Selecting the optimal all-terrain motorcycle tires is paramount for unlocking superior off-road performance and safety. This guide pinpoints the top choices renowned for unmatched traction, relentless durability, and adaptable handling across mud, sand, and rocky paths. Equip your bike with these elite tires to conquer any adventure with absolute confidence.

The Best All Terrain Motorcycle Tires For Off Road Riding

Let’s be honest. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of pointing your front wheel down a trail you’ve never seen before. The sun on your back, the smell of pine and dirt, and that glorious buzz from your engine. It’s pure freedom.

But that freedom can turn into a frustrating slog real quick if you’re riding on the wrong tires. I learned this the hard way, sliding through a muddy creek crossing on tires that were better suited for a coffee run than a backcountry adventure. The right all terrain motorcycle tires are the single most important upgrade you can make. They are the direct link between your machine and the unpredictable earth. Choosing them isn’t just about specs; it’s about unlocking potential and building confidence.

This guide is here to cut through the noise. We’re going to talk about what makes a tire truly great for all terrain off road riding. We’ll look at key features, break down some of the top contenders, and give you the knowledge to pick the perfect set for your bike and your adventures. No fluff, just the straight talk you’d get from a riding buddy who’s been there.

Key Takeaways

• Choose tires based on terrain: Select tires designed for your specific off-road conditions.
• Prioritize durability and puncture resistance: Off-road environments demand tough, resilient tires.
• Balance tread pattern for versatility: A multi-purpose tread handles diverse surfaces effectively.
• Consider tire compound for grip: Softer compounds offer traction but wear faster.
• Check compatibility with your motorcycle: Verify size, load rating, and fitment before buying.
• Maintain proper tire pressure: Adjust pressure for optimal grip and longevity.
• Invest in reputable brands: Trusted manufacturers ensure safety and performance.

What Makes a Tire an “All Terrain” Champion?

An all terrain motorcycle tire is a master of compromise, but in the best way possible. It’s not a full-knobby dirt tire that vibrates horribly on pavement. And it’s definitely not a street tire that packs solid with mud. It sits proudly in the middle, designed to handle a wide variety of surfaces competently.

Think of your typical adventure day: some highway to get to the trailhead, then gravel forest roads, rocky climbs, maybe some sand, and hopefully a bit of hero dirt. An all terrain tire needs to perform adequately in all these conditions. The magic is in the tread pattern, compound, and construction.

The Anatomy of Grip

Look at a tire. Those grooves and blocks are its language. For all terrain use, you want an open, aggressive tread pattern on the edges to dig into loose stuff, but a more continuous center ridge for stability and wear on pavement. The knobs are usually shorter and more tightly packed than a motocross tire, but way more pronounced than a street tire. This design helps eject mud and stones while providing multiple biting edges for cornering on dirt.

The Rubber Meets the… Everything

The compound is crucial. A very soft compound grips like glue off-road but will melt away in 500 miles on asphalt. A very hard compound lasts forever on the street but will feel like ice blocks in the dirt. All terrain tires use a dual-compound or a specially formulated medium compound. This gives you a good balance of off-road traction and reasonable on-road longevity. It’s the heart of the compromise.

Key Features to Look For in Off Road Tires

When you’re scrolling through endless tire options, keep these key features in mind. They’ll help you understand what you’re really buying.

Tread Pattern and Block Design

This is the most visual clue. Look for widely spaced knobs on the shoulders. These provide lateral grip when you’re leaned over in a dirt corner. The center blocks should be linked or staggered for smoother road riding. Deep grooves between the blocks are essential for self-cleaning. If the grooves are too shallow, the tire will “pack up” with mud and become a slick, dangerous donut.

Rubber Compound and Durability

Check the manufacturer’s description for words like “enduro compound,” “dual compound,” or “long-wearing.” For a 50/50 tire (50% road, 50% off-road), expect about 3,000-5,000 miles of life. For a more aggressive 80/20 or 90/10 tire, you might sacrifice some road mileage for far superior dirt performance. There’s no free lunch here.

Carcass Construction and Puncture Resistance

Off-road means sharp rocks, thorns, and debris. Many all terrain motorcycle tires now come with reinforced casings or offer versions with “Extra Hard” or “Reinforced” sidewalls. These can add weight and make the tire slightly stiffer, but the peace of mind when you’re 50 miles from the nearest pavement is priceless. Some riders pair these with a tire sealant like Slime or UltraSeal for a bulletproof setup.

