The influence of tires on the performance of a motorcycle. Choosing motorcycle tires

Tire guide. Tourenduro

When choosing tires for touring enduro, you need to pay more attention to the planned conditions of their use, and not to the price category. You can find anything - from purely asphalt ones, unsuitable even for pulling onto the side of the road, to completely off-road ones, for which asphalt will be harmful. We will consider options that lie between these extremes.

80/20 tires (80% on-road, 20% off-road) are standard equipment on most touring enduros when they come off the production line. Their purpose is to drive on asphalt of any quality with rare exits from it to the side of the road, onto gravel roads and onto dry, well-rolled primers. And, as a rule, they cope well with their purpose, allowing you to drive under your own power where the road is drawn on the map. In general, within this group over the years there has been a tendency to improve grip properties on asphalt at the expense of service life and off-road properties. For example, the modern Tourance Next behaves perfectly on European autobahns, but in comparison with the classic “just Turance” it travels one and a half times less and feels miserable on the ground. That is why the previous generation of dual-purpose tires continue to be produced - Metzeler Tourance, Pirelli MT-60, Michelin Anakee-2, and Conti Escape. Yes, they do not appear in new sizes (the only exception here would be “Mets”, which was made in sizes for the new GS 1200), they are produced not in European factories, but in China, Brazil and Malaysia, but this has a positive effect on their cost. If you have become accustomed to these tires over many years of use, they can be easily found.

The next group will be 50/50 tires, the most famous of which are the Metzeler Enduro 3 Sahara. This model is older than many motorcyclists, but they are still being produced and are still selling well. Thanks to the successful tread pattern and the composition of the rubber compound, they hold up well both on asphalt and on the ground, allowing you to travel under your own power along the highway to the exit to picturesque open spaces, devoid of paved roads. It is tires of this class that you should pay attention to if you want to get to Magadan, Mongolia, Altai, and Central Asia under your own power. In addition to the Sahara, the same group will include the new Continental TKC70, as well as the proven Michelin Sirac and Pirelli MT90 A/T.

For those for whom traction on the ground is more important, and the motorcycle is ready to travel thousands of kilometers to the ground on a trailer, the third group of rubber is intended - off-road. You can already conquer real off-road terrain with it, the main thing is to have good physical fitness, riding skills and not ride alone - only in a group. For many years, the leader here was the Continental TKC80 Twinduro, but in the last five years, it is in this sector of the market that the largest number of new products are the Michelin Anakee Wild, and the Metzeler Karoo-3, and the Pirelli Scorpion Rally. When planning your route, remember that driving on asphalt quickly rounds the front and rear edges of the protruding block, and traction properties decrease. When planning off-road routes far from home, it is better to get to the exit point on asphalt tires, and only then change into your saber shoes, ride for fun and return on what is left. As a rule, the service life of such rubber rarely exceeds 8000 km; more often it “runs out” much faster. Good grip on the ground comes at a price.

The best motorcycle tires for chopper/cruiser

Metzeler Cruisetec

The best motorcycle tire for real road warriors turned out to be a model from the Metzeler company. The rubber has outstanding qualities of working with asphalt pavement: handling, braking, acceleration and wear resistance - for all this you can give a solid five. Resistance to aquaplaning also allows us to speak only good words about these tires. They have a huge resource of stamina, which allows them to work throughout the entire journey, no matter how long it may be.

Dunlop D423

The Dunlop premium tire demonstrates excellent road control and course stabilization with increasing speed. Handling on wet roads is characterized by precise reactions; the tread reliably holds the motorcycle on the track and prevents it from skidding during sharp turns. The tires are reliable enough to withstand overheating, minimize abrasive wear and provide the motorcyclist with a stable, smooth ride, kilometer after kilometer.

Heavy touring enduro tires

The heavy touring enduro class has been very popular lately and tire manufacturers are vying to satisfy all the needs of the owners of such equipment. As a result, we have a rather difficult choice, which we want to sort out in this article.

So first, let’s define the main motorcycle models we will talk about. The most common enduro tire sizes in this class are 110/80-19 and 150/70-17. They are installed on motorcycles

BMW R1200GS air, Honda VFR1200 Crosstourer, Honda XL1000 Varadero, Yamaha XTZ1200 Super Tenere, Suzuki DL1000 V-strom, Suzuki DL650 V-strom, Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200.

There are 5 tire options available for these motorcycles.

1. Michelin Road 4 Trail is a great tire for those who never leave the asphalt. If you only ride within the Moscow Ring Road, then you have no need to install other tires - excellent grip both in the dry and in the rain.

