Choosing the right 50/50 dual sport tire is one of the most critical decisions for any adventure rider. These tires are the crucial link between you and the terrain, tasked with providing confident grip on loose gravel, muddy trails, and winding pavement alike. A true 50/50 tire doesn’t excel in just one environment; it provides a reliable, balanced performance that lets you transition from the highway to the hinterlands without a second thought.
The market offers a wide array of options, each with unique tread patterns, rubber compounds, and construction philosophies designed for this demanding role. From time-tested classics to modern innovations, the following roundup highlights ten of the top contenders for 2025. Our goal is to provide a clear, professional overview to help you find the perfect set of tires for your next two-wheeled expedition.
Top 50/50 Dual Sport Tires for 2025
- Dunlop D605 Dual Sport Motorcycle Tires Combo Set
- Kenda K270 Dual Sport Rear Tire 4.50-18
- MMG Set of 2 Tire 2.50-16 Front/Rear Dual Sport
- Shinko Dual Sport 705 Series Front/Rear Tire
- Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra 180/65B16 Rear Tire
- Continental TKC70 Rocks Rear Tire (150/70R-17)
- Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR Front Tire, 90/90-21
- MICHELIN Anakee Adventure Rear Tire 170/60R-17
- IRC TR8 Battle Rally Series Tire Rear – 4.00-18
- Dunlop Trailmax Mission (Dual Sport Tire)
Dunlop D605 Dual Sport Motorcycle Tires Combo Set
The Dunlop D605 combo set offers a convenient package for riders looking to replace both tires at once. Designed as a matched set, the front and rear tires are engineered to work in harmony, providing predictable handling and a balanced feel on mixed surfaces. This takes the guesswork out of tire pairing for a consistent performance profile.
This set is built to handle the rigorous demands of dual sport use, where stability on pavement and bite on dirt are equally important. The tread pattern is designed to clear mud and debris effectively while maintaining a stable contact patch on asphalt. For riders seeking a straightforward, reliable tire set from a trusted manufacturer, the D605 combo is a solid starting point.
Kenda K270 Dual Sport Rear Tire
The Kenda K270 is a legendary name in the dual sport world, often cited as a benchmark for true 50/50 performance. It is DOT-compliant, meaning it’s certified for road use, but its aggressive tread pattern is clearly designed for serious off-road work. This tire has been a go-to choice for riders who spend equal time on both terrains.
Kenda built the K270 with a special rubber compound that aims to deliver the best of both worlds: solid off-road traction and respectable on-road wear life. The design is focused on today’s higher-performance dual sport motorcycles, providing the grip needed for technical trails without becoming unstable during highway stretches. It represents a classic, proven approach to the dual sport challenge.
MMG Set of 2 Tire 2.50-16 Front/Rear Dual Sport
For riders of smaller displacement dual sport bikes, the MMG tire set provides a complete solution in one purchase. This set includes two DOT-approved tires, making it a cost-effective and convenient option. The specified rim size of 16 inches fits a variety of popular lightweight and classic enduro models.
With a Load Range C rating and 6-ply rating (6 P.R.), these tires are constructed to be durable and capable of handling significant loads, with a maximum load capacity of 319 pounds. The tread pattern is designed for on- and off-road use, offering a balanced grip for the rider who uses their bike for commuting and weekend trail riding. It’s a practical choice for everyday adventure.
Shinko Dual Sport 705 Series Front/Rear Tire
The Shinko 705 series strikes a compelling balance with an aggressive tread pattern that performs remarkably well on pavement. It is engineered to provide excellent adhesion in both wet and dry weather conditions, giving riders confidence when the weather turns. The design leans slightly towards road use but retains credible off-road capability.
Durability is a key focus, with a compound that resists tearing during off-road excursions. This makes it a suitable tire for riders who primarily tour on asphalt but frequently encounter gravel roads, fire trails, or light off-pavement sections. The Shinko 705 has earned a strong reputation for offering high value and capable performance for the adventure tourer.
Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra Rear Tire
The Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra is engineered with a specific mission: ultra-high mileage for the long-haul tourer. Developed in Germany for American roads, this tire is built for riders who cover vast distances on pavement. While its tread pattern is less aggressive than a pure 50/50 tire, it offers robustness for heavy touring bikes that see occasional graded roads.
This tire combines its notable longevity with Metzeler’s characteristic performance and handling. It is specifically designed for custom touring bikes, meaning it can handle significant weight while providing stable and predictable handling. For the adventure rider whose journeys are predominantly on highways and paved backroads, the ME888 offers exceptional durability.
Continental TKC70 Rocks Rear Tire
The Continental TKC70 Rocks represents an evolution in the adventure tire segment, positioned strategically between the standard TKC70 and the highly aggressive TKC80. It is the off-road evolution of the TKC70, offering a more aggressive tread pattern for improved performance on loose and rocky terrain without entirely sacrificing on-road manners.
This design philosophy provides riders with more choice and flexibility. For the first time, you can pair a standard TKC70 front tire with the more capable TKC70 Rocks rear, creating a tailored setup for your specific riding style and common terrain. It’s an excellent option for riders who need a step up in off-road traction from a standard 50/50 tire.
Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR Front Tire
The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR is a technologically advanced front tire designed for modern adventure bikes. Its block pattern features longer and wider knobs with a reduced longitudinal distance, which increases the contact patch for better road holding without compromising off-road traction. This design offers a best-of-both-worlds approach to grip.
At the heart of its performance is a silica-rich compound that enhances grip on both dry and wet pavement, provides high stability, and offers superior resistance to abrasion. Pirelli’s innovations are aimed at delivering a complete package: reliable traction on dirt, confident stability at high speeds, agile on-road handling, and consistent performance in all conditions.
MICHELIN Anakee Adventure Rear Tire
Michelin engineered the Anakee Adventure tire with a strong focus on one of the most challenging riding conditions: wet pavement. Its new silica tread compounds are formulated to provide excellent wet grip, giving riders added confidence and control when navigating slippery roads. This is a critical safety feature for any tire used in varied weather.
Beyond wet weather performance, the tire also delivers precise handling and notable longevity. This is achieved through an optimized profile, an all-new tread pattern, and Michelin’s proprietary 2CT and 2CT+ compounding technologies. The result is a tire that feels precise on twisty roads, stable on highways, and durable enough for long-distance adventure touring.
IRC TR8 Battle Rally Series Tire Rear
The IRC TR8 Battle Rally tire brings a competition-inspired design to the street-legal market. It carries both D.O.T. approval for road use and FIM approval, indicating it meets the safety standards for certain types of international motorsport. This pedigree suggests a tire built for high performance and durability under demanding conditions.
With a tread pattern that resembles those used in rally racing, the TR8 is designed to offer exceptional bite in loose dirt, sand, and mud. While its primary strength lies in off-road performance, its street-legal certification means it remains manageable on pavement. It’s an ideal choice for riders who prioritize aggressive off-road capability but still need to connect trails via public roads.
Dunlop Trailmax Mission
The Dunlop Trailmax Mission is a modern adventure tire designed from the ground up for the global adventure touring rider. It aims to provide a no-compromise solution for long-distance travel that involves significant portions of both paved and unpaved roads. The tread pattern and compound are the result of extensive research into the needs of this specific riding style.
Dunlop’s engineering focuses on delivering a smooth, stable ride on asphalt with low noise and vibration, while also incorporating features like reinforced sidewalls and an open tread design for confidence off-road. The goal is to offer a tire that riders can fit and forget, trusting it to perform reliably across a wide spectrum of conditions encountered on a multi-day or multi-week adventure.
What to Look For in the Best 50/50 Dual Sport Tires
Choosing the right set of rubber for your dual-sport bike is a balancing act. You’re literally trying to find a middle ground between two very different worlds: the predictable, smooth asphalt of the street and the loose, unpredictable terrain of the trail. A true 50/50 tire aims to give you a competent, if not perfect, experience in both environments. When I’m evaluating the best 50/50 dual sport tires, I focus on a few key areas that make or break the riding experience.
