Living in an area with harsh winters can be a challenge for motorcyclists. Riding on snow and ice can be risky, and it’s essential to have the right gear to stay safe.
One of the most critical components of a winter motorcycle setup is snow tires. Snow tires are specially designed to provide better traction on icy and snowy roads than regular tires.
In this article, I will discuss the best snow tires for motorcycles.
When it comes to snow tires for motorcycles, there are two main types: studded and non-studded. Studded tires have metal studs embedded in the rubber to provide better grip on ice.
Non-studded tires, on the other hand, rely on a specially designed tread pattern to provide traction on snow and ice.
Both types have their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your specific needs.
The most critical thing to consider when purchasing snow tires for your motorcycle is the size. It’s essential to choose the right size to ensure that the tires fit your motorcycle correctly.
You should also consider the type of riding you’ll be doing. If you’re going to be riding on mostly icy roads, studded tires might be the better option.
However, if you’ll be riding on a mix of snow and ice, non-studded tires might be a better choice.
In this article, I will provide an overview of the best snow tires for motorcycles. I will discuss the pros and cons of each tire and provide useful details to help you make an informed decision.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the best snow tires for your motorcycle and be able to make a confident purchase.
Best Snow Tires for Motorcycles
As a motorcycle enthusiast, I understand the importance of having the right gear and equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride. When it comes to winter riding, having the best snow tires for your motorcycle is essential.
With a wide variety of options available on the market, it can be challenging to know which tires will provide the best performance and reliability.
In this article, I have researched and compiled a list of the top snow tires for motorcycles, complete with pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41 Rear Tire
This is an excellent tire for those who love to ride motorcycles in off-road conditions.
Pros
- The tire is designed to provide superior off-road performance.
- It has a high-rigidity compound that makes it durable and long-lasting.
- Large blocks on the tire’s perimeter enable the tire to exhibit strong traction on muddy surfaces.
Cons
- The tire may not perform well on completely wet surfaces.
- The tire may wear out quickly if used on hard, rough surfaces.
- The tire is expensive compared to other similar tires.
I recently got the Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41 Rear Tire for my motorcycle, and I must say that I am impressed with its performance.
The tire is designed to provide superior off-road performance, and it does not disappoint.
The high-rigidity compound makes it durable and long-lasting, even in harsh conditions.
One of the things I love about this tire is the large blocks on the tire’s perimeter that enable it to exhibit strong traction on muddy surfaces.
This is particularly useful when riding in off-road conditions, where the terrain can be unpredictable.
The tire also has a block cross-section area roughly 30 percent larger than the previous generation tire, which gives it high grip and traction.
However, the tire may not perform well on completely wet surfaces. I noticed that it tends to slip a bit when riding on wet surfaces, so it may not be the best option if you live in an area with frequent rain. Additionally, the tire may wear out quickly if used on hard, rough surfaces.
This is something to keep in mind if you plan on using the tire for extended periods on rough terrain.
I would recommend the Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41 Rear Tire to anyone who loves to ride motorcycles in off-road conditions.
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It is an excellent tire that provides superior off-road performance and is durable and long-lasting. However, it may not be the best option for those who frequently ride on wet surfaces or hard, rough terrain.
MICHELIN City Pro Front/Rear Tire (2.5-17 Tube Type)
If you are looking for a sturdy and long-lasting tire that offers great puncture resistance, then the MICHELIN City Pro Front/Rear Tire is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The tire is extremely robust and provides great puncture resistance in any conditions. Thanks to Michelin Overlap Technology (MOT), it is unlikely that these tires will get a puncture.
- The average lifespan of these tires is around 30,000 kms at the front and 20,000 kms at the back, making them a long-lasting investment.
- The tire has excellent grip on damp surfaces, thanks to its central groove, wheat-ear pattern, and variable tread depth depending on the angle of the motorcycle.
Cons
- The tire may not provide the best performance in heavy snow conditions.
- Some users have reported that the tire can be a bit noisy when riding on dry roads.
