Choosing the right tires for your adventure motorcycle is one of the most critical decisions you can make. They are the single point of contact between your machine and the vast array of surfaces you will encounter, from winding mountain asphalt to loose gravel fire roads and everything in between. The ideal adventure tire strikes a delicate balance, offering confidence-inspiring grip off-road without sacrificing too much stability, comfort, or longevity on the pavement.
This roundup is designed to help you navigate the wide world of adventure motorcycle tires. We have compiled a list of ten standout options from leading manufacturers, each with its own strengths and ideal use case. Whether your journeys are predominantly highway-focused with occasional dirt detours or you seek maximum traction for serious backcountry exploration, there is a tire here built for your specific performance and durability needs.
Our Top Picks for Adventure Motorcycle Tires
- Kenda Big Block K784 110/80B19 Front and 150/70B17 Rear Tires
- Continental TKC 70 150/70 R17 M/C (69V) TL Rear Motorcycle Tire
- NOCO GENIUS1: 1A 6V/12V Smart Battery Charger
- MICHELIN Anakee Adventure Front Tire (90/90-21)
- Continental TKC70 Rocks Rear Tire (150/70R-17)
- Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR Front Tire, 90/90-21
- Metzeler Karoo Extreme Front Tire – 90/90-21
- Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41 Front Tire (90/90-21)
- Shinko E-805 Big Block Rear Tire (120/90-18)
- Dunlop Trailmax Mission Motorcycle Tire
Kenda Big Block K784 110/80B19 Front and 150/70B17 Rear Tires
The Kenda Big Block is a true 50/50 tire, built to handle the rigors of both off-road and street riding with equal competence. Its aggressive, open tread pattern is designed to dig into sand, dirt, and mud, providing the traction needed when the pavement ends. For riders who split their time evenly between city commuting and weekend trail riding, this tire offers a compelling blend of capabilities.
Durability is a key focus, with a high-impact bias belting construction that helps resist punctures from sharp rocks and debris. With a load rating sufficient for most adventure bikes and a speed rating of 99 mph, the Big Block provides a robust and reliable foundation for your journeys. This two-pack set, which includes a convenient keychain, represents a solid value for riders seeking a tough, go-anywhere tire.
Continental TKC 70 150/70 R17 M/C (69V) TL Rear Motorcycle Tire
Continental’s TKC 70 is engineered for the adventurer who spends more time on tarmac but still requires confident performance on light off-road excursions. It successfully merges the proven off-road DNA of the legendary TKC 80 with the refined on-road manners of the ContiTrailAttack 2. The result is a versatile tire that feels planted and predictable on highways and backroads.
This tire is an excellent choice for long-distance touring where the route may include unpaved sections, forest service roads, or well-maintained gravel. It provides a smooth ride with good stability and handling on pavement, while its tread pattern is capable enough to handle hard-packed dirt and gravel with assurance. For riders prioritizing road comfort and longevity without completely sacrificing off-pavement capability, the TKC 70 is a top contender.
NOCO GENIUS1: 1A 6V/12V Smart Battery Charger
While not a tire, a reliable battery charger is an essential piece of gear for any adventure motorcyclist. The NOCO GENIUS1 is a compact yet powerful solution to keep your bike’s battery in peak condition. Its fully automatic operation means you can connect it and forget it, as it will maintain the optimal charge level without risk of overcharging.
This versatile maintainer works with a wide range of battery types, including lead-acid AGM, gel, and lithium-ion batteries commonly found in modern motorcycles. The integrated thermal sensor is a significant feature, as it adjusts the charge voltage based on the ambient temperature. This ensures your battery receives a perfect charge year-round, whether it’s stored in a hot garage over the summer or a cold shed during the winter months.
MICHELIN Anakee Adventure Front Tire (90/90-21)
The Michelin Anakee Adventure is designed for riders who demand high performance in all weather conditions, especially on wet pavement. Its advanced silica tread compound is formulated to provide exceptional grip on slippery roads, giving you added confidence when the skies open up. This focus on wet-weather performance makes it a superb choice for adventure touring in regions with unpredictable weather.
