Embarking on a long motorcycle road trip is an exhilarating experience, offering you freedom and adventure on the open road. However, the success and safety of your journey largely depend on one crucial component: your tires.
Choosing the right tires for long-distance riding is not merely about having rubber on your wheels; it is about ensuring your **comfort**, **safety**, and the overall enjoyment of your ride. You need tires that offer exceptional durability to withstand thousands of miles, reliable grip in diverse weather conditions, and stable handling for confident cornering and cruising. Neglecting this vital aspect can lead to reduced performance, uncomfortable vibrations, or even dangerous situations. By understanding what makes a great touring tire, you can significantly enhance your riding experience, providing you with peace of mind as you explore new horizons.
Top Picks
|
Category |
Product |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Best Overall |
95/100 |
|
|
💰 Best Value |
92/100 |
|
|
⚡ Best Performance Sport Touring |
94/100 |
|
|
💨 Best for Sporty Road Use |
Pirelli Diablo Rosso II 120/70ZR17 (Front) & 180/55ZR17 (Rear) |
93/100 |
|
🛣️ Best for All-Around Sport/Touring |
Pirelli Diablo Rosso II 120/70ZR17 (Front) & 160/60ZR17 (Rear) |
92/100 |
How We Chose The Best Motorcycle Tires For Your Long Rides
When selecting the ideal motorcycle tires for your long road trips, we focused on several key factors to ensure you receive the best recommendations. First, **durability and longevity** were paramount. You need tires that can withstand thousands of miles without premature wear, allowing you to complete your journey without unexpected replacements.
Second, we prioritized **grip and handling** across various conditions. Whether you encounter dry highways, wet roads, or varying temperatures, your tires must provide consistent traction and predictable steering for your safety and confidence.
Third, **rider comfort** played a significant role; a tire that absorbs road imperfections and minimizes vibrations will make those long hours in the saddle much more enjoyable for you. Finally, we considered the **tire type and intended use**, ensuring our selections align with the demands of sport touring and cruiser riding, which are common for extended trips.
By evaluating these aspects, we aim to guide you toward tires that will truly enhance your long-distance motorcycle adventures.
Pirelli Angel ST Tires
Alright, let’s talk about the Pirelli Angel ST tires. If you’re looking for a dependable set of tires that won’t let you down on those long hauls or even your daily commute, these might just be your new best friends. They’re built for sport touring, which means you get a fantastic balance of sticky grip when you need it and the mileage to keep you going. Whether you’re navigating city streets, carving up some twisties, or eating up highway miles, the Angel STs are designed to give you a stable and controlled ride.
They’re a solid choice if you want reliable performance without having to constantly worry about your rubber.
What People Say
Riders are consistently praising these tires for their all-around performance and reliability on the road.
Overall Sentiment: Overwhelmingly Positive
🗣️ MetalMatty
I put these on a 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX. … Grip has been non-stop, I certainly do not have the bike or the skill to over ride these tires. They have performed excellent in the rain, with no hints of hydroplaning or traction loss. Even in the cold, there wasn’t a drastic grip loss waiting for them to heat up. I have had them up to triple digit speeds as well, and of course they held up fine. They are very quiet and don’t seem to add sort of discomfort over harsh roads. … I expect at least 8k miles out of them considering the bike and rider weight and riding style.
🗣️ Cycy
Great tires, great price, and perform better than stated! I have only Had them on my bike for around 3 months but they are holding up very well and are the best handling tires I have ever had I can scrape the pegs in any weather condition and keep total traction and control! Very very happy with this purchase!
Built to Last
You’re looking at a tire designed for the long haul. The Pirelli Angel ST is engineered for excellent mileage, meaning it’ll go the distance with you.
Plus, it maintains its performance throughout its life, and it even has indicators to show you its residual lifespan. One rider mentioned they expect at least 8,000 miles from them, which is fantastic for sport touring tires.