2. Continental Trail Attack 2, Michelin Anakee 3, Pirelli Scorpion Trail II, Metzeler Tourance Next - these are premium tires for asphalt, with the ability to travel on the ground. This wording means that you can drive more or less comfortably on a dry dirt road, but in the rain it is better not to drive these tires onto the ground; they are not designed for this. If you are a truck driver and love long trips, then these tires are just for you.

3. Michelin Anakee 2, Metzeler Tourance - these are the predecessors of the top models, they were developed several years earlier, but their meaning is the same as that of the tires described above. They were transferred to the economy class segment, as their price eloquently speaks of. Yes, you won’t be able to take corners with these tires, but the vast majority of endurists don’t need that. Otherwise, they do their job perfectly.

4. Continental TKC70 is a very interesting tire, it combines the high-speed capabilities of Trail Attack 2 and at the same time allows easy off-road. At least if you drive off the road in the rain, you will definitely get to your destination.

5. Continental TKC80 Twinduro, Michelin Anakee Wild, Pirelli Scorpion Rally - these, don’t be surprised, are also road tires, but 50 to 50 road/offroad. The fact that they are roadworthy is indicated by their certificate and the presence of a speed and weight index. Moreover, pay attention to the upper speed index of these tires is not high - 160-180 km/h. But they can be used to climb into any swamp.

We always have all these tires in stock. To buy them, use the selection of tires by size on the main page

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WTB Vigilante & WTB Trail Boss

American brand WTB makes no secret of the fact that they developed the Vigilante as their all-round enduro tire. The High Grip rubber compound and aggressive profile provide good grip and control in all possible road conditions. The lightweight TCS Light frame keeps overall weight to a minimum. The downside for the stats is puncture resistance, as the sidewalls seem susceptible to tearing, although this didn't show up during testing. For the rear tire we used a 2.4-inch wide Trail Boss, which felt significantly narrow in real life. Thanks to its rather complex middle knobs, the tire had ultra-floating characteristics.

+ Fast acceleration + Excellent resistance and precision – Puncture resistant

Product ID: na / na Price: 59.90 Euro Weight: F: 908 g / R: 766 g

VE-33 100/100-18 59M Bias TT – Rear enduro tires

Enduro tires VE-33 100/100-18 59M Bias TT have excellent technical characteristics, which were highly appreciated by the owners.

Model: VE-33 VOLCANDURO ENDURO

The advantages of this enduro tire

1. If you are a fan of driving on bumpy, difficult terrain, be sure to pay attention to this model, as you will not regret it later.

2. This type of tire has been specially designed for use in rough terrain, and it can provide you with the excellent traction that you may need on such terrain.

3. It has a tube design and as a direct result, these tires can stand the test of time no matter how often you use them.

4. Considering that the product has a dynamic design, it can provide the stability that is so necessary when riding in difficult conditions.

Disadvantages of this enduro tire

1. There is one disadvantage that you should be aware of. This enduro tire is not suitable for some enduro motorcycle models. Be careful when choosing. However, this rarely happens.

2. If you are planning to ride on sandy terrain, you must consider the fact that these tires are not designed for such conditions.

Testing area

This time we tested several popular brands. We wanted to identify the best enduro tire combos for regular use. We were looking for grip, versatility, durability and decent rolling resistance. Last but not least, we assessed weight. Unfortunately, during testing it became clear that some manufacturers were unable to make suitable tires.

Bridgestone Trail Wing TW41 Enduro - Front enduro tires

Since good performance means excellent grip, this model of enduro tire has a special dimple tread pattern that has many additional edges.

Country of origin: Japan

The advantages of this enduro tire

1. Bridgestone TW41 has a simple but durable design. An additional special dimple pattern, which includes multiple ribs, provides excellent traction on many types of road surfaces and soil.

2. Because these tires come with an innovative offset casing. It is easy to work with during installation, even for beginners with limited experience.

3. This product has been manufactured using off-road technology and is therefore ideal for riding on various terrains.

4. Its main advantage is the increased grip it can provide to the rider. This tire model can be used by both experienced and beginner enduro enthusiasts.

Disadvantages of this enduro tire

1. The main problem with this tire is the price. For many amateurs or beginners, it can be a problem at the beginning of the journey to pay so much money for a front tire. However, they do their job perfectly.

2. Well, the second drawback, although how to say a drawback, is her appearance. If you stick to a tough and aggressive design, thereby standing out from the rest, it may not be for you. However, appearance is not always a criterion that you should consider.

