10 Best Motorcycle Tires 2026 in the United States

The Pirelli Angel ST tire set is designed mainly for sport touring bikes, offering a solid mix of performance, durability, and safety. These tires come in the common size 120/70ZR17 for the front and 190/50ZR17 for the rear, fitting modern sport touring motorcycles well. Their radial construction delivers better grip and smoother rides compared to bias-ply tires, which suits riders looking for comfort on longer trips. The high silica compound improves traction on dry and wet roads, making them safer in various weather conditions, including cooler temperatures. The directional tread pattern enhances grip and helps with water evacuation, reducing the risk of slipping on wet surfaces.

A notable feature of these tires is their long-lasting design, maintaining good performance over many miles and offering good value for riders who travel extensively. Clear wear indicators allow riders to easily know when it’s time for replacement, adding a practical safety element. The tires support a load capacity of about 330 pounds each and a maximum pressure of 236 psi, suitable for most sport touring motorcycles. The 24-ply rating is relatively high, which may make the tires a bit stiffer than some riders prefer, potentially affecting ride softness.

These tires excel on paved roads with varying conditions but are not intended for off-road use. In summary, the Pirelli Angel ST set is an excellent choice for riders seeking reliable, year-round sport touring tires with good grip, stability, and durability. However, riders looking for softer ride comfort or off-road versatility might want to consider other options.

The Michelin Commander II Reinforced is a cruiser motorcycle tire sized 150/80-16, designed specifically for American roads and riders. It uses bias-ply construction with a rayon carcass ply, which helps provide a smooth, comfortable ride and stable handling—an advantage for long, relaxed cruiser rides. The rear tire features aramid belts instead of the more common fiberglass, reducing tire growth at high speeds and improving traction and durability.

Its asymmetrical tread pattern balances grip and longevity, contributing to strong wear resistance and confident road holding. The load capacity of 1,102 pounds and maximum pressure rating make it suitable for heavier cruiser bikes. Bias-ply tires generally do not perform as sharply as radial tires in aggressive cornering or sportier riding styles, so this tire is best for riders prioritizing comfort and longevity over high-performance handling.

With a high customer rating and a solid reputation in cruiser tire ranks, the Commander II delivers reliability and good mileage, making it a strong choice for cruiser riders seeking a dependable, long-lasting rear tire.

The Continental ContiSportAttack 2 motorcycle tires are designed to offer high performance for sport riders, whether on the road or the track. These tires feature a 120/70ZR17 front and 190/55ZR17 rear size, making them suitable for a wide range of sports motorcycles. The use of the advanced Black Chili compound ensures maximum grip and optimal traction in both dry and wet conditions, which is essential for maintaining control during aggressive riding. The tires also benefit from rapid warm-up technology, allowing them to reach optimal operating temperatures quickly for immediate performance. This is particularly advantageous for riders who need their tires to perform well from the get-go.

Stability is enhanced by Continental's Continuous Compound Technology, providing consistent performance across various lean angles. The directional tread pattern not only contributes to excellent handling and feedback but also adds a modern, sporty aesthetic to the motorcycle. The tread depth of 5 millimeters and the durable compound design help extend the tire life, offering a cost-effective choice for sport riders. The load capacity of 855 pounds is impressive, ensuring the tires can handle the demands of high-performance riding.

However, while the tires perform well in many conditions, some users may find the initial purchase cost to be on the higher side. Additionally, while the tires are versatile, they are particularly optimized for sporty and aggressive riding styles, which may not be ideal for more casual riders. In summary, the Continental ContiSportAttack 2 tires are an excellent choice for sport motorcycle enthusiasts looking for high grip, quick warm-up, and enhanced stability, though they may be best suited for those who regularly engage in spirited or track riding.