When it comes to adventure and dual-purpose motorcycling, the subject of tire choice is one that stirs the passions. Hardly a week goes by without some adventurer asking THE question. Which tires do you recommend?
This question has been asked 1001 times, and there are 1001 different answers. Tires are a very personal choice. Even if some models are more popular than others, the fact remains that some models are hated by some, but much appreciated by others. The adage that “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander” doesn’t apply very well when it comes to choosing tires.
Choice and more choice!
In addition to everyone’s opinions, tire manufacturers are offering ever more elaborate ranges. Models for medium-displacement bikes, models for big bikes capable of taking very heavy loads. From 10% off-road to 95% off-road, the choices are endless. Not to mention the option of buying an X model for the front and a Y model for the rear. So many possibilities!
The more I think about it, the more I understand why the question comes up so often. It’s also clear that there’s no universal answer. No single solution that meets all the needs of all adventurers.
Let’s get one thing straight
What’s the best tire for an adventure bike? There you have it, the killer question. As an instructor, I always answer that the best tires are the ones on your bike. Because that’s the only option you have on a ride, and you have to make do. There’s no quick fix as to which brand, which model. It’s all a question of compromise. A tire that will get you out of mud holes with ease probably won’t be in its element on a winding cobbled road. A tire that gives you confidence on gravel and lets you have fun in curves will probably need replacing after more or less 4,000 km.
It has to be said, though, that there are exceptions, and even minor miracles. I recently saw a guy who drove 40,000 km with the same set of tires, 50%-50%.
In addition to all the tire choice options, one factor not to be overlooked is the different wheel sizes of adventure bikes. 17′ or 18′ at the rear. 17′, 19′ and 21′ for the front. These differences in wheel size can affect tire performance.
In my experience, the Bridgestone AX41 on a 21′ wheel gives the bike quite a bit more angle on a gravel road than the 19′ version. Yet it’s the same tire…
Conversely, a Mitas E07 19′ is more forgiving than its 21′ version…
Too many elements to clearly establish a ranking of the best tires for our adventurers.
Establishing your needs
Because motorcycles mean different things to different people, it’s essential to be clear about what you intend to use your bike for. It’s essential to establish certain criteria before making your choice.
Do I plan to leave asphalt behind?
What’s the point of having aggressive tires if you only ride sporadically on forest roads?
Do I want to explore the forest, but also have fun on paved roads?
There are several 50-50 or 40-60 options. But to offer the best of both worlds, there’s bound to be some fast wear and tear.
Am I ready to change tires two or three times a season?
A set of off-road tires with a softer compound capable of getting you out of ruts or over wet roots will surely show signs of wear after only a few outings.
Do I want to sacrifice my bike’s on-road performance?
I’m currently riding Mitas E09s. They’re rated 80-20. They push me to delinquency on the trails, but demand hyper vigilance on the road. My bike just isn’t the same. Not to mention the vibration caused by the studs. If on-road behavior isn’t a factor, another option is to install a tire of brand X at the front and Y at the rear.
All these questions are essential when choosing a tire. Don’t limit yourself to asking only: “What are the best tires?
Self-evaluation
Beyond the questions mentioned above, you need to be able to evaluate your riding techniques on unpaved roads to understand your needs. Someone with advanced off-road riding techniques will be able to go “deeper” with a 50-50 tire, or even with more road-oriented tires. He or she may also be better able to understand the distress signals of an 80-20 tire on the road.
Conversely, someone new to off-roading will often rely on the skills of their tires. Lack of off-road knowledge often results in an erroneous opinion of the tire set.
For example, some tires are fun to ride, while others are dangerous!
It’s all a question of knowing yourself as a rider and understanding your needs.
Listen to your tires
I’m not referring here to the sound of the studs on the asphalt. A detail which, in my opinion, is a little absurd. If we consider the noise of the wind, the engine, the music playing in our communication system, the noise of tires, unless it disturbs the neighborhood, I don’t really understand this point.
Here I’m talking about the famous “feedback” that tires send us. When I jump on a bike with new or unfamiliar tires, I make it a point to go somewhere safe and unpaved to test them.
Nothing scientific about testing. Some hard braking, skidding, rapid acceleration and hyper-handling maneuvers to get to know the tire, but above all to understand the feedback just before reaching the breaking point of traction with the ground.
Rider, bike and tires form a chain. How strong is a chain? Its weakest link. Very often I’ve seen crashes not because of the equipment, but because of poor tire knowledge. Even with tires that have as much bite as Dracula’s teeth, if you’re not attentive to the feedback your tires send you, you’re in for a disaster!
The best racing drivers in all powersports adjust to tires. So make sure you understand your ride and, above all, your tires.
Understand to avoid bad choices
Durability, traction, versatility and comfort are all aspects to consider when choosing tires.
A tire with a solid center tread will certainly offer durability and a certain degree of comfort. However, traction on hard, wet surfaces will certainly be affected. So will versatility.
If you opt for studs, durability, versatility and comfort will suffer.
If a tire that can perform anywhere is what you’re looking for, expect to forget about durability.
An adventure or dual-purpose tire that offers comfort as its main asset, on the other hand, will have limited off-road qualities.
In the end, it’s you who’s in control, not the tires.
In conclusion, you can always ask again and again on social networks which tire is the best choice for your next tire shopping trip. But know that whatever tire you choose, there will be positives and negatives. Turn those negatives into positives by understanding them, and then driving by the tire’s strengths and weaknesses. Once you’ve mastered them, and feel increasingly comfortable on them, you’ll go even further.
Because conditions can change, dealing with a situation with tires that are more or less adapted will require adaptation and know-how. Whether on- or off-road, we have to overcome obstacles with the tires fitted to our motorcycles – the best tires available.
