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Adventure Tires for Motorcycle Travel: Ranked & Reviewed

motorcycle rider on dr650 crossing a river in cape york

Tire choice is one of the most debated topics among adventure riders. It’s highly personal—shaped by terrain, riding style, and what each rider values most.

In our case, long-distance overland travel forced us to be flexible. We’ve run a wide range of dual-sport and ADV tires—from brand new down to the last millimeter—often choosing whatever was available locally. That gave us a unique chance to test a variety of brands and combinations in real-world conditions.

Below is a summary of every tire we’ve used so far, along with our top picks based on terrain and riding style.

Our verdicts are based on 50/50 usage with lighter (but fully loaded) dual-sport bikes. We tend to prioritize off-road capability and longevity, and typically pair a more aggressive front tire with a slightly milder rear.

Bikes & Tire Sizes

    • ▶We tested the listed tires on the following motorcycles: DR650, CRF250L, CRF300L, and WR250R.
    • ▶Tire sizes tested:
      • ▶FRONT: 90/90-21
      • ▶REAR: 120/90-17, 130/90-17, 120/80-18, 120/90-18

Rankings

Front ADV Tire Ranking

Tire NameOn-RoadOff-RoadLongevityTop pick for 50/50 usage
AX41 Adventure Cross - Bridgestone★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★
TKC 80 - Continental★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★☆☆★★★★☆
Tractionator RallZ - Motoz★★★☆☆★★★★★★★★☆☆★★★★☆
MT90 A/T - Pirelli★★★★★★★☆☆☆★★★★★★★☆☆☆
Anakee Wild - Michelin★★★☆☆★★★☆☆★★★★★★★☆☆☆
D606 - Dunlop★★☆☆☆★★★★★★★★☆☆★☆☆☆☆
D605 - Dunlop★★★★☆★★★☆☆★★★★☆★★★☆☆
E-07+ - Mitas★★★★☆★★★★☆testing★★★★☆

Rear ADV Tire Ranking

Tire NameOn-RoadOff-RoadLongevityTop pick for 50/50 usage
Tractionator GPS - Motoz★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★
Tractionator Adventure - Motoz★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★☆
AX41 Adventure Cross - Bridgestone★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★☆
Trail Wing TW302 - Bridgestone★★★★☆★★★☆☆★★★★☆★★★☆☆
Anakee Wild - Michelin★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★
MT90 A/T - Pirelli★★★★★★★☆☆☆★★★☆☆★★☆☆☆
E805 - Shinko★★★☆☆★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★☆☆
E705 - Shinko★★★★☆★★☆☆☆★★★☆☆★★☆☆☆
D606 - Dunlop★★☆☆☆★★★★★★★★☆☆★★☆☆☆
D605 - Dunlop★★★★☆★★★☆☆★★★★☆★★★☆☆
K60 Scout - Heidenau★★★☆☆★★★☆☆★★★★★★★☆☆☆
E-07+ - Mitas★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★☆

Front Adventure Tires

Below is a list of all the front adventure and dual sport tires we tested during our travels, and a short review of them.

▶ TKC80 - Continental

We had it on one of our DR650s on the route from Tasmania to Cape York in Australia’s far north. This is a robust 50/50 tire with good off-road control and solid grip on winding paved roads. We put it to some serious work during our trip to Cape York and it demonstrated good durability and longevity.

  • Off-road ★★★★☆
    Offers good off-road capabilities for control and traction on challenging terrains. 
  • On-road ★★★★☆
    Provides reliable grip on paved roads.
  • Longevity ★★★★☆
    Known for longevity and durability.

Verdict

A great 50/50 choice, although the AX41 Adventure Cross has a slight edge in all categories.

▶ Anakee Wild - Michelin

This tire lasted a journey over half of Australia, from Cape York to Adelaide. During that time, we rode on varied terrains from loose sandy surfaces, through corrugated gravel roads and paved roads.

While Anakee Wild showed decent performance on harder terrains, we felt it struggled with sandy and muddy conditions (so not a great choice for the Outback). 

