best high speed motorcycle tires

Affiliate Disclosure: We earn from qualifying purchases through some links here, but we only recommend what we truly love. No fluff, just honest picks!

Unlike other high-speed tires that falter under heavy loads, the Shinko 890 Journey Rear 180/70R16 77H Radial TL Tire shines with its rugged aramid belted construction. I’ve tested it on long highway stretches, and its stability at speeds up to 130 mph impresses even seasoned riders. The all-weather tread pattern grips reliably in rain and dry conditions, making it ideal for long tours.

What sets it apart is its reinforced three-ply sidewall support, which prevents flexing when cornering fully loaded. Its tubeless design simplifies maintenance and boosts confidence during high-velocity cruising. After comparing with other options, this tire offers the perfect blend of durability, speed capacity, and stability—especially for touring bikes requiring a dependable, high-performance tire. Trust me, it’s worth considering for your next upgrade.

Top Recommendation: Shinko 890 Journey Rear 180/70R16 77H Radial TL Tire

Why We Recommend It: This tire has superior strength from its aramid belted radial design, ensuring stability under heavy loads. Its all-weather tread, combined with a reinforced 3-ply sidewall, offers excellent traction and cornering support. The tubeless setup and H-speed rating support speeds up to 130 mph, making it perfect for high-speed touring. Compared to others, it excels in load capacity, stability, and weather adaptability—measured through extensive testing and feature analysis.

Best high speed motorcycle tires: Our Top 5 Picks

Product Comparison
FeaturesBest ChoiceRunner UpBest Price
PreviewShinko 890 Journey Rear 180/70R16 77H Radial TL TireContinental Conti Motion 120/70ZR17 Front and 180/55ZR17Shinko 009 Raven Radial Tire Rear- 190/50ZR17 73W
TitleShinko 890 Journey Rear 180/70R16 77H Radial TL TireContinental Conti Motion 120/70ZR17 Front and 180/55ZR17Shinko 009 Raven Radial Tire Rear- 190/50ZR17 73W
Construction5-ply Aramid belted radialStandard radialAramid belted radial
Tread PatternAll-weather, versatileAll-season, sport touringAll-weather, sport radial
Size180/70R-16120/70ZR17 (front), 180/55ZR17 (rear)190/50ZR17
Speed RatingH (up to 130 mph)–W (up to 168 mph)
ApplicationHeavy touring motorcycles, cruisersEntry-level and budget sport touringSport motorcycles, high-performance street riding
Tubeless✓✓✓
Maximum Speed130 mph–168 mph
Price$220.28$209.99$147.61
Available

Shinko 890 Journey Rear 180/70R16 77H Radial TL Tire

Shinko 890 Journey Rear 180/70R16 77H Radial TL Tire
Pros:
  • ✓ Rugged aramid construction
  • ✓ Excellent all-weather grip
  • ✓ Stable at high speeds
Cons:
  • ✕ Slightly pricey
  • ✕ Heavy compared to lighter tires
Specification:
Tire Size 180/70R16
Load Index 77 (per tire, capable of supporting heavy touring bikes)
Speed Rating H (supports speeds up to 130 mph)
Construction Radial with 5-ply Aramid belt and 3-ply sidewalls
Tread Pattern All-weather, designed for wet and dry traction
Type Tubeless radial motorcycle tire

Many think high-speed motorcycle tires are just about top-end speed and minimal traction, but this Shinko 890 Journey Rear tire proved otherwise. When I mounted it on my touring bike, I immediately noticed the rugged, yet smooth ride it offered.

The radial design, with its 5-ply Aramid belt, gives it a surprisingly sturdy feel, even when I’m cruising with a fully loaded bike.

The tread pattern is something I really appreciated. It’s designed to handle all weather conditions confidently—wet roads or dry, it sticks well.

I took it through some rainy stretches, and it maintained excellent grip, which isn’t always the case with tires that emphasize speed.

Fitting it was a breeze thanks to its precise 180/70R-16 size, which matches my cruiser perfectly. Its reinforced three-ply sidewall gave me extra confidence during tight turns, especially with a full load.

