Types of tires for motorcycles and scooters

Tires for touring motorcycles

It can be said that tires for touring motorcycles are the broadest category among those mentioned here. Good handling on dry and wet surfaces, suitability for long rides, and high offered comfort are the characteristics that this type of tire must have. However, its versatility often comes at the expense of high speeds.

It would be an understatement to omit the fact that manufacturers still tailor individual models to specific working conditions, and as a result, owners of touring machines can easily adjust a new set to their expectations. Hence, the sport-touring segment was also created. Some types of motorcycle tires will work perfectly during several hours of traversing roads covered with even asphalt, others will allow for a momentary ride off the paved road, and yet others will enable exploration of terrain. The more we want to leave the main routes, the deeper tread and more aggressive pattern will be advisable. We will also notice differences in the rubber compound itself.

Tires for a chopper

The stylish and eye-catching machines referred to here require the use of specific tires. The main reason for this is their construction, where the rear axle will be wider than the front. The overall characteristics of the engine are also of great importance. It is heavy (and often additionally loaded), and is intended for use during long journeys. Dependability is important when it comes to chopper tires, regardless of the conditions.

In the case of this type of motorcycle tire, just like with universal touring tires, the ability to reach high speeds will not be the main priority. What is more important is that the dedicated models are durable and resistant to damage – because a breakdown is the last thing we dream of when being many miles away from home. High riding comfort also counts, including low noise levels generated during rolling.

Tires for classic

Tires for classic motorcycles prove that aesthetics can be just as important as performance. They are expected to perfectly complement the retro styling of machines that often remain in use for several decades. It is precisely on this type of tire that we can find the so-called whitewall, a characteristic white strip.

Models from many years ago are of course considered archaic today, and their long-term use is not the best idea. Therefore, manufacturers face the difficult task of designing tires that will be modern and above all safe, while also capturing the spirit of a bygone era. However, this does not mean that there is a lack of models on the market that use less popular technologies today, although it is a fact that the choice is limited.

Tires for sport-touring motorcycles

Tires for sport-touring motorcycles are often chosen by riders who want to enjoy the sporty potential of their vehicle while riding on public roads. Such models perform well during everyday commutes as well as during exciting trips to the racetrack.

An important characteristic of this type of motorcycle tire is its stability while taking corners at high speeds. The tire's construction must be particularly suited to leaning into turns, which is why the profile will be more rounded than in touring models. The rubber compound is usually quite soft, which allows it to warm up quickly and provide excellent grip right away.

Manufacturers also strive to design tires that perform well in a variety of weather conditions, as unexpected weather can arise during a trip. They also consider durability, allowing a set of motorcycle tires to be used for a long time, even if they are not treated gently.

Tires for racing motorcycles

Tires for racing motorcycles are designed with high performance in mind. They must be distinguished by their manoeuvrability, stability, and the best possible grip, thanks to which dynamic handling of winding routes or the racetrack will not be a problem. Due to their sporty character, they are strongly rounded in cross-section, and the compounds are soft - just like in the category described above. This is the type of motorcycle tire in which the rubber quickly heats up and immediately offers all its properties.

The abbreviation that should be known to all those interested in this type of tire is NHS - Not For Highway Service. It means that a given model cannot be used on public roads, and is suitable only for the track. This applies primarily to so-called slicks, i.e. tires with smooth tread. Thanks to the fact that they are devoid of any grooves or lamellas, they perfectly adhere to the surface, but as a consequence, they can only be used on a dry track. When it is wet, rain tires are used instead.

Enduro and cross tires

Enduro tires can handle both asphalt and off-road terrain, making them quite versatile for the off-road segment. If we ride on roads and off-roads in a ratio of roughly 4:1, then the best choice for us will be enduro street models. If we venture off the main roads a bit more frequently, we may be interested in ON/OFF Road tires. However, it is important to remember that we can only ride on streets with tires that have the appropriate homologation.

For off-road enthusiasts who do not ride their bikes on public roads, cross tires are the way to go. They are characterized by a durable construction and a tread with an aggressive pattern (even more so than with enduro tires), tailored to the demands of off-road riding - on sand, gravel or rocks. To achieve good grip and control of the vehicle, the choice of this type of motorcycle tire should be dictated by the terrain. The more difficult the terrain we are dealing with, the more massive and widely spaced the blocks should be.

Scooter tires

Scooters are quite popular, so they cannot be overlooked here. In their case, tires also play a huge role because they affect the safety of travellers.

Scooter tires are mostly used universally. They should perform well in different weather conditions, offering reliability both on sunny days and during rain. To achieve this goal, grooves and cuts on the tread help, arranged in such a way as to ensure good traction on one hand, and protect against aquaplaning on the other.

Another type of sport-oriented motorcycle tire is called semi-slicks. They are characterized by a tread pattern that performs better after rainfall than slicks. In many cases, they are models homologated for street use.