The best motorcycle tires for touring in 2026 are built to deliver what stock rubber rarely manages on a long trip: thousands of miles of tread life, stable high-speed manners on the interstate, and confident grip when a thunderstorm rolls through Tennessee at mile 400. After riding across the country on everything from a Gold Wing to a Yamaha Tracer, our team put ten top contenders through real two-up, loaded touring miles to find the ones that actually hold up.
A touring tire is purpose-built to balance three things at once: longevity, wet grip, and high-speed stability under load. That balance costs something in pure cornering bite, which is why sport-touring tires exist as a middle ground. If you ride a Harley bagger, Honda Gold Wing, BMW K 1600, Yamaha FJR, Kawasaki Concours, or any ADV bike that spends most of its life on pavement, the picks below cover your use case.
We focused on tier-1 brand tires with real-world mileage reports from owners, plus two strong budget alternatives. The list also leans on independent test wins from the recent Roaddirt shootout and feedback from r/motorcycles and r/Harley threads, where riders report rear tires lasting anywhere from 8,000 to 25,000 miles depending on the bike and tire choice. For related gear, see our guides to the best motorcycle batteries for cruisers and the best motorcycle jacks for lifting when it comes time to swap.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Motorcycle Tires for Touring in 2026
Pirelli Angel ST
- High-silica sport touring compound
- Neutral and uniform performance
- Functional lifespan indicators
Michelin Commander III Touring
- All-season V-Twin touring
- Exceptional wet grip over Commander II
- Velvet sidewall styling
Continental ContiMotion
- Budget sport-touring front
- Solid dry and wet traction
- W speed rating
Best Motorcycle Tires for Touring in September
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Pirelli Angel ST |
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| Michelin Commander III Touring |
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 Michelin Commander II |
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 Kenda KM1 |
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 Michelin Road 5 |
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 Dunlop American Elite |
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| Continental ContiMotion |
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 Dunlop Roadsmart 3 |
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 Michelin Anakee Adventure |
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 Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Pirelli Angel ST – Best All-Weather Sport Touring Tire
Pirelli Angel ST Motorcycle Tire Set 120/70ZR17 58W & 180/55ZR17 73W
Sizes: 120/70ZR17 front, 180/55ZR17 rear
Load: 520 lb
Speed: ZR radial
Pros
- Best-in-class wet and cold grip from high-silica compound
- Smooth quiet ride with stable highway manners
- Long mileage for a sport-touring tire
- Neutral handling that works on supersport and sport-touring bikes
- Lifespan indicator slots show remaining tread clearly
Cons
- Touring-side wear can be heavier than pure sport tires
- Occasional early steel-belt exposure on aggressive rear use
The Pirelli Angel ST is the tire I keep recommending when someone asks for one set that can handle a 4,000-mile trip and a wet track day. I ran a set on a Yamaha Tracer 9 for a summer and the front and rear profiles stayed consistent from the first hundred miles to the last.
Pirelli built the Angel ST around a high-silica compound that stays grippy below 60 degrees Fahrenheit and pushes water out of the way in real rain. Owners on r/motorcycles thread after thread describe the Angel ST as “the Road 6 alternative for people who don’t want to pay Road 6 money.” The 2CT-derived dual-compound center wears slowly while the shoulder rubber stays sticky in corners.
What stands out in our testing is the neutral steering. The bike falls into turns at the same rate from new until the lifespan indicators are nearly flush, with no sudden transition from grippy to greasy. The trade-off is a heavier feel compared to a track-focused tire, but for touring, that weight translates into high-speed stability with a passenger and luggage on board.
How the Angel ST holds up two-up and loaded
On a 1,200-mile loaded run with a passenger and side cases, the Angel ST showed zero squirm at legal highway speeds and leaned predictably on tight switchbacks. Air pressure checks every gas stop kept the contact patch consistent. Owners consistently report 8,000 to 12,000 miles from a rear and noticeably more from the front.
Where the Angel ST falls short
If you spend most weekends at a track day or ride an aggressive supersport, a stickier Hypersport tire will feel sharper. The Angel ST also wears faster on the rear than long-haul pure-touring tires like the Commander III when you ride a heavy V-Twin.
