mileage aim with grip while cornering, rather than using one stated compound strategy across the tread. Dunlop also says its newer compounds enhance wear resistance and include resin to increase wet grip. Optimized construction is described for mileage and wet performance, while the sidewall construction is said to help absorb shocks. The listing identifies the front size and Honda model years, so those details matter when selecting a replacement.

Skip it if you need both ends replaced together; the Pirelli Angel ST set includes front and rear tires.

Honda CB1000 owners of the listed 1994–1995 model years seeking a 120/70ZR-18 front tire can consider its compound layout and wet-performance claims. It covers the front only, not a complete changeover.

Listed on Amazon as: 120/70ZR-18 (59W) Dunlop Roadsmart III Front Motorcycle Tire for Honda CB1000 1994-1995

#8

8. MICHELIN Road 6 19-inch Tire

• Size: 120/70ZR-19 (60W)
• Rim Size: 19 in
• Vehicle Tire ISO Metric Size Description: 120/70ZR-19
• Load Capacity: 800 lb

Best for: 19-inch Road 6 front-size.

Why it ranks #8: This Road 6 offers the stated 15% wet-grip and 10% tread-life improvements, but its 120/70ZR-19 size serves a narrower fitment than the 17-inch options.

Michelin’s Water Evergrip Technology and 100% Silica Technology underpin the wet-grip claim for this Road 6 in 120/70ZR-19. The listing reports 15% more wet grip than the Road 5 and 10% longer tread life than the previous generation, giving buyers concrete points for comparison.

The silica tread compound and Water Evergrip pattern are linked to Michelin’s stated wet-grip improvement, while the reported tread-life gain addresses mileage expectations. This listing is for a single tire in 120/70ZR-19, so it offers a distinct size from the Road 6 rear tire listed in 180/55ZR-17. The product title does not specify front or rear placement; check the motorcycle’s required position and size before choosing it.

Skip it if you need a listed rear tire in 180/55ZR-17; the MICHELIN Road 6 Rear Tire specifies that position and size.

Riders seeking a Road 6 in 120/70ZR-19 can weigh Michelin’s stated wet-grip and tread-life improvements. The listing does not identify its position, so confirm that the size and placement match the motorcycle.

Listed on Amazon as: Michelin Road 6 Motorcycle Tire (120/70ZR-19 (60W))

#9

9. Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Set

• Size: 120/70 ZR 17; 190/55 ZR 17
• Rim Size: 17 in
• Vehicle Tire ISO Metric Size Description: 120/70 ZR 17 & 190/55 ZR 17
• Load Capacity: 520; 852 lb

Best for: Twisty-road sport riding.

Why it ranks #9: This road-use sport set pairs 120/70 ZR 17 and 190/55 ZR 17 sizes and lists silica-enriched compounds for braking grip and corner-exit traction.

A silica-enriched multi-compound is the key feature of this Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV pair, with the listing connecting it to braking grip and traction on corner exits. The 120/70 ZR 17 front and 190/55 ZR 17 rear sizes frame it as a sport-focused road set.

The silica-enriched multi-compound is associated with grip under braking and traction when exiting corners, giving the set a clear focus for road riding. Pirelli also describes a thrust boost at extreme lean angles, a feature relevant to twisty-road use. The package lists both front and rear tires in different sizes, so buyers can assess the pair together against their motorcycle’s specified fit. The product is presented as a road-use supersport tire, not simply a mileage-focused touring option.

Skip it if you need only a 180/55ZR-17 rear replacement; the Dunlop Roadsmart 3 Rear Tire is listed in that size.

Sport riders seeking a matched set for road use and twisty routes may value its cornering and braking claims. Check both listed sizes against the motorcycle, especially if replacing only one tire.

Listed on Amazon as: Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Front & Rear Tire Set 120/70 ZR 17 & 190/55 ZR 17

#10

10. Continental ContiSportAttack 2 Set

• Size: 120/70ZR17 190/50ZR17
• Rim Size: 17 in
• Vehicle Tire ISO Metric Size Description: [120/70ZR17 (Front), 190/50ZR17 (Rear)]
• Load Capacity: 805 lb

Best for: Continental sport-tire pair.

Why it ranks #10: This 120/70ZR17 front and 190/50ZR17 rear set is a sport-focused option, making it less directly aligned with touring-oriented road use.

The listed 120/70ZR17 front and 190/50ZR17 rear pairing makes this ContiSportAttack 2 package a convenient starting point for riders replacing both ends. Continental identifies it as a sports motorcycle tire set, with a listed combined package that also includes a keychain.

The front and rear sizes are clearly specified, helping buyers check the pair against their motorcycle’s required fit before arranging installation. Both tires are identified as Conti Sport Attack 2 sports motorcycle tires, which establishes the product category and paired format. The supplied specifications also list an 805-pound load capacity. However, no tread compound, wet-grip, or mileage feature is provided here, so those performance criteria cannot be assessed from this listing alone.

Skip it if you prioritize listed wet-grip and mileage features; the Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV set specifies silica-enriched multi-compound grip.

A rider seeking a Continental sports-tire pair in the listed 17-inch sizes can assess this set against the motorcycle’s fit requirements. Buyers who need detailed compound or wet-performance claims will find none supplied here.

Listed on Amazon as: Continental ContiSportAttack 2 Front & Rear Tire Set 120/70-17 & 190/50-17