The 2022 motorcycle gravel tires: fast and grippy tires for gravel driving

If you’re looking for a list of the most productive gravel motorcycle tires, here it is. We’ve reviewed a wide diversity of gravel motorcycle tires over the years, but those are the ones that inspired our verification team.

Driving on gravel covers a wide variety of driving experiences. Dirt roads can be as smooth as pavement, stony roads can have embedded rocks or loose gravel, and some so-called gravel rides can take cyclists down single-track stretches.

There is plenty of terrain and plenty of other gravel motorcycle tires to suit the various surfaces you may encounter when you leave the track. Therefore, it is imperative to decide the right set of tires for your motorcycle and the type of riding. Practices.

If you’re also looking for your ride, you can check out our buyers’ advisor on the most productive gravel bikes, while we also have an overview of the most productive gravel wheels tested through the BikeRadar team.

Elsewhere, you may find our list of the most productive gravel motorcycle pedals useful.

The configuration of your gravel motorcycle will also partly determine which gravel motorcycle tires you can use.

Some gravel motorcycles use 700c wheels and others use 650b wheels, so be sure to choose a tire that is compatible with the wheels of your gravel bike. Smaller wheels will leave room for wider tires if you have little room for tires.

Regardless of the length of the wheel, opting for a wider gravel motorcycle tire will allow you to execute lower pressures for greater comfort and technical ability, just make sure there is enough room for the tires. If you intend to use a tubeless setup, make sure the tyres are tubeless compatible.

From a low-profile tread or a sleek tire to an aggressive, mud-resistant tread with buttons on your shoulders, the tread trend is probably the ultimate detail in your selection of gravel motorcycle tires, and will depend on the conditions of where you ride and the track.

Look for additional puncture coverage if you plan to go to more remote spaces on a motorcycle vacation or if you know you’re riding on surfaces that have a tendency to damage rubber. You can decide on a soft and flexible tire.

One of the most productive integral gravel motorcycle tires, the Pirelli Cinturato M provides excellent grip and puncture protection.

The competition’s tread features wide-space angular buttons with a smoother midline, balancing rolling resistance on smoother surfaces with dust grip and evacuation when trails are more challenging.

A robust, reinforced sidewall helps the tire gain stiffness at lower pressures to prevent twisting or tire damage, while providing adequate puncture resistance.

With no less than five widths in the wheel lengths 700c and 650b, one length for all, as well as black or beige flank options.

The Teravail Rutland is designed for inclement weather and uneven terrain, and is one of the most productive gravel motorcycle tires for winter riding.

The tread has an asymmetrical tendency with crampons angled towards the center, which remove dust and provide intelligent grip.

The low profile of the studs means you don’t get the meaningful drag feeling you can get with winter tyres more openly and, as a result, the Rutland can simply overtake as an “off-road” tyre.

Although this “light and soft” Rutland has a lighter casing than some winter gravel tires, we had no puncture tests. There is a ‘Durable’ style that weighs 100g more.

There are tires that roll faster for drier conditions, however, if you have a genuine gravel tire that fits and forgets, the Rutland is hard to beat.

Wait, it’s not a gravel motorcycle tire, we heard it screaming. You’re right, it’s not, however, if your gravel handling is geared towards poor-quality roads and smoother tracks, a tough classic-style road tire is a viable option.

The exposure is one of the few wheels with a 30mm option, meaning it will be compatible with many road frames, even rim brakes, while also providing more comfort and durability than a natural road tire.

It’s not a smart choice for loose gravel or mud, however, for bumpy side roads and dry rammed dirt, it’s a wonderful choice.

The GR1 Team Issue is an all-rounder with a compact and compact tread that shines in loose and dry situations on a variety of surfaces.

Built on a 120 TPI housing, the GR1 includes nylon inserts in its structure for greater coverage against punctures on the sides.

Terra Speed is located along the Terra Trail in Continental’s range of gravel motorcycle tires. We found it to be a reliable, fast-rolling tire for dry conditions, thanks to its low studs, low weight and the German company’s BlackChilli compound.

Shallow studs accelerate on paved roads, but the trade-off is less grip than other gravel motorcycle tires. Terra Speed are resistant to rainy trails, but they wouldn’t be our first pick for deep mud.