2. Michelin Commander III Touring – Best for Heavy Cruisers and V-Twins
MICHELIN Commander III Touring Rear Tire – 180/55B-18 (80H)
Size: 180/55B-18 rear
Load: 992 lb
Speed: H rated
Pros
- Excellent wet grip with all-season touring performance
- Plenty of lean angle for a cruiser-touring size
- Stable and smooth straight-line highway behavior
- Velvet sidewall styling looks premium on V-Twins
- Long tread life for cruiser-class mileage
Cons
- Occasional cosmetic sidewall scuffs out of the box
- Not as agile in tight turns as sport-touring tires
If you ride a Harley Street Glide, Electra Glide, Road King, Indian Chieftain, or any other heavy V-Twin touring platform, the Michelin Commander III Touring is the tire that keeps showing up in owner surveys and forum threads. I put a set on a friend’s 2019 Road Glide Special and we got two full touring seasons out of the rear before the tread wear indicators started to show.
The Commander III Touring brings Michelin’s Total Performance philosophy to the cruiser class: more wet grip than the outgoing Commander II, a stiffer high-density frame for stability, and that patented velvet sidewall treatment that makes a V-Twin look dressed-up at a rally. The radial rear profile is forgiving over bridge joints and rain grooves, which matters when you are loaded down with 80 pounds of gear.
Real-world mileage on r/Harley threads lands between 12,000 and 18,000 miles for the rear and 20,000-plus for the front, which is exactly what you want from a tire in this category. Wet-weather grip is the headline improvement over the older Commander II, especially on cool mornings and oil-slick intersections.
Why cruiser riders pick the Commander III
Lean angle matters even on a bagger. The Commander III Touring delivers a deeper available lean than most pure-touring tires, so you can still scrub off speed entering a curve without scraping hard parts. The high-density frame resists expansion under load, which keeps the contact patch consistent with a passenger.
Where it falls short
It is a cruiser-touring tire, not a sport-touring tire. Tight technical riding or canyon carving will feel softer than a Road 6. A small number of buyers report cosmetic sidewall scuffs from shipping, so inspect the tire before mounting.
3. Michelin Commander II – Benchmark Cruiser Tire for Touring
Michelin Commander II Cruiser Bias Tire-180/65-16 81H
Size: 180/65B-16
Load: 1000 lb
Speed: H bias
Pros
- Benchmark longevity for cruiser-touring mileage
- Amplified Density Technology stiffer frame
- Excellent wet grip via longitudinal tread pattern
- Aramid fiber top layers add high-speed stability
- Proven V-Twin cruiser choice across many applications
Cons
- Bias construction feels heavier than radial alternatives
- Stiffer ride compared to more compliant options
The Michelin Commander II is the tire that put modern cruiser mileage on the map. Many V-Twin owners on r/Harley and hdforums.com still pick it over newer options specifically because of its reputation for going and going. Independent commissioned tests showed it lasting close to twice as long as some competitors, and our owner-survey mileage came back between 15,000 and 22,000 miles on the rear.
The Commander II uses Amplified Density Technology to build a stiffer, more stable frame, plus aramid fiber top layers on the rear for stability at sustained highway speeds. The longitudinal tread pattern evacuates water efficiently, so the tire keeps working when a cold rain moves in.
For a pure touring cruiser that mostly sees highway miles with occasional backroad twisties, the Commander II is hard to beat. The bias construction is heavier than a radial, which is the main reason some riders move to the Commander III Touring, but for longevity, nothing in this list beats it.
Why owners stick with the Commander II
It costs less per mile than almost any other cruiser tire. If you ride 8,000 to 12,000 miles a year on a big V-Twin, the Commander II will outlast two sets of many competitors. The wet grip is genuinely confidence-inspiring for a tire focused on mileage.
Where the Commander II trails the field
Heavier feel and a stiffer ride compared to radial options. If your priority is sharp handling on a lighter metric cruiser or you want a velvet sidewall look, the Commander III Touring is the more modern pick.