Top Contenders: Breaking Down the Best All Terrain Motorcycle Tires

Here are some of the most trusted names in the game. Each has its own philosophy, and the “best” one depends entirely on your specific mix of riding.

The 50/50 Balanced Performer: Michelin Anakee Wild

Michelin calls this an “Adventure” tire, but don’t let that fool you. The Anakee Wild is a stunningly capable 50/50 tire. Its tread pattern is deeply inspired by motocross, with large, sharp knobs. Where it shines is its clever sipe technology—little cuts in the knobs that flex for incredible grip on hard-packed trails and even wet rocks. On the road, it’s surprisingly smooth and stable for such an aggressive look. It’s a top pick if your adventure is truly half dirt, half asphalt.

• Best for: Riders who want maximum off-road capability without a punishing street ride.
• Consider: Wear can be quicker than some if you do lots of highway miles.

The Long-Distance Adventurer: Mitas E-07+

The Mitas E-07 (and its updated E-07+ variant) is a legend among round-the-world travelers. It’s famed for its incredible mileage. The tread pattern is less aggressive than the Anakee Wild, with a more pronounced continuous center rib. This makes it superb on pavement and hard-packed dirt roads. It’s a true 70/30 or 60/40 tire. It won’t grip in deep mud like a knobby, but for gravel, rocks, and endless highway, it’s hard to beat. The Dakar version has a stronger sidewall for heavy loads.

• Best for: Adventure touring, long trips where road mileage is a priority, and lighter off-road work.
• Consider: Can be a handful in truly soft or technical terrain.

The Off-Road Biased Weapon: Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR

Pirelli developed this tire with input from their rally racing experience. The Scorpion Rally STR is unapologetically off-road focused (about 80/20). The knob spacing is wide, and the tread is deep. It provides phenomenal traction in sand, loose gravel, and mud. The magic is in its progressive feel; it gives lots of feedback as it approaches its limit. On road, it’s buzzy and won’t last 10,000 miles, but that’s not its job. Its job is to make you a hero off-road.

• Best for: Riders who spend most of their time on trails and are willing to sacrifice some road comfort.
• Consider: Road noise and vibration are noticeable. Tread life on pavement is limited.

The Value King: Shinko 804/805

Talk to any budget-conscious adventurer, and the Shinko 804 (front) and 805 (rear) combo will come up. These tires offer a wildly aggressive, blocky tread pattern that looks like it belongs on a Dakar bike for a fraction of the cost. The performance is shockingly good for the price, especially in dry, loose conditions. They are a fantastic way to try aggressive off road riding without a massive investment.

• Best for: New adventurers, riders on a tight budget, or those who want a dedicated off-road set for occasional use.
• Consider: The rubber compound is harder, so cold/wet traction can be less than premium tires. They can feel a bit vague on pavement at high speed.

Comparing Your Options: A Quick Guide

This table helps you see how some of the best all terrain motorcycle tires stack up against each other based on common riding priorities. Remember, these are generalizations to guide your search.

Tire Model	Best Use Ratio (Road/Off)	Off-Road Traction	On-Road Manners	Expected Tread Life
Michelin Anakee Wild	50/50	Excellent	Very Good	Good
Mitas E-07+	70/30	Good	Excellent	Excellent
Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR	20/80	Outstanding	Fair	Fair
Shinko 804/805	40/60	Very Good	Fair/Good	Good
Continental TKC 70 Rocks	60/40	Very Good	Very Good	Good

How to Choose the Right Tires For Your Ride

With all these options, how do you pick? Ask yourself these questions before you spend a dime.

Be Honest About Your Terrain Split

This is the biggest one. Do you ride 200 highway miles to get to a 10-mile trail? Or is your bike your daily driver that sees fire roads on weekends? A 50/50 tire is perfect for the latter, but miserable for the former. If you’re mostly on pavement, lean towards a 70/30 tire. If you trailer your bike to the dirt, go as aggressive as you want. Your tire choice should match your most common type of adventure.

Match the Tire to Your Bike’s Weight

A heavy 1200cc adventure bike needs a tire with a robust carcass to handle the weight, especially at lower pressures off-road. A lighter 250cc or 450cc dual-sport can use a more flexible, lighter tire designed for pure enduro bikes. Always check the tire’s load rating and recommended rim widths. Putting a tire meant for a light bike on a heavy one is a safety risk.

