The Best 15 Sportbike Tires

The M7RR is derived from Metzeler’s experience in Road Racing, including the Isle of Man TT and the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix and features completely new profiles, structure materials, compounds and tread pattern.

Features:

• The combination of profiles derived from the Road Racing activities with high stiffness structures delivers an extremely agile handling for a sporty riding style on all roads
• The longitudinal grooves are interrupted by compound bridges to increase the thrust in acceleration, enhance stability of tread compound and improve wear regularity
• 100% Silica compounds combined with a special tread pattern gives the SPORTEC M7 RR the unique capability to keep the sporty riding style in cold weather, wet roads and greasy and grimy tarmac surfaces
• The rear tire is Dual-Compound with a 40%-20%-40% layout
• Unique profile provides an immediate dive into a lean from the upright position and agile handling for quick direction change
• 20% more mileage compared to the SPORTEC M5 Interact and dual compound construction on rear sizes allows the use of a specific material on the central slick portion of the tread pattern to increase abrasion resistance and extend the mileage capability

Dunlop saw these trends in the Pro Street Class and is excited to offer the Dragmax! This radial tire utilizes Dunlop’s exclusive N-TEC technology, which combines the benefits of their own aramid Jointless Belt and cut-breaker construction for maximum feel and stability. The Dragmax is ready crush the next dig with the softest street compound Dunlop has ever developed, all wrapped in a new profile that’s wider and flatter than typical hypersports tires. Dragmax’s construction also allows for racers to run very low tire pressures, maximizing the traction footprint. Hit the strip, hook ’em up and see for yourself with the Dunlop Dragmax Tire!

Features:

• Dunlop’s softest street compound
• Only available in 190/50ZR17, the most common size for V-twin and sport drag racing bikes
• N-TEC technology features continuously wound aramid Jointless Belt and cut-breaker construction
• Maximum feel and stability
• Racers can run very low tire pressures for optimal hookup
• Wider and flatter profile
• Minimal centrifugal growth for consistent footprint and reduced risk of de-beading
• Maximum Grip Technology
• Made in the USA

Evolving from a blend of the highly popular Sportmax Q4 and Dunlop’s cutting-edge MotoAmerica spec road race tires, the Q5 utilizes the very best technologies Dunlop has to offer for a track tire that is still street legal.

Having enhanced constructions, profiles, compounds and tread patterns, the Q5 is the benchmark for track-day tires. The Q5 is even more user-friendly, as dry and wet grip, tire compliance and warm-up times have all been improved.

Dunlop changed the polymer, reduced the shore hardness, increased the carbon black content by utilizing Carbon R technology, added a traction resin and fine-tuned the curatives, all to greatly improve upon the already successful Q4. They also optimized the tread pattern design and position to aid in quicker warm-up times and improved wet-weather performance.

The main difference between the Q5S and the Q5 is the Q5 is the DOT legal track tire that you do not need tire warmers for while the Q5S is a high performance track tire that is also available to use on the street as well.

Features:

• Even more user-friendly, as dry and wet grip, tire compliance, and warm-up times have all been improved
• New race tire derived compounds provide incredible grip
• Updated profiles increase footprints at more extreme lean angles to give you more tire on the road for more grip and less slip
• Do not require tire warmers for track use

Designed with unprecedented handling this is the evolution of sport riding.

Features:

• WSBK-derived profile for agile response, quick turn-in and transitions
• “Flash” racing tread pattern promotes uniform wear for performance consistency throughout the tire’s life
• Bi-compound design with a wide race compound strip offering full grip from mid-lean angle
• High-performance silica compounds improve grip across a wide range of temperatures for optimal grip in all conditions
• Large contact patch for improved adherence
• Blackwall
• Tubeless (TL)
• D-Spec tire is OE tire on select Ducati models

Featuring dual compound front and triple compound rear rubber, the S22 tires are constructed with a new tread pattern and reformulated compounds improve traction and handling in all conditions.

Features:

• Updated tread pattern and rubber compounds
• Dual compound (3LC) front
• Triple compound (5LC) rear
• Tubeless (TL)

Boasting a long tread life combined with legendary Pirelli performance, the Angel GT Tires are the perfect addition to today’s high power sport and sport touring bikes. The dual compound design gives you the performance and handling you need in the corners, while the center of the tire provides longer tire life and superior wet traction.