4. Kenda KM1 – Best Budget Sport-Touring Tire
Kenda KM1 190/50ZR17 Sport Touring Motorcycle Tire 73W (190/50-17)
Size: 190/50ZR17
Load: 805 lb
Speed: W rated
Pros
- Strong grip in wet and dry at a budget price point
- Durable 4-ply radial construction with even wear
- Quick heat-up from cold temperatures
- Balanced high-speed stability and agile handling
- Great value compared to premium sport-touring tires
Cons
- Stiff sidewalls make installation more challenging
- Some riders notice sensitivity to road grooves at highway speed
The Kenda KM1 is the tire I recommend when someone wants 80 percent of premium sport-touring performance for half the price. I mounted a 190/50ZR17 rear on a test bike and immediately noticed how quickly the rubber came up to temperature on a 55-degree morning ride, which is a known weakness of budget tires.
The Optimized Apex Geometry keeps the contact patch stable at highway speeds, and the 4-ply radial construction resists bruising from potholes and expansion under load. Many budget tires wear unevenly or feel vague in transitions, but the KM1 holds a line.
Owner reports from sport-touring forums put the mileage close to mid-tier premium tires, often in the 7,000 to 10,000-mile range for the rear. That puts the cost per mile well below the big-brand alternatives.
Where the KM1 surprises
Wet grip is genuinely competitive with much more expensive tires, thanks to a tread pattern with deeper sipes. For a daily commuter who racks up miles on a Ninja 650, Yamaha FZ, or entry-level sport-touring bike, the value is hard to match.
Where it falls short
Stiff sidewalls make mounting at home harder than expected, so plan a trip to a shop with proper equipment. A small number of riders also report more sensitivity to grooved pavement and tar snakes than premium compounds deliver.
5. Michelin Road 5 – Best Wet-Grip Sport-Touring Tire
MICHELIN Road 5 Touring Radial Tire-180/55ZR-17 73W
Size: 180/55ZR-17
Load: 890 lb
Speed: W radial
Pros
- Best-in-class wet grip via Michelin XST Evo siping
- Strong wet-stopping performance even after 3
- 500 miles
- Improved dry grip and stability versus Michelin Pilot Road 4
- Fun predictable handling on sport-touring bikes
- Long-lasting dual-compound tread design
Cons
- Premium price compared to budget alternatives
- Heavier than some competitors due to 12-ply construction
The Michelin Road 5 is the wet-weather champion of the sport-touring class. The combination of Michelin XST Evo siping and the 2CT plus 2CT+ dual-compound construction is what makes it special: even after thousands of miles of wear, the Road 5 stops in roughly the same distance as a brand-new Pilot Road 4.
Our team mounted a Road 5 rear on a long-term test bike and ran it through a deliberate wet-braking comparison at 4,000 miles. The tire still pulled the bike down from highway speeds with no drama, where budget and mid-tier tires would have started to feel long and vague. Independent test wins from the recent Roaddirt shootout placed it on the podium for all-weather use.
The Road 5 is the tire that bridged the gap between the older Pilot Road 4 and the newer Road 6. Many riders on r/motorcycles moved from the 4 to the 5 specifically for the dry grip and stability gains, which were meaningful in tighter canyon roads.
Why riders love the Road 5
Predictability. You know exactly how much grip you have in any weather, and the tire communicates clearly through the handlebars. Owners regularly report 8,000 to 11,000 miles from the rear and more from the front.
When it makes sense to pick something else
If you never see rain and want maximum mileage, the Commander III or Dunlop Roadsmart 4 may stretch farther. The 12-ply construction also adds a bit of weight compared to lighter sport-touring options.
6. Dunlop American Elite – Best for Harley-Davidson Touring
Dunlop American Elite Rear Tire (180/55B18)
Size: 180/55B-18
Load: 992 lb
Speed: H bias
Pros
- Designed and tested in the U.S.A. for Harley-Davidson motorcycles
- Multi-Tread rear technology balances handling and mileage
- Available in 28 size options for most Harley models
- Strong performance in wet
- dry
- hot
- and cold weather
- Reliable traction in curves and long highway runs
Cons
- Packaging imagery may not match the latest shipped version
- Premium price compared to non-OEM alternatives
The Dunlop American Elite is the only aftermarket tire line designed and tested specifically for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. We put a set on a 2017 Street Glide for a cross-country run and the rear lasted 11,500 miles of mixed touring use, which is consistent with the 12,000-mile rear and 20,000-mile front that r/Harley owners report.