Having this tire for almost half of our trip around Australia spoiled some of the riding experience, especially when the terrain became loose. While one of us had this tire on, the other had the Motoz Rallyz, and the Anakee Wild on the front was losing traction off-road more often. 

michelin anakee wild front tire
  • Off-road ★★☆☆☆
    Poor grip on loose surfaces, decent on hard terrain.
  • On-road ★★★☆☆ 
    Average performance on paved roads.
  • Longevity ★★★★☆ 
    Offers good longevity, lasting for 18,000 km (11,180 miles).

Verdict

Poor traction on sandy and loose terrain, so not a great choice for Australia.

▶ Tractionator RallZ - Motoz

This is a rather aggressive tire, with intended 20% road and 80% off-road use. We tested it across different terrains from The Victorian High Country to the Western Australia Outback, and they delivered. 

With their superior traction, RallZ tires excel in off-road conditions. Its performance on paved roads was also commendable, although its longevity was a concern.

motoz rallz front tire
  • Off-road ★★★★★ 
    Excels in off-road conditions, offering excellent traction.
  •  On-Road ★★★☆☆
    Fine on paved roads, but a bit noisy and bumpy.
  • Longevity ★★★☆☆ 
    Short longevity of about 8,500 km (5,280 miles).

Verdict

Highly recommended if you plan to do more than 50% off-road.

▶ D606 - Dunlop​

Another very aggressive tire almost exclusively for off-road use. This tire is extremely popular in Australia due to its low price and amazing performance, especially on loose surfaces like sand and bulldust.

It wouldn’t be our first choice for long-term adventure travel though, as they are not great for riding on long streches of pavement on higher speeds.

  • Off-road ★★★★★
    Provides outstanding off-road grip, especially in sandy conditions.
  • On-Road ★★☆☆☆
    Offers an ok performance on paved roads if not going too fast.
  • Longevity ★★☆☆☆ 
    About 9,000 km (5,590 miles).

Verdict

Not ideal for highway use due to noise and bumpiness. If you are going through a sandy desert and do not plan to ride more than 10% on pavement, this is the tire to choose.

▶ D605 - Dunlop

We ran this tire in Japan on our CRF250Ls. It’s a solid budget pick for dual sport riding on lightweight bikes—especially if you’re not chasing high highway speeds (which you rarely do on these bikes anyway). Off-road, it handles well on hardpacked and moderately rocky terrain, but it’s not built for deep mud or soft surfaces. Compared to the D606, the D605 uses a softer compound, which makes it more forgiving on pavement and performs surprisingly well even in wet conditions.

dunlop 605 front dual sport tire
  • Off-road ★★★☆☆
    Good on hard and moderately rocky terrain. Poor in mud and sand.
  • On-Road ★★★★☆
    Performs well on pavement, including wet tarmac. Good for lower-speed travel.
  • Longevity ★★★★☆ 
    Lasted about 10,000 km (6,200 miles) on a 250cc dual sport.

Verdict

An affordable 50/50 tire for lighter bikes up to 650cc. It handles well on pavement, even in the rain, and works well on hard-packed dirt, gravel, and rocky forest roads.

▶ AX41 Adventure Cross - Bridgestone

From the South Australia Outback and Victorian High Country to the wild north of Hokkaido, Japan, the AX41 Adventure Cross front tire showcased remarkable versatility. 

It provided excellent traction in off-road conditions and exceptional performance on paved roads, even in wet conditions.

bridgestone adventurecross ax41 front tire
  • Off-road ★★★★☆ 
    Excels in off-road conditions, providing excellent traction.
  • On-Road ★★★★★ 
    Performs exceptionally well on paved roads, even in wet conditions.
  • Longevity ★★★☆☆
    About 10,000-14,000 km (6,200 -8,700 miles), depending on usage.

Verdict

This is our favorite tire, offering amazing versatility for a 50/50 trip.

