My Experience Testing Sport Touring Tyres: 5,000 Miles Later

As an avid motorcyclist, finding the right bike tyre is crucial for a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable ride. Over the past few months, I put several popular sport touring tyres to the test, covering a total of 5,000 miles in various conditions. In this article, I share my experiences and insights to help you choose the best tyre for bike touring.
Tyre Models Tested
- Eurogrip Protorq Extreme
- Michelin Road 6
- Pirelli Angel GT
- Dunlop Roadsmart IV
- Continental ContiMotion
- Bridgestone Battlax T33
- Metzeler Roadtec 01/02
These tyres represent a range of price points and are designed to offer a balance of performance, comfort, and longevity.
Grip and Handling
- Eurogrip Protorq Extreme and Dunlop Roadsmart IV delivered exceptional grip and handling.
- Eurogrip inspired confidence in both dry and wet conditions, offering excellent feedback and stability even in challenging situations.
- Dunlop matched—or slightly surpassed—the Michelin in wet-weather performance.
- Pirelli Angel GT and Continental ContiMotion provided reliable grip and predictable cornering.
- The ContiMotion, while not as sharp as premium options, surprised me with its well-balanced performance for a budget-friendly tyre.
Comfort and Road Feel
All major brands tested provided a plush, confidence-inspiring ride. Bumps and potholes were absorbed well, with no excessive vibrations or road noise during long touring days. The tyres remained supple across temperature ranges, contributing to a comfortable experience.
Top picks for comfort (especially if buying tyres online):
- Eurogrip Protorq Extreme
- Michelin Road 6
- Dunlop Roadsmart IV
- Bridgestone Battlax T33
Longevity and Tread Wear
Tyre Model |
Tread Remaining @5,000 mi |
Estimated Total Mileage |
Michelin Road 6 |
~4 mm |
7,500–10,000 miles |
Dunlop Roadsmart IV |
Minimal center flattening |
Comparable to Michelin |
Pirelli Angel GT |
Slight cupping |
5,000–6,000 miles |
Continental ContiMotion |
Even wear |
7,000+ miles (moderate use) |
Real-world lifespan will vary with bike model, riding style, and road conditions. High-end sport touring tyres generally maintain their performance envelope for ≈5,000 miles before replacement.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Advancements in wet grip, handling consistency, and tread life make modern sport touring tyres a solid investment.
- Premium performance: Michelin Road 6, Dunlop Roadsmart IV — exceptional safety, confidence, and longevity for long tours and daily use.
- Best value: Eurogrip Protorq Extreme — strong performance at a lower price point. Inspect frequently and ride within its limits.
When ready to buy tyres online, choose a reputable retailer offering a wide selection at competitive prices. Eurogrip’s Protorq Extreme range strikes a balance of performance, durability, and value for quality-conscious riders.
No matter which tyre you choose, regular checks for tread wear, pressure, and sidewall condition are essential—especially after 5,000 miles. By investing in the best tyre for bike touring and maintaining it properly, you’ll enjoy many more miles of confident, comfortable riding.