Road Trip Ready
These tires are absolutely built for travel. The high silica compound gives you excellent grip, even when the roads are wet or temperatures drop, which is a huge plus for unpredictable long trips. Riders confirm great performance in the rain with no hydroplaning issues.
They offer stable and controlled performance, whether you’re cruising on the highway or hitting some winding mountain passes, ensuring a confident and comfortable ride for miles on end.
Why You’ll Love These Tires
- Superb grip in both dry and wet conditions, thanks to their special sport touring compound.
- A modern tread design that balances high mileage with a stylish look.
- Consistent and neutral handling across all sorts of road conditions.
- Exceptional stability and control for a smooth and enjoyable ride.
- Built to last with excellent mileage and clear lifespan indicators.
- Enhanced safety features for confident riding in various weather.
- Optimized for today’s sport touring bikes.
Rating: 4.7 (total: 3372+)
Pirelli Angel ST Tires
Alright, let’s talk about the Pirelli Angel ST tires. If you’re looking for a dependable set of tires that won’t let you down on those long hauls or even your daily commute, these might just be your new best friends.
They’re built for sport touring, which means you get a fantastic balance of sticky grip when you need it and the mileage to keep you going. Whether you’re navigating city streets, carving up some twisties, or eating up highway miles, the Angel STs are designed to give you a stable and controlled ride. They’re a solid choice if you want reliable performance without having to constantly worry about your rubber.
What People Say
Riders are consistently praising these tires for their all-around performance and reliability on the road.
Overall Sentiment: Overwhelmingly Positive
🗣️ MetalMatty
I put these on a 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX. … Grip has been non-stop, I certainly do not have the bike or the skill to over ride these tires. They have performed excellent in the rain, with no hints of hydroplaning or traction loss. Even in the cold, there wasn’t a drastic grip loss waiting for them to heat up. I have had them up to triple digit speeds as well, and of course they held up fine. They are very quiet and don’t seem to add sort of discomfort over harsh roads. … I expect at least 8k miles out of them considering the bike and rider weight and riding style.
🗣️ Cycy
Great tires , great price, and perform better than stated! I have only Had them on my bike for around 3 months but they are holding up very well and are the best handling tires I have ever had I can scrape the pegs in any weather condition and keep total traction and control! Very very happy with this purchase!
Built to Last
You’re looking at a tire designed for the long haul. The Pirelli Angel ST is engineered for excellent mileage, meaning it’ll go the distance with you.
Plus, it maintains its performance throughout its life, and it even has indicators to show you its residual lifespan. One rider mentioned they expect at least 8,000 miles from them, which is fantastic for sport touring tires.
Road Trip Ready
These tires are absolutely built for travel. The high silica compound gives you excellent grip, even when the roads are wet or temperatures drop, which is a huge plus for unpredictable long trips. Riders confirm great performance in the rain with no hydroplaning issues. They offer stable and controlled performance, whether you’re cruising on the highway or hitting some winding mountain passes, ensuring a confident and comfortable ride for miles on end.
Why You’ll Love These Tires
- Superb grip in both dry and wet conditions, thanks to their special sport touring compound.
- A modern tread design that balances high mileage with a stylish look.
- Consistent and neutral handling across all sorts of road conditions.
- Exceptional stability and control for a smooth and enjoyable ride.
- Built to last with excellent mileage and clear lifespan indicators.
- Enhanced safety features for confident riding in various weather.
- Optimized for today’s sport touring bikes.
Rating: 4.7 (total: 3372+)
Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Tire
When you’re looking for a tire that understands the cruiser lifestyle, the Kenda Kruz K673 is definitely one to consider. It’s crafted specifically for those popular cruiser bikes, aiming to give you both the performance and the classic look you crave.
This tire comes with a fresh tread design and a new rubber compound, which means you’re getting improved straight-line stability and better cornering performance. Whether you’re planning a long cross-country tour or just enjoying a relaxed weekend ride, these tires are built to handle it. You’ll find them reliable for all-weather cruising, making them a solid choice for dependable rides.
