The best motorcycle tires for sport bikes are the ones that match your bike’s exact front and rear size, speed rating and load index, and suit how you ride. Many 600cc-class sport bikes use a 120/70ZR17 front and a 180/55ZR17 rear, so the picks below start with those sizes.
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These are 15 Amazon listings grouped by position and size. We have not tested any of them, so the specs are the sellers’ and makers’ claims. Motorcycle tires are size specific: a universal fit label on Amazon does not mean a tire fits your bike. Check your owner’s manual and have a qualified shop fit and balance the tires. For pressure, see our motorcycle tire pressure guide.
Check your fitment first
- Read the size. In 180/55ZR17, 180 is the width in mm, 55 is the height as a percentage of the width, R means radial, and 17 is the rim diameter in inches. Find your bike’s sizes in the owner’s manual or on the tire placard.
- Match the speed rating. W covers speeds up to 168 mph and S up to 112 mph. Your tire must meet or beat what the bike maker requires.
- Check the load index. A load index of 73 means about 805 lb per tire. Add bike, rider, luggage and passenger.
- Check rim width. Each tire maker lists the rim widths it approves for a size. Wide tires on narrow rims, or the reverse, change the profile and handling.
- Buy matched pairs. Front and rear tires are designed to work together. Do not mix radial and bias tires unless your bike maker says it is fine.
- Check the DOT date code. The last four digits are the week and year of manufacture. Avoid old stock.
Best motorcycle tires for sport bikes at a glance
Sizes and ratings come from each Amazon listing. Confirm them against your manual and the sidewall before you order.
| Continental ContiSportAttack 2 Set (120/70ZR17 + 180/55ZR17) |  | Sport | Size: 120/70ZR17 front, 180/55ZR17 rear | Position: Front and rear set | Rating (listing): W, rear load index 73 (about 805 lb) per listing | Check price on Amazon | Read details |
| Pirelli Angel ST Set (120/70ZR17 + 180/55ZR17) |  | Sport touring | Size: 120/70ZR17 front, 180/55ZR17 rear | Position: Front and rear set | Rating (listing): ZR per listing, check the sidewall for the exact speed symbol | Check price on Amazon | Read details |
| Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 Set (120/70ZR17 + 180/55ZR17) |  | Sport | Size: 120/70ZR17 front, 180/55ZR17 rear | Position: Front and rear set | Rating (listing): W, rear load index 73 per listing | Check price on Amazon | Read details |
| Kenda KM1 Sport Touring Set (120/70ZR17 + 180/55ZR17) |  | Sport touring | Size: 120/70ZR17 front, 180/55ZR17 rear | Position: Front and rear set | Rating (listing): W, rear load index 73 per listing | Check price on Amazon | Read details |
| Michelin Road 5 Front 120/70ZR17 |  | Sport touring | Size: 120/70ZR17 | Position: Front only | Rating (listing): 58W per listing | Check price on Amazon | Read details |
| Shinko Advance 005 Front 120/70ZR17 |  | Sport touring | Size: 120/70ZR17 | Position: Front only | Rating (listing): W per listing | Check price on Amazon | Read details |
| Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 Front 120/70ZR17 |  | Sport | Size: 120/70ZR17 | Position: Front only | Rating (listing): ZR per listing | Check price on Amazon | Read details |
| Continental ContiMotion Front 120/70-17 |  | Sport touring | Size: 120/70-17 | Position: Front only | Rating (listing): W, load index 58 per listing | Check price on Amazon | Read details |
| Michelin Road 6 Rear 180/55ZR17 |  | Sport touring | Size: 180/55ZR17 | Position: Rear only | Rating (listing): W, load index 73 (about 805 lb) per listing | Check price on Amazon | Read details |
| Pirelli Angel ST Rear 160/60ZR17 |  | Sport touring | Size: 160/60ZR17 | Position: Rear only | Rating (listing): W, load index 69 per listing | Check price on Amazon | Read details |
| Continental ContiMotion Rear 170/60-17 |  | Sport touring | Size: 170/60-17 | Position: Rear only | Rating (listing): W, load index 72 per listing | Check price on Amazon | Read details |
| Continental ContiSportAttack Rear 190/55ZR17 |  | Sport | Size: 190/55ZR17 | Position: Rear only | Rating (listing): ZR per listing | Check price on Amazon | Read details |
| Pirelli Diablo Rosso III Rear 240/45-17 |  | Very wide rear | Size: 240/45-17 | Position: Rear only | Rating (listing): 82W per listing (the listing’s load figure does not appear to match the usual rating for 82) | Check price on Amazon | Read details |
| Michelin Pilot Street 2 110/70-17 |  | Small-bike street tire | Size: 110/70-17 | Position: Front or small-bike use | Rating (listing): 48S per listing (S is rated to 112 mph) | Check price on Amazon | Read details |
| Full Bore M1 Set (120/60ZR17 + 200/50ZR17) |  | Wide-rear set | Size: 120/60ZR17 front, 200/50ZR17 rear | Position: Front and rear set | Rating (listing): W per listing | Check price on Amazon | Read details |
Matched front and rear sets (120/70ZR17 and 180/55ZR17)
These four sets use the front and rear sizes found on many 600cc-class sport bikes. Buying a matched pair keeps front and rear grip consistent, which is what most tire makers recommend.