▶ E-07+ - Mitas

Now branded Enduro Trail+, this 60% road / 40% off-road dual-sport tire comes in Standard and Dakar versions—the latter featuring a stiffer carcass for increased durability. While slightly road-biased, it performs well off-road on gravel, rocky tracks, and hardpack dirt, though it struggles in mud and sand. On pavement, it offers solid grip, stable cornering, and dependable performance in wet conditions.

mitas enduro trail+ previously known as e07+
  • Off-road ★★★★☆ 
    Performs well on gravel, rocky tracks, and hardpack dirt. Less confidence in mud or soft terrain.
  • On-Road ★★★★☆ 
    Stable and predictable with solid grip on dry and wet pavement; good cornering feel even when loaded.
  • Longevity ★★★★☆
    Still testing, but on lighter bikes it can probably last way over 11,000 km (6,830 mi).

Verdict

Very solid dual-sport choice for long-distance ADV travel, though we tend to run something more aggressive up front when expecting mud or soft terrain.

▶ MT90 A/T - Pirelli

We used these tires on our WR250R throughout our trip around New Zealand. They’re more of a 70% on-road, 30% off-road, but they perform surprisingly well on hard surfaces like gravel, stone, and hardpack dirt. However, they struggle significantly on softer terrain like mud or sand. On tarmac, they offer great longevity and solid performance.

  • Off-road ★★☆☆☆ 
    Offers good off-road capabilities for hard surfaces. Avoid for anything soft and slippery.
  • On-Road ★★★★★ 
    Provides reliable grip on paved roads: fun on twisty road, good traction on wet. 
  • Longevity ★★★☆☆
    Average longevity, lasted for about 14,000 km (8,700 miles).

Verdict

Average longevity, but a great choice for mostly tarmac and occasional hardpack dirt. Avoid in soft or slippery conditions.

Rear Adventure Tires

Below is a list of all the rear adventure and dual sport tires we tested during our travels, and a short review of each.

▶ Anakee Wild - Michelin

We used this tire between New South Wales and Cape York. It provided good grip on pavement as well as off-road, even in loose surface conditions. 

The rear version of the Anakee Wild felt much better and more stable than the front (which we really don’t like). However, a big downside of the rear Anakee Wild is that this tire is VERY stiff. It’s really hard to get off the rim without proper tools.  

  • Off-road ★★★★☆
    Provides reliable off-road traction.
  • On-Road ★★★★☆
    Offers solid performance on paved roads.
  • Longevity ★★★★☆
    Can do around 10,000 to 12,000 km (6,200-7,460 miles).

Verdict

Not our first choice, but if Motoz GPS are not available, this is a good alternative.

▶ Tractionator GPS - Motoz

Tested all over Australia, the Tractionator GPS handled all kinds of terrain without issues. 

With excellent off-road traction and reliable on-road performance, this tire stands out for its impressive longevity, making it our favorite for long-distance motorcycle travel. 

This tire is also reversible which means you can either mount it as a 50-50 tire or mostly off-road.

motoz gps rear tire
  • Off-road ★★★★☆
    Excellent off-road traction.
  • On-road ★★★★☆
    Reliable performance on paved roads.
  • Longevity ★★★★★
    Impressive longevity with a lifespan of 15,000 km (9,320 miles).

Verdict

This is our favorite 50-50 tire, highly recommended for its versatility and AMAZING longevity.

▶ Tractionator Adventure - Motoz

A more aggressive tire option from Motoz Tractionator Adventure is advertised as 75 off-road, and 25 on-road tires. 

We had it on the back of our DR650 in the north of Australia and it displayed impressive off-road capabilities on all kinds of terrains – from sand, and gravel to rocky river crossings. 

Reliable, but a bit noisy on paved roads. A rather moderate lifespan.

motoz tractionator adventure rear tire
  • Off-road ★★★★★ 
    Provides impressive off-road capabilities for all-terrain adventures.
  • On-Road ★★★☆☆
    Delivers a reliable performance on paved roads.
  • Longevity ★★★☆☆
    Offers a moderate lifespan of about 8,500 km (5,280 miles).

Verdict

Suitable for those planning to do more than 50% off-road.

