Imagine this: you’re leaning into a corner, the pavement a blur beneath you, and your Supermoto feels glued to the road. That incredible feeling, that precise control, all starts with the rubber meeting the asphalt. But choosing the *right* Supermoto tires can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many types, so many brands, and everyone has a different opinion!
You want tires that grip like a gecko on a wall, that let you slide with confidence, and that don’t wear out after just a few rides. But how do you find them? It’s frustrating when you spend good money on tires that just don’t perform, or when you can’t figure out what will work best for your riding style, whether you’re hitting the track or just enjoying city streets. It’s a common problem for Supermoto riders.
In this post, we’re going to cut through the confusion. We’ll break down what makes a Supermoto tire great, explain the different types available, and help you understand exactly what you need to look for. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to pick tires that will transform your Supermoto experience, giving you more fun and better performance. Let’s get your Supermoto rolling with the perfect grip!
Our Top 5 Supermoto Tires Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Supermoto Tires Detailed Reviews
1. Pirelli Angel ST 120/70ZR17 (58W) Front & 180/55ZR17 (73W) Rear Motorcycle Tires – High-Performance Sport Touring Tire for Enhanced Grip
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your ride with the Pirelli Angel ST tires, a top choice for sport touring motorcycles. This set includes a 120/70ZR17 front and a 180/55ZR17 rear tire. They are designed to give you a better grip, last longer, and keep your bike stable. These tires are a great fit for many sport and touring bikes.
What We Like:
- These tires offer fantastic grip, especially on dry roads.
- They perform very well even on wet roads and in cooler weather thanks to their special compound.
- The tread design looks cool and helps the tires last a long time.
- You’ll enjoy a smooth and steady ride, no matter the road.
- The tires are built to last, giving you good value.
- Built-in indicators clearly show how much life is left in the tires.
- They are made to be super safe in all kinds of weather.
- These tires are made for modern sport touring bikes, fitting their advanced technology.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for sport touring, they might not be the best choice for pure track riding.
- Some riders might find the initial cost a bit high, though the longevity offsets this.
The Pirelli Angel ST tires offer a balanced blend of performance and durability. They are an excellent upgrade for riders looking for confidence and control on their sport touring adventures.
2. Pirelli Diablo Rosso II 120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) TL (K) Front & 160/60 ZR 17 M/C (69W) TL Rear Motorcycle Tires- Sport Performance for Road Use Tire Set with Keychain
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your ride with the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tire set! This set includes a front and rear tire specifically designed for sport and touring bikes. They offer amazing grip and control on both wet and dry roads. Whether you’re commuting or enjoying a twisty road, these tires will make your motorcycle feel more stable and responsive. Plus, you get a cool Pirelli keychain to show off your passion.
What We Like:
- Excellent Handling: These tires give you fantastic grip and stability on all kinds of roads.
- Wet Weather Traction: The special tread design helps water escape, so you can ride safely even in the rain.
- Long-Lasting: A smart dual-compound design means the center of the tire wears slower, while the sides give you extra grip in corners.
- Cornering Confidence: The tire’s shape helps you lean into turns smoothly and accelerate with more control.
- Bonus Keychain: The included Pirelli keychain is a nice touch for any motorcycle fan.
What Could Be Improved:
- Price Point: High-performance tires can be an investment.
- Specific Bike Fitment: Always double-check that these sizes fit your motorcycle.
Overall, the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tire set provides a significant boost in performance and confidence for your motorcycle. You’ll feel the difference in every ride.
3. Pro-line Racing 1/4 Supermoto Tire Front MTD Black Wheel PM-MX/SM PRO1022210 RC Tire
Rating: 8.9/10
Ready to turn your Pro-Moto MX bike into a street-slaying Supermoto? The Pro-line Racing 1/4 Supermoto Tire Front MTD Black Wheel PM-MX/SM PRO1022210 RC Tire is your ticket to awesome. This tire is designed to give your RC bike the look and feel of a real Supermoto racer. It’s made for speed and control on the pavement.
What We Like:
- Transforms your RC bike: It easily turns your Pro-Moto MX into a Supermoto machine.