Continental ContiSportAttack 2 Set (120/70ZR17 + 180/55ZR17)
Continental positions the ContiSportAttack 2 as a sport tire for road riding that can also be used on track days. The listing mentions a Black Chili compound and rapid warm-up. This is the 120/70ZR17 and 180/55ZR17 pair used by many 600cc-class sport bikes, so check your own sizes. Sport compounds usually trade some mileage for grip.
- Size:120/70ZR17 front, 180/55ZR17 rear
- Position:Front and rear set
- Rating (listing):W, rear load index 73 (about 805 lb) per listing
- Type:Sport
Pros
- Matched front and rear pair
- Sport-focused design per Continental
Cons
- Sport compounds can wear faster
- Only fits bikes that use these sizes
Pirelli Angel ST Set (120/70ZR17 + 180/55ZR17)
Pirelli’s Angel ST is a sport-touring tire, and the listing mentions a high-silica compound and wear indicators. This is the common 120/70ZR17 and 180/55ZR17 pair. Sport-touring tires usually favor mileage and wet-weather confidence over the last bit of dry grip.
- Size:120/70ZR17 front, 180/55ZR17 rear
- Position:Front and rear set
- Rating (listing):ZR per listing, check the sidewall for the exact speed symbol
- Type:Sport touring
Pros
- Matched pair
- Wear indicators per the listing
Cons
- Less track-focused
- Only fits bikes that use these sizes
Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 Set (120/70ZR17 + 180/55ZR17)
A matched Dunlop pair in 120/70ZR17 and 180/55ZR17. The listing says it fits the Honda CBR250/300, Kawasaki Ninja 300 and Yamaha R3, but those bikes normally use narrower sizes (for example a 110/70-17 front and 140/70-17 rear), so do not order this set on that claim. These sizes match many 600cc-class sport bikes; check your manual.
- Size:120/70ZR17 front, 180/55ZR17 rear
- Position:Front and rear set
- Rating (listing):W, rear load index 73 per listing
- Type:Sport
Pros
- Matched pair
- Common 600cc-class sizes
Cons
- Fitment claim in the listing looks wrong for 250 to 300 class bikes
- Only fits bikes that use these sizes
Kenda KM1 Sport Touring Set (120/70ZR17 + 180/55ZR17)
A radial pair in the common 600cc-class sizes, listed with a quick-heating compound and a directional tread. The listing says vehicle specific, so confirm your bike’s sizes and the maker’s approved rim widths. Kenda is a lesser-known name in this class than Michelin, Pirelli or Dunlop, so check the DOT date code and the reviews on the listing.
- Size:120/70ZR17 front, 180/55ZR17 rear
- Position:Front and rear set
- Rating (listing):W, rear load index 73 per listing
- Type:Sport touring
Pros
- Matched pair
- Common sizes
Cons
- Less independent comparison data
- Check tire age on delivery
Front tires (120/70 sizes)
These are front tires only. Pair each with a rear tire your tire maker and bike maker approve.
Michelin Road 5 Front 120/70ZR17
This is a front tire only. Michelin positions the Road 5 as a sport-touring tire, and the listing mentions XST Evo siping for wet grip. Michelin has since introduced the Road 6, so check availability and the DOT date code. Pair it with a rear tire the maker approves.