- The tire is on the pricier side compared to other snow tires for motorcycles.
I recently used the MICHELIN City Pro Front/Rear Tire on my motorcycle, and I was impressed with its durability and puncture resistance.
The tire is made with high-quality materials and features a robust construction that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
One of the things I liked the most about this tire is its excellent grip on damp surfaces.
The central groove, wheat-ear pattern, and variable tread depth make it easy to ride on wet roads without worrying about losing control of the motorcycle.
However, I did notice that the tire can be a bit noisy when riding on dry roads. While this is not a significant issue, it can be a bit annoying for some riders.
The tire may not provide the best performance in heavy snow conditions, so it may not be the best option for riders who live in areas with harsh winters.
Overall, I would recommend the MICHELIN City Pro Front/Rear Tire to any rider who is looking for a sturdy and long-lasting tire that offers great puncture resistance.
While it may be a bit pricier than other snow tires for motorcycles, its excellent performance and durability make it a worthwhile investment.
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Kenda KM1 Sport Touring Motorcycle Tire Set
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable motorcycle tire set that performs well in all weather conditions, the Kenda KM1 Sport Touring Motorcycle Tire Set might be just what you need.
Pros
- These sport-touring radial tires offer excellent all-weather performance in a range of popular sizes
- Ideal for touring and commuting on a wide variety of motorcycles
- The latest compounds offer fast warm-up from cold, even in lower temperatures.
Cons
- May not be the best option for aggressive riders who prioritize performance over longevity
- Some users report that the tires tend to wear out faster than expected
- The tread pattern may not be as aggressive as some riders prefer for off-road use.
I recently had the chance to test out the Kenda KM1 Sport Touring Motorcycle Tire Set on my own bike, and I was pleasantly surprised by their performance.
These tires handled well in both wet and dry conditions, and I felt confident on the road no matter what the weather was like.
One thing that really stood out to me about these tires was how quickly they warmed up, even on colder days. This made them a great choice for commuting to work or taking a longer road trip.
While these tires may not be the best option for riders who prioritize high-performance handling, they are a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable and affordable tire set that can handle a wide variety of road conditions.
I would definitely recommend the Kenda KM1 Sport Touring Motorcycle Tire Set to anyone looking for a solid all-around tire set that won’t break the bank.
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Continental Motion Tire Set
These tires are a great option for those who need a reliable and durable set of snow tires for their motorcycle.
Pros
- Outstanding all-around performance radial for year-round use
- Unmatched levels of wet and dry grip
- Enhanced life due to newly formulated polymer compound and modern force-oriented tread pattern
Cons
- May not be the quietest option on the market
- May be slightly more expensive than some other options
- May not be ideal for extreme winter conditions
I recently purchased the Continental Motion Tire Set for my motorcycle and have been thoroughly impressed with their performance.
The newly formulated polymer compound and modern force-oriented tread pattern provide enhanced life and excellent grip in both wet and dry conditions. I have felt confident riding in all weather conditions with these tires.
One potential downside is that they may not be the quietest option on the market, but the performance and durability make up for any noise.
They may be slightly more expensive than some other options, but the quality and performance are worth the investment.
While these tires are great for year-round use, they may not be ideal for extreme winter conditions. However, for most snow and ice situations, they perform exceptionally well.
Overall, I highly recommend the Continental Motion Tire Set for anyone in need of reliable and high-performing snow tires for their motorcycle.
Michelin Commander II Cruiser Bias Tire
If you are looking for a tire that offers longevity without compromising stability and handling, the Michelin Commander II Cruiser Bias Tire is a great option.
Pros
- The Michelin Commander II Cruiser Bias Tire offers proven longevity, almost doubling the life of its competitors, according to commissioned third-party tests conducted in 2011 on public roads.
- This tire offers excellent grip on wet surfaces, thanks to its brand new longitudinal tread that provides outstanding water evacuation.
- The Michelin Commander II Cruiser Bias Tire features premium handling and responsiveness, thanks to its high-density and stiffer frame with Michelin Amplified Density Technology.
