9 Best Tires For Ducati Superleggera
The Ducati Superleggera is a powerful and luxurious sports motorcycle built with only the best components. It has a 998cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine with exceptional aerodynamics, a lightweight frame, and exotic parts, making it an absolute beast on the road.
Investing in quality tires is essential to owning a motorcycle, as they are necessary to keep your bike running optimally and safely. With many different brands and options, picking the best tires for our Ducati Superleggera can be confusing.
The technologically advanced production Ducati Superleggera is known for the FIM Superbike World Championship. It’s a street legal motorcycle made from carbon fiber components. The Ducati Superleggera is one of the most impressive bikes available today.
This guide will provide information on some of the top-rated options on the market today so that you can make an informed decision when it comes time to purchase a new set of tires. Check out these tires below.
1. Dunlop Q5 Sportmax
The Dunlop Q5 Sportmax tire is our top choice for the performance-optimized Ducati Superleggera. It’s designed to provide exceptional grip and better stability in dry conditions while still maintaining its sporty feel.
It features an advanced silica dual compound that helps it maintain high traction even at higher temperatures. Its tread pattern ensures superior water evacuation, allowing riders to stay composed in the rain.
With its optimized profile and tire structure, the Q5 offers a smoother ride on uneven surfaces and changes in surface texture, giving us greater confidence in our rides. Whether we plan to carve corners or take on long-distance trips, this tire efficiently delivers top performance.
Expect to pay premium pricing for this tire because it’s not cheap. But it’s one of the best I’ve found for the Superleggera because of the enhanced construction profile. This is one of the best race replica tires with a racing compound developed for speed and comfort.
The Carbon Black content in the tread design is fantastic too. Dunlop used Carbon R technology to mix traction resin and other curatives to ensure this tire performed better than the Q4 model.
Benefits of the Dunlop Q5 Sportmax
- Warms up faster in colder temperatures to remain flexible
- No tire warmers are required
- Runs on closed streets and tracks with excellent speed
- Amazing wet road handling
Drawbacks of the Dunlop Q5 Sportmax
- More expensive than other options because of the high-performance dual compound
Where To Buy The Dunlop Q5 Sportmax
- RevZilla has this tire available in many sizes for only $204.29 per tire.
- This tire is also available at Cycle Gear with fast shipping and delivery times.
2. Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3
The Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 tire is also approved for use on the Ducati Superleggera. This highly innovative tire delivers unmatched performance under all riding conditions, no matter what twisty roads throw at us.
This tire gives riders assurance when cornering hard or tackling winding roads quickly by featuring an improved profile design. Pirelli engineers developed this racing compound to create a popular race replica tire.
Pirelli's proprietary tread pattern ensures good wet grip levels, too, so that sudden storms won't spoil our fun. I noticed much better bike control when the rain started to fall once I installed this tire on my Superleggera.
I found enhanced steel cords inside the tire with wider angle shoulders to help with leaning and overall tire stability. This is one reason the tire can handle precision and corners with maximum confidence at higher speeds.
The "flash" tread pattern is a new design and innovation from Pirelli. It’s an upgraded model from the V2 to create more constant grip and tire stability when driving fast or aggressively. Pirelli also acts as the exclusive tire supplier to Ducati.
Benefits of the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3
- Improved aggressive riding, handling, and tire stability
- Racetrack and competition-like performance
- Incredible tire durability and tread life
- Best wet traction for a race replica tire type
Drawbacks of the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3
- This is not a reliable winter or cold-weather tire choice
- Expensive
Where To Buy The Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3
- Expect to pay a lot for this tire, but RevZilla is the best place to find it widely available at $221.94 per tire.
- It’s also available at Cycle Gear for the same pricing and plenty of sizing options.
3. Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22
My experience with the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 motorcycle tire was outstanding. I have ridden many different tires in my lifetime, but this one stands out.
For starters, the grip that these tires offer is impressive. They provide excellent traction on wet and dry surfaces, which makes them ideal for sporty rides.
The wear and tear on this tire has been far better than most of the other motorcycle tires I've used before. They last quite a few thousand miles before having to be replaced, and you don’t even notice it when they start to wear down.
The tread design also looks impressive and gives your bike an extra edge regarding styling and performance capabilities. It perfectly suits the level of performance expected while riding the Ducati Superleggera.
On top of all that, the price point for these Bridgestones is surprisingly reasonable considering their quality level. It's challenging to find a tire that offers such a good grip and long-lasting performance without having to pay an arm and a leg for it.
As someone who enjoys spirited riding through various conditions, this tire has become my go-to choice whenever I need replacements or to upgrade my current set-up for dry traction.
Benefits of the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22
- Faster & more precise cornering in dry conditions
- Increased speed stability in wet conditions
- Updated tread pattern with a dual front and triple rear rubber compound
- Solid long-term tread life
Drawbacks of the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22
- This tire won’t hold up well when temperatures drop to freezing levels
Where To Buy The Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22
- Find this tire at RevZilla. Prices begin at $126.86 per tire, with several sizing options to pick from.
- We also like to shop with Cycle Gear for this tire because of the similar pricing and sizing options.
4. Shinko 705 Dual Sport Tire
When I decided to test the Shinko 705 Dual Sport Tire on the Ducati Superleggera, I was surprised at how well it performed. I realized this is one of the top tires for this model.
I'm incredibly impressed with its performance so far. It provides superior performance in both on-road and off-road conditions. The balanced tread pattern also helps ensure a comfortable ride over all surfaces while providing stability at high speeds.
After installation, I immediately noticed increased grip on wet and dry roads thanks to its rubber compound explicitly designed for better highway traction. This is great because I don’t have to sacrifice handling characteristics when taking my bike onto dirt tracks or other off-road terrains.
I now feel more confident tackling challenging terrain without worrying about punctures or damage if something unexpected arises. The compound is a 4-ply construction, and it’s shown to resist tears and punctures well.
The construction of this tire also includes special sidewall reinforcements, which offer much-needed protection against impacts from rocks, roots, and obstacles. It’s not the best off-road tire but it can handle light off-road conditions.
Benefits of the Shinko 705 Dual Sport Tire
- 80% highway & street riding and 20% light trail riding tread design
- Versatile tread design for both wet and dry conditions
- Reinforced tire sidewalls to resist punctures and flats
- Low price and affordable for all riders
Drawbacks of the Shinko 705 Dual Sport Tire
- Not the longest-lasting tire
- Road noise is noticeable on highways
Where To Buy The Shinko 705 Dual Sport Tire
- RevZilla sells this tire for as low as $71.96 per tire with free shipping available.
- Cycle Gear also has this tire available with excellent delivery times.
5. Continental TKC 70
I found the Continental TKC 70 tires to have excellent grip and handling on all terrain, from dirt roads to city streets. My first impression when putting on a set of TKC 70 tires was their lightweight and rugged construction.
They were lightweight and had reinforced sidewalls and aggressive treads, giving them incredible traction in mud, sand, and rocky terrain. On top of that, the tire allowed for excellent braking power, which always comes in handy when you least expect it.
They offer excellent stability during cornering and braking, which is vital for a safe ride. The tires also protect against flats, so I can travel confidently, knowing that I'm covered in case of an unexpected puncture.
Where this tire shined was in its grip on slick surfaces such as wet rocks or snow-covered trails. The combination of small knobs on its large tread blocks allowed maximum contