Looking for the perfect dual sport tires to take your motorcycle adventure to both paved and unpaved roads?
Dual sport tires are the Swiss Army knife of the motorcycle world, offering the flexibility to explore a wide range of terrains without the need to swap out tires. Whether you’re zigzagging through city streets or navigating rugged trails, the right dual sport tire can transform your ride.
Well, we’ll be going over:
- What makes a dual sport tire stand out from the rest?
- How do you match a tire’s characteristics with your riding needs?
- What should you prioritize to get the most out of your investment?
Let’s dive in.
Best Dual Sport Tires
If you’re looking to take your motorcycle off-road, you’ll need a set of dual sport tires that can handle both pavement and dirt. Dual sport tires are designed to provide a balance of on-road stability and off-road traction, making them a great choice for adventure riders and commuters alike.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the best dual sport tires on the market based on their performance, durability, and price. Whether you’re planning a cross-country trip or just want to explore some back roads, these tires will help you get there with confidence.
Tusk Dsport® Adventure Tire Set Tube Type (90/90-21 (54R)/120/90-18 (65R))
If you’re looking for a tire that can handle both on and off-road conditions, the Tusk Dsport Adventure tire set is a great option to consider.
Pros
- D.O.T. compliant for On/Off Road Use
- Aggressive tread pattern offers grip in the toughest off-road conditions
- Rubber compound is designed to not only offer great grip, but to provide long wear on and off the road as well
Cons
- Installation can be slightly more difficult than average due to the tire’s stiffness
- Front tire can be a little nervous on pavement
- Not the best option for heavy-duty off-road use
This tire set is ideal for those who want a tire that can handle both on and off-road conditions. The aggressive tread pattern provides great grip in tough off-road conditions, while the rubber compound is designed to offer long wear on and off the road.
The tall knobbies not only offer performance and wear, but also give the tire a tough, aggressive look.
One downside to this tire set is that it can be slightly more difficult to install than other tires due to its stiffness. Additionally, the front tire can feel a little nervous on pavement, so it may not be the best option for those who do a lot of on-road riding.
Finally, while the tire set is great for light to medium off-road use, it may not be the best option for heavy-duty off-road use.
Overall, if you’re looking for a tire set that can handle both on and off-road conditions, the Tusk Dsport Adventure tire set is definitely worth considering.
Kenda K270 Dual Sport Trail Tire
If you’re looking for a tire that can handle both on-road and off-road conditions, the Kenda K270 Dual Sport Trail Tire is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Provides a smooth ride on the road and great traction on the trails.
- Perfect replacement for O.E.M. dual sport tires.
- DOT approved for both dirt and road applications.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the tire wears out quickly.
- May not perform as well in wet or muddy conditions.
- The tire is tube-type, which may require more maintenance.
This tire is a great option for those who want a tire that can handle both on-road and off-road conditions. It provides a smooth ride on the road and great traction on the trails, making it a great replacement for O.E.M. dual sport tires.
Additionally, the tire is DOT approved for both dirt and road applications, giving you the peace of mind that it meets safety standards.
However, some users have reported that the tire wears out quickly, which may be a concern for those who plan on using it frequently. Additionally, the tire may not perform as well in wet or muddy conditions, which may limit its versatility.
Finally, the tire is tube-type, which may require more maintenance than tubeless tires.
Overall, the Kenda K270 Dual Sport Trail Tire is a solid choice for those who want a tire that can handle both on-road and off-road conditions. However, it may not be the best option for those who plan on using their bike frequently or in wet or muddy conditions.
Dunlop Tires D605 Rear Dual Sport Tire 4.10×18 (59P) Tube Type
If you are looking for an affordable adventure tire, the Dunlop D605 is a great option for you. With a 50/50 road/off-road usage, it is perfect for the price-conscious customer who wants to venture off-road.
The tire comes in popular adventure bike fitments and is P-rated for speeds up to 93 mph.
Pros
- The full tread depth pattern designed for rigorous off-road use yields excellent traction on everything from hard-packed fire roads to soft single-track trails.
- Its versatile tire performance allows riders to travel on the street and venture off-road.