The best motorcycle tires for a sports motorcycle

Michelin Pilot Power 3

The leader of the sports series was produced by the inimitable Michelin company. I really want to find fault with them, but there seem to be no shortcomings. Stunning grip properties on both types of trails - brilliant handling on wet and dry roads. The motorcycle seems to merge with the highway and shows everything it is capable of. Braking is its special advantage: fast and precise, does not cause any complaints even among the review authors. In terms of comfort and wear resistance, the model is all at the highest level. This wonderful tire from French craftsmen deservedly becomes the leader in the section of motorcycle tires for sport bikes.

Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE

For a sports bike, tires from the manufacturer Metzeler are perfect. The model perfectly reflects the title “sports”, as it clings to the asphalt track beyond all praise - very subtle and confident handling, effective braking. On wet and dry roads the tires show very stable behavior. The motorcycle feels very light and maneuverable, the biker can easily control every movement under him.

Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP

In third place were the tires of the famous Italians Pirelli. These tires are simply created for a dry track - the control is intuitive, the braking is fast, and the motorcycle does not lose grip even on sharp turns. With excellent feedback, these tires provide convenience and comfort throughout the entire journey - and this is their main advantage. The downside may be rather mediocre properties on wet roads and problems with wear resistance.

Goldentyre GT216X- Rear enduro tires

Following on from the GT216HBN, this model is a great choice if you like to choose extreme terrain to challenge your two-wheeler.

Country of origin: Italy

The FIM (FIM Enduro World Championship) approved Goldentyre GT216X tire features an open tread design. Due to this, the tire self-cleanses in dirty areas.

The advantages of this enduro tire

1. If you like to challenge yourself and your bike, you often take part in off-road racing, this is another model that is worth it.

2. It comes with a self-cleaning tread design, making it ideal for those riders who have little time or patience to clean their tires after sticky mud.

3. The model has an open tread design and hence it will not disappoint you when using it on muddy or difficult terrain.

2. Considering that this model is approved by the FIM, it can be said that it will provide maximum riding safety. In addition, it can absorb shock well, which will give you a more comfortable ride over uneven surfaces and provide maximum protection for your wheel rims when hitting rocks.

Comparative reviews - Tires: the best enduro set. Comparing seven sets

While searching for tires, I came across an interesting article on Enduro-mtb.com and thought it would be informative and useful to publish it translated here. The article is from 2016, but in terms of choosing tires, almost nothing has changed recently, and the article has not lost its relevance (well, maybe a little outdated). In general, welcome to cat. No matter how cool your frame is, how well tuned your suspension is, or how powerful your brakes are, if your tires suck, you're already dead before you even get on the bike. This test is a kind of answer to a common question: what tires to buy and what combinations to use on the trail.

The tires have been run on a wide range of surfaces by several experienced and critical riders who have ridden everything from natural trails to bike parks. In addition to the torment the tires endured on the trails, they were also tested for puncture resistance using Continental testing equipment. As a result, we decided to publish the individual lab data in context along with the test rider's impressions, interpreting them into ratings for each tire set. Conclusion After countless laps on varied and interesting trails and careful analysis of laboratory data, there is a clear winner in the form of the MAXXIS Shorty front and MAXXIS Minion DHF rear set. Regardless of the terrain and conditions, this set proved to be the best, showing strong grip and control, leaving the competition behind. Thanks to the larger volume of 2.5-inch tires, the Maxis showed excellent rolling and comfort, despite the aggressive appearance of the tread. The Continental Der Baron 2.4 Projekt also proved to be an extremely versatile tyre, boasting excellent side grip, tons of grip and brilliant puncture resistance. However, while we praise lateral grip, we must admit that the Barons' stiffness comes at the expense of damping. Our advice: ride these tires at 0.1-0.2 bar less pressure than you usually run on your current tires. Also worth mentioning is the WTB Vigilante and WTB Trail Boss set, which took us by surprise in this test, leaving us confident in their ability to handle long trips given their excellent rolling characteristics and high levels of grip. Next, a few words about each tire.

Best in test: MAXXIS Shorty 3C 2.5″ & Minion DHF DUAL 2.5″ + Excellent grip in all conditions

Continental Baron Projekt 2.4″ + super clutch

Original article in English (more text on each set and more pictures): https://enduro-mtb.com/en/the-best-enduro-tire-seven-combos-in-comparison/

From myself: this is my first post. It’s just that the small number of review articles on hardware has started to make me sad, don’t kick me too hard.

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Maxxis High Roller II

This is already a pretty bad tire, with large, sparse studs. It will, of course, lose in the run-up, although the beveled spikes and the herringbone arrangement will save the situation a little. But such a tire brakes very quickly, you can stop in a matter of seconds on the largest slope. There is both a double-cord downhill version and lightweight Kevlar tires for trail riding. If downhill and hardcore enduro aren't your thing, and you still plan to do a lot of spinning, then go for a single-ply Kevlar.