First, let’s talk about the tread pattern. This is the most visual differentiator. A 50/50 tire will have blocky, widely-spaced knobs similar to a full-on dirt bike tire. This design is crucial for digging into mud, sand, and loose gravel to find traction. However, these knobs aren’t as tall or as aggressive as a pure off-road tire. They are also often arranged with stability in mind, featuring a more continuous center-ridge pattern to prevent excessive squirming when you’re leaned over on pavement. Pay close attention to the spacing and the shape of the blocks; they tell you a lot about where the tire’s priorities lie.
Next is the rubber compound. Off-road tires are typically made from a softer compound that grips better on rocks and roots but wears out quickly on abrasive pavement. Street tires use a harder compound for longevity but offer poor dirt performance. The best 50/50 dual sport tires use a compromise—a medium-hardness compound that resists wearing down too fast on the street while still remaining pliable enough to conform to trail obstacles. Some high-end options even feature dual-compound construction, with a harder center strip for highway miles and softer shoulders for cornering grip on and off-road.
Finally, consider the tire’s construction and intended use. A heavier, more robust tire with strong sidewalls is great for preventing pinch flats when you’re airing down for sand or hitting sharp rocks, but it can make the bike feel heavy and slow to respond on the street. Lighter tires with more flexible sidewalls improve on-road handling and comfort but might be more vulnerable off-road. Think about where you’ll spend most of your time. If your rides are 60% street and 40% dirt, lean towards a tire that favors road manners. If it’s the opposite, prioritize off-road capability and accept some road noise and faster wear.
FAQ
How long can I expect a set of 50/50 dual sport tires to last?
Mileage varies dramatically based on your riding style, bike weight, and the specific tire model. A conservative estimate for a good-quality 50/50 tire is between 2,500 and 5,000 miles for the rear tire, with the front often lasting nearly twice as long. If you do a lot of aggressive riding on pavement, especially at high speeds, you’ll see wear on the more pronounced knobs much faster. Sticking to recommended tire pressures and avoiding brutal throttle applications can help you get the most out of your set.
Are 50/50 tires safe for highway use?
Yes, they are certified for highway speeds, but with some caveats. They will never feel as planted or quiet as a dedicated street tire. You’ll experience more vibration and a constant hum from the knobs. They can also feel a bit vague when leaned over in a corner compared to a street tire. For extended high-speed travel, I always recommend checking your tire pressures frequently, as the blocky tread can generate more heat. They are safe, but they demand more attention from the rider than a pure street tire.
What is the best tire pressure for a mix of street and dirt riding?
This is a classic compromise. For purely street riding, I run the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, usually around 25-30 PSI. For serious off-road work, I’ll drop down to 15-18 PSI to increase the contact patch and improve traction. For a true mixed day, I often start at around 22 PSI. This gives a decently compliant ride off-road without making the tire feel too squirmy on the street. It’s a great starting point, but you should experiment to find what works best for your bike and local terrain.
Can I run a tubeless 50/50 tire on my spoked wheels?
Typically, standard spoked wheels are not tubeless-compatible because the spokes nipple holes will leak air. To run a tubeless tire, you need specific tubeless-ready spoked wheels that are sealed, or you can use a tubeless conversion kit that involves sealing the rim bed with a special tape and liquid sealant. The far more common and simpler solution is to run your tubeless-type 50/50 tire with an inner tube. It’s perfectly acceptable and how most riders with conventional spoked wheels operate.
Do I need to balance 50/50 tires?
Absolutely. While the knobby tread might make you think it’s only for low-speed trail riding, you will be spending time on pavement at speed. An unbalanced tire, especially a heavy dual-sport tire, can cause significant vibration through the handlebars at highway speeds, which is tiring and can be hard on your bike’s steering head bearings. I always balance my tires, even on my dedicated off-road bikes, because you never know when you’ll need to connect two trails with a stretch of pavement.