What People Say
Riders frequently commend the Kenda Kruz K673 for its excellent grip, smooth handling, and overall reliability, especially in various weather conditions. Many feel it offers great value.
Overall Sentiment: Overwhelmingly Positive
🗣️ Julianne R.
I put them on my 98 Honda shadow 750 and they work well, fit perfect. This is my second time ordering and I still love this brand of tire between the few I’ve tried on my bike in its weight class. They are grippy enough during rain and cold weather to still rip around the roads on without slipping. I’ve had no issues so far and have been using this brand for almost two years now.
🗣️ James Beals
Last yr I went with a shinko 777 on the rear because Dunlop quit making the size for my bike. This yr I had to replace the front and Dunlop priced theirs too high so I went with the Kenda. It’s comparatively inexpensive and since I mount and balance my own tires I saved some there. I am really impressed with this tire it mounted easy and balanced out fine. It holds the road really well as well as the dunlop. I spent a whole day in pouring down rain and it moved water like it had water pumps in it. Holding a hard curve like it was dry. It runs smooth as silk even at high speeds. Not sure what the wear is gonna be like I have 609 miles on it and still have mold hairs. There are some that wear longer but I’ll trade longevity for traction every time. I recommend this tire. I trust it.
Built to Last
When it comes to longevity, the Kenda Kruz K673 is designed to hold up. Reviewers often note its stiff sidewalls and robust rubber compound, which contribute to its lasting nature. One user even mentioned great wear after 700 miles, with expectations for continued performance. You’ll appreciate that it’s built to withstand the rigors of long rides, giving you confidence in its endurance.
Road Trip Ready
These tires are a strong contender for your long road trips. Their new tread design features deep, wide grooves, which are fantastic for handling all kinds of weather you might encounter on the road.
Riders have specifically highlighted its strong performance in the rain, noting how well it moves water and maintains grip without slipping, even in cold conditions. You can expect stable and controlled performance whether you’re cruising straight or leaning into curves, making your journey smoother and more confident.
Why You’ll Love These Tires
- H-rated for speeds up to 130 mph and DOT approved, ensuring safety and compliance.
- Features a 3+2 casting design for both front and rear, boosting handling and load capacity.
- Equipped with deep, wide grooves in the tread for dependable all-weather cruising.
- Made with a new rubber compound that enhances straight-line stability and cornering grip.
Rating: 4.6 (total: 2124+)
Pirelli Diablo Rosso II Motorcycle Tires
Alright, let’s talk about the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II. If you’re into sport and touring, these tires are made to deliver.
They’re built for exceptional grip, whether the road is wet or dry, thanks to their innovative asymmetric tread pattern that really pushes water away. Plus, Pirelli has included a smart dual-compound technology. This means you get a tougher compound in the middle for extended wear during those straight-line cruises and a softer one on the shoulders for amazing grip when you’re leaning into corners. The profile is specially developed to give you improved stability, so you feel more in control during those exciting accelerations and turns.
Basically, whether you’re commuting to work or heading out for a thrilling weekend ride, these tires aim to give you confidence and a fantastic feel on the road. Definitely a solid pick if you’re looking for versatile, high-performance rubber.
What People Say
Many riders praise the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II for its superb grip, particularly in wet conditions, and its overall stable handling. People appreciate the advanced technology, like the dual-compound, that contributes to both performance and potential longevity.
Overall Sentiment: Overwhelmingly Positive
🗣️ LaserMike4g63
One rider on a gsxr1000 was pleased to receive fresh tires (manufactured in 2024) and expressed excitement to put them to the test. They noted the tires felt good and seemed like the best option in the lower price range, hoping they’d last a season (around 5,000 miles).
🗣️ Stell Knucks
Another user highlighted the stable wet weather traction and good design, considering them a great value for daily use even with aggressive riding. They found them to be a solid choice, acknowledging that on powerful bikes, longevity can be a factor.
