Best Touring Motorcycle Tyres

If you’re on the hunt for touring motorcycle tyres, you prioritise long-distance riding, therefore prioritising comfort, stability, and longevity.

Touring tyres provide this in spades through their unique compound structure and stable tread patterns to enhance the models’ capability of lasting longer than most motorcycle tyre segments.

We will be outlining some of the most popular and efficient touring motorbike tyres, based on Blackcircles.com customer data and the innovative technologies developed by the tyre manufacturers.
 

Best Touring / Long Distance Motorcycle Tyres

1. Michelin Road 6

2. Metzeler Roadtec SE 01

3. Bridgestone Battlax T32

4. Dunlop Sportmax RoadSmart IV

5. Metzeler Roadtec Z6

6. Pirelli Angel GT II
 

1. Michelin Road 6

Launched in 2022, the Michelin Road 6 sits at the pinnacle of Michelin’s touring motorcycle tyre range, delivering premium performance for riders who demand more from every journey.

An all-new tread pattern works in with an advanced 100% Silica Technology compound to provide a notable 15% boost in wet and dry grip compared to the much-praised Road 5.

The updated rubber blend extends mileage by around 10%, while Michelin’s robust Aramid Shield Technology enhances tread strength and stability for confident, long-distance riding.

The Road 6 also features Michelin’s 2CT+ Technology, improving cornering precision and overall handling response.
Highly rated by seasoned riders and industry experts alike, the Michelin Road 6 is regarded as a refined and durable evolution of the Road 5, perfectly suited for both spirited touring and everyday rides.

Road 6 Common Tyre Sizes

• 120/70 R17
• 180/55 R17
• 170/60 R17

Road 6 Customer Reviews

  customers have reviewed the Road 6 as follows:

2. Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE

Introduced as the next step in Metzeler’s acclaimed Roadtec line, the Roadtec 01 SE builds on the award-winning performance of its predecessor with a sportier edge.

Designed for riders of sport-touring and naked motorcycles, it delivers enhanced grip and agility without compromising stability or comfort in either dry or wet conditions.

A higher land/sea ratio along the tyre’s shoulders ensures more rubber meets the road at greater lean angles, boosting cornering confidence and stability.

Metzeler’s carefully engineered transversal grooves further aid water dispersion and mechanical grip, ensuring consistent performance when the roads turn damp.

Celebrated by riders seeking a dynamic yet dependable touring tyre, the Roadtec 01 SE offers the precision and durability needed for both spirited weekend rides and long-haul adventures.

Roadtec 01 SE Common Tyre Sizes

• 120/70 R17
• 180/55 R17
• 190/55 R17

Roadtec 01 SE Customer Reviews

  customers have reviewed the Roadtec 01 SE as follows:

3. Bridgestone Battlax T32

Positioned at the forefront of Bridgestone’s sport-touring line, the Battlax T32 combines advanced engineering with rider-focused performance to deliver a confident, all-weather touring experience.

Its innovative pulse groove tread pattern improves water dispersion and wet grip, contributing to a 7% reduction in braking distance compared to the previous generation.

A 13% larger rear contact patch enhances stability and cornering precision, while Bridgestone’s 3 Layer Compound technology provides a fine balance of grip, durability, and shock absorption.

NanoPro-Tech formulation minimises friction and heat build-up, ensuring consistent handling and performance across long distances and varying conditions.

With its blend of improved braking, stability, and wet-weather prowess, the Battlax T32 stands out as a refined, responsive choice for sport-touring riders who demand both comfort and control.

Battlax T32 Common Tyre Sizes

• 120/70 R17
• 180/55 R17
• 160/60 R17

Battlax T32 Customer Reviews

  customers have reviewed the Battlax T32 as follows:

4. Dunlop Sportmax RoadSmart IV

Evolving from the proven performance of the RoadSmart III, the Dunlop Sportmax RoadSmart IV has raised the bar for sport-touring tyres with enhanced wet grip, reduced steering effort, and impressive all-round stability.

The RoadSmart IV incorporates Dunlop’s Jointless Belt construction in select front and rear sizes, enhancing both comfort and control on long touring rides.

Dunlop’s JointLess Tread and Multi-Tread technologies together to optimise durability, wear resistance, and grip from centre to shoulder.

The Carcass Tension Control System technology refines casing stress distribution, improving line holding, straight-line traction, and rider feedback for confident handling in all conditions.

With its balance of long-distance endurance, wet-weather performance, and agile steering, the RoadSmart IV offers sport-touring riders a tyre that feels every bit as strong in the final mile as it does on the first.

Sportmax RoadSmart IV Common Tyre Sizes

• 110/80 R18
• 120/70 R18
• 140/70 R18

Sportmax RoadSmart IV Customer Reviews

  customers have reviewed the Sportmax RoadSmart IV as follows:

5. Metzeler Roadtec Z6

A long-standing favourite in Metzeler’s sport-touring line-up, the Roadtec Z6 is a proven all-rounder that combines dependable grip with everyday versatility – all at a budget-friendly price.

Quick to warm up and offering confident traction in both wet and dry conditions, the Z6 is well-suited to middleweight roadsters and older sportsbikes tackling the varied conditions of UK roads.

The Roadtec Z6’s softer sidewall construction helps reduce external tyre noise, adding to rider comfort on longer journeys.

A patented 0° steel belt design on both front and rear tyres enhances high-speed stability and gives the Z6 its assured sport-touring character. This stiff belt construction also supports consistent handling across different load scenarios, from solo rides to two-up touring.

With its balance of durability, grip, and comfort, the Roadtec Z6 remains a go-to choice for riders who want reliable performance without breaking the bank.

Metzeler Roadtec Z6 Common Tyre Sizes

• 120/70 R17
• 180/55 R17
• 160/60 R17

Metzeler Roadtec Z6 Customer Reviews

  customers have reviewed the Roadtec Z6 as follows:

6. Pirelli Angel GT II

The Angel GT II is a sport-touring motorcycle tyre that blends long-distance touring comfort with the sporty DNA that defines the Pirelli brand.

Engineered for top-class handling and exceptional mileage, it sets a new benchmark in the sport-touring segment. A high-silica compound works with an innovative tread pattern to deliver outstanding performance and confidence in wet conditions.

The rear tyre’s dual compound layout balances durability in the centre with enhanced grip at the edges, while the refined carcass construction features a variable cord end count for improved comfort and reduced rider fatigue.

A specifically developed tread contour promotes even wear and consistent performance throughout the tyre’s lifespan, preserving the sporty character and precision handling Pirelli is known for.

A top performing sporty touring tyre, the Angel GT II has refined sport-touring performance, giving motorbike riders a sport-like feel alongside trusted longevity.

Angel GT II Common Tyre Sizes

• 190/55 R17
• 120/70 R17
• 180/55 R17

Angel GT II Customer Reviews

  customers have reviewed the Angel GT II as follows:

Final Thoughts

To know what the best tyres are for touring motorbikes not only gives you a better grasp on what makes these long-lasting models so special, but it also gives you better knowledge on the multiple tyre model options there are for this motorcycle tyre segment.

Models listed are some of the leading touring tyres on the market today based on their popularity from Blackcircles customers, as well as the innovative tyre technologies features on the tyres.

While there are plenty touring tyre options out there on the market, these are a few of many fantastic options for your motorbike riding needs.