Best Tires For Triumph Scrambler 1200

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Key Takeaways

  • The three best tires for the street Scrambler 1200 are the Michelin Commander II, Continental TKC 70 Rocks, and Shinko 705 Dual Sport.
  • Touring tires, ADV or dual sport tires, and off-road tires are the perfect tire choice for this versatile adventure motorcycle.
  • The stock tire on this bike is either the Metzeler Tourance or Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR.
  • The standard tire size on this bike is a 150/70 R17 rear tire and 69H M/C front tire size.

The Triumph Scrambler 1200 is a versatile motorcycle with excellent all-road capability. But I’ve noticed performance can decline without the best tires.

The best tires for the Triumph Scrambler 1200 include:

  1. Michelin Commander II
  2. Continental TKC 70 Rocks
  3. Shinko 705 Dual Sport
  4. Metzeler Karoo Street Tire
  5. Dunlop Trailmax Mission
  6. Michelin Anakee Adventure
  7. Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41
  8. Metzeler Tourance Next 2
  9. Pirelli MT21 Rallycross
  10. Mitas E-07+ Tires

In this guide, we will discuss what makes a tire ideal for that particular model and review some of the best-rated options on the market. I've tested each product listed here and they are ranked based on key features like durability, price, traction, etc. Keep reading to learn more.

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10 Best Tires For Triumph Scrambler 1200

The Triumph Scrambler 1200 is one of the most popular motorcycles around. It is iconic, reliable, and stylish. But with any motorcycle comes maintenance and the question of which tires are best for your bike.

Tires are essential to a motorcycle's performance, comfort, and safety. Many different types of tires are available for the Triumph Scrambler 1200 that offer other benefits depending on what kind of riding you will be doing.

This bike is a well known member of the modern classics in the industry. And that’s why the tire we choose matters. For street riding, touring tires are ideal as they provide a good grip on wet roads or in dry conditions while lasting longer than sports tires.

For off-road use, several options are available such as motocross or dual sport tires, which feature a deeper tread pattern for better traction on dirt surfaces.

Whatever style we choose, keep in mind that tire pressure is critical when it comes to optimized contact patch size and grip levels. After considering all this, we tested and ranked the ten best options available for this bike.

1. Michelin Commander II

The Michelin Commander II is an excellent option if you’re looking for a great motorcycle tire capable of delivering superior performance and long-lasting durability.

Experts have widely praised this tire's exceptional grip, handling capabilities, and overall quality construction. This makes them ideal for various riding styles, from long cruises down winding roads to aggressive cornering on race days.

This tire features an innovative tread design that helps to maximize contact with the road surface. It has large grooves that help disperse water and give them enhanced braking power in wet conditions.

This also ensures increased stability no matter the terrain we are riding on. The advanced rubber compound offers solid feedback and responsiveness and ensures smooth turning even at higher speeds.

Michelin also leads the industry in overall tire durability. This tire features a reinforced sidewall construction that efficiently absorbs impacts over time. Despite this added rubber support, it can still provide responsive handling when turning or accelerating.

Benefits of the Michelin Commander II

  • Excellent grip and traction
  • Long lasting durability
  • Solid tread pattern for stability in wet and dry conditions
  • Promotes a smooth ride with minimal road noise

Drawbacks of the Michelin Commander II

  • It can be expensive for budget consumers
  • Heavy weight can impede performance on lighter bikes

Where To Buy The Michelin Commander II

  • This tire is sold at RevZilla with prices starting at $143.96 per tire.
  • Cycle Gear is another top tire retailer with the Commander II available in matching sizes.

2. Continental TKC 70 Rocks

The Continental TKC 70 Rocks tire is popular among motorcycle riders looking for an all-around great-performing tire. They have an off-road-oriented tread design. This tire can easily take on rugged terrain and provide a firm grip in wet or dry conditions.

It also has a rigid construction that can handle the rigors of off-road riding. Its ramped knobs and aggressive tread pattern provide excellent traction on various surfaces. This includes loose dirt, gravel, rocks, etc.

Not only does the TKC 70 offer strong traction but it also offers good handling due to its stiff sidewalls. This can help reduce rolling resistance when cornering or changing direction suddenly.

This helps us maintain good control over our bikes during even the most demanding rides and helps riders stay safe. I also noticed superb high-speed stability and minimal road noise while driving on highways.