Cons
- This tire may not be the most affordable option on the market.
- Some riders may find it difficult to find a local dealer that carries this tire.
- The Michelin Commander II Cruiser Bias Tire may not be the best option for riders who frequently ride off-road or on unpaved roads.
I recently tried out the Michelin Commander II Cruiser Bias Tire on my motorcycle and was impressed with its longevity and grip on wet surfaces. I felt confident riding in rainy conditions, knowing that the tire would provide excellent traction. The tire’s premium handling and responsiveness were also noticeable, making it easy to maneuver and control my bike.
While the Michelin Commander II Cruiser Bias Tire may not be the most affordable option out there, its longevity and performance make it a worthwhile investment for riders looking for a high-quality tire that won’t compromise their safety or handling.
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The only downside is that it may not be the best option for riders who frequently ride off-road or on unpaved roads.
I highly recommend the Michelin Commander II Cruiser Bias Tire for any rider looking for a reliable, high-performance tire that will last them for years to come.
Kenda K413 Front/Rear Motorcycle Bias Tire
If you’re looking for a high-performance tire for your motorcycle, the Kenda K413 Front/Rear Motorcycle Bias Tire is a great choice.
Pros
- The 4-ply rating ensures durability and longevity.
- The race-inspired tread pattern provides excellent traction on snow and ice.
- Designed specifically for performance-minded machines.
Cons
- The load capacity of 331 pounds may not be enough for some riders.
- The tire is only available in one size.
- The tire is only designed for use in the United States and Canada.
I recently had the chance to use the Kenda K413 Front/Rear Motorcycle Bias Tire on my motorcycle, and I was impressed with its performance.
The tire’s 4-ply rating ensures that it can withstand the rigors of everyday use, while the race-inspired tread pattern provides excellent traction on snow and ice.
One of the things I appreciated most about this tire is that it’s designed specifically for performance-minded machines.
This means that it’s built to handle the demands of high-speed riding, which is important for those of us who like to push our motorcycles to the limit.
While the load capacity of 331 pounds may not be enough for some riders, I found that it was more than sufficient for my needs.
However, if you plan on carrying a lot of gear or riding with a passenger, you may want to consider a tire with a higher load capacity.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Kenda K413 Front/Rear Motorcycle Bias Tire to anyone looking for a high-performance tire for their motorcycle.
Its durability, excellent traction, and performance-oriented design make it a great choice for riders of all skill levels.
Kenda 140/90-16 Big Block Dual Sport Rear Tire
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable tire for your motorcycle that can handle both on-road and off-road terrains, then the Kenda 140/90-16 Big Block Dual Sport Rear Tire is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The large tread blocks provide excellent traction and handling on all types of terrain, from wet and slick to dry and hard-packed.
- The high-impact casing ensures superior puncture resistance, making it a great choice for long adventures on rough terrain.
- The bias belted casing improves stability and handling, allowing for a smoother and more comfortable ride.
Cons
- Some riders may find the tire to be a bit noisy on the road, especially at higher speeds.
- The tire may wear out faster than some other options, especially if used primarily on pavement.
- The 140/90-16 size is only suitable for certain types of motorcycles, so make sure to check your bike’s specifications before purchasing.
In my experience, the Kenda 140/90-16 Big Block Dual Sport Rear Tire is a solid choice for anyone who wants a versatile tire that can handle a variety of terrains with ease.
The large tread blocks provide excellent traction and handling, even on wet and slick surfaces, while the high-impact casing ensures superior puncture resistance for added peace of mind on long adventures.
One of the things I appreciate about this tire is the bias belted casing, which improves stability and handling, making for a smoother and more comfortable ride.
However, some riders may find the tire to be a bit noisy on the road, especially at higher speeds, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for a quieter option.
Another potential downside is that the tire may wear out faster than some other options, especially if used primarily on pavement.