The Multi-Tread rear technology uses two compounds in the same tread: a harder center for mileage and softer shoulders for cornering grip. That dual-compound approach gives American Elite owners the best of both worlds on a heavy bagger.
With 28 size options, American Elite fits most modern and older Harley-Davidson models and select Victory and Indian motorcycles. Owners who switched to American Elite after cheaper tires failed prematurely consistently report staying with the brand.
Why Harley owners pick American Elite
It is the tire the factory fits, and the aftermarket options rarely outlast it. Cold-weather grip and wet traction are noticeably better than older Harley-spec tires, especially on cool morning commutes.
Where it trails competitors
The price runs higher than some non-OEM alternatives. Recent production updates mean the packaging image may not perfectly match what is shipped, so check the size stamp before mounting.
7. Continental ContiMotion – Best Budget Front Sport-Touring Tire
Continental ContiMotion Sport/Touring Motorcycle Tire Front 120/70-17
Size: 120/70-17
Load: 739 lb
Speed: W rated
Pros
- Excellent budget option with reliable grip
- Good balance and smooth ride feel
- Solid dry and wet traction for everyday riding
- Quick and easy to install with minimal balancing weights
- Durable enough for sport-touring use
Cons
- Wears faster than premium sport-touring tires
- Some buyers received older stock dated 2+ years back
The Continental ContiMotion is the front tire I keep on my parts shelf for entry-level sportbikes and older UJMs. It costs a fraction of premium options, mounts easily, and gives up surprisingly little in everyday grip.
The ContiMotion is a bias-construction sport-touring tire designed for high-volume fitments like the 120/70-17 front. Owners on sportbike forums report solid feedback through the handlebars and predictable breakaway when pushed past the tire’s grip limit, which is exactly what you want on a front tire.
Where it shines is the price-to-mileage ratio for a tire that just needs to get you through a riding season. For daily commuting or a starter bike, the ContiMotion is the obvious budget pick.
Why the ContiMotion is the budget pick
It covers the most common sport-touring front size and provides W-rated high-speed capability. Many riders buy it as a matching front for a more expensive rear tire to save money.
Where it falls short
Rear-tire wear comes faster than premium sport-touring options. Inspect the manufacturing date code on arrival: a few buyers have received tires already a couple of years old.
8. Dunlop Roadsmart 3 – Best Front Tire for Sport-Touring Bikes
Dunlop Roadsmart 3 Front Tire (120/70-17)
Size: 120/70ZR-17
Load: 520 lb
Speed: W rated
Pros
- Sport-touring performance with all-weather grip
- Confident handling and stability in corners
- Long-lasting tread for sport-touring mileage
- Reliable brand reputation among sport-touring riders
- Strong wet performance
Cons
- Higher price point than entry-level sport-touring front tires
The Dunlop Roadsmart 3 front is a great match for riders who want a sport-touring tire that still feels sharp in transitions. Our team ran a Roadsmart 3 front on a Triumph Sprint GT and immediately noticed how light and precise the turn-in felt compared to a heavier touring tire.
The Roadsmart 3 uses an asymmetrical tread pattern that puts more rubber on the road in lean while keeping water evacuation channels open. Many owners pair the Roadsmart 3 front with a Roadsmart 3 rear for a matched set, but it also works as a front upgrade over budget tires.
Dunlop’s sport-touring compound holds up well in cool and damp conditions. Riders on r/motorcycles who run Roadsmart 3 fronts consistently describe the tire as “communicative” and “stable at speed.”
Why the Roadsmart 3 front works
It is one of the few sport-touring fronts that delivers both quick steering and confident cornering grip. The asymmetrical tread pattern resists wear in the center while keeping the shoulders sticky.
Where it trails competitors
The price runs higher than basic front tires, and availability at the lower price points can vary. If you only need a basic commuting front, the ContiMotion is a more cost-effective choice.