- Great grip: The semi-slick tread design gives you maximum grip on asphalt.
- Looks the part: It has a true-to-scale Supermoto look that’s super cool.
- Made in the USA: This means it’s built with quality in mind.
- Built for asphalt: It works best on paved surfaces, making it perfect for street-style RC action.
What Could Be Improved:
- Surface specific: It’s best for asphalt, so it won’t perform as well on dirt or other off-road surfaces.
- Front tire only: You’ll need to find a matching rear tire if you want the full Supermoto setup.
If you want to upgrade your RC bike for street racing, this Pro-line Racing Supermoto tire is a fantastic choice. It delivers on looks and performance for asphalt fun.
4. Kenda KM1 (KM001) 120/70ZR17 Front (58W) & 180/55ZR17 Rear (73W) Tires for Sport Touring Motorcycles
Rating: 9.2/10
Ready to upgrade your sport-touring motorcycle? The Kenda KM1 (KM001) tire set is here to deliver. This package includes a 120/70ZR17 front tire and a 180/55ZR17 rear tire. They are designed for riders who want a reliable and high-performing tire for both spirited rides and long-distance touring. Plus, you get a cool keychain with your purchase!
What We Like:
- These tires are made for sport-touring bikes. They work well for many different motorcycles.
- The design helps the bike stay steady when going fast. It also makes turning feel smooth and easy.
- The new tread pattern helps the tires wear evenly. It also gives you better grip, especially when the road is wet. This means a safer ride.
- With 4-ply construction, these tires are strong and built to last. They provide a smooth and stable feeling for all riders.
- The rubber compound warms up fast. This means you get good performance right away, no matter the weather.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the tires offer great all-around performance, riders looking for extreme track-day grip might find other options more suitable.
- The included keychain, while a nice bonus, is a simple accessory and doesn’t add to the tire’s performance.
Overall, the Kenda KM1 tire set offers a fantastic balance of performance and value for sport-touring riders. They are a solid choice for improving your bike’s handling and safety.
5. Dunlop 45255200 Sportmax Mutant Supermoto Front Tire – 120/ 70ZR17
Rating: 8.5/10
The Dunlop 45255200 Sportmax Mutant Supermoto Front Tire is a real game-changer for supermoto riders. This tire is built for action, offering a fantastic blend of control and performance. It’s designed to help you tackle corners with confidence and handle different weather conditions with ease.
What We Like:
- It’s lightweight, which makes your bike feel more nimble.
- The special construction, like the JointLess Belt (JLB) on the rear, helps it last longer and perform better.
- Its wide shape gives you amazing control when leaning into turns and sliding.
- The aggressive tread design works great in all kinds of weather, wet or dry.
- The different rubber compounds on the front and rear tires give you good grip and also last a long time, perfect for riding every day.
- The rear tire’s Multi-Tread (MT) technology means it can go many miles for long trips or just daily commuting, while still having sticky sides for sporty riding.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the advanced technology is great, it might come with a higher price tag compared to simpler tires.
- Availability might be limited in some areas, making it harder to find.
If you’re looking for a tire that boosts your bike’s handling and offers versatile performance, the Dunlop Sportmax Mutant is a top-notch option. It’s built to let you push your limits and enjoy every ride.
Choosing the Right Supermoto Tires: Your Ultimate Guide
Supermoto riding is all about fun and versatility. You can carve up twisty roads, slide into corners, and even do a bit of off-road exploring. To get the most out of your supermoto, you need the right tires. This guide will help you find them.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking at supermoto tires, keep these important things in mind:
- Tread Pattern: Supermoto tires have a unique tread. They usually have a mostly smooth center for good grip on pavement. The sides have more aggressive patterns with knobs or deeper grooves. This helps with grip when you lean the bike over. Some tires are more street-focused, while others lean towards off-road.
- Compound: The rubber compound is super important. A softer compound grips better, especially on pavement and in corners. However, it wears out faster. A harder compound lasts longer but might not grip as well. Many supermoto tires use a dual-compound design. This means the center is harder for durability, and the sides are softer for cornering grip.
