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 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.