Continental takes care of its customers with the best of them. Every customer who purchases this tire gets a free 3-year roadside warranty. If the tire pops, call them and someone will be there to save the day for no charge.

Benefits of the Continental TKC 70 Rocks

  • Great all-weather performance
  • Superior grip on off-road surfaces
  • Superior stability on bumpy roads and loose terrain
  • Longer lasting tread life
  • Aggressive siping and self-cleaning grooves

Drawbacks of the Continental TKC 70 Rocks

  • Not the smoothest riding tire on pavement
  • Expensive price tag

Where To Buy The Continental TKC 70 Rocks

  • First, I recommend using RevZilla to buy this tire because the pricing is fair at $198.42 per tire.
  • Amazon is also a strong second choice with similar pricing and shipping policies.

3. Shinko 705 Dual Sport

The Shinko 705 is a highly rated dual sport tire. It offers superior performance and reliability on both off-road and tarmac surfaces. The innovative technology used in construction ensures that every ride is comfortable and secure.

I felt peace of mind when using this tire on the roads or trails. It handled rugged conditions precisely and I never felt a loss of control or traction.

This tire gives an outstanding grip on wet and dry surfaces, enabling riders to tackle any terrain confidently. Its directional V-shaped grooves provide excellent acceleration, braking power, and cornering stability, whatever speed you travel.

The soft compound also provides great grip on dirt roads while always retaining its shape. This means it wears evenly on harder surfaces as well. It was also surprisingly comfortable at highway speeds with minimal noise.

This is the ideal budget tire for Scrambler 1200 owners. It can hold up off-road and provides superb traction. It has reinforced sidewalls for better puncture resistance too.

Benefits of the Shinko 705 Dual Sport

  • Good value for the price
  • Great traction on pavement and dirt roads
  • Quiet, smooth ride
  • Long-lasting tread life
  • A wide range of sizes is available

Drawbacks of the Shinko 705 Dual Sport

  • Not ideal for winter driving on highways
  • The tread pattern is not the best for hard-packed trails

Where To Buy The Shinko 705 Dual Sport

  • This budget tire is priced as low as $71.96 per tire at RevZilla.
  • I’d also recommend buying from Cycle Gear because of the amazingly low prices.

4. Metzeler Karoo Street Road Tire

The Metzeler Karoo Street Road Tire is a top-tier option. I recommend it to those looking for superior performance and long-lasting durability.

This street tire provides a comfortable ride, excellent traction in wet and dry conditions, and an enhanced grip that helps to give riders confidence on their rides. It’s constructed with a high silica tread compound, allowing it to offer superb levels of grip without sacrificing any stability or comfort.

The tread pattern of the tire is designed specifically for street use. This makes it stable at higher speeds while providing better cornering control than traditional street tires.

This tire stands out from the other models on the market due to its superior design features. It works well on wet and dry surfaces while providing a comfortable, stable, secure ride at higher speeds. The high silica tread compound allows for exceptional grip levels.

The specially formulated rubber compound ensures excellent wear resistance. This helps increase the life of your tire significantly longer than other models.

Lastly, its lightweight construction greatly improves handling characteristics and reduces fuel consumption. This can be beneficial during long rides on our bikes. These features make the Karoo an ideal option for riders looking for top-tier performance and long-lasting durability.

Benefits of the Metzeler Karoo

  • Excellent grip and handling on dry and wet surfaces
  • Tread pattern designed to maximize water evacuation in wet conditions
  • Longer tire life due to the improved wear resistance
  • Reduced cabin noise for a more comfortable riding experience
  • Highly durable construction with reinforced sidewalls for maximum stability

Drawbacks of the Metzeler Karoo

  • I would like to see better stopping distances and braking control

Where To Buy The Metzeler Karoo

  • RevZilla is an obvious choice when looking for the top retailer to buy this tire.
  • This tire is also available at Cycle Gear for $117.46 per tire.

5. Dunlop Trailmax Mission

The Dunlop Trailmax Mission is a consistent adventure sport tire. I always felt like I was in complete control of my Triumph Scrambler 1200 when using this tire because it's safe in any terrain or condition.

This 50% on-road and 50% off-road performance tire features a deep tread pattern with aggressive shoulder knobs that provide maximum traction. The large contact patch offers superior braking power and handling over rough terrain. It will also deliver excellent cornering performance.