Dialing in Your Pressure

Tire pressure is your secret weapon. For mixed riding, I often start at manufacturer spec for the road (often 32-36 PSI). When I hit the dirt, I drop down to 18-22 PSI for much better grip and shock absorption. This is a game-changer. Carry a small, portable air compressor to pump back up for the ride home. For deep sand or rocks, you can go even lower, but be careful of pinch flats if you’re not running reinforced tires or a mousse system.

Installation and Maintenance Tips for Longevity

You’ve bought the perfect set of the best all terrain motorcycle tires. Now let’s make them last.

Breaking Them In Properly

New tires have a mold release agent on them that can be slick. Take it easy for the first 50-100 miles, especially on pavement. Scrubbing them in on some easy dirt or gravel is a great way to get past this phase safely. Avoid hard braking and aggressive cornering until the shiny surface is gone.

The Simple Check That Saves Tires

Make a habit of looking at your tires after every ride, especially off-road. Look for cuts, embedded stones, or unusual wear. Check pressure weekly with a reliable gauge. Uneven wear (like cupping on the front) can signal suspension or pressure issues. Catching a small nail early can mean a simple plug instead of being stranded.

Rotating? On a Motorcycle?

You can’t rotate tires like a car, but on some dual-sport bikes with identical rim sizes front and rear, some riders will swap them. The rear tire always wears faster. Swapping a partially worn rear to the front can extend overall life, but be cautious. A tire with less tread on the front can affect steering and wet weather braking. It’s an advanced tactic, not a standard practice.

Conclusion

Choosing the best all terrain motorcycle tires for off road riding isn’t about finding a single “winner.” It’s about finding the perfect partner for your specific two-wheeled journey. It’s the balance between the buzz of the highway and the silence of the forest trail, between mileage numbers and that perfect, controlled slide around a dirt corner.

Think back to your last ride. What did you wish your tires did better? More confidence in the mud? Less vibration on the commute? Let that guide you. Whether you choose the balanced prowess of a Michelin, the marathon durability of a Mitas, the dirt-devouring aggression of a Pirelli, or the incredible value of a Shinko, you’re making an investment in more fun, more exploration, and more freedom.

So get out there, air down, and explore. The world is a much bigger place when your tires are ready for anything it throws at you. See you on the trail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a tire an “all-terrain” motorcycle tire?

All-terrain motorcycle tires are designed with a versatile tread pattern that balances performance across varied surfaces. They typically feature larger, more spaced-out knobs for loose dirt and mud, with a connected center rib or tighter pattern to provide stability and decent grip on pavement. This hybrid design aims to offer competent handling both on and off the road.

What are the most important factors when choosing the best all terrain motorcycle tires?

The most critical factors are your typical riding mix (road vs. dirt percentage), the terrain you ride most often (mud, rocks, hardpack), and your bike’s weight and power. You must also consider the tire compound, with a harder compound lasting longer on road and a softer compound providing better off-road traction at the expense of quicker wear.

How long do the best all-terrain motorcycle tires typically last?

Tire longevity varies greatly based on compound, riding style, and surface mix. A 50/50 tire might last 3,000 to 5,000 miles if used aggressively off-road, while a more road-biased adventure tire could exceed 6,000 miles. Expect significantly shorter lifespan than a pure street tire due to the softer compounds needed for dirt traction.

Can I use these tires for highway riding, or are they only for trails?

Yes, true all-terrain tires are built for both, but with compromises. They are safe and stable for highway use, though they will produce more noise and vibration than street tires and may offer less ultimate grip in wet pavement conditions. Their performance is a conscious trade-off for the off-road capability they provide when you leave the pavement.

Are there specific best all terrain motorcycle tires for heavy adventure bikes?

Absolutely. Major brands offer “Adventure” or “Enduro” specific all-terrain tires engineered for heavier bikes like the BMW R 1250 GS or KTM 1290 Adventure. These tires feature reinforced sidewalls and carcasses to handle the extra weight and stress, with tread patterns adapted for better stability at higher speeds and on varied surfaces.

What tire pressure should I run for the best off-road traction?

For serious off-road sections, lowering your tire pressure is crucial to increase the contact patch and improve bump absorption. A common starting point is to drop to around 18-22 psi for rocky or sandy terrain, but always consult your tire’s manual and be prepared to re-inflate when returning to pavement for safety and to prevent rim damage.