- Size:120/70ZR17
- Position:Front only
- Rating (listing):58W per listing
- Type:Sport touring
Pros
- Wet-weather design per Michelin
- Sport-touring focus
Cons
- Front only
- Older generation than the Road 6
Shinko Advance 005 Front 120/70ZR17
A front radial in the common 120/70ZR17 size. The listing describes a large-block tread with water grooves and aramid belts, and advises checking fitment with your manual or a tire shop, which is good advice. Shinko is less widely compared than the big three brands.
- Size:120/70ZR17
- Position:Front only
- Rating (listing):W per listing
- Type:Sport touring
Pros
- Common front size
- Water grooves per the listing
Cons
- Front only
- Less independent comparison data
Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 Front 120/70ZR17
Front only, 120/70ZR17. The listing says it suits small-displacement sport bikes such as the CBR250/300, Ninja 300 and R3, but those bikes typically use a 110/70-17 front, so check before ordering. The 120/70ZR17 size is used by many 500cc and larger sport bikes.
- Size:120/70ZR17
- Position:Front only
- Rating (listing):ZR per listing
- Type:Sport
Pros
- Sport tread
- Common front size
Cons
- Fitment claim in the listing looks wrong for 250 to 300 class bikes
- Front only
Continental ContiMotion Front 120/70-17
Front only. The listing calls it a radial with a steel belt, but its feature list says bias. Do not mix radial and bias unless your bike maker allows it, so check the sidewall for an R or ZR before ordering. Continental positions the ContiMotion as an everyday sport-touring tire.
- Size:120/70-17
- Position:Front only
- Rating (listing):W, load index 58 per listing
- Type:Sport touring
Pros
- Common front size
- Everyday sport-touring tire
Cons
- Construction is described two ways in the listing
- Front only
Rear tires
These are rear tires only, in four different sizes. Pick the one that matches your bike, not the one that looks best on paper.
Michelin Road 6 Rear 180/55ZR17
Rear only. Michelin positions the Road 6 as a sport-touring tire with a focus on wet grip and mileage, and claims gains over the Road 5 (Michelin’s figures, not ours). The listing calls the fit universal, but it is a 180/55ZR17 and only suits bikes that use that rear size. Pair it with a Road 6 front.
- Size:180/55ZR17
- Position:Rear only
- Rating (listing):W, load index 73 (about 805 lb) per listing
- Type:Sport touring
Pros
- Wet-focused design per Michelin
- Sport-touring mileage focus
Cons
- Rear only
- Needs a matching front
Pirelli Angel ST Rear 160/60ZR17
Rear only, in a 160/60ZR17 size used on some mid-size sport and sport-touring bikes. The listing mentions a high-silica compound and wear indicators. Check that the size matches your bike, because many 600cc-class sport bikes use a 180/55 rear.
- Size:160/60ZR17
- Position:Rear only
- Rating (listing):W, load index 69 per listing
- Type:Sport touring
Pros
- High-silica compound per the listing
- Wear indicators
Cons
- Rear only
- Not the common 600cc rear size
Continental ContiMotion Rear 170/60-17
Rear only, in a less common 170/60-17 size. The listing calls it radial but its feature list says bias, so confirm the construction on the sidewall and check your manual for approved sizes before you order.
- Size:170/60-17
- Position:Rear only
- Rating (listing):W, load index 72 per listing
- Type:Sport touring
Pros
- Everyday sport-touring tire
- Rear size for some bikes
Cons
- Construction is described two ways in the listing
- Less common size
Continental ContiSportAttack Rear 190/55ZR17
Rear only, 190/55ZR17, a size used on many 1000cc-class sport bikes. This is Continental’s earlier ContiSportAttack, not the newer ContiSportAttack 2, so check the DOT date code on delivery. The listing mentions a steel belt and MultiGrip design.
- Size:190/55ZR17
- Position:Rear only
- Rating (listing):ZR per listing
- Type:Sport
Pros
- Size used on many 1000cc-class bikes
- Sport design
Cons
- Older model, check the date code
- Rear only
Check fitment closely: not for most sport bikes
These three suit unusual sizes or small bikes. Most sport bike riders should skip them unless their manual lists these exact sizes.
Pirelli Diablo Rosso III Rear 240/45-17
A 240/45-17 rear is a very wide size used on a few large bikes and custom builds, not on typical sport bikes. The old Best for Speed label and the universal fit claim do not apply, because it only suits a wheel wide enough to carry it. Skip it unless your manual lists 240/45-17.