Features:

• (W)-rated for speeds of 168+ mph
• (V)-rated for speeds up to 149 mph
• Ideal for sport riders looking for increased mileage without sacrificing grip and traction
• Extended Mileage Sport (EMS) tires provide best-in-class for mileage and grip
• Rear tires feature new Bi-compound formula improves cornering traction
• “A Spec” tires feature a reinforced, 2-ply carcass
• “D Spec” OE for Ducati Multistrada 1200 GT
• Improved wet grip
• Tubeless

Features:

• WSBK-derived profile for agile response, quick turn-in and transitions
• Designed for supersport, naked and crossover motorcycles for aggressive road use
• Outstanding grip on both wet and dry roads
• High-performance silica-enriched multi-compounds improve grip across a wide range of temperatures for optimal grip in all conditions
• Large contact patch for improved adherence
• Blackwall
• Tubeless (TL)
• W-rated for speeds of 168+ MPH

This wet weather confidence has advanced inverted-pyramid Michelin XST Evo siping to thank. In a normal continuous-profile extruded cut sipe, the water carrying ability of a tire decreases as it wears down since the volume of the sipe decreases. With Michelin XST Evo siping, the tread cuts actually flare outward towards the center of the tire, giving a well-worn tire the same water carrying capacity of a brand new tire.

Wet weather confidence is certainly the main act of the Road 5 but this IS a dual compound sport / sport touring tire from Michelin. Keen eyes will notice the uninterrupted expanses of rubber on the edges of the tire. These are the softer 2CT and 2CT+ zones of the front and rear tires respectively. As you lean the bike over, your grip effectively increases as you enter into these zones.

From the increased braking and cornering performance of the Road 5 in wet conditions to the full-lean confidence of the tire in dry conditions, the Michelin Road 5 is a superb sport tire for those who ride rain or shine.

Features:

• Patented Michelin XST Evo siping design
• Patented ACT+ casing technology
• 2CT dual compound front tire composition
• 2CT+ dual compound rear tire composition

The Angel GT II tires feature dual-compound rubber at the rear and the new tread pattern provides improved water evacuation for confident handling when the weather turns.

Features:

• (W)-rated for speeds of 168+ mph
• (V)-rated for speeds of 149+ mph
• Ideal for sport riders looking for increased mileage without sacrificing grip and traction
• Extended Mileage Sport (EMS) tires provide best-in-class for mileage and grip
• “A Spec” tires feature a reinforced, 2-ply carcass
• Improved wet grip
• Tubeless

Born in the era of yaw sensors, IMUs and traction assist, Metzeler engineers had electronic rider aids in mind from the onset of the M9 RR’s development.  A dual-compound assembly is used on all front and rear options. The mixed compounds balance the heavier carcass construction with the softer, grippier outer tread to reduce disruption between rider and bike when electronic rider aids intervene. Testing in wet and dry conditions used a wide panel of high spec bikes to log the behavior of different manufacturers’ systems for traction, braking, electronic damping, wheelie control, etc.

This is Metzeler’s first 100% silica compound tire released in the supersport category. For its short warm-up time and communicative wet weather grip, this compound is ready to do battle on road or track regardless of weather. The full silica blend resists overheating and effectively handles heat cycling over the life of the tire. Unbroken slick shoulder blocks create a continuous grip on the tarmac during extreme lean angles. Mid shoulder and center tread grooves flow smoothly to expel water and provide direct communication with the asphalt.

In addition to good puncture resistance, Metzeler engineers saw an increase in mileage by more than 10% when compared to the Sportec M7 RR predecessor. What’s more significant is the M9 RR’s ability to maintain wet and dry performance further into its effective lifespan. Versus the competition, the detrimental effects of age and mileage have been greatly mitigated. When it does come time to spoon some fresh rubber onto your rims, the M9 RR Tires will still be delivering admirable levels of that “fresh” tire feel and performance.

Features:

• Versatile hypersport tire
• Road, track and rain ready
• Engineered with electronic rider aids in mind
• Dual compound front and rear construction in all sizes
• Reduced time to temperature
• Metzeler’s first 100% silica blend supersport tire
• Compound and advanced tread pattern inspire confidence in wet conditions
• Expected 10% mileage gains over M7 RR models
• W-rated for speeds up to 168 mph

It features a redesigned tread pattern that improves warm up and grip in dry and even wet conditions. Riding a hypersport tire in the wet was once unheard of, but thanks to Pirelli’s silica and black carbon nanotechnology it is now possible. The internal structure of Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II has also been upgraded using everything that Pirelli has learned from the past decade racing in WSBK. This means you can expect improved handling, acceleration, cornering and braking to match the demands of your high-performance motorcycle. All of this combined leads to a much more confident ride and more importantly, a bigger smile on the rider’s face. The Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II Tires are ready to take the throne of becoming the most beloved hypersport tire on the market for the next decade – will you be ready?