Built to Last
When it comes to how long these tires last, Pirelli’s dual-compound technology is a real game-changer. They’ve put a harder compound in the center of the tire, which is designed to give you better wear resistance during those long, straight stretches.
This helps extend the tire’s overall life. While individual mileage can vary depending on your riding style and bike, one user hoped for at least 5,000 miles on their sport bike, which is a good indicator of expected performance for a sport-oriented touring tire.
Road Trip Ready
For those longer journeys, the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II is designed to keep you confident and comfortable. Its innovative asymmetric tread pattern is a standout feature for travel, as it’s excellent at displacing water, giving you superior traction even when the weather turns. This means you won’t have to worry as much about slick roads.
Plus, the tire’s optimal stability and precise handling mean you’ll feel well-connected to the road, whether you’re cruising on the highway or navigating twisty backroads. It’s built for versatile riding conditions, making it a reliable companion for your adventures.
Why You’ll Love These Tires
- You’ll experience exceptional grip and handling on both wet and dry roads.
- Its innovative asymmetric tread design effectively displaces water, providing superior wet traction.
- The dual-compound technology ensures a longer lifespan while maintaining excellent cornering grip.
- You’ll benefit from improved stability and precise control during cornering and acceleration.
Rating: 4.6 (total: 78+)
Pirelli Diablo Rosso II Motorcycle Tires
Alright, let’s talk about the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II. If you’re into sport and touring, these tires are made to deliver. They’re built for exceptional grip, whether the road is wet or dry, thanks to their innovative asymmetric tread pattern that really pushes water away.
Plus, Pirelli has included a smart dual-compound technology. This means you get a tougher compound in the middle for extended wear during those straight-line cruises and a softer one on the shoulders for amazing grip when you’re leaning into corners.
The profile is specially developed to give you improved stability, so you feel more in control during those exciting accelerations and turns. Basically, whether you’re commuting to work or heading out for a thrilling weekend ride, these tires aim to give you confidence and a fantastic feel on the road. Definitely a solid pick if you’re looking for versatile, high-performance rubber.
What People Say
Many riders praise the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II for its superb grip, particularly in wet conditions, and its overall stable handling. People appreciate the advanced technology, like the dual-compound, that contributes to both performance and potential longevity.
Overall Sentiment: Overwhelmingly Positive
🗣️ LaserMike4g63
One rider on a gsxr1000 was pleased to receive fresh tires (manufactured in 2024) and expressed excitement to put them to the test. They noted the tires felt good and seemed like the best option in the lower price range, hoping they’d last a season (around 5,000 miles).
🗣️ Stell Knucks
Another user highlighted the stable wet weather traction and good design, considering them a great value for daily use even with aggressive riding. They found them to be a solid choice, acknowledging that on powerful bikes, longevity can be a factor.
Built to Last
When it comes to how long these tires last, Pirelli’s dual-compound technology is a real game-changer. They’ve put a harder compound in the center of the tire, which is designed to give you better wear resistance during those long, straight stretches.
This helps extend the tire’s overall life. While individual mileage can vary depending on your riding style and bike, one user hoped for at least 5,000 miles on their sport bike, which is a good indicator of expected performance for a sport-oriented touring tire.
Road Trip Ready
For those longer journeys, the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II is designed to keep you confident and comfortable. Its innovative asymmetric tread pattern is a standout feature for travel, as it’s excellent at displacing water, giving you superior traction even when the weather turns. This means you won’t have to worry as much about slick roads.
Plus, the tire’s optimal stability and precise handling mean you’ll feel well-connected to the road, whether you’re cruising on the highway or navigating twisty backroads. It’s built for versatile riding conditions, making it a reliable companion for your adventures.
Why You’ll Love These Tires
- You’ll experience exceptional grip and handling on both wet and dry roads.
