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 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 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.