In terms of wear, Terra Speed held up well and we covered more than 3,500 km on those tyres. However, we recommend that you opt for stronger tires if you drive over rocks and roots.

The Terra Speed is tubeless in one position and we find it gently suitable for rims.

The Sector has been designed as a comfortable tubular alternative, and is a wonderful selection for combined surfaces where you don’t want the competitive tread of a full-blown gravel motorcycle tire.

It’s designed to be tough, but its length and structure mean it’s lighter than compromised gravel rubber and also faster on smooth surfaces.

The Rambler Maxxis’ first foray into gravel motorcycle tires and the intensity of the company’s tire wisdom are evident. This tread for gravel is fast and significantly lighter than most of its competitors.

The Rambler’s low-profile blocks are tightened in the middle so they roll quickly, with larger middle and side buttons for cornering.

The 120 TPI EXO housing is very flexible and rolls smoothly on uneven roads. While the width shown is 40mm, the actual measurement on our control tires is less than the published width, making it a smart choice for riders using a cyclocross or gravel motorcycle. with limited authorization.

The Rambler is suitable for smoother dirt and gravel roads. Low-profile buttons paint well on hard terrain and sand on hard roads.

Sitting next to the mid-sized Maxxis Rambler and the sleek Receiver, the Ravager is Maxxis’ competitive gravel tire, well suited for winter driving.

The tire has deep profile side buttons and a tight tread in the middle, which cuts and cleans dust well. The ribbon on the tread that the tire also absorbs moisture.

Despite the uncompromising off-road grip, the Ravager still feels fast on track without the twists that can be felt on softer tyres.

The Ravager offers a simple tubeless setup and we found that it didn’t miss strain tests or show symptoms of premature wear.

The Ravager’s only real problem is that lately it’s only in one size, 700 × 40mm, which is about an average width for tires on those days.

The Schwalbe G-One Overland is more flexible than the brand’s sleeker gravel motorcycle tires, such as the G-One R and G-One RS.

Available in 3 widths, the Schwalbe G-One Overland is a physically powerful tire that was punctured after months of rigorous testing.

The tubeless-compatible G-One Overland is less difficult to assemble, but retains tension once inflated.

When it comes to the tread, the top, scattered buttons on the shoulders help the G-One Overland grip well on dry, rainy off-road surfaces.

For a gravel motorcycle tire, the G-One Overland rolls on asphalt, but it’s heavier than Schwalbe claims.

The latest edition of Schwalbe is a gravel racing tyre optimised for paved terrain and soft gravel.

The G-One R features a dense, thin tread with tight-knit studs and no defined shoulders.

The tire provides a smooth, fast and comfortable ride, while the Super Race carcass provides puncture protection. The casing, unique to Schwalbe’s variety of gravel motorcycle tires, is also believed to reduce rolling resistance.

It’s an all-rounder. The only problem comes from the price, which is particularly superior to the maximum options of gravel motorcycle tires.

The Schwalbe G-One RS Gravel tyre adheres well for a race-oriented gravel tyre on firm, compact surfaces. However, the trend of its semi-soft tread means that traction slides over loose stones and mud.

The tire resists hard remedies well despite its soft carcass.

The 700c tubeless-ready tyre is available in 3 widths: 35 mm, 40 mm and 45 mm. These feature the versatility of a tire already capable in a combination of terrain and surfaces.

Opt for Teravail Cannonball tires for incredibly simple tubeless setup and optimal grip even when the situation gets worse.

The chevron-patterned directional tread is the same as the brand’s thicker 2. 1/2. 2-inch Sparwood rim, flanked by L-shaped side buttons.

While there are more winter- or dust-specific treads, Cannonballs offers impressive grip on puddles and viscous dust, plus cornering confidence and speed on smooth, hard sections.

Choose between this lightweight and flexible version or a more durable one for additional puncture protection.

Originally designed as a cyclocross tire, the semi-slick Vittoria Terreno Dry has rightly earned a position among gravel motorcycle tires on the market.

A low-profile central tread provides speed when needed, while the shoulder tread aggressively provides cornering grip.

However, we found that the lightweight TLR enclosure was vulnerable to damage testing. We highlight the option of reinforced TNT housing on the sidewall and tread, which offers greater puncture coverage for use on gravel. Correct off-road.

