Like other forms of recreation, motorcycle riding skyrocketed during the pandemic. This surge has continued, with many people discovering the joy of different types of motorcycle recreation, including performance riding.
As with other machines, motorcycles are only as good as each of the components, but some parts are more important than others. Since motorcycle tires are literally your connection to the road, it is imperative that you find the right ones to optimize your riding goals.
If you want to learn more about performance motorcycle tires, keep reading. The comprehensive guide below goes over the basics of performance tires, as well as the advantages they can offer. It also concludes with a few recommendations for performance tires to help you make the most of your riding experience.
Motorcycle Tire Parts
You may already be familiar with many of these terms but might not know exactly how they impact your ride. Here are the main performance motorcycle tire parts to keep in mind when selecting a set.
Tread
The tire tread is the part that touches the road. In general, smoother tread means better speed but less traction, and more tread translates to better traction. The type of riding you do determines the amount of tread you require.
For performance road riding, you will want some level of tread without sacrificing speed. Also, many street tread patterns are specifically designed for wetter roads and better handling in general.
Bead
The bead of the tires is the part that fits up against the wheel. These are made from steel wire, covered with rubber, to give them structure. This is important because it helps create a snug fit that keeps the tire from slipping when the wheel rotates.
Sidewall
The sidewall of the tires is the part that bridges the tread and the bead. Although this is a relatively small area, it is extremely important to tire performance. It dictates the level of handling each tire can produce and plays a big part in load transfer.
In general, shorter sidewalls are stiffer and give less flex. This means they can offer better handling but are less effective at absorbing bumps from the road. And vice versa: longer sidewalls will offer a smoother ride but diminished handling.
Carcass
The carcass is the part of the tire that lies underneath the tread. There are two main types of performance motorcycle tire carcasses: bias-ply and radial. This has to do with how the tire is made.
Bias-ply tires are more traditional but are still widely used. They have belts that run between beads at 30- or 40-degree angles. They are usually made from polyester, fiberglass, aramid, or another type of fiber.
Radial tires have steel reinforcing belts that run across the tread of the tire between beads. They can resist heat for longer periods of time, which makes them more durable, depending on the type of riding you normally do.
Benefits of Performance Motorcycle Tires
There are several benefits to buying high-performance motorcycle tires. The main one is increased handling and stability, even at higher speeds. This translates to greater performance as well as increased confidence in your bike response when cornering.
Performance tires also mean increased safety. As they are the main point of contact between you and the road, better traction can be what keeps you upright. It also means less likelihood of hydroplaning or otherwise losing control of the bike in harsh conditions.
Finally, durability is another good reason to consider high-performance motorcycle tires. Reputable manufacturers make tires that stand up to aggressive driving. This also means you can expect them to last much longer than standard tires.
Performance Motorcycle Tire Recommendations
There are lots of performance tires out there. Here are a few we think are worth looking at for your bike.
Metzeler ME 888 Marathon Ultra
The Metzeler ME 888 Marathon Ultra is a tubeless, high-mileage tire. It provides outstanding stability, both at high and low speeds.
It is made of polymers that are abrasion resistant and provide high resistance to regular riding wear and tear. Also, silica in the compound ensures chemical grip, even on wet surfaces.
The ME 888 has redesigned tread patterns that help optimize water drainage. However, the traversal grooves of the tread pattern are discontinued by "compound bridges." These make for a stiffer, more solid tread design that reduces stress transmitted to the belts and carcass.
Also, the groove walls of the ME 888 have a distinct inclination to ensure optimal operation. This reduces wear in these areas (a common problem with most tires) and creates better wear uniformity across the entire tread.
These tires are H-rated for speeds up to 130 miles per hour (mph).
Shinko ZR17 F003 Ultra-Soft
The Shinko ZR17 F003 is a great tire for everything from racing to sport riding. This tire provides a superior grip on both wet and dry surfaces. It is W-speed rated up to 168 mph.
The tires have a dimpled slick design, which gives you something close to a race-slick performance in a street tire. It is aramid belted and has an ultra-soft compound, balancing lightness and performance with durability.
Dunlop K330
Dunlop has been making tires since the late 1800s. They have honed their skills over the decades and are still one of the most notable names in motorcycle performance tires on the planet. They also are the only manufacturer to produce motorcycle tires in the U.S.
The Dunlop K330 has bias-ply construction and is S-rated for speeds up to 112 MPH (180 KPH), but that's on a fully loaded motorcycle with a passenger as well as luggage, and for an indefinite period of time. For motorcycle drag racing applications, its DOT rating is approved for all classes, but has found it's main home in the Pro Street and Grudge classes where 6-second elapsed times and speeds approaching 240 MPH (386 KPH) are the norm.
Find Performance Tires Near You
Now that you understand how choosing the right bike tires can improve motorcycle handling and performance, you can determine which option is best for your bike. If you have further questions about performance, features, or fit, we are here to help.
At Brock's Performance, our bike experts are ready to assist you with the purchase, service, or installation of new, quality performance parts. Take a look at our extensive online inventory, including performance motorcycle tires. Also, feel free to reach out to us or visit one of our many authorized dealers.