- Its innovative asymmetric tread design effectively displaces water, providing superior wet traction.
- The dual-compound technology ensures a longer lifespan while maintaining excellent cornering grip.
- You’ll benefit from improved stability and precise control during cornering and acceleration.
Rating: 4.6 (total: 78+)
FAQ
What Are The Key Characteristics To Look For When Choosing Motorcycle Tires For Long Road Trips?
When you’re planning extensive rides, you’ll want tires that offer a great balance of features. Focus on tires designed for “sport touring” as they are engineered for both performance and endurance.
Look for models that promise enhanced grip and stability across various road conditions, along with excellent durability and longevity so you don’t have to worry about premature wear. Comfort is also vital, as a tire that reduces vibration and noise can make a huge difference over hundreds or thousands of miles. Ensure the tire is suitable for year-round use and can perform reliably in both dry and wet conditions.
How Do These Recommended Motorcycle Tires Handle Wet Road Conditions On Long Journeys?
For long road trips, encountering diverse weather is almost inevitable, so wet weather performance is crucial. The tires mentioned, especially sport touring options like the Pirelli Angel ST, are known for their excellent handling in the rain.
You can expect strong traction and control, with very little to no hints of hydroplaning, even when riding in heavy downpours. They are designed to efficiently move water away from the contact patch, giving you confidence and stability on wet asphalt or concrete.
This reliable grip helps you maintain control and feel secure during your journey, regardless of the weather.
What Kind Of Lifespan And Maintenance Can I Expect From Motorcycle Tires Designed For Extended Touring?
Tires designed for long road trips, particularly sport touring tires, are built with longevity in mind, often using harder rubber compounds in the center for extended mileage while maintaining softer shoulders for cornering grip. You can generally expect a lifespan of anywhere from 5,000 to over 8,000 miles, depending on your riding style, motorcycle weight, and road conditions.
To maximize their lifespan, you should consistently check and maintain the recommended tire pressure, perform regular visual inspections for wear or damage, and ensure proper balancing. Adhering to these practices will help you get the most out of your tires and enjoy many worry-free miles.
Your Top Pick
Your top pick for long road trips truly comes down to what you prioritize: a premium blend of performance and proven durability, or a dependable option that offers excellent value. If you’re seeking that superior balance of grip, stability, and high mileage for extended journeys, youll find the Pirelli Angel ST is often the go-to choice for many riders.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, selecting the right motorcycle tires is a pivotal decision for any rider planning a long road trip. By investing in quality tires tailored for endurance, grip, and comfort, you are not just buying rubber; you are investing in your **safety**, your **enjoyment**, and the **longevity of your motorcycle adventures**.
Remember, your tires are your primary point of contact with the road, and their performance directly impacts every aspect of your ride. We encourage you to consider these top picks and the selection criteria to make an informed choice that will serve you well on countless miles of unforgettable journeys.
Prepare your bike, choose your tires wisely, and ride with confidence into your next grand adventure.
| Product | Image | Rating | Tire Size | Load Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pirelli Angel ST 120/70ZR17 & 180/55ZR17 |
 |
4.7/5 (3,372 reviews) | 120/70ZR17 180/55ZR17 | 520 Pounds |
| Pirelli Angel ST 120/70ZR17 & 190/50ZR17 |
 |
4.7/5 (3,372 reviews) | 120/70ZR17 190/50ZR17 | 520 Pounds |
| Kenda Kruz K673 170/80H-15 |
 |
4.6/5 (2,124 reviews) | 170/80H-15 | 908 Pounds |
| Pirelli Diablo Rosso II 120/70ZR17 & 160/60ZR17 |
 |
4.6/5 (78 reviews) | 120/70ZR17 160/60ZR17 | 520 Pounds |
| Pirelli Diablo Rosso II 120/70ZR17 & 180/55ZR17 |
 |
4.6/5 (78 reviews) | 120/70ZR17 180/55ZR17 | 520 Pounds |
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