The tubeless setup means fewer worries about flats, and I was able to push it up to 130 mph without any issues, feeling completely stable at high speeds.

Long-distance rides became more comfortable, thanks to its stability and endurance. The tire feels built for heavy touring bikes, absorbing bumps and maintaining control even after hours on the road.

Overall, this tire combines durability, versatility, and performance that I didn’t expect from a tire at this price point.

Continental Conti Motion 120/70ZR17 Front and 180/55ZR17

Continental Conti Motion 120/70ZR17 Front and 180/55ZR17
Pros:
  • ✓ Excellent wet and dry grip
  • ✓ Good mileage and durability
  • ✓ Stable high-speed handling
Cons:
  • ✕ Slightly stiff ride
  • ✕ Not ideal for aggressive racing
Specification:
Tire Size Front 120/70ZR17
Tire Size Rear 180/55ZR17
Tire Type Sport touring radial
Performance Features High-end performance, reliable feedback on dry and wet roads
Intended Use Entry-level riders and economical veterans
Brand Continental

Ever had that frustrating moment where your tires lose grip just as you’re leaning into a corner, especially when the road’s wet or unpredictable? I definitely have, and it’s nerve-wracking.

That’s exactly what led me to try the Continental Conti Motion 120/70ZR17 front and 180/55ZR17 rear tires.

Right off the bat, I appreciated how these tires felt confident on both dry and damp roads. The feedback was steady, giving me a good sense of control without any sudden surprises.

The tread design and compounds seem formulated for all-season riding, which is perfect for someone like me who doesn’t want to switch tires with the seasons.

What stood out is how smooth and predictable the handling was at high speeds. Whether I was cruising on the highway or weaving through city traffic, I felt stable.

The tires also delivered excellent wear resistance, so I didn’t have to worry about frequent replacements. Plus, the price point of $209.99 feels like a solid deal for the performance you get.

They’re especially great for entry-level riders or those on a budget who want reliable, all-season performance without sacrificing safety. The ride feels balanced, with enough feedback to gauge road conditions without feeling overly stiff or soft.

Overall, it’s a dependable choice that ticks all the boxes for sporty touring on a budget.

Shinko 009 Raven Radial Tire Rear- 190/50ZR17 73W

Shinko 009 Raven Radial Tire Rear- 190/50ZR17 73W
Pros:
  • ✓ Excellent wet and dry grip
  • ✓ Long-lasting tread life
  • ✓ High-speed stability
Cons:
  • ✕ Slightly pricier than basic tires
  • ✕ Heavy bike feel at low speeds
Specification:
Tire Size 190/50ZR17
Speed Rating W (up to 168 mph)
Construction Aramid belted radial
Tread Compound Specialized for wet and dry grip
Maximum Tread Life Engineered for long-lasting performance
Application Sport motorcycle rear tire for high-speed street riding

Imagine carving through a twisty mountain road, feeling your rear tire grip every curve with confidence. That’s exactly what I experienced with the Shinko 009 Raven Radial Tire in 190/50ZR17.

The moment I installed it, I noticed its sturdy construction, especially the advanced Aramid belt that keeps everything stable at high speeds.

The tire’s tread design and specialized compound really shine in wet and dry conditions. I pushed through some sudden rain showers, and the grip remained firm, giving me peace of mind.

On dry pavement, it responded precisely to every lean and throttle input, making aggressive riding feel effortless.

What impresses most is how well it balances sporty performance with long-distance comfort. I took it on a few extended rides, and the tire held up with minimal wear, thanks to its high mileage design.

Plus, the fit on my sport bike was spot-on, maintaining that perfect profile for aggressive handling.

It’s also reassuring to know this tire can handle speeds up to 168 mph, meeting DOT standards. That W rating means I can push it on the highway without worries, especially during spirited rides.

Overall, it combines durability, safety, and performance in a package that’s ideal for serious street riders.

If you want a tire that keeps you stable at high speeds, grips reliably in all weather, and lasts longer than most, this is a solid choice. It’s about blending performance with everyday durability, and the Shinko 009 Raven nails it.

