Best-Rated Motorcycle Tyres

See Our Ratings Methodology.

cns-msc-motorcycles-tyres-2023-small

Most Satisfied Customers | Michelin

Aussies have rated Michelin as the top brand in Canstar Blue’s latest motorcycle tyre ratings, with five stars for durability, value for money and overall satisfaction.


Respondents rate their satisfaction with their motorcycle tyre brand(s) from zero to ten, where zero is extremely dissatisfied and ten is extremely satisfied. Brand satisfaction was rated by respondents on the following criteria:
  • Overall satisfaction: measures consumer satisfaction with a motorcycle tyre brand as an individual score NOT a combined total of all criteria.
  • Dry weather handling: the motorcycle tyre handles well on multiple surface types in dry weather conditions.
  • Wet weather handling: the motorcycle tyre handles well on multiple surface types in wet weather conditions.
  • Style: the motorcycle tyre has a stylish design, and is aesthetically pleasing to look at.
  • Value for money: the cost is reasonable for the quality and performance of the motorcycle tyre.
  • Stopping ability: the motorcycle tyre is able to stop within a safe distance and timeframe when the brakes are applied, including on multiple surface types and weather conditions.
  • Durability: the motorcycle tyre kept its shape and tread considering the frequency of use.

The winning brand is the one that receives the highest Overall satisfaction rating once all the scores from the Overall satisfaction criteria are combined and averaged.

  • Overall satisfaction is asked as a specific question and represents an individual measure, not a combined total of all criteria.
  • When we cannot determine a clear winner from the criteria for the Overall satisfaction rating, we will then look at the other criteria measured in the rating.
    • The brand with the highest number of five-star ratings within the supporting criteria will become the five-star recipient in overall satisfaction, and thus win the award. If a clear leader still cannot be determined from the supporting criteria, joint winners will be declared.

Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included, so not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The brands rated in this survey are listed below in order of best overall satisfaction.

  1. Michelin
  2. Dunlop
  3. Bridgestone

Find more detailed information on our Most Satisfied Customer methodology.


Top Motorcycle Tyre Brand – Michelin

Michelin Tyres

French manufacturer Michelin is a popular option for two-wheel enthusiasts, whether you’re looking to head off-road or stick to the streets, with plenty of options available for Aussie riders to choose from. Its online range is divided into motorcycle type or riding experience to help narrow down what type of tyres may best fit your needs, along with a number of product types if you know what you’re after.

Product types include the City Grip range, ideal for those who stick to the city streets for the majority of their riding, along with Road and Power tyres for those with a bit more grunt to their bikes. Micheline also offers Scorcher tyres made specifically for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Commander tyres for cruiser bikes and Anakee, StarCross and Enduro tyres for those who prefer dirt roads over paved roads.

  • Michelin was rated five stars for durability, value for money and overall satisfaction, with four stars for dry weather handling, wet weather handling, style and stopping ability.

What size tyre do I need for my motorcycle?

Like cars, motorcycles may require a certain size tyre to operate safely and effectively, meaning it’s important to look at the size of a tyre in addition to the brand and type. On the side of your tyre, you’ll see a few numbers and letters, like in the image below, of all which have a corresponding meaning.

Motorcycle Tyre Size

Photo credit: Tyre Size Calculator.com

This code relates to requirements necessary to choosing a motorcycle tyre, which are explained below:

  • Width (e.g. 190): refers to the tyre’s width in millimetres when it’s inflated.
  • Aspect Ratio (e.g. 50): the ratio of height to width.
  • Construction Zone (e.g. ZR): refers to the tyre construction type, with ZR indicating the tyre is built for high speeds.
  • Rim size (e.g. 17): refers to the wheel’s diameter in inches.
  • Motorcycles Only (e.g. M/C): indicates that this tyre is suitable for motorcycles only, and should not be used on other vehicles such as cars or trucks.
  • Load Index (e.g. 73): refers to the tyre’s maximum load rating in kilograms, with 73 equating to 365kg.
  • Speed Index (e.g. W): refers to the maximum speed at which the tyre can safely travel. In this case, ‘W’ equates to 270km/h.

Wide Vs. Narrow Motorcycle Tyres

In addition to different sizes, you can also choose between narrow and wide motorcycle tyres, but what’s the difference, and which one is better? Wider tyres generally provide more grip due to the higher surface area, and can handle higher horsepower as a result – which is why you’ll generally see them on cruiser or sports motorcycles – while narrow tyres are lighter and are generally more manoeuvrable, performing better on dirt roads than its wider counterparts.

While you’ll be able to choose what type of tyres you want on certain types of motorcycles, you won’t be given the option on all models, as wide and narrow tyres also have different weight bearing loads and power compatibilities. If your motorcycle has a high CC engine, you’ll need wider tyres to accommodate the power and torque coming through the wheels, with your local tyre retailer able to help if you’re looking for a new set of wheels to safely get back on the road.

Motorcycle Reviews & Ratings

About our consumer experts


Dean Heckscher: Site Editor

This report was written by Canstar Blue’s Site Editor, Dean Heckscher. He’s our resident expert on all things automotive, health & fitness, streaming and more. Dean is also one of Canstar Blue’s customer research report producers, helping to turn complicated subjects into easily-digestible information for our readers. He’s passionate about helping consumers make better-informed purchase decisions on all manner of consumer goods and services.

 

Meet the Editorial Team

 

Samantha Howse: Consumer Research Specialist

Sam Howse Research Specialist

Samantha Howse is Canstar Blue’s Consumer Research Specialist, coordinating the consumer research program behind our customer satisfaction awards across Canstar and Canstar Blue in Australia and New Zealand. Sam has earned a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from Griffith University and, with seven years in market research and 2 years in marketing, she is experienced in survey design, implementation and analysis, coupled with an understanding of marketing principles and best practice.

 

Meet the Research Team

Past Ratings

Here are the past winners from Canstar Blue’s motorcycle tyre ratings:

  • 2022: Pirelli
  • 2020: Dunlop
  • 2019: Pirelli
  • 2018: Pirelli
  • 2017: Michelin
  • 2016: Pirelli
  • 2015: Michelin

Latest vehicle articles

ALDI revs up for Motorbike Gear Special Buys

ALDI’s motorbike gear Special Buys event is set to be bigger than ever, with something for the ladies too.

– Read more
Bridgestone vs Dunlop: Car tyres compared

Bridgestone Vs Dunlop: Car Tyres Compared

Two tyre heavyweights battle for supremacy. Which manufacturer reigns supreme? Find out at Canstar Blue.

– Read more
Michelin vs Bridgestone: Car tyres compared

Michelin Vs Bridgestone: Car Tyres Compared

Michelin and Bridgestone are both kings of the racing circuit, but which is the best on our city roads? Find out at Canstar Blue.

– Read more

Dunlop Vs Goodyear: Car Tyres Compared

Compare two of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers, Dunlop and Goodyear. Which offers the best value? Find out at Canstar Blue.

– Read more

Michelin Vs Pirelli: Car Tyres Compared

They are the two biggest tyre brands in the world, but which offers the better value for everyday Aussie motorists? Find out at Canstar Blue.

– Read more