Although touted as a dry, hard tire, the Dry Terrain works well in all situations, even the worst (look for a more competitive tire if you encounter deep, sticky mud), providing unexpected grip even on rainy roots.

WTB has continued to expand very gravel and off-road tires. The WTB Resolute builds on the clever fortunes of the popular Horizon and Byway tyres with a more competitive tread.

The Resolute ranks as WTB’s all-weather gravel motorcycle tire. The tread trend features small, square, tightly spaced studs in the middle to minimize rolling resistance with intermediate, strong-looking wide studs to provide intelligent grip on rocky and comfortable terrain.

The Resolute is a natural gravel tire. It suffers a bit of drag and buzz on asphalt, but handles incredibly on gravel and dirt.

If you’re looking for a tire that rolls off the track on gravel and even simple tracks, the Resolute is a wonderful choice.

The Continental Terra Hardpack sits between the brand’s stylish Terra Speed and the maneuverable Terra Trail.

With a low medium tread, it rides well on paved roads and chimneys to be a wide gravel motorcycle tire. Slightly raised shoulder legs provide traction in curves.

The tendency of such a tread is the slippage of the wheels in rainy and muddy conditions.

The Terra Hardpack’s superior volume allows you to decrease tire tension for greater grip and comfort.

Puncture resistance was asymmetrical with the air chambers, so take advantage of the Terra Hardpack’s tubeless compatibility.

Donnelly’s X’Plor MSO allows for simple tubeless installation thanks to its uncompromising sidewalls, but what impresses is its rare balance between speed, grip and puncture resistance.

They are designed for use on a wide variety of terrains, so if your gravel rides consist of a true combination of road and off-road, in town and country, then look no further than the latter.

Unlike some, the Donnellys cut generously. In fact, on our 23mm wide inner wheels, X’Plor MSO tyres inflate one millimetre beyond the 40mm figure on their sidewalls.

However, they’re not the lightest option and their rugged instances mean they’re not class-leading in terms of comfort.

Konda’s Flintridge Pro seeks to balance speed and puncture coverage in a number of varying road conditions.

The tread design uses almost each and every tool in the box, with thin rectangles in the middle, double rows of tiny transition blocks, and many arched slats and studs. and stony roads.

Konda’s sidewall shell (SCT) technology strengthens the sidewalls to prevent cuts and abrasions, and also produces a stiffer ride than some of the softer tyres in this test.

If you want plenty of flat coverage for thick gravel roads, the Flintridge is an option.

Michelin’s Power Gravel motorcycle tires have a shallow profile, with a repetitive curved tread flanked by buttons on the shoulders.

Reinforced from heel to heel, they provided impeccable puncture coverage testing, even on some rough terrain.

For drier off-road situations and combining them with paved sections, they balance speed with grip in corners, helping you retain more momentum, but are limited in rain or mud situations.

The Specialized S-Works Pathfinder 2Bliss Ready is among the most productive semi-slick gravel racing tires tested.

Lighter than its close rivals, the S-Works Pathfinder manages to be incredibly puncture-resistant, yet flexible for comfort.

The tread is made up of an elegant midline and low shoulder studs. It is fast, but lacks grip in corners and is suitable for rain or mud conditions.

The S-Works Pathfinder 2Bliss Ready, Specialized’s first gravel tire, is only available in 700c x 42mm. There are more length features available in the range.

The middle knobs of the Terrene Elwood look like nested tank tracks. All the edges of those blocks are at an angle. This design simplifies the removal of debris between those tight blocks, eliminating the threat of sharp stones making their way through the box and causing a perforation.

This almost non-stop central tread rolls with a lot of desire and a lot of buzz on the pavement and the compacted earth.

You need to take into account the inclination of those tires so that they fully interact with the buttons on the big edges, as the small transition buttons look blurry when gradually tilted towards the corners.

There are many gravel motorcycle tires on the market with 120 TPI casings, but few are as stylish as these. Elwoods over potholes and ruts, transmits less vibration and vibration from the road, while still being quite durable.

The gravel is a wide church and if your ride is lighter on ATVs than off-road, it’s possible that something like the Nano is on your street.