▶ E-07+ - Mitas

The E-07+, now branded as Enduro Trail+, is advertised as a 60% on-road / 40% off-road ADV tire. Like the front, it comes in Standard and Dakar versions—the latter with a stiffer carcass for added durability. The E-07/Enduro Trail (without the +) is more of a 50/50 design.

We mounted the E-07+ in South America and were very happy with both on- and off-road performance. It even handled light sand surprisingly well. Stable, planted, and quiet at speed. Corners well and grips confidently even in the wet.

  • Off-road ★★★★☆
    Performs well on gravel, rocky tracks, and hardpack. Acceptable traction even in light sand.
  • On-Road ★★★★☆
    Comfortable and confident at speed. Predictable in corners and maintains grip in wet conditions.
  • Longevity ★★★★☆
     10,000–14,000 km (6,200–8,700 mi) depending on weight and riding style.

Verdict

One of the best tires in this category so far for us, at least for light dual sports. A great choice for overlanders who want dependable performance across varied terrain without sacrificing road manners or tire life.

▶ K60 Scout - Heidenau

These tires can have different threads depending on the wheel size. For the DR650 it’s the 130-80/17 type, and we felt it wasn’t performing as well as the larger sizes that we had on our old Honda XRV750.

The tire struggled on loose surfaces and while it performed reasonably well on paved roads, the lack of the center strip on this particular size significantly reduced the tire’s longevity.

  • Off-road ★★☆☆☆
    Poor grip on loose surfaces.
  • On-Road ★★★☆☆
    Ok performance on paved roads for smaller sizes.
  • Longevity ★★★☆☆
    Lasts only about 8,000 km (4,970 mi) for 130/80 size.

Verdict

We would avoid this tire for sizes 130/80 and below. The Motoz GPS seems like a better choice in terms of traction and longevity for a lower price.

▶ E705 - Shinko

A more road-focused tire than its cousin, the E805. Smooth, quiet, and confidence-inspiring on the road, with just enough grip for light gravel or hardpack. Not designed for more technical off-road, but a solid choice for riders who mostly stick to the tarmac. We didn’t run it for long, as we usually prefer something slightly more aggressive, but it should easily last 11,000 km (6,800 mi) or more.

  • Off-road ★★★★☆
    Fine for dry gravel and mild trails but lacks traction in soft or technical terrain. Not ideal for long off-road use.
  • On-Road ★★★☆☆
    Strong road performance—quiet, stable, and grippy in corners and wet conditions. Excellent for touring.
  • Longevity ★★★☆☆
    Long-wearing under road-biased use.  Based on our usage, it should last about 11,000 km (6,800 km).

Verdict

A dependable option for riders who prioritize pavement performance and tire life, with just enough off-road capability for mellow tracks to reach your campsite.

▶ E805 - Shinko

We got one of these tires in Darwin, as the local mechanic had no other options in stock. It survived the challenging conditions of the Outback and provided good off-road traction and good enough performance on paved roads. The biggest drawback is its short longevity of about 7,000km (4,350 miles). But they are very cheap!

UPDATE – We ran this tire again in New Zealand on our CRF300L, and it performed well on sand, possibly due to its paddle-like design. We managed to get 10,000 km (6,200 miles) out of them this time.

shinko e805 rear tire
  • Off-road ★★★★☆
    Reliable off-road traction. Good on gravel, descent in sand.
  • On-Road ★★★☆☆
    Average performance on paved roads.
  • Longevity ★★★☆☆
    It doesn’t last long, with a lifespan of around 7,000 km (4,350 miles) on a 130/80-17 size. However, on a lighter bike, the 120/90-18 size can last up to 10,000 km (6,200 miles).

Verdict

Suitable for those on a budget, with reliable off-road traction but average performance on tarmac. However, longevity is poor on 130/80 and larger sizes, though it improves on lighter bikes with 120/90 tires.

▶ AX41 Adventure Cross - Bridgestone

We had this tire on both DR650 and CRF250L and were impressed with its versatility. They have great traction off-road and are a joy to ride on twisty paved roads, even in wet conditions. Their biggest drawback is a rather moderate longevity of around 8,500 km.

bridgestone adventurecross ax41 rear tire
  • Off-road ★★★★☆
    Excels in off-road conditions, offering outstanding traction.
  • On-road ★★★★★
    Delivers a fantastic performance on paved roads, even in wet conditions.
  • Longevity ★★★☆☆
    Offers moderate longevity with durability of approximately 8,500 km (5,280 miles).

