Motorcycle tyre test

MC tyre test

Motorcycle tyre tests 2015–2026

Motorcycle tyre tests are a useful way to compare grip, handling, wet-weather performance, stability and durability between different tyre models. However, results from different years should not be compared directly, as the motorcycles, tyre sizes, test conditions and scoring methods may vary.

Below you can find motorcycle tyre test results from MOTORRAD, PS and other European motorcycle publications, with the newest tests listed first.

2026

MOTORRAD 6/2026 – Sport tyres

MOTORRAD compared five current sport tyres in sizes 120/70 ZR17 and 190/55 ZR17 using a BMW S 1000 XR. The tyres covered approximately 2,200 kilometres and were evaluated for dry and wet handling as well as wear.

Results:

  1. Dunlop SportSmart MK4 – Very good
  2. Michelin Power 6 – Good
  3. Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV – Good
  4. Metzeler Sportec 01 – Good
  5. Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 – Good

The Dunlop SportSmart MK4 took first place and was the only tyre in the comparison to receive an overall rating of “very good”. Its strength was its balanced performance across the different test areas.

PS 4/2026 – Sport tyres

PS tested the same five sport tyres in the same sizes, also using a BMW S 1000 XR. The evaluation focused on dry and wet performance together with tyre wear.

Results:

  1. Dunlop SportSmart MK4 – Very good
  2. Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV – Good
  3. Metzeler Sportec 01 – Good
  4. Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 – Good
  5. Michelin Power 6 – Good

Once again, the Dunlop SportSmart MK4 was the only tyre to achieve an overall rating of “very good”.

2025

MOTORRAD 2025 – Adventure tyres

MOTORRAD used six BMW R 1300 GS motorcycles to compare tyres representing very different adventure riding concepts. The comparison included road-oriented tyres, mixed-use adventure tyres and more off-road-focused alternatives.

Because the tyres have different intended uses, the overall rating should be considered together with the type of riding each tyre is designed for.

Results:

  • Pirelli Scorpion Trail III – Very good
  • Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 – Very good
  • Metzeler Roadtec 02 – Very good
  • Continental RoadAttack 4 – Good
  • Dunlop Trailmax Raid – Good
  • Michelin Anakee Wild – Satisfactory

Test motorcycle: BMW R 1300 GS
Tyre sizes: 120/70 R19 and 170/60 R17

MOTORRAD 7/2025 – Sport tyres

Six road-oriented sport tyres were tested on a BMW S 1000 RR in sizes 120/70 ZR17 and 190/55 ZR17. Testing included country roads, wet conditions and racetrack riding.

These tyres are primarily intended for sporty road use, although they can also handle occasional track riding.

Results:

  • Dunlop SportSmart MK4 – Very good
  • Metzeler Sportec M9 RR – Very good
  • Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 – Very good
  • Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV – Very good
  • Michelin Power 6 – Good
  • Continental SportAttack 4 – Good

The SportSmart MK4 stood out as an especially strong all-round performer, combining sporty dry-road behaviour with very good wet-weather performance.

MOTORRAD 7/2025 – Hypersport tyres

The same BMW S 1000 RR and tyre sizes were also used to test six more track-oriented hypersport tyres. These tyres place greater emphasis on racetrack performance while remaining road legal.

Results:

  1. Michelin Power GP 2 – Good, test winner
  2. Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V4 – Good, joint test winner
  3. Metzeler Racetec RR K3 – Good
  4. Continental ContiRaceAttack 2 Street – Good
  5. Bridgestone Battlax Racing Street RS11 – Satisfactory
  6. Dunlop SportSmart TT – Satisfactory

The hypersport group demonstrated the usual trade-off between maximum dry and racetrack performance and everyday versatility. The Michelin Power GP 2 and Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V4 shared the top position.

Test motorcycle: BMW S 1000 RR
Tyre sizes: 120/70 ZR17 and 190/55 ZR17

2024

MOTORRAD 7/2024 – Sport tyres

Five popular sport tyres were compared on a BMW S 1000 R. The test used the common sport-bike sizes 120/70 ZR17 and 190/55 ZR17.

Results:

  • Metzeler Sportec M9 RR – Very good, test winner
  • Michelin Power 6 – Very good
  • Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa – Very good
  • Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 – Good
  • Dunlop SportSmart MK3 – Good

The results showed how competitive the modern sport tyre category had become, with three tyres receiving the highest overall rating.

MOTORRAD 2024 – Touring tyres

Six sport-touring tyres were tested over approximately 2,000 kilometres. The comparison included handling, wet and dry performance and tyre wear.

Results:

  • Michelin Road 6 GT – Very good, test winner
  • Pirelli Angel GT II – Very good
  • Dunlop RoadSmart IV GT – Very good
  • Metzeler Roadtec 02 – Good
  • Continental RoadAttack 4 GT – Good
  • Bridgestone Battlax T32 GT – Satisfactory

Test motorcycle: BMW R 1250 RS
Tyre sizes: 120/70 ZR17 and 180/55 ZR17

2023

MOTORRAD 6/2023 – Adventure tyre comparison

This comparison included tyres with very different road/off-road priorities, ranging from road-oriented touring tyres to more aggressively patterned adventure tyres.