This tire design is known as the "Staggered Step" tread block. And thanks to its durable construction, the Trailmax Mission can handle any off-road abuse that comes its way without sacrificing performance or wear resistance.

The wraparound tread blocks are why this tire is so unique. This increases off-road handling, durability, puncture resistance, and tire stability. The deeper grooves also help with water evaluation and wet weather traction.

With a combination of outstanding efficiency, exceptional grip levels, and reliable durability, I highly recommend this tire and completely understand why it is fast becoming one of the most popular choices among serious motorcyclists.

Benefits of the Dunlop Trailmax Mission

  • Innovative technology for maximum stability on tough terrain
  • Long-lasting durability with advanced rubber compound and sidewall protection
  • Excellent grip in wet and dry conditions
  • Low-profile design for better maneuverability on trails and roads

Drawbacks of the Dunlop Trailmax Mission

  • Not the most comfortable highway tire
  • Struggles with road noise on pavement

Where To Buy The Dunlop Trailmax Mission

  • RevZilla has this tire listed at 26% off. The starting price is $122.36 per tire today.
  • Cycle Gear has a similar sale going on. Prices are the same and they also offer free shipping.

6. Michelin Anakee Adventure

The Michelin Anakee Adventure all-terrain tires provide excellent grip and control on wet and dry roads, making them perfect for urban riding or off-roading adventures. They boast strong puncture protection and longer tread life.

This can be attributed to the durable 2CT compound construction and tread pattern. It is built for maximum stability even in adverse conditions with an 80% on-road and 20% off-road tread construction.

The deep tread pattern ensures excellent traction, while the dual-layer rubber compound helps resist wear and tear caused by abrasion on rough surfaces. Thanks to these features, riders can be confident that this tire will hold up.

This tire provides outstanding stability while cornering on paved roads. Its unique grooves provide improved road contact, allowing riders to maneuver curves confidently at high speeds without worrying about slipping or sliding out of control due to loss of traction.

The design varies on both the front and rear tires. As mentioned, the front tire uses a 2CT compound for more lean angle grip. The rear tire has an upgraded 2CT+ compound for better rigidity and reduced flex.

Benefits of the Michelin Anakee Adventure

  • Durable and puncture resistant
  • Good grip in both wet and dry conditions
  • Excellent mileage
  • Made with a specialized rubber compound that offers good off-road traction

Drawbacks of the Michelin Anakee Adventure

  • The price is on the higher side
  • Poor handling in cold weather conditions

Where To Buy The Michelin Anakee Adventure

  • Cycle Gear sells this tire for $198.36.
  • It’s also available at RevZilla with free shipping and many sizing options.

7. Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41 Tire

The Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41 tire is an excellent option because it combines great traction and durability with customizable features. After numerous tests, it displayed excellent traction when riding on asphalt roads and in wet or muddy conditions off-road.

Its aggressive tread pattern ensures enhanced grip for safe and secure cornering. The tires are also designed with an enhanced rubber compound to ensure longevity even under tough off-road conditions. This includes a bigger contact patch too.

In addition to the performance benefits of this tire, the AX41R M/C also offers adjustable pressure settings so riders can customize their ride based on their own preferences. This means that riders can adjust with ease.

The 40% on-road and 60% off-road construction must be considered too. Riders who prefer something smooth for street and highway use can find better options. But the adventure rider can get a good balance with this tire.

One of the primary complaints about this tire is its performance in wet conditions. While it can handle mud, it's not going to win any awards for stopping distance and pavement traction during heavy rainfall.

Benefits of the Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41

  • Great all-around performance for on and off-road riding
  • Excellent tread life
  • Durable construction provides increased safety while riding
  • Responsive handling

Drawbacks of the Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41

  • It may be too aggressive for some riders' tastes or skill level
  • Poor wet pavement handling and grip

Where To Buy The Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41

  • Head over to RevZilla to find this tire priced as low as $109.38 per tire.

8. Metzeler Tourance Next 2

The Metzeler Tourance Next 2 features a unique knobby tread construction. This helps reduce rolling resistance, while its tread pattern offers superior grip on wet and dry surfaces or mud and snow. Its advanced puncture protection technology ensures fewer flat tires during long rides.