Stability and longevity are also core strengths of this tire. Michelin’s Bridge Block Technology, borrowed from the more aggressive Anakee Wild, helps stabilize the tread blocks for better on-road handling and wear. Combined with their 2CT+ compound technology, the Anakee Adventure delivers precise handling and a long tread life, making it a smart investment for high-mileage riders who value safety and durability.
Continental TKC70 Rocks Rear Tire (150/70R-17)
The Continental TKC70 Rocks is the off-road evolution of the standard TKC 70, filling the performance gap between that tire and the highly aggressive TKC 80. It is engineered for riders who venture further off the beaten path and need a higher level of traction on loose surfaces like gravel, rock, and hard-packed dirt, without committing to a full knobby tire.
This tire allows for a versatile setup, as it is designed to be paired with a standard TKC 70 front tire. This combination provides a more aggressive rear for drive and braking traction off-road, while maintaining the confident on-road steering and stability of the TKC 70 front. It’s an ideal solution for adventurers who find the rear tire wears out faster or who simply want more off-road bite from the driven wheel.
Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR Front Tire
Pirelli’s Scorpion Rally STR is developed for the modern adventure bike, focusing on creating a large and stable contact patch for outstanding on-road handling. The tread design features longer and wider blocks with reduced longitudinal distance, which increases the tire’s footprint on the pavement. This translates to superior stability during cornering and braking.
Despite its road-focused design, the STR has not forgotten its off-road purpose. The high-silica compound provides excellent grip on both dry and wet tarmac, while the tread pattern retains enough aggressiveness to handle light off-road duties with competence. It is a technological balance that provides traction on dirt, high-speed stability, and on-road agility for a truly rounded riding experience.
Metzeler Karoo Extreme Front Tire
For riders whose adventures lean heavily toward technical off-road terrain, the Metzeler Karoo Extreme is a serious tool. This tire uses a specific compound blend that combines natural rubber for mechanical resistance and synthetic rubber for wear and tear resistance. This focus on durability is crucial for withstanding the abrasion and impacts of rocky trails.
The inclusion of carbon black in the compound further increases the tire’s resistance to stress, even when temperatures rise during aggressive riding. The Karoo Extreme is built for riders who push the limits off-road and need a tire that can handle punishment while providing consistent and reliable traction in challenging conditions. It is a performance-oriented choice for the hardcore adventurer.
Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41 Front Tire
The Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41 is engineered to deliver superior off-road performance without completely compromising on-road manners. It features a rugged, block-oriented tread pattern that provides ample biting edges for traction in dirt, mud, and gravel. This tire is for the adventurer who actively seeks out unpaved routes and needs a tire that can keep up.
Durability is a key part of its design, aiming to withstand the demands of aggressive off-road use. Bridgestone has developed the AX41 to be a tough, reliable partner for extended journeys into remote areas. It represents a robust option for riders who prioritize off-road capability and need a tire built to handle challenging terrain with confidence.
Shinko E-805 Big Block Rear Tire
The Shinko E-805 Big Block is a value-conscious choice for riders who frequently leave the pavement behind. Its design philosophy targets a 40% on-road and 60% off-road riding split, making it ideal for those who use their adventure bike primarily for exploring trails, with street riding mainly serving as a means to get there.
Utilizing the latest in big-block tread technology, this tire provides substantial grip in soft and loose conditions. The large, spaced-out lugs are effective at clearing mud and digging into dirt, offering the traction needed for more adventurous off-road riding. For the rider seeking a capable and aggressive rear tire that offers strong off-road performance at an accessible price point, the Shinko E-805 is a compelling option.
Dunlop Trailmax Mission Motorcycle Tire
The Dunlop Trailmax Mission is designed as a high-mileage, 50/50 adventure tire that does not force you to choose between longevity and capability. It aims to provide a long service life for riders who cover vast distances, while still retaining enough off-road competence to confidently handle gravel roads and light trails encountered on a global adventure.
This tire focuses on delivering a stable and comfortable ride on the highway, with tread compounds and patterns engineered for even wear and extended mileage. For the round-the-world traveler or the high-mileage tourer who values tire life and on-road predictability but requires the versatility to tackle unpaved sections, the Trailmax Mission is built to meet that challenging specification.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Adventure Motorcycle Tires for Performance and Longevity
Choosing the right set of rubber for your adventure bike feels like a balancing act. On one hand, you want a tire that grips confidently on a twisty mountain road; on the other, you need it to be tough enough to handle a rocky trail and last for more than a weekend trip. I have found that the key is to be honest with yourself about where you actually ride. That 90/10 or 50/50 split you see advertised is more than just marketing—it is a guideline for where the tire’s priorities lie.