The Nano is necessarily a thin cross-country tire and is one that performs well on looser surfaces, with a useful amount of tread and a large circular profile.

The feeling in the corners on the asphalt is vague, but it’s the trade-off for decent off-road performance.

With WTB’s staggered heel-to-heel puncture protection, the half-band Riddler is a favorite in summer or dry weather.

The tread consists of a narrow midline of square cleats flanked by rows of medium-sized cleats and larger side studs.

Asphalt, hardpack, gravel and sand; the Riddler glides effortlessly from surface to surface and even provides a grip point in more technical dry features.

While the SG2 provides more puncture coverage than the popular WTB tire line, it’s not immune to punctures. We discovered it the hard way, the flint hole was temporarily plugged without much drama.

These tires have earned less than 4 out of five stars, but they are still worth considering if they are suitable for the way you drive. . .

For rougher roads and smooth gravel roads, it’s easy to see why the WTB Byway appeals to riders who enjoy “off-road” riding.

The sleek central tread delivers wonderful power on the road, which is bordered by a tread and finished with steeper side buttons.

In dry and sticky conditions, the Byway SG2 provides a grip point on hard surfaces, roots and gravel. However, on steep descents and in wet and muddy conditions, grip is limited, reducing the feeling of control.

It’s not a year-round tyre, but as a faster option, it’s one that shouldn’t be ignored.

Designed for gravel and dirt, the Tenaci is not the ultimate tire for its weight, however, it works well in the dry and provides grip on comfortable surfaces without being too slow on the road, thanks to a low-profile tread on the core component of the tire.

The Tenaci has a TPI housing and has puncture coverage from one heel to the other.

Panaracer’s GravelKing line includes a mind-blowing variety of variants, and the SK is a flexible off-road that targets dirt and uneven pavement.

Its small block central tread rolls temporarily and works well on dry surfaces. There are bigger mud tyres, and the elongated side buttons don’t convince us at all because they don’t offer the best feeling in corners.

When opting for gravel motorcycle tires, think about where you drive. Consider how much time you will spend on the gravel or dirt track. Think about how elegant or abnormal your paths are and what “gravel” means in your part of the forest. Smooth and fast?Rough and rough?Rocky roads that shred fragile tires?These are just some of the possibilities.

There is no right answer and tyre selection will involve a compromise detail. Gravel motorcycle tires suitable for looser surfaces or dust will inevitably be slower when you take them around the track, while tires with the lightest and smoothest finish on the spectrum will be slower. Being out of intensity in more difficult terrain.

This consultant will walk you through the most important things to consider when it comes to a gravel motorcycle tire, from wheel length to puncture coverage and width. It also answers some common questions about gravel motorcycle tires.

The length of the wheels is the first thing to consider when opting for a set of gravel motorcycle tires. While 700c wheels are quite popular for more productive road motorcycle tires, gravel motorcycles use 650b wheels with a smaller diameter.

The main reason why 650b wheels are used is to be able to use wider tires on motorcycles with limited frame and fork space. Newer gravel motorcycles are increasingly tackling this factor with more clearance for 700c wheels.

If you’re thinking of switching from a 700c pair of wheels to a 650b pair of wheels, first make sure your motorcycle supports either wheel size.

700c wheel pairs tend to be selected by cyclists looking for power on longer trips, or who travel more commonly on quieter roads and gravel tracks.

On the other hand, if the width and volume of the tires are important, a pair of 650b wheels can give you the opportunity to increase the length when choosing tires.

The width of your gravel motorcycle’s tires and tire volume will make a big difference in riding your gravel motorcycle. From narrow 35mm tires to ATV equivalent rubber measured in inches, there is now a wide diversity of motorcycle gravel tires sizes

Your frame and fork will be the most important thing that restricts the width you can travel: check the clearance of your tires with 700c wheels and smaller 650b wheels.

The official minimum clearance between the tyre and frame/fork is 6 mm to comply with the ISO-4210 protection standard. While you can insert a slightly larger tire than the one recommended by the motorcycle manufacturer, it’s not a good idea. It will reduce the free space for dust and can also damage the motorcycle if something gets stuck between the tire and the frame (for example, on the bases).

Another thing is the width of the tire. Before opting for wider gravel motorcycle tires, make sure your gravel motorcycle’s wheels are wide enough to have compatibility with them safely.

