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 Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tire set is designed as a sport performance option for road use, fitting 17-inch wheels with sizes 120/70ZR17 front and 180/55ZR17 rear. Its radial construction supports better stability and handling, which riders will appreciate during cornering and acceleration. The tires feature an asymmetric directional tread pattern that effectively displaces water, improving grip in wet conditions without sacrificing dry road performance.

Thanks to dual-compound technology, the center of the tires uses a harder rubber for longer wear, while the softer shoulders provide enhanced grip when leaning into turns. This balance makes the Diablo Rosso II suitable for both daily commuting and more spirited riding on sport and touring motorcycles. With a load capacity of 520 pounds and a speed rating of 58W (front) and 73W (rear), these tires handle typical street riding demands well. The 2-ply rating and maximum pressure of 36 PSI indicate they are not intended for heavy loads or aggressive track use, so riders seeking extreme performance or heavy touring might want a sturdier option.

These tires are ideal for riders who want reliable, responsive sport tires that perform well in varied weather and road conditions without needing specialized racing features. The included Pirelli keychain is a nice bonus for enthusiasts but does not impact tire performance.

The MICHELIN Road 6 Rear Tire (180/55ZR-17) is designed for street sport motorcycles, offering a solid combination of performance and durability. This tire features radial construction, generally providing better handling and ride comfort compared to bias-ply tires. Its size and 6-ply rating support a strong load capacity (up to 805 pounds) and fit a 17-inch rim, common for many sport and street bikes. The asymmetrical tread pattern and MICHELIN's Water Evergrip Technology improve wet traction, offering 15% better grip than the previous model, making it a safer choice in rainy conditions. The tire compound uses 100% MICHELIN Silica, which enhances both wet grip and tread life. Riders can expect about 10% longer wear compared to earlier versions, resulting in fewer tire changes over time. The 2CT+ technology improves stability and cornering performance, especially under acceleration or braking, benefiting spirited riders who push their bikes in various conditions.

This tire is primarily positioned as a high-performance street tire rather than for off-road or purely touring use, so it may not suit all riding styles or terrains. While it performs well in wet and dry conditions, very aggressive sport riders might prefer more specialized tires for track use. Price and availability might be considerations for some buyers, but the high customer rating (4.8 out of 5) reflects strong satisfaction within its category. The MICHELIN Road 6 serves as a well-rounded choice for motorcycle riders seeking an all-around sport tire that balances wet grip, longevity, and stability on paved roads.