Tire Tech 2026: Motorcycle tires target touring, adventure, and track day grip
This article was originally published in the March issue of Powersports Business.
With the selling season about to begin, major manufacturers are doubling down on three high-value segments for dealers — V-twin touring, adventure/dual-sport and track performance — while value brands continue to pressure pricing in off-road and cruiser categories. Here’s a closer look at some of the newest motorcycle tires dealers should be watching, with help from our sister publication, Rider (which has tested many of these).
Dunlop motorcycle tires
American Elite 2
Segment: Cruiser / V-Twin Touring
Dunlop’s American Elite line has long been a staple in the heavyweight touring category, and the new American Elite 2 refines that formula with improvements in wet grip, stability and ride comfort.
The updated design incorporates Dunlop’s Multi-Tread technology, pairing a mileage-focused center compound with grippier shoulders to maintain cornering confidence under load. Early testing points to improved braking feel in wet conditions and better compliance over uneven pavement — both critical for fully dressed touring bikes.
For dealers, this is a core business. Touring riders replace tires consistently and prioritize brand recognition, longevity, and all-weather confidence. The American Elite 2 strengthens Dunlop’s position in a dependable, high-volume replacement category.
Michelin
Road Classic
Segment: Standard Motorcycle / Classic
The retro and heritage motorcycle segment continues to produce steady replacement sales, and Michelin’s Road Classic speaks directly to that audience.
Visually, the tire maintains a period-correct tread pattern suited for classic machines and café builds. Underneath, however, it uses modern construction and compound technology designed to improve wet braking, straight-line stability and cornering feedback compared to older bias-ply designs.
The Road Classic is tubeless-ready but can also be used with tubes for spoked-wheel applications, making it versatile for restorations and custom builds.
For dealers serving vintage, metric heritage or European classic customers, the Road Classic provides a premium-branded upgrade that blends authenticity with modern performance.
Continental AG
TKC80 & TKC70 Rocks
Segment: Adventure / Dual-Sport
Adventure remains one of the strongest growth categories in powersports, and Continental continues to leverage its well-known TKC80 while expanding options with the TKC70 Rocks rear.
The TKC80 front maintains its reputation for predictable performance on gravel and loose terrain, while the TKC70 Rocks rear is designed to improve longevity and on-road manners without giving up meaningful off-road traction. The mix-and-match approach reflects a broader trend among ADV riders who tailor tire setups to their riding mix.
For dealers, the opportunity lies in stocking complementary front/rear combinations rather than single SKU sets. Riders increasingly seek advice on balancing mileage with off-road capability, and tire expertise at the counter can drive add-on accessory sales.
Shinko Tire
Off-Road Line (Intermediate/Hard Terrain)
Segment: Off-Road / Dual-Sport
In the value segment, Shinko continues to compete aggressively with intermediate- and hard-terrain knobby options popular among trail riders and dual-sport customers.
While not a new brand to the market, Shinko’s off-road offerings remain relevant due to competitive pricing, broad sizing and credible performance. For price-sensitive customers — particularly in entry-level off-road and dual-sport categories — Shinko delivers an accessible alternative to premium motocross and enduro tires.
From a dealership perspective, value-tier tires create flexibility in presenting good/better/best options, helping prevent lost sales when customers hesitate at premium price points.
Shinko Tire
SR999 Long Haul
Segment: Cruiser / Touring
Shinko’s SR999 Long Haul targets cruiser riders focused on mileage and highway durability. Featuring an aramid-reinforced carcass and a compound tuned for extended tread life, the SR999 sits below premium touring options while delivering solid dry and wet performance.
For dealerships, the SR999 serves as a strategic step-down product for customers who want longevity but are shopping on price. Positioned correctly, it can help close sales without sacrificing margins across the board.
Bridgestone Corporation
Racing Battlax V03
At the performance extreme, Bridgestone is introducing the Racing Battlax V03, a premium track-only tire launching in Europe and North America in 2026.
Developed using technology refined in top-tier racing — including the FIM Endurance World Championship — the V03 features newly developed compounds and redesigned front and rear profiles to increase contact patch area. Bridgestone reports a 1.3% reduction in lap times with the standard V03 and introduces a new rear “Sprint Spec” engineered for maximum peak grip, targeting sprint races and qualifying sessions with an estimated 1.9% lap-time reduction per circuit.
While track-only tires represent a smaller volume category, they reinforce brand credibility and create upsell opportunities for sportbike customers and track-day participants.
