Metzeler Sportec M9 RR
The biggest challenge for sports bike tires is handling the instantaneous torque that can lead to bikers losing traction. This is what the Metzeler Sportec M9 RR does best. This tire is made with superb quality compound, and the radial design adds to the bite on dry and wet roads. These tires are show stealers because of their killer performance, as well as their daunting looks. They add that extra bit of oomph to your bike.
The best thing about these tires is their dual-compound structure that uses rubber and silica to keep the tire rigid from within but gives a softer look outside. So while you enjoy a tight and durable tire, it doesn’t look too aggressive on your bike. Not only that, but the silica compound also allows the tire to raise the temperature quickly enough that you can hit the roads as soon as possible.
Moreover, Metzeler tested this tire on different bikes to see how it complied with different power ratings. Without a doubt, these tires came out as top-performing tires, standing in the way of neither quick acceleration nor quick braking, that too on both dry and wet roads. Heating and wearing out are common for race track tires. However, the Sportec M9 RR tires keep their cool for extended periods, keeping your investment safe for a longer time.
They are highly adaptable to different conditions because of their additional dynamic treads. Also, these tires give 10% better fuel economy than the Metzeler Sportec M7 RR. What’s better than getting the higher performance and fuel economy in a single tire set? These tires are ready for all challenges while keeping the needs of a variety of users in mind – all that at a very reasonable price.
You can get the Metzeler Sportec M9 RR front tire for $156 and rear tire for $208.43 from Amazon.
Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV
Do you want high-performing tires that will win you races and give you the best riding experience? If your answer is a resounding “yes,” then you should look no further than Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV. Yes, these tires belong to the famous manufacturer Pirelli and are from one of their top-selling tire families – Diablo Rosso.
With a W-speed rating, these tires deliver a power-packed performance whether you use them on streets or at a racing track, being able to hit 168+ mph. The fourth iteration of the Diablo Rosso tires is made with a similar high-grade rubber compound to that of Diablo Rossi III. However, it has reduced tire noise thanks to the lower ply cord end-count.
Moreover, this tire gives excellent performance on dry roads and keeps the grip intact on wet roads. This is because of the silica and rear rubber compounds that contribute to a solid grip, whatever the surface may be. The silica compound also aids in quick tire warm-up so you can spin the throttle without holding back for longer periods.
And that’s not all; the Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV provides staggering handling and side traction so you can maintain high speeds while cornering. According to Pirelli, it has a Flash tread pattern that has a good bite keeping your bike well in contact with the ground even when leaning. The overall structure of the tire is tailor-made to be optimized for all lean angles and high responsiveness to power output units, increasing stability.
Overall, these tires perform superbly, allowing you to achieve higher speeds while being accurately responsive so you can ride safely.
You can get the Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Tires for $142.36 - $241.36 from Pirelli’s dealerships.
Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3
The folks at Pirelli just love hogging the spotlight, don’t they? The Supercorsa SP V3 tires are just some more of the best tires you can get for a wide range of sports bikes. Most importantly, if your riding involves both track and street riding, these tires are perfect for you. Specific race track tires have enhanced grip because of high-speed cornering and abuse, but they do not suit the street surface, making them a chore to ride on the streets.
These tires have a radial tread that maintains the grip even when leaning. Moreover, their new flash-angled design results in high traction overall and keeps you safe when you’re dashing through at extreme speeds. Like other top-quality sports bike tires, these tires also have a dual compound built with silica and rubber that ensures your tires can withstand extreme situations while holding on tightly to the ground. Another common feature it shares with the great tires on this list is the quick warm-up time so you can enjoy your bike to the max in no time.
Given that Ducati vouches for these tires as they are the stock tires for the Ducati Panigale IV, you can understand how highly these tires are rated. The immense road grip, quick warm-up time, dual compound for durability, and radial design make this tire a great option for street and race tracks alike. However, the tire can perform better in wet conditions, given that they are the most expensive option on this list until now.
You can get the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 front tire for $211.19 and rear tire for $302.99 from Amazon.
Michelin Road 5 Tires
The Michelin Road 5 tire has saved us more time than we can even begin to quantify. The fifth generation of the Michelin Road tires is just special. Their specialty lies in performing just as well in wet conditions. Although the base technology revolves around their ancestor, Pilot Road 4 tires and Road 5 tires are made with a 360-degree approach for better all-round performance.