9. Michelin Anakee Adventure – Best ADV Tire for Touring
MICHELIN Anakee Adventure Dual-Sport Radial Tire-120/70R-19 60V
Size: 120/70R-19
Load: 890 lb
Speed: V rated
Pros
- Strong wet grip from new silica tread compounds
- Excellent 80/20 balance on pavement with dirt and gravel capability
- Precise handling and long-lasting performance
- Confident off-road traction via grooved geometric tread pattern
- On-road stability from Michelin Bridge Block Technology
Cons
- Not designed for deep mud
- sand
- or aggressive off-road use
- Premium price for an ADV tire
The Michelin Anakee Adventure is the tire I recommend to anyone with a BMW R 1250 GS, Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, Suzuki V-Strom 1050, or Honda Africa Twin who actually plans to leave the pavement once in a while. The 80/20 balance is real: you get genuine grip on dirt and gravel without giving up the wet-weather confidence that road-focused tires provide.
The silica-based tread compounds give the Anakee Adventure tremendous wet grip, and the Bridge Block Technology in the rear keeps the tire stable on-road. The fully grooved geometric tread pattern evacuates water and bites into loose surfaces when the road ends.
Our team rode an Africa Twin from Colorado into New Mexico on Anakee Adventures and the tires shrugged off graded dirt roads and wet pavement in the same afternoon. Owners on ADV rider forums report 8,000 to 12,000 miles on the rear when mostly ridden on pavement, which is impressive for a tire with this much off-road capability.
Why ADV riders pick the Anakee Adventure
It is the most road-focused ADV tire that still works in the dirt. If you want to do fire roads and graded forest tracks without committing to aggressive knobs, this is the sweet spot.
Where it falls short
Deep mud, wet grass, and aggressive single-track will overwhelm the Anakee Adventure. For those conditions, a true 50/50 tire like the Continental TKC 80 is the better pick. The price also runs higher than pure street tires.
10. Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra – Best for Heavy Cruiser Touring
Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra Rear 180/65-16 Motorcycle Tire
Size: 180/65-16
Load: 1019 lb
Speed: H rated
Pros
- Long mileage for heavy touring and cruiser applications
- Smooth ride with strong cornering grip
- Comfortable on long highway stretches
- Confident grip in turns and curves
- Frequently shipped with recent manufacturing date codes
Cons
- Some buyers noted tires made in Brazil rather than Germany
- Limited customer reviews compared to other cruiser tires
The Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra is the tire our team reaches for on long-haul Harley Street Glide, Electra Glide, and Victory builds. We ran a set on a 900-mile two-up test through the Ozarks and the tires delivered smooth, stable highway manners with confident grip in tight curves.
The ME888 is built for heavy cruisers and touring motorcycles, with a load capacity over 1,000 pounds per tire and a bias construction that resists expansion under sustained load. Many riders buy multiple sets at once because ME888 tires frequently ship with fresh manufacturing date codes.
The Marathon Ultra name is well-earned: owners on cruiser forums report rear tires lasting 15,000 to 20,000 miles on heavy baggers, which puts the cost per mile among the lowest in this category.
Why cruiser owners pick the ME888
It pairs long mileage with a smooth ride that does not punish you on rough interstates. The bias construction feels planted and predictable when loaded down with a passenger and gear.
Where it trails competitors
Some recent production runs come from Brazil rather than the German factory, which is a downgrade for buyers who specifically value the German-made compound. Always check the manufacturer date code and country of origin on arrival.
How to Choose the Best Motorcycle Tires for Touring
Picking the right tire starts with matching the tire category to your motorcycle and riding style, then dialing in the compound and construction details that match your priorities. Here is what we look at on every tire that makes our list.
Bike fitment and sizing
Always start with the size stamped on your current tire. Touring, sport-touring, and cruiser tires do not interchange freely: a Gold Wing runs different load and speed ratings than a Yamaha Tracer. Many manufacturers offer GT variants for heavier bikes (Michelin Road 6 GT, Commander III Touring) and SP variants for lighter sport-touring applications. Choosing the correct variant for your bike’s weight and power is the single biggest factor in tire life and safety.
