Best Motorcycle Tires for Rain

The tires you choose for your motorcycle have a major impact on its performance. They determine the bike’s movement, feedback from the road surface, and the weight and top speed it can safely handle.

These factors come even more into play during wet weather conditions. Aquaplaning and loss of balance and control are the stuff of nightmares. The correct tire treads will help pump rainwater out of the way and enhance traction in the wet.

Choosing the best rain tires for your motorcycle is an investment in enjoyment and safety. So riders need to be aware of the options available to them.

Manufacturers often design new tires to meet specific rider requirements. These cater to different variables. Due to advancements in design and production technology, many tires now perform well in the rain.

Are you looking for a tire that can handle when the weather gets rough? Check out this roundup of the best rain tires for your motorcycle, and make sure you maintain control over your ride.

Elite 4 and Sportmax RoadSmart IV

High-mileage motorcycle riding demands a tire that can withstand extensive wear. It needs to be durable enough to combat road hazards and be pliable to handle terrain changes easily.

Dunlop’s Elite 4 and Sportmax RoadSmart IV are two of the best high-mileage motorcycle tires. They tick all the boxes and perform well in wet weather.

The Elite 4 is an ideal tire for heavier touring motorcycles that are used to haul a lot of weight. The heavy-duty construction makes it ideal for motorcycles like the Honda Goldwing. The Elite 4’s Multi-Tread center compound makes it well-suited for long trips and the new tread reduces uneven wear and directs water away from the tires.

Like the Elite 4, the Sportmax RoadSmart IV is also ideal for longer journeys. Yet, the construction is ideal for lighter sport-touring motorcycles. Its tread grooves cross over one another. This design creates a drainage system that prevents rainwater from interfering with the traction. The tread pattern and tire construction are ideal for lighter sport-touring motorcycles. 

Geomax MX14

If you are in the market for a motocross tire for wet weather riding, the Geomax MX14 is a great option. It is one of the top-performing race tires due to its paddle-like knob configuration and handling capabilities.

The Geomax MX14 delivers next-level performance in a broad range of sand and muddy terrain. This tire also offers improved cornering and acceleration grip, rut handling, and bump control.

The MX14’s tread design and configuration make it ideal for extreme sand or wet and muddy conditions. Notably, Team USA achieved victory by using the MX14 tire in a wet race during the MXoN.

Mutant 

If you are looking for the ultimate wet-weather option, check out the Mutant. The Mutant is one of the most versatile tires available. Come rain or shine, the Mutant offers a high level of grip, especially great for back-road riding.

Due to a combination of lightweight, mono-ply construction in front and JointLess Belt (JLB) construction in the rear, the Mutant offers nimble handling. It also lays down a big footprint for extra grip.

The Mutant can pile on the miles or tackle the canyons. Thanks to Dunlop’s MT Multi-Tread™ technology, it combines a long-wearing center compound with lateral grip compounds on each shoulder.

The Mutant tire features a high silica compound. This material increases grip in wet conditions. Meanwhile, its deep tread channels away water like a wet weather track tire. It is the tire’s tread that makes the Mutant exceptional in the rain.

Sportmax Q5S

If you are in the market for a motocross tire to use in the rain, the Geomax MX12 is a great option. It is one of the top-performing race tires in its category due to its paddle-like knob configuration and handling capabilities.

The Geomax MX12 delivers next-level performance in a broader range of sand and mud terrain through increased cornering and acceleration grip, enhanced handling in ruts and increased bump control. The MX12’s tread design and configuration make it ideal for very sandy or muddy conditions.

Choosing the Right Rain Tires for Your Motorcycle

There is no doubt that getting the right rubber for the rain can be challenging. Motorcycles have a greater risk of slipping and sliding than their four-wheel counterparts. So finding a tire with the right features is paramount.

For professional advice on the best tire for your needs, click here to find your nearest Dunlop Motorcycle Tire dealer.