Results:

  • Dunlop RoadSmart IV – Very good
  • Metzeler Tourance Next 2 – Very good
  • Michelin Road 6 – Very good
  • Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 – Good
  • Continental TKC 70 / TKC 70 Rocks – Good
  • Metzeler Karoo 4 – Satisfactory

Only around 10% of the test involved off-road riding. This is important when interpreting the results, as the more road-oriented tyres naturally had an advantage in a test dominated by asphalt riding.

Test motorcycle: BMW R 1250 GS
Tyre sizes: 120/70 R19 and 170/60 R17

MOTORRAD 7/2023 – Sport and sport-touring tyres

MOTORRAD also compared tyres suitable for smaller and medium-sized sporty motorcycles. The smaller tyre sizes make this test particularly relevant for lightweight naked bikes and entry-level sport motorcycles.

Results:

  • Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 – Very good
  • Metzeler Sportec M9 RR – Very good
  • Michelin Road 6 – Very good
  • Dunlop GPR-300 – Good
  • Continental ContiMotion – Satisfactory
  • CST CM615 / CM616 – Satisfactory

Test motorcycle: KTM 390 Duke
Tyre sizes: 110/70 R17 and 150/60 R17

2022

MOTORRAD 2022 – Sport tyres

Results:

  • Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV – Very good
  • Michelin Power 5 – Very good
  • Metzeler Sportec M9 RR – Very good
  • Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 – Good
  • Dunlop SportSmart MK3 – Good
  • Continental SportAttack 4 – Good

All six tyres were designed for sporty road riding, with the highest-rated models combining strong dry performance with good everyday usability.

MOTORRAD 2022 – Touring tyres

Results:

  • Dunlop Sportmax RoadSmart IV GT – Very good
  • Michelin Road 6 GT – Very good
  • Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE – Very good
  • Pirelli Angel GT II – Very good
  • Bridgestone Battlax T32 – Good
  • Continental RoadAttack 3 – Good

The test demonstrates the high level of modern sport-touring tyres, with four of the six models receiving a “very good” rating.

PS 2022 – Sport tyres

PS also compared six popular sport tyres.

Ranking:

  1. Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22
  2. Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV
  3. Metzeler Sportec M9 RR
  4. Dunlop SportSmart MK3
  5. Michelin Power 5
  6. Continental SportAttack 4

2021

MOTORRAD 2021 – Sport-touring tyres

Ranking:

  1. Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE
  2. Michelin Road 5
  3. Pirelli Angel GT II
  4. Continental RoadAttack 3
  5. Dunlop RoadSmart III
  6. Bridgestone Battlax T32

MOTORRAD 2021 – Sport tyres

Ranking:

  1. Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22
  2. Metzeler Sportec M9 RR
  3. Michelin Power 5
  4. Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II
  5. Dunlop SportSmart TT
  6. Continental SportAttack 4

2020

MOTORRAD 6/2020 – Cruiser and custom tyres

Cruiser tyres have different requirements from conventional sport and touring tyres. Stability, comfort, durability and predictable handling on heavy motorcycles are particularly important.

Ranking:

  1. Michelin Commander III Cruiser
  2. Metzeler Cruisetec
  3. Bridgestone Battlecruise H50
  4. Continental ContiTour
  5. Mitas Custom Force
  6. Pirelli Night Dragon GT
  7. Dunlop D401 / D401T

The test used a Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 with 130/90 B16 front and 150/80 B16 rear tyres.

2019

PS Germany 2019 – Sport tyres

Ranking:

  1. Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22
  2. Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II
  3. Continental SportAttack 3
  4. Michelin Power RS+
  5. Metzeler Sportec M7 RR (M)
  6. Dunlop SportSmart MK3

Motociclismo Italy 2019 – Sport-touring tyres

Results:

  1. Pirelli Angel GT II – 10/10
  2. Metzeler Roadtec 01 – 8.9/10
  3. Bridgestone Battlax T31 – 8.5/10
  4. Continental RoadAttack 3 – 8.1/10
  5. Dunlop RoadSmart III – 7.5/10

2018

MOTORRAD 2018 – Sport-touring tyres

The 2018 comparison was extremely close, with only 12 points separating the first and last tyres.

Results:

  1. Dunlop RoadSmart III – 439 points
  2. Pirelli Angel GT – 439 points
  3. Continental RoadAttack 3 GT – 437 points
  4. Michelin Road 5 – 431 points
  5. Bridgestone Battlax T31 – 427 points
  6. Metzeler Roadtec 01 – 427 points

Dunlop and Pirelli therefore shared first place with exactly the same overall score.