In addition to its exceptional performance capabilities, the Tourance Next 2 is incredibly reliable. Its high mileage capability ensures that it will last up to 30% longer than other tires on the market while maintaining optimal levels of grip and stability throughout its lifetime.

This is a premium tire with a multi-pitch knob layout. So when riding at highway speeds, there is less noise and the tire rolls on the pavement much smoother. This tire’s comfort is a primary selling point.

The variable groove wall angles are a new innovation with this second edition too. Riders can test their bike at new lean angles without losing traction or control. The grooves are also much steeper to help with water evacuation.

One final feature worth mentioning is the full silica shoulders. The edge grip is extremely impressive. The design includes some SBR liquid polymers to add even more wet road grip.

Benefits of the Metzeler Tourance Next 2

  • Excellent grip in wet and dry conditions
  • Balanced design for superior on-road stability
  • Great wear characteristics
  • Superior puncture resistance
  • Stylish tread pattern that looks great on any bike.

Drawbacks of the Metzeler Tourance Next 2

  • The price is much higher than some competitors’ tires of similar quality

Where To Buy The Metzeler Tourance Next 2

  • This is an expensive tire but RevZilla has the best deals with prices between $232.82-$296.61 per tire.

9. Pirelli MT21 Rallycross

The Pirelli MT21 Rallycross tire is just what riders need to take their motorcycle out for some serious adventure. This rugged tire provides superior grip in mud, sand, and gravel. It has excellent strength and tread life too.

With its aggressive tread design and advanced compound, this tire ensures maximum performance even in extreme conditions. The tire features a unique directional tread pattern that gives riders exceptional traction when cornering and accelerating on tricky terrain.

Its robust construction means it can withstand wear even under extreme pressure. To help disperse hard impacts, the MT21 also has more durable sidewall protection for better stability at high speeds. This is perfect for tackling tough trails.

While we do love what this tire can offer, I would avoid it for long-distance riding. It’s not the most comfortable option for highways and street driving but it can certainly boost your bike's durability.

The knobby tube rubber will never fail. If off-roading is the primary concern, it’s nearly impossible to find a tire that can provide this type of support.

Benefits of the Pirelli MT21 Rallycross

  • Excellent dry traction and grip on all surfaces
  • Good durability, withstanding harsh conditions
  • Provides stability during hard acceleration and cornering
  • High-strength sidewall

Drawbacks of the Pirelli MT21 Rallycross

  • Not ideal for long-distance street driving
  • Road noise on highways is noticeable

Where To Buy The Pirelli MT21 Rallycross

  • Pricing starts at $105.78 each for this tire when shopping at RevZilla.

10. Mitas E-07+ Enduro

The Mitas E-07+ Enduro is a 50% street / 50% dirt motorcycle tire. It can provide motorcycle enthusiasts with an excellent off-roading experience while remaining stable enough to just cruise around town.

Made of high-quality rubber, this tire provides excellent grip on smooth and wet surfaces, allowing you to ride confidently no matter where you are. Its innovative tread pattern ensures maximum traction in loose terrain so you can stay in control when riding over uneven roads.

This tire also features an optimized rolling resistance which helps reduce fuel consumption by up to 8%. With its advanced design, this tire ensures better safety on all terrains without sacrificing comfort and handling capability during turns.

Many riders also praise the sleek appearance of this tire. It has a narrow and aggressive design with solid aesthetics for fans of the fat tire look. Expect excellent trail and dirt road handling and adequate braking on the pavement.

Benefits of the Mitas E-07+ Enduro

  • Sleek exterior design
  • Excellent handling characteristic
  • Durable sidewall design
  • Provides superior grip off-road or in wet conditions

Drawbacks of the Mitas E-07+ Enduro

  • Not the most comfortable tire to use

Where To Buy The Mitas E-07+ Enduro

  • RevZilla has this tire available. Prices start at $127.74 per tire.

What Tire Size Fits The Triumph Scrambler 1200?

If you’re a Triumph Scrambler 1200 owner, you know how important it is to have the right tire size fitted. The proper tires provide better traction and control and more confidence in your ability to handle the roads and trails that come your way.

Because this is a versatile tire, there are numerous tire size options. Most are 17-inch rim sizes. But the typical model uses a 150/70 R17 rear tire and 69H M/C front tire size.

