Best Motorbike Tyres in the UK

The Michelin ROAD 5 GT 180 are not the cheapest tyres you can find, not even close. But the quality matches the price, so we're not necessarily complaining here. First off, using updated compounds and siped treads, these tyres are offering an excellent wet grip, so you can ride with comfort and confidence even when it is raining cats and dogs. Owing to the same siped treads, even when the tyres are 50% worn out, the braking is not compromised at all, always bringing the bike to an abrupt halt without delay. Then, there's the company's ACT+ casing tech, delivering not just improved dry grip but also increased stability and the best handling, making the ride an absolute joy under any conditions.

From the longevity perspective, these are some durable tyres, usually lasting at least ~10,000+ kilometres before wearing out. The last two stops before wrapping an already impressive package are the speed rating and the warranty. But, looking at the price tag first, the tyres' W speed rating that lets them handle speeds as high as 270 kph comes without saying and the same can be said about the six-year warranty.

In short, when money is not an issue, the Michelin ROAD 5 GT 180 will prove the best motorbike tyres.

Michelin Anakee Adventure are polyvalent tyres, enabling matching on-road and off-road usage. To some extent, this is thanks to the tread pattern void ratio and the M+S marking. That being said, the silica compounds that the treads are working with contribute as well. The same compounds improve the tyres' wet grip, so you can ride even during considerable downpours without worrying about handling.

Where longevity is concerned, these are Michelin tyres, so above-average mileage is to be expected. Still, even by the company's high standards, the fact that these can usually give you above 15,000 kilometres is quite brilliant.

Shifting gears, these are all-season tyres, fine with scorching heat as much as with unforgiving cold. The speed rating is somewhat compromised due to the tyres' polyvalence but they will behave well as long as you don't go above 240 kph, so this is not really a compromise. What is a compromise is that the tyres are not quite as resistant to punctures as Michelin tyres usually. Assuming you're fine with that, Michelin Anakee Adventure will allow you to switch between streets and dirt without even noticing the difference. Plus, increasing the contact patch, the tyres remain stable even when you lean into corners.

The Dunlop SPORTMAX ROADSMART 3 are big-time tyres that work wonders with sporty roadsters. Featuring an interconnecting groove design (iGT), these tyres ensures fast and efficient water evacuation, improving the grip and handling on wet roads.

Fighting alongside these grooves is the company's MultiTread compound that uses an optimised tri-polymer blend and high-dispersion silica. Combining these elements, the tyres provide increased mileage.

They don't contribute quite as much as the new tread pattern though. Integrating more pronounced groove angles, the upgraded tread pattern ensures even wear, so you receive long-lasting and uncompromised performance.

Having said all that, we can make an argument that the best part here is the new front profile. First, the revised rayon ply carcass requires less steering input and offers more precise handling. Second, the updated profile preserves the reliable feedback that Dunlop motorbike tyres are known for.

There's only one thing that we dislike about these tyres: they're pretty loud. Apart from that, the Dunlop SPORTMAX ROADSMART 3 deliver a grip and performance that remain stronger for longer. What's more, there's also the new sidewall construction that improves the tyres' shock absorption so that the bike behaves alright even on bumpy roads.

The Michelin ROAD 5 GT 120 are not especially different from our best pick. They don't squirm at all. You can lean as hard as you want into the turns without worrying about losing grip. The tyres are fine with wet roads and, as always, do not disappoint on the dry grip front.

There are two reasons these tyres cost less than the Michelin ROAD 5 GT 180. First, the load index rating on these caps at 58, whereas the updated, 180 version pushes 73. Second, whilst these tyres can also boast a W speed rating, meaning that they can handle speeds <270 kph, the treads on these are more fragile. In other words, if you spend a lot of time riding at high speeds, the treads on these motorbike tyres will wear out pretty soon (how 'pretty' will depend on the speed and the road conditions).

On the upside, the tyres come equipped with the same siped treads that their more expensive relative is using. As a result, even with 50% remaining tread depth, the tyres are able to provide superb braking, stopping the bike the moment you squeeze the brakes. So, provided you don't spend the majority of your time on a bike riding at 200+ kph, the Michelin ROAD 5 GT 120 will keep up with the company's more expensive motorbike tyres without breaking a sweat.

The Dunlop GEOMAX MX53 are the cheapest tyres within this lineup. They're still pretty good tyres though, the price is this cheap primarily because dirt bike tyres always cost less than sporty bikes' tyres. They're predictable tyres (on the throttle through corners), also improving the slide control to enable fast cornering. Plus, making the cornering more progressive, the fall-down at high-lean angles is reduced. These changes were made possible thanks to the advanced apex design ensuring the sidewalls' uniform rigidity. When the load's applied, the sidewalls deflect evenly, providing a firm feeling and increased compliance.

Not unlike the predecessors, these tyres are great at tackling firm and severe underground but, this time, they're also not bad on soft terrains. But, before that, the tyres raise the blocks and increase the surface's biting edge. In doing so, they're able to optimise traction on different terrains, offering that intermedia performance that we've come to expect from the GEOMAX line.

Bottom line, the Dunlop GEOMAX MX53 present an intermediate package that dirt bike enthusiasts might not be able to resist, delivering unwavering stability, progressive cornering, immediate feedback, and optimised traction.