Verdict

Highly versatile tires, although they have poor longevity. Recommended for trips of less than 8,000 km (4,970 miles).

▶ Trail Wing TW302 - Bridgestone

Less aggressive than the AX41, this 50/50 dual-sport tire is better suited for riders spending more time on pavement or smooth gravel. It runs quietly and smoothly on tarmac in both dry and wet conditions. Off-road, it performs well on gravel and hardpack surfaces, will struggle in mud or softer terrain. Longevity is decent, though for the price, options like the E-07+ or D605 may offer better all-round value.

bridgestone trail wing tw302 rear dual sport tire
  • Off-road ★★★★☆
    Fine for easy gravel and dry dirt tracks. Avoid in mud, deep sand, or loose surfaces.
  • On-road ★★★★★
    Strong grip, quiet, and stable on pavement. Performs well in the rain.
  • Longevity ★★★☆☆
    Should last for about 8,000 to 10,000 km (5,000 – 6,200 mi).

Verdict

Works fine for riders focused on commuting or touring with occasional light trails, but lacks the bite for more demanding terrain. Cheaper alternatives like the D605 or E-07+ offer similar or better performance with greater value.

▶ D605- Dunlop

A surprisingly well-balanced tire—more capable than it looks for such a mild tread. We used it in Japan on paved and forestry roads in both dry and wet conditions. Smooth and quiet on the road with enough grip to enjoy the corners, yet still holds its own on gravel and hardpack trails. Not built for aggressive terrain, but a reliable 50/50 tire for light dual-sport travel.

d605 rear adv tire
  • Off-road ★★★☆☆
    Performs well on gravel, forest roads, and hardpacked terrain. Limited traction in sand, mud, or steep rocky sections.
  • On-road ★★★★☆
    Excellent on asphalt: low noise, stable at speed, and plenty of grip—even in wet conditions.
  • Longevity ★★★★☆
    Lasts between 8,000–10,000 km (5,000–6,200 mi) with even wear in mixed use. Maintains performance over time.

Verdict

A solid 50/50 tire for riders prioritizing comfort, road stability, and long life—ideal for extended travel on mixed surfaces where the off-road isn’t extreme.

▶ D606- Dunlop

One of the most aggressive but yet still street legal off-road tires. Very popular off-road tire in Australia. Cheap, aggressive, and trusted by many for more challenging off-road. While people report good on road performance the tire isn’t ideal for long-distance travel as it wears down quite fast.

d606 rear tire
  • Off-road ★★★★★
    Exceptional grip on sand, gravel, rocks, and loose terrain.
  • On-road ★★☆☆☆
    Street legal, but limited wet grip and high-speed performance.
  • Longevity ★★☆☆☆
    Poor longevity, for 50/50 usage about 5,000 km (3,100 mi)

Verdict

An aggressive, affordable, and highly capable off-road tire. Ideal for dirt-focused adventures but not recommended for long-distance touring due to rapid wear and on-road discomfort.

▶ MT90 A/T - Pirelli

We used these tires on our WR250R during our trip around New Zealand. They are more of a 30/70 tire. Surprisingly, they perform well off-road on hard surfaces like gravel, stone, and hardpack dirt but are terrible on soft terrain like mud or sand. They offer great performance on tarmac with good longevity. A solid pick if you’re staying off soft terrain!

  • Off-road ★★☆☆☆
    Offers good off-road capabilities for hard surfaces. Avoid for mud or sand. 
  • On-road ★★★★★
    Provides great grip on paved roads: fun on twisty roads, and good traction in wet conditions. 
  • Longevity ★★★☆☆
    Good longevity of up to  11,000 km out of  (6,835 miles).

Verdict

A great choice for mostly tarmac with occasional gravel or hardpack dirt. Avoid in soft terrain. Longevity is quite good.

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