10 Best Motorcycle Tires 2026 in the United States

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 Kenda KM1 tires are designed for sport-touring motorcycles, offering a solid mix of performance and durability. These tires come in common sizes (120/70ZR17 front and 160/60ZR17 rear) and use radial construction, which generally provides better stability and handling at higher speeds compared to bias-ply tires. The directional tread pattern is engineered to improve grip, especially in wet conditions, which adds safety during year-round riding. With a 4-ply rating, these tires strike a balance between strength and ride comfort, supporting up to 716 pounds load capacity — sufficient for most sport-touring setups.

The advanced rubber compound heats up quickly, helping maintain good traction even when the tires are cold, which benefits riders during short trips or cooler weather. The optimized apex design enhances both high-speed stability and maneuverability, making the KM1 versatile for different road conditions. One minor drawback is the tread depth of 1 millimeter, which is on the thinner side and may wear faster under aggressive use. Riders expecting extreme sport performance might find them more tuned for everyday touring comfort and reliability rather than track-level grip.

The Kenda KM1 tires provide dependable handling, good wet weather traction, and solid durability, making them a great choice for riders looking for reliable, all-season sport-touring tires without specialized racing features.

The Pirelli Diablo Rosso III front and rear tires are designed for sporty motorcycles, especially riders who want excellent grip and agile handling. Their size (120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear) fits many common sportbike wheels. They feature a directional tread pattern, which helps with stability and water drainage, making them suitable for year-round use. These tires use radial construction (denoted by the 'R'), which generally offers better performance and comfort compared to older bias-ply designs. The bi-compound tread means the tires have a harder center for durability and a softer side for better grip when leaning into turns. Thanks to Pirelli's race-inspired technology, these tires provide a large contact patch for improved traction and confident cornering. Being tubeless reduces the risk of sudden punctures or blowouts, adding to safety. The load capacity is 352 pounds, fitting typical sportbike weight limits.

On the downside, these tires prioritize sporty performance, so they may wear faster than touring tires and might not be the best for casual or heavy long-distance riding. Also, while the high grip is great on dry roads, extreme wet conditions could be more challenging. These tires are ideal for riders seeking sharp handling and strong grip for spirited street riding and occasional track days, but they are less suitable for those focusing mainly on comfort or long tread life.