Shinko 87-4010 005 Advance Radial Front Tire – 120/70ZR17

Shinko 87-4010 005 Advance Radial Front Tire - 120/70ZR17
Pros:
  • ✓ Excellent wet traction
  • ✓ High-speed stability
  • ✓ Great value for money
Cons:
  • ✕ Slightly stiff ride
  • ✕ Limited to high-speed use
Specification:
Tire Size 120/70ZR17
Tread Pattern Large block type with water-dissipating grooves
Construction Radial with aramid belts
Speed Rating ZR (High speed capable, up to 149 mph or 240 km/h)
Intended Use High speed motorcycle riding with excellent braking, cornering, and acceleration
Water Dispersion Specially designed grooves for efficient wet surface performance

Imagine grabbing a tire and instantly feeling a solid, almost race-ready weight in your hands. That was my first surprise with the Shinko 87-4010 005 Advance Radial Front Tire — it’s surprisingly robust for its price.

Its large block tread pattern immediately screams high-performance, and I was curious how it would hold up on twisty roads.

Once mounted, the tire’s design really shines. The grooves are well-placed to channel water away quickly, which gave me confidence on wet pavement.

I found myself slicing through puddles with minimal slipping, thanks to those specially designed water-dissipating treads.

What stood out most was how stable and predictable the tire felt at high speeds. The aramid belts seem to deliver excellent reinforcement, keeping the bike steady during aggressive cornering.

Even during quick acceleration, the grip felt firm, almost like the tire was glued to the asphalt.

The tire’s build quality feels premium for a tire in this price range. The sidewalls are stiff but flexible enough to absorb small impacts, making the ride smoother.

Plus, at just over $90, it’s a real bargain considering its high-speed capabilities.

Handling on dry roads was sharp and precise, perfect for spirited rides or daily commutes that demand quick responses. The tread pattern also looks aggressive enough to turn heads, which adds a little extra style to your bike.

Overall, I was impressed by how well this tire performed across different conditions. It’s a smart choice if you want a balance of speed, safety, and value, especially if high-speed stability matters most to you.

Shinko 777 Front Motorcycle Tire 130/90B-16 (73H) Black Wall

Shinko 777 Front Motorcycle Tire 130/90B-16 (73H) Black Wall
Pros:
  • ✓ Excellent wet and dry traction
  • ✓ Reinforced heavy-duty build
  • ✓ Smooth and comfortable ride
Cons:
  • ✕ Slightly pricey
  • ✕ Limited size options
Specification:
Tire Size 130/90B-16 (73H)
Tire Type Front motorcycle tire for cruiser motorcycles
Tread Design Includes siping and grooves for wet and dry traction
Rubber Compound Formulated for maximum grip and comfort
Construction Reinforced carcass (Heavy Duty version) for stability
Intended Use High-speed cruising with confidence-inspiring traction

Many people assume that a motorcycle tire designed for high speeds and cruiser rides has to be stiff, noisy, or less comfortable. That couldn’t be further from the truth with the Shinko 777 Front tire.

When I mounted and took it out for a spin, I immediately noticed how smoothly it handled, even at higher speeds.

The rubber compound feels soft but confident, giving you that extra grip on both wet and dry roads. The tread pattern, with its functional siping and grooves, really shines when you’re cornering or braking hard.

I pushed it through some wet curves, and it responded with little to no slip, which is reassuring when you’re pushing your cruiser.

One thing I appreciated was the reinforced carcass of the Heavy Duty version. It offers a planted, stable feel, especially when accelerating out of corners or cruising at highway speeds.

The tire’s profile fits a variety of cruiser models, so it’s versatile enough to swap in without hassle. The black wall finish looks sleek, too, adding to that classic cruiser aesthetic.

Overall, this tire delivers confidence-inspiring traction and comfort, making your rides safer and more enjoyable. The price point of around $125 isn’t bad for a high-performance tire that can handle the demands of fast cruising.

It’s a solid upgrade if you want reliability and grip without sacrificing style.

Related Post:

Leave a Comment