These tires’ directional tread pattern is the main reason they perform extraordinarily on wet surfaces. The V-shape pattern that starts from the center of the tire has channels angling outwards. This helps the tire channel the water beneath it and attack the surface ahead with a better bite. This helps the rider maintain their balance in dangerous conditions, keeping them safe from potential accidents.
These tires perform equally well in dry conditions. That’s why the Michelin Road 5 tire is an excellent all-around tire. It comes with a patented ACT + casing technology with a dual-tread compound. This simply means that the tire is robust and can withstand maximum abuse for an increased amount of time, all while having a soft outer compound to ensure that the grip is uncompromised.
Even though the water is dispersed from the center of the tire, it doesn’t clear from the sidewall area, limiting the tire’s traction. However, this tire’s tread compound is advanced and so durable that the treads maintain their negative space even when the tire starts to wear out. The best part about these tires is that they have one of the longest life – 10,000 miles.
On the other hand, some users have claimed that these tires only last about 5,000 miles. However, these tires wear out quicker if you run them under immense heat for extended periods, so be wary of how you use them.
You can get the Michelin Road 5 front tire for $182.99 and rear tire for $233.99 from Amazon.
Continental Road Attack 3
Do you go on long trips and that too quite often? If yes, you need sports bike tires that have high endurance and can withstand excessive heat. Continental Road Attack 3 tires are the straight-up solution you were looking for. These rigid, tough-built tires are made to bear loads of abuse and keep cool for an extended time. You can go on weekend round trips and cross country trips and keep up with your buddies without needing to stop after every while. The Continental Road Attack 3 tires deliver.
The structure of this tire makes amazing performance possible. It has a radial tread that starts from the center and spreads to the sidewall edges. This combined with the zigzag treads in the center to symmetrically aligned treads on the side adds to immense traction on roads and tracks alike. So you can lean, turn at high speeds, or switch lanes as fast as possible; you know that these tires will have your back.
That’s not all. We have ridden these tires on the hottest and cold days, but there’s no difference in the performance. This clears any doubts you may have about this tire’s durability and score in different weather conditions. The versatility results from the hard center that is prone to temperature variations. However, to sustain traction and grip, the tire’s side surface is soft, which allows it to hold the ground better.
Due to the aggressive construction and ability to withstand severe temperatures, users easily see 10,000 miles with these tires. Not only that, the manufacturer’s confidence in this tire speaks volumes as it has a three-year warranty. However, the V-speed rating of these tires puts them just below the race category tires. But that doesn’t stop the popularity of this tire. So if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, the Continental Road Attack 3 tires are for you.
You can get the Continental Road Attack 3 front tire for $168.72 and rear tire for $216.88 from Amazon.
Key Aspects of Buying the Best Sports Bike Tire
These are the key aspects you should consider while buying sports bike tires.
Tread Pattern
The tread pattern is the design you see on the tires. Different tread patterns have different effects on your riding experience. The general rule is the more treads added in the design, the more traction you will have. If you need a tire that supports greater speed, you should look with a minimum tread pattern. On the other hand, you can get tires with a slightly aggressive tread pattern for more traction, but you will lose a bit of speed.
Size
The tire size plays a huge role in deciding your bike’s performance. The stock tire size of your bike is generally the one that results in optimum performance. However, you can opt for a slightly wider or narrower tire size. Ensure that you check with the manufacturer before picking a tire so your performance is not heavily compromised.
Bias-Ply vs. Radial Tires
On the surface, the difference between the two types is that bias-ply tires have treads centered, and radial tires have treads covering the sidewalls. Technically, bias-ply tires have nylon belts that turn up to 45-degrees. It results in softer and quieter rides. In comparison, radial tires have steel belts that can turn up to 90 degrees. It results in a stronger build and better grip, but the ride becomes slightly louder.
There are several high-quality sports bike tires out there. We would pick the Metzeler Sportec M9 RR tire any day of the year for its high-speed rating and sufficient traction. However, if you want a tire set that performs well overall, you should get your hands on the Continental Road Attack 3 tire set.