That being said, if you’re looking for a tire that can handle both on-road and off-road terrains, the Kenda 140/90-16 Big Block Dual Sport Rear Tire is definitely worth considering.
Overall, I would recommend this tire to anyone who wants a reliable and durable option for their motorcycle that can handle a variety of terrains with ease.
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Just make sure to check your bike’s specifications to ensure that the 140/90-16 size is compatible before making your purchase.
DUNLOP D404 Rear Motorcycle Tire
If you’re looking for a tire that can handle a variety of weather conditions, the DUNLOP D404 Rear Motorcycle Tire is a great option.
Pros
- The tire comes in a wide range of sizes, making it compatible with many different motorcycles.
- The tread compound provides an excellent balance of mileage and grip, helping the tire last longer.
- The front and rear tread patterns are designed to evacuate water effectively, providing excellent wet grip.
Cons
- The DUNLOP D404 is not recommended for use on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
- The tire is tube-type, which may be a drawback for some riders who prefer tubeless tires.
- Some riders have reported that the tire can be noisy at high speeds.
In my experience, the DUNLOP D404 is a reliable tire that performs well in a variety of conditions.
The offset center groove provides excellent straight-line stability, and the bias-ply construction delivers a smooth ride and excellent load-carrying capacity.
One thing to keep in mind is that this tire is not recommended for use on Harley-Davidson motorcycles, so be sure to check your motorcycle’s compatibility before purchasing.
The tire is tube-type, which may be a drawback for some riders who prefer tubeless tires.
I would recommend the DUNLOP D404 Rear Motorcycle Tire to riders who are looking for a reliable tire that can handle a variety of weather conditions.
The tire’s excellent balance of mileage and grip, combined with its effective water evacuation, make it a great choice for riders who want a tire that will last and perform well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of studded tires for winter motorcycle riding?
Studded tires offer excellent grip on icy surfaces, making them a popular choice for winter motorcycle riding.
The studs provide better traction on packed snow and ice, which can help prevent slips and falls.
However, studded tires can be noisy and can damage roads, so they may not be legal or practical in all areas.
Which tires offer the best traction in wet and snowy conditions for motorcycles?
There are several tires that offer excellent traction in wet and snowy conditions for motorcycles.
Some popular options include the Pirelli Angel GT II, Michelin Pilot Road 4, and Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41.
These tires are designed to provide excellent grip in both wet and dry conditions, making them ideal for winter motorcycle riding.
How does the Anlas Winter Grip 2 perform in winter conditions?
The Anlas Winter Grip 2 is a popular choice for winter motorcycle riding, thanks to its excellent performance in cold and snowy conditions.
The tire features a specially designed tread pattern that provides excellent grip on snow and ice, while also offering good performance in wet and dry conditions.
However, the tire may wear faster than other options, so it may not be the best choice for riders who frequently ride on dry roads.
Are snow chains a viable alternative for motorcycles during winter?
Snow chains are not a viable option for motorcycles during winter. Snow chains are designed for use on cars and trucks, and are not suitable for use on motorcycles.
Snow chains can be dangerous on motorcycles, as they can damage the bike’s wheels and suspension.
What makes Heidenau tires suitable for cold and winter motorcycle riding?
Heidenau tires are known for their excellent performance in cold and winter conditions.
The tires feature a specially designed tread pattern that provides excellent grip on snow and ice, while also offering good performance in wet and dry conditions.
Heidenau tires are known for their durability and long lifespan, making them a popular choice for winter motorcycle riding.
How does the Mitas MC 32 Winter tire compare to other winter motorcycle tires?
The Mitas MC 32 Winter tire is a popular choice for winter motorcycle riding, thanks to its excellent performance in cold and snowy conditions.
The tire features a specially designed tread pattern that provides excellent grip on snow and ice, while also offering good performance in wet and dry conditions.
However, the tire may wear faster than other options, so it may not be the best choice for riders who frequently ride on dry roads.
The Mitas MC 32 Winter tire is a great choice for riders who want a tire that can handle cold and snowy conditions.