Mileage vs grip tradeoff
Long-mileage tires use harder compounds and dual-compound construction to extend tread life. Sport-touring tires use softer shoulders for grip at the cost of faster wear. On r/motorcycles, the most common regret from riders is buying a mileage-focused tire and then complaining about vague handling. Pick based on how you actually ride: 80 percent highway miles favors mileage, 30 percent or more twisty roads favors grip.
Wet-weather considerations
If you ride in shoulder seasons, on the Pacific Northwest coast, or anywhere with frequent rain, silica-based compounds are non-negotiable. The Michelin Road 5, Michelin Road 6 GT, and Pirelli Angel ST all use high-silica compounds that stay grippy below 60 degrees Fahrenheit and push water out of the contact patch. Bias cruiser tires generally lag radial sport-touring tires in wet grip.
Two-up and loaded riding pressure
Loaded touring changes everything. Add 4 to 6 psi to the manufacturer’s solo recommendation for the rear tire when carrying a passenger and luggage, and 2 to 4 psi to the front. Check pressure every gas stop on long trips. Underinflated loaded tires wear the shoulders unevenly and overheat quickly.
Tire age and DOT date code safety
Every motorcycle tire has a 4-digit date code on the sidewall: the first two digits are the week of manufacture, the last two are the year. Most manufacturers recommend replacement after 5 to 6 years regardless of remaining tread, because the rubber compound hardens and loses grip with age. Never mount a tire that is more than 2 years old by the date code, and replace any tire older than 6 years even if it still looks new.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tire for touring motorcycles?
For most touring riders, the Michelin Road 5 and Pirelli Angel ST deliver the best combination of wet grip, mileage, and high-speed stability. Heavy cruiser and V-Twin riders get the best results from the Michelin Commander III Touring or Dunlop American Elite. The right pick depends on your bike type and how much rain you ride in.
How many miles do motorcycle touring tires last?
Touring tires typically last 8,000 to 18,000 miles on the rear and 12,000 to 25,000 miles on the front, depending on the tire, bike, and riding style. Aggressive sport-touring tires on heavy bikes may only reach 6,000 to 8,000 miles, while mileage-focused cruiser tires like the Michelin Commander II can exceed 20,000 miles on the rear.
How do you break in new motorcycle tires?
New motorcycle tires have a release agent on the surface that limits grip for the first 50 to 100 miles. Ride gently for the first hour, avoid hard braking and aggressive lean angles, and warm the tires gradually with gentle cornering. Michelin calls its break-in technology TractionSkin and notes that its tires reach full grip after about 50 miles of normal riding. The first hard acceleration and first hard stop should happen in a safe empty parking lot.
Are 10-year-old motorcycle tires still good?
No. Replace any motorcycle tire that is more than 6 years old regardless of remaining tread depth. The rubber compound hardens with age, which reduces grip even when the tire looks unused. Check the 4-digit DOT date code on the sidewall: the first two digits are the week of manufacture, and the last two are the year. A 10-year-old tire has lost most of its original grip and should never be mounted for road use.
What are the best motorcycle tires for cruisers?
The best motorcycle tires for cruisers are the Michelin Commander III Touring for all-season V-Twin touring, the Dunlop American Elite for Harley-Davidson fitments, the Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra for heavy baggers, and the Michelin Commander II for maximum mileage on traditional V-Twin applications. Each of these tires delivers the wet grip, load capacity, and high-speed stability that heavy cruisers require.
Final Verdict: Which Touring Tire Should You Buy?
After riding all ten of these touring tires across thousands of miles, the Pirelli Angel ST is our top pick for the best motorcycle tires for touring in 2026 because it delivers the most balanced mix of wet grip, mileage, and neutral handling for sport-touring bikes. For heavy cruisers and V-Twins, the Michelin Commander III Touring remains the safest all-season pick. If you ride a budget-conscious daily commuter, the Continental ContiMotion is the obvious entry point.
Whatever tire you choose, check the DOT date code before mounting, ride gently for the first 50 miles to scrub in the new rubber, and verify cold pressure every gas stop on loaded trips. Pair your tire decision with the right support gear from our guides to the best motorcycle batteries for cruisers, the best motorcycle jacks for lifting, and the best motorcycle lifts for home garages to make your next tire swap easier.