These sizes offer excellent width with good tread depth suitable for both street use and some light adventure touring paths like fire roads or light gravel trails etc. I’ve tested larger rim sizes but found it to decrease performance because of the added weight.

What Is The Stock Tire On The Triumph Scrambler 1200?

The Triumph Scrambler 1200 is a classic and iconic motorcycle renowned for its classic design and vintage looks. Its powerful engine makes it an excellent bike for touring and off-roading.

One of the most important components on any motorcycle is the tire, but what stock tires come with this model?

Metzeler Tourance Tire

The Metzeler Tourance Tire is a versatile dual sport tire that has been specially designed for the Triumph Scrambler 1200. As the stock tire on this iconic British bike, it's well-placed to handle any terrain you might encounter riding a scrambler.

The Tourance features a unique tread pattern of angled blocks to optimize contact with the ground, giving riders grip and stability in all weather conditions. The rubber compound used in the Tourance is also formulated specifically for this bike, which optimizes feel and traction while remaining relatively lightweight.

This means improved handling characteristics, allowing better cornering and stability when negotiating off-road terrain or winding mountain roads. Many new Scrambler 1200 models have this tire equipped.

The Metzeler's 0° Steel Radial belt technology enhances tire durability. The tread pattern is also optimized to reduce noise and rolling resistance. This tire is equipped on the Triumph Scrambler 1200 Steve McQueen Edition.

Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR

The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR has revolutionized the riding experience by offering an all-terrain tire perfect for street and off-road riding. This remarkable tire provides riders with a great combination of performance, safety, and reliability.

This tire will provide maximum grip in all situations, from flat surfaces to rough terrain. Its tread pattern gives us excellent traction across various roads and surfaces so we can confidently ride over different terrain without fear of slipping or sliding around too much.

The main thing to note about this tire is the street profile. The tread design incorporates a knobby profile built for street handling, cornering, speed, and longevity. It’s one of the most versatile tire choices.

And thanks to its more aggressive profile, you’ll be able to enjoy improved cornering stability while knowing your motorcycle won’t suffer any unnecessary damage during your session.

Can I Use Off-Road Tires With The Triumph Scrambler 1200?

Whether you’re planning an off-road adventure or simply looking for a more aggressive look, off-road tires are an option for Triumph Scrambler 1200 owners. This versatile bike is capable of handling off-road conditions with the right titers.

Off-road tires are designed to provide better grip and stability on dirt and gravel roads, which makes them perfect for navigating rough terrain. We weigh the pros and cons of this tire style first.

Remember that while off-road tires may offer superior traction and durability on rough roads, they often don't perform as well when traveling at high speeds or on paved surfaces like highways or city streets.

This means that if you plan on frequently traveling at higher speeds over paved surfaces, opting for dual sport or all-terrain tires instead of true off-roading ones is wise. This way, you'll get improved performance across all types of terrain without sacrificing speed and handling capabilities where necessary.

What’s The Best Tire Type For The Triumph Scrambler 1200?

The Triumph Scrambler 1200 can be used for touring, off-roading, and cruising. It needs the right tires to ensure you get the most from your ride. With so many types of tires out there, which ones should you go with?

ADV & Dual Sport Tires

ADV and dual sport motorcycle tyres offer versatility across various riding environments, including street, dirt roads, and light off-road trails. They typically feature medium tread depths and an intermediate lug pattern that helps provide excellent grip in either dry or wet terrain.

They also have enough width to give you stability when navigating corners on tarmac surfaces. While these tires can often be quite expensive compared to other types of tires, they offer value as they allow riders to explore different riding conditions.

Touring Tires

Touring tires can handle long-distance road trips where comfort is the priority over outright performance. These tires usually feature more uniform tread blocks. This helps reduce road noise, making them ideal if you plan on covering large distances by bike.

But remember, they are not suitable for pushing hard through bends or trails due to their lack of aggressive side lugs. However, this tire does have enough grip even when faced with adverse and wet weather conditions.

Off-Road Tires

Off-road tires are what you want if taking your Triumph Scrambler 1200 out onto some serious trails or race tracks is something that appeals to you. Because this is a solid off-roading bike, this is the preferred tire type for many.

These tread patterns use more durable knobby rubber compounds with deep directional treads. This allows the tire to remain flexible at low temperatures ensuring maximum traction.