- Tire Profile: The shape of the tire, or its profile, affects how the bike handles. Supermoto tires usually have a more rounded profile. This helps the bike lean easily from one side to the other. A flatter tire will feel more stable in a straight line but won’t change direction as quickly.
- Size: Make sure the tires fit your motorcycle’s rims. Check your owner’s manual for the correct front and rear tire sizes.
Important Materials
Supermoto tires are made from a mix of materials.
- Rubber: This is the main ingredient. Different types of rubber are used to create the various compounds. Some natural rubber is mixed with synthetic rubber.
- Carbon Black: This is added to rubber to make it stronger and more durable. It also gives tires their black color.
- Silica: This is often added to rubber compounds. Silica helps improve grip, especially in wet conditions. It can also help the tire run cooler.
- Reinforcing Fibers: Strong cords made of materials like nylon or polyester are built into the tire. These cords give the tire its structure and help it handle the forces of riding.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make supermoto tires better or not as good.
- Manufacturing Quality: How well the tire is made matters a lot. Tires from reputable brands are usually made with better quality control. This means they are more likely to be round and balanced.
- Compound Consistency: A good tire has a consistent rubber compound throughout. If the compound is uneven, it can lead to strange wear patterns and less predictable grip.
- Tire Construction: The way the tire is built, including the layers of rubber and reinforcing materials, affects its performance and lifespan.
- Storage: How tires are stored before you buy them can affect their quality. Tires should be kept away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Old tires can lose their grip.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to ride your supermoto will decide the best tire for you.
- Street Riding: If you spend most of your time on paved roads, you’ll want a tire with a smoother tread pattern and a softer compound on the sides. This gives you excellent grip for cornering on asphalt.
- Mixed Riding: For riders who like a bit of both street and light off-road, a tire with a more aggressive tread pattern on the shoulders and a harder center compound works well. These tires can handle gravel roads and dirt paths better.
- Performance Riding: If you’re hitting track days or enjoy aggressive canyon carving, prioritize tires with sticky rubber compounds and a profile that allows for deep lean angles. These tires offer the best grip but will wear out faster.
- Durability: If you ride a lot and want your tires to last, look for tires with harder compounds and tread patterns designed for longevity. These might sacrifice a little bit of ultimate grip for longer life.
Supermoto Tires: Your Questions Answered
Q: What is the main difference between supermoto tires and regular motorcycle tires?
A: Supermoto tires have a special tread pattern. They are mostly smooth in the middle for street grip. The sides have more aggressive patterns or knobs for leaning in corners and some off-road ability.
Q: How long do supermoto tires usually last?
A: Tire life depends on the compound and how you ride. Softer tires wear out faster, maybe 3,000-5,000 miles. Harder tires can last 7,000 miles or more.
Q: Should I get a dual-compound tire?
A: Yes, dual-compound tires are often a great choice for supermotos. They give you a harder center for longer wear and softer sides for better cornering grip.
Q: Can I use car tires on my supermoto?
A: No, you should never use car tires on a motorcycle. Motorcycle tires are designed differently to handle leaning and the bike’s weight. Car tires are dangerous on a motorcycle.
Q: What is “tire profile”?
A: Tire profile is the shape of the tire. Supermoto tires usually have a rounded shape. This helps the bike lean easily into turns.
Q: Do I need different tires for wet weather?
A: Some tires are better in the wet than others. Tires with more silica in the rubber compound and deeper grooves tend to offer better grip in rain.
Q: How do I know if my tires are worn out?
A: Tires are worn out when the tread is very shallow. You might see wear bars, which are small raised areas in the grooves. If the tire looks flat on top, it’s time for new ones.
Q: Can I mix different brands of tires on my supermoto?
A: It’s generally best to use the same brand and model of tire for both the front and rear. Mixing tires can affect how the bike handles and feels.
Q: Are knobby tires good for supermoto?
A: Some supermoto riders use tires with knobby shoulders. These work well if you ride on dirt or gravel roads. For mostly street riding, a less knobby tire is usually better.
Q: Where is the best place to buy supermoto tires?
A: You can buy supermoto tires from motorcycle dealerships, online tire retailers, and some auto parts stores that carry motorcycle tires.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.