Wider tires will allow you to reduce tire pressure, which can increase grip and comfort. It will also increase the contact surface between the tire and the surface on which it drives.

A narrower tire will be lighter and may be faster on smoother terrain and asphalt, however, many points come into play here, adding tire pressure, tire construction and tread.

Ultimately, the width of the tires plays a vital role in riding your motorcycle and what it is capable of. Consider experimenting with other widths to see what is most productive for you, with your terrain and local conditions.

The tread of your tires can have a big effect on the behavior of your gravel motorcycle on other terrain.

The tread extends to the shoulders of the tire and comes into contact with the ground, either in a straight line and when you tilt the motorcycle in the corners.

Typically, locate a smoother midline for speed and efficiency, flanked by raised ribs, which can be tilted on directional treads, and with a steeper shoulder tread for cornering grip.

Tires designed for wetter situations feature deeper grooves and a higher, more competitive tread, as well as a more spaced tread, which helps with dust evacuation.

For drier terrain, you probably locate a low to medium profile tread, or a very minimal tread, or even slippery tires.

Choosing the right tread for your terrain and situations will have a tire that crawls too much dry or a terrifying lack of wet grip.

Don’t be afraid to mount the treads with a more gripy, competitive tire at the front and a faster tire at the rear, as many cyclists do with mountain motorcycle tires.

Pay attention to advanced puncture coverage when thinking about which gravel motorcycle tires to choose.

Many tyre brands will offer other features for use in racing, as well as more sustainable for general driving and cycling, for example the SG2 range from WTB, the TNT carcass from Vittoria or sustainable tyres from Teravail.

This additional puncture coverage can be made larger over the tread of the tire, or also come with the sidewalls for a full bead-to-bead base.

This adds a little extra weight to the tyres (e. g. 50g in the case of WTB SG2 protection). However, unless you’re looking for the lightest gravel racing tire, it can save you minutes at the edge of the track. to fix a tubeless tire.

Protection against thorns, decreased tyre tension and reduced threat of pinch punctures: the reasons for opting for a tubeless setup for off-road driving are compelling.

In our experience, installing tubeless gravel motorcycle tires is also less difficult than ever, so it’s no surprise that the tubeless system is the preferred choice for many gravel riders. This is also the case in mountain biking, the cameraless system on the road takes longer to prevail. .

Almost all gravel motorcycle tires are tubeless compatible, although it’s worth checking before you buy, as well as making sure your wheels are tubeless compatible, if you’re going through tube rooms.

At the end of the budget, some gravel motorcycle tires and tires are still tubeless compatible to keep prices low, so you don’t need to get caught.

The most productive tire length for gravel riding at the end depends on how you intend to use your gravel bike.

For many cyclists, 40mm gravel motorcycle tires are a popular choice because they balance speed, weight, comfort, and traction.

However, newer gravel bikes, and especially those intended for adventurous riding, offer room for wide tires.

The wider it is, the more off-road functions add to the combination, thanks to the extra grip and ability to execute lower pressures, increasing comfort on uneven terrain with less risk of punctures.

As a result, you now see gravel motorcycle tires up to 50mm and even wider, this can come at the expense of weight and speed on less complicated terrain.

The summary is, yes you can.

Many brands are now launching gravel motorcycles that are also designed for use on the road, so putting road motorcycle tires on your gravel motorcycle is rarely as important a concept as it sounds.

Versatility is at the heart of many gravel motorcycles, so if you need to turn your device into a winter motorcycle with wide road tires (and full-length fenders too), this can be a smart choice, especially since you’re going to have plenty of area to play with it.

One thing to keep in mind: gravel wheels have wider internal rim widths than road motorcycle wheels, so make sure your tires are compatible.

Putting road motorcycle tires on a gravel motorcycle will usually result in faster riding, which is wonderful for increasing your average speed if you ride primarily on asphalt, but convenience will be compromised when it comes to smooth off-road excursions.

Compared to a road motorcycle, your gravel motorcycle will also have lower speeds and geometries that will put it in a straighter, less aerodynamic position.

So, even if you install road tires on your gravel bike, you may not be able to maintain the same speeds as on a compromised speed road bike.

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