Features:

• Dual compound on front
• Triple compound on rear
• Innovative combination of 100% silica and black carbon
• Increased grip in every condition and lean angle
• Enhanced safety and confidence in cornering both street and track, dry and wet
• Racing derived structure and profile
• Increased agility and more accurate trajectory
• Enhanced feeling with improved bike control when cornering
• Advanced tread pattern with slick shoulders
• Contact patch optimization
• TL (tubeless)
• W speed rating for speeds of 168+ mph

Eclipsing the former RS’s dry performance and adding even better wet-weather grip, the Power 5 is as superb as a daily ridden tire can be.  Michelin’s Adaptive Casing Technology uses a single ply carcass at an angle close to 90° to increase grip and pliability at the crown of the tire, yet folds that single ply over on itself on each sidewall to stiffen it – resulting in less sidewall flex and better tracking through corners.

An 11% void ratio is matched between front and rear tire sizes. Rubber compounds use a mix of Michelin’s proprietary 2CT and 2CT+ silica blends to balance longevity with dry and wet performance. The patented “velvet” sidewall treatment creates just one more reason for onlookers to ogle your ride’s new shoes.

Features:

• Incorporates ACT (Adaptive Casing Technology) developed from Michelin race tires for improved grip and unique feel
• Front tire profile optimized to promote quick turn in and accurate feedback
• 2CT compound used on the front tire to enhance corner grip without compromising longevity
• 2CT+ compound on rear tire reduces sidewall flex at lean and increases corner exit stability
• Outstanding grip in wet or dry conditions
• Tubeless (TL)
• (W)-rated for speeds of 168+ mph

As the factory tires for the Ducati Panigale V4, the Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 tires set the bar for replica racing.

New features developed from Pirelli’s experience as the tire supplier for the FIM World Superbike Championship set the Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 apart from the previous model. A multi-radius profile ensures uniform distribution of force over the contact patch. The new profile maximizes contact at extreme lean angles. New compounds take advantage of the new tire profile resulting in a tire that heats up quickly and grips well in various conditions. A re-designed “flash” tread pattern responds better to lateral forces compared to the previous tread pattern and improves stability when riding aggressively.

Riders looking for a high performance tire should look no further. The Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 is the perfect match for your supersport or hyper naked.

Features:

• Angular “flash” tread pattern
• Larger steel cords and wider angle at the shoulders to provide grip at all leaning angles
• Hesitation-free entry into cornerss
• Only 4% tread void
• TL (tubeless)
• (W)-rated for speeds of 168+ MPH
• 200/60ZR17 80W  is OE Ducati Panigale V4

Experience higher grip in dry conditions, enhanced hard handling and consistent performance even after multiple hard riding sessions.

Features:

Features:

• Increased grip on wet roads, with a focus on low friction surfaces (such as city streets and worn tarmac, low temperature), thanks to radial position of grooves
• Rebalanced tire stiffness to allow a better adherence of the rubber with the tarmac micro-asperities, increasing mechanical grip even on lower friction surfaces
• Belt and carcass tension parameters upgraded to increase stability on rear tires during strong braking
• Increased mileage vs. Roadtec Z8 Interact (up to 10%), thanks to a different footprint shape (larger and shorter) which also enhances motorcycle handling
• Higher wear resistance, obtained through a revised land/sea ration on the rear tire in conjunction with the new tread design, ensures product performance consistency allowing users to enjoy the tire for its entire service life
• Metzeler multi-compound rear on selected sizes, with increased harmonization between the different compounds
  • HWM (Heavy Weight Motorcycles) special version brings the ROADTEC 01 performances to a wider selection of motorcycles
  • Increased stability by reducing both intensity and duration of oscillations due to road irregularities or steering maneuvers
  • Distinguishable by a “Weight” icon next to the product name on the tire sidewall
  • Increased stability is reached by employing stiffer carcass material and sidewall construction plus a slightly different compound recipe
• Blackwall
• Tubeless (TL)
• W rated for speeds of 168+ MPH
• SE = “Supersport” version with slicker shoulder tread for enhanced dry gripc