PS Germany 2018 – Hypersport tyres

Results:

  1. Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II – 296 points
  2. Continental RaceAttack Comp. Endurance – 294 points
  3. Dunlop SportSmart TT – 287 points
  4. Michelin Power RS – 275 points

2017

MOTORRAD 2017 – Sport-touring tyres

Results:

  1. Continental RoadAttack 3 – 231 points
  2. Metzeler Roadtec 01 – 228 points
  3. Pirelli Angel GT – 227 points
  4. Michelin Pilot Road 4 – 222 points
  5. Dunlop RoadSmart III – 221 points
  6. Bridgestone Battlax T30 EVO – 214 points

Tyre sizes: 120/70 ZR17 and 180/55 ZR17

PS 2017 – Sport tyres

Ranking:

  1. Metzeler Sportec M7 RR
  2. Pirelli Diablo Rosso III
  3. Michelin Power RS
  4. Bridgestone Battlax S21
  5. Continental SportAttack 3
  6. Dunlop SportSmart 2 Max

MOTORRAD Classic 2017 – Classic motorcycle tyres

Older motorcycles often use narrower tyre sizes and different wheel diameters from modern sport motorcycles, making a dedicated classic tyre comparison especially useful.

Ranking:

  1. Continental RoadAttack 2 / ClassicAttack
  2. Michelin Pilot Activ
  3. Dunlop Arrowmax Streetsmart
  4. Continental ContiGo!
  5. Bridgestone Battlax BT45
  6. Metzeler Sportec Klassik
  7. Pirelli Sport Demon
  8. Avon Roadrider

Test motorcycle: Yamaha XJ 900 F, model year 1991
Tyre sizes: 100/90-18 and 120/90-18

2016

PS Germany 2016 – Sport tyres

Ranking:

  1. Metzeler Sportec M7 RR
  2. Pirelli Diablo Rosso III
  3. Bridgestone Battlax S21
  4. Continental SportAttack 3
  5. Michelin Power 3
  6. Dunlop SportSmart 2

MOTORRAD 2016 – Touring tyres

Ranking:

  1. Metzeler Roadtec 01
  2. Dunlop RoadSmart III
  3. Continental RoadAttack 2 EVO
  4. Michelin Pilot Road 4

MOTORRAD 2016 – Sport tyres

Ranking:

  1. Metzeler Sportec M7 RR
  2. Pirelli Diablo Rosso III
  3. Continental SportAttack 3
  4. Bridgestone Battlax S21
  5. Michelin Pilot Power 3
  6. Dunlop SportSmart 2

MOTORRAD 11/2016 – Adventure tyres

The test compared road-oriented adventure tyres designed for large adventure motorcycles.

Ranking:

  1. Pirelli Scorpion Trail II
  2. Metzeler Tourance Next
  3. Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A40
  4. Continental TrailAttack 2
  5. Dunlop TrailSmart
  6. Michelin Anakee III

2015

PS 2015 – Hypersport tyres

Results:

  1. Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP – 169 points
  2. Metzeler Racetec RR – 157 points
  3. Bridgestone Battlax Racing Street RS10 – 155 points
  4. Michelin Power Supersport Evo – 145 points

PS 2015 – Slick tyres

Slick tyres are intended for racetrack use and should therefore not be compared directly with road-legal hypersport tyres.

Results:

  1. Bridgestone V02 – 169 points
  2. Pirelli Diablo Superbike – 163 points
  3. Metzeler Racetec Slick – 159 points
  4. Dunlop KR106 / KR108 – 156 points
  5. Michelin Power Slick Evo – 142 points

FIM enduro tyre test 2015

This comparison focused on dedicated enduro tyres rather than conventional adventure or road tyres.

Ranking:

  1. Metzeler 6 Days Extreme
  2. Michelin Enduro Competition MS / Enduro Competition III
  3. Pirelli Scorpion
  4. Michelin Enduro Competition VI
  5. Mefo Enduro Master MFC 15 / I.S.D.E. Master F99
  6. Mitas C19 Super / EF07 Super
  7. Bridgestone Gritty ED663 / ED668
  8. Dunlop Geomax Enduro
  9. Maxxis M-7313 / M-7314
  10. Goldentyre GT216HBAA / GT216HBN

MOTORRAD 2015 – Touring tyres

Tyre sizes: 120/70 ZR17 and 180/55 ZR17

Ranking:

  1. Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact “M” / “O”
  2. Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
  3. Pirelli Angel GT
  4. Bridgestone Battlax T30 EVO
  5. Dunlop RoadSmart II
  6. Continental RoadAttack 2 GT

MOTORRAD 2015 – Adventure tyres

Ranking:

  1. Pirelli Scorpion Trail II
  2. Dunlop TrailSmart
  3. Metzeler Tourance Next
  4. Continental TrailAttack II
  5. Michelin Anakee III
  6. Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A40

Tyre sizes: 110/80 R19 and 150/70 R17