- The D605 is a value option for the all-around rider.
Cons
- The main weakness of this tire will be mud.
- The center of the tire may square off and angular wear on the shoulders with only a few miles on them.
- Above 60 mph on roads, there may be some head shake.
The Dunlop D605 is a great option for any adventure rider on a budget. The tire provides excellent traction on various terrains, and its versatility allows for on and off-road travel.
However, riders may experience some issues with mud and head shake at higher speeds. Overall, the Dunlop D605 is a great value option for the all-around rider.
Dunlop Tires D605 Rear Dual Sport Tire
If you’re looking for a versatile dual sport tire that won’t break the bank, the Dunlop D605 is a solid option.
Pros
- The full tread depth pattern provides excellent traction on all kinds of terrain, from hard-packed fire roads to soft single-track trails.
- This tire is DOT legal and can be used on both the street and off-road.
- The D605 is a great value option for riders who need a tire that can handle a variety of conditions.
Cons
- Some riders have reported that the tire wears out quickly, especially when used on pavement.
- The D605 may not perform as well in deep sand or mud as some other dual sport tires.
- This tire may not be the best option for riders who spend most of their time on the street.
The Dunlop D605 is a versatile tire that can handle a wide range of riding conditions. It provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces, making it a good choice for riders who like to explore off-road.
However, some riders have reported that the tire wears out quickly, especially when used on pavement. Additionally, the D605 may not perform as well in deep sand or mud as some other dual sport tires, so it may not be the best option for riders who frequently encounter those types of conditions.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly dual sport tire that can handle a variety of terrain, the Dunlop D605 is worth considering.
DUNLOP D605 Dual Sport Tire
If you’re looking for a value option for an all-around dual sport tire, the DUNLOP D605 is a great choice.
Pros
- The D605 is DOT legal and has a full tread depth pattern designed for rigorous off-road use, yielding excellent traction on everything from hard-packed fire roads to soft single-track trails.
- The tire’s versatile performance allows riders to travel on the street and venture off-road with ease.
- The DUNLOP D605 is a great option for the price-conscious customer.
Cons
- Some riders have reported that the back tire only lasts for about 2,000 miles or so.
- The D605 is not the best option for heavy-duty off-road use.
- The tire is not as durable as some higher-end dual sport tires.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly dual sport tire that can handle a variety of terrains, the DUNLOP D605 is a great choice. This tire is DOT legal and has a full tread depth pattern designed for rigorous off-road use, yielding excellent traction on everything from hard-packed fire roads to soft single-track trails.
The D605’s versatile performance allows riders to travel on the street and venture off-road with ease, making it a great option for the all-around rider. However, some riders have reported that the back tire only lasts for about 2,000 miles or so, and the D605 is not the best option for heavy-duty off-road use.
Additionally, the tire is not as durable as some higher-end dual sport tires. Overall, the DUNLOP D605 is a great value option for those looking for a reliable and versatile dual sport tire.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best dual sport tires, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure that you make the right choice. Here are some factors to consider:
Terrain
The type of terrain you’ll be riding on is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing dual sport tires. Will you be riding on mostly pavement, dirt, gravel, or a combination of all three?
Some tires are better suited for certain types of terrain than others, so it’s important to choose a tire that can handle the conditions you’ll be riding in.
Size
Make sure you choose the right size tire for your bike. The size of the tire is usually listed on the sidewall and is expressed in a series of numbers and letters.
It’s important to choose a tire that fits your bike’s specifications to ensure optimal performance.
Tread Pattern
The tread pattern of a tire is another important factor to consider. Tires with a more aggressive tread pattern are better suited for off-road riding, while tires with a smoother tread pattern are better for on-road riding.
Consider the type of riding you’ll be doing and choose a tire with a tread pattern that matches your needs.
Durability
Dual sport tires need to be durable enough to handle the rough terrain you’ll be riding on. Look for tires that are made with high-quality materials and have a reputation for lasting a long time.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the tires. Dual sport tires can vary in price depending on the brand, size, and features. Make sure you choose a tire that fits within your budget but still meets all of your needs.
By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose the best dual sport tires for your bike and riding style.