- Size:240/45-17
- Position:Rear only
- Rating (listing):82W per listing (the listing’s load figure does not appear to match the usual rating for 82)
- Type:Very wide rear
Pros
- Premium Pirelli sport tread
- Wide contact patch
Cons
- Fits very few bikes
- Needs a wide rear rim
Michelin Pilot Street 2 110/70-17
A bias, tubeless tire for scooters and small-displacement motorcycles. It suits small bikes whose original front is 110/70-17, so check your manual. It is not a match for 600cc-class sport bikes, which need a front such as 120/70ZR17.
- Size:110/70-17
- Position:Front or small-bike use
- Rating (listing):48S per listing (S is rated to 112 mph)
- Type:Small-bike street tire
Pros
- Designed for small bikes
- Water-clearing grooves per Michelin
Cons
- Not for 600cc-class sport bikes
- Bias construction
Full Bore M1 Set (120/60ZR17 + 200/50ZR17)
A set with a 200/50ZR17 rear, which is wider than the usual 180/55 and suits only bikes with a wide rear wheel. The listing says 14-ply, which is not a meaningful comparison for motorcycle radials. We could not verify the brand’s fitment or rim-width data, so prefer a tire from a maker that publishes it.
- Size:120/60ZR17 front, 200/50ZR17 rear
- Position:Front and rear set
- Rating (listing):W per listing
- Type:Wide-rear set
Pros
- Matched pair
- Sizes for wide-rear bikes
Cons
- Fitment data hard to verify
- Ply claim is not meaningful
How to choose sport bike tires
- Sport or sport-touring? Sport tires favor dry grip and quick warm-up and usually wear faster. Sport-touring tires favor mileage and wet confidence. Pick by how you really ride, not by the label.
- Wet riding. Look for tires designed around wet grip, such as sport-touring models with siped treads. No tire beats standing water, so slow down in the rain.
- Mileage. Mileage varies a lot with the bike, road, pressure and riding style. Soft compounds trade life for grip.
- Warm-up. Cold tires grip less. Ride gently until they warm up, especially with sport compounds.
- Track days. Road tires are not race tires. Follow the tire maker and the track organizer for track pressures and rules.
Safety and fitting
- Have the tires fitted and balanced by a qualified shop. Wheel and valve checks are part of the job.
- Ride gently for the first 100 miles or so while the new tire surface scrubs in.
- Set pressure cold, using the figure in your manual and a good gauge. A small inflator helps; see our motorcycle tire inflator guide.
- Most tire makers advise against repairing motorcycle tires with plugs or patches. Replace a punctured tire.
- Never exceed the tire’s speed rating or load index. If you ride on gravel as well, look at our dual sport tire guide.
FAQ
How often should sport bike tires be replaced?
It depends on the tire, the bike and how you ride. Replace them when the tread reaches the wear indicators, when you see cracks, cuts or flat spots, or when they are old. Check the DOT date code and ask the tire maker about age limits.
Do these tires work well in heavy rain?
Sport-touring tires such as the Michelin Road 5 and Road 6 and the Pirelli Angel ST are designed with wet riding in mind, but no tire beats standing water. Slow down, brake earlier and avoid painted lines and metal covers.
What tire pressure is best for track days?
Follow the tire maker and your track organizer, because track pressures depend on the tire, the bike and the track temperature. For road riding, use the cold pressures in your owner’s manual and check them before every ride.
Are these tires suitable for daily commuting?
Sport-touring tires are designed for mileage and wet roads, so they suit commuting. Softer sport compounds wear faster and need more warm-up, so choose by your real riding and not by track labels.
How do I know when motorcycle tread is too worn?
When the tread reaches the wear indicators or the legal minimum in your area, when the center has flattened, or when cracks show. Many riders replace sooner because grip falls as the tread wears.
Can I mix tire brands front and rear?
Check with the tire maker and your bike maker. Many makers design front and rear tires as a pair, and mixing radial with bias tires is usually discouraged.
Wrapping up
Start with your bike’s sizes, speed rating and load index, then choose between sport and sport-touring. A matched set in 120/70ZR17 and 180/55ZR17 suits many 600cc-class bikes, while the odd sizes at the end of the list are only for bikes that need them.