First, consider the tread pattern. For mostly pavement with the occasional graded fire road, a 90/10 tire (90% road, 10% off-road) is your best bet. These tires have a tighter, more road-focused tread pattern that provides excellent stability, cornering grip, and surprisingly good mileage. If your idea of adventure involves more dirt, gravel, and maybe some single-track, then a 50/50 tire is the way to go. The knobby, open tread pattern digs into loose surfaces for traction but will wear faster on asphalt and can feel a bit vague when leaned over. There is also a growing middle ground with 70/30 or 80/20 tires that offer a fantastic compromise for riders who genuinely split their time.
Next, think about construction. Many of the best adventure motorcycle tires for performance and longevity use advanced rubber compounds. A harder compound in the center of the tire drastically improves mileage, while softer compounds on the shoulders enhance cornering grip. Some tires even have dual-compound designs specifically for this purpose. Also, look for features like reinforced sidewalls or special ply materials. These add a layer of puncture resistance, which is a huge plus when you are miles from the nearest service station. A tire with a strong sidewall also helps prevent pinch flats when you hit those unexpected rocks or potholes at speed.
Finally, do not overlook the simple stuff like tire size and type. Tubeless tires are standard on many modern adventure bikes and make trail-side repairs easier, but some serious off-road machines still use tubes. Make sure you are buying the correct type for your wheels. Also, pay attention to the load and speed ratings to ensure the tire can safely handle the weight of your bike and all your gear. Reading reviews from other riders with a similar bike and riding style is one of the most valuable steps you can take. Their real-world experiences with mileage, grip, and durability will tell you more than any spec sheet.
FAQ
What is the difference between a 50/50 and a 90/10 adventure tire?
The numbers refer to the intended use ratio: road to off-road. A 50/50 tire is designed for an equal split, featuring a more aggressive, knobby tread pattern for maximum dirt and gravel traction. It will be competent off-road but will wear faster and potentially feel less planted on pavement. A 90/10 tire is primarily for the street, with a tighter tread pattern that provides excellent wet and dry road grip, stability, and much longer tread life, while still being capable of handling light gravel or packed dirt paths.
How long should a set of adventure motorcycle tires typically last?
Tire longevity varies massively based on the tire type, your riding style, the weight of your bike, and road surfaces. A sport-touring oriented 90/10 tire could last 6,000 miles or more on the rear. A more aggressive 50/50 knobby tire might only get 3,000 miles before it is worn out. For a balanced set of the best adventure motorcycle tires for performance and longevity, I usually expect somewhere between 4,000 to 5,000 miles on the rear, with the front often lasting nearly twice as long.
Can I mix and match tire brands between the front and rear?
While it is technically possible, I do not recommend it. Motorcycle tires are engineered as a system, with the front and rear designed to work together in terms of profile, flex, and grip characteristics. Mixing brands or even different models from the same brand can lead to unpredictable handling, especially when braking hard or cornering. For the best and safest performance, it is always better to fit a matched set.
Are tubeless tires better for adventure riding than tube-type tires?
For most situations, yes, tubeless tires offer significant advantages. The biggest benefit is the ability to seal small punctures with the sealant already inside the tire, often allowing you to ride on without stopping. They also are generally easier to repair on the side of the trail with a simple plug kit. However, tube-type tires on spoked wheels can often run at lower pressures for better off-road traction without the risk of the tire unseating from the rim, which is why they are still preferred for extreme off-road use.
How does tire pressure affect adventure bike performance?
Tire pressure is one of the most critical adjustments you can make. Higher pressures (as recommended for street riding) provide better stability, fuel economy, and tire longevity. Lowering the pressure increases the tire’s contact patch, which dramatically improves traction and comfort on rough off-road terrain. Many riders carry a small compressor to air down for the dirt and then air back up for the pavement ride home. Just be careful not to go too low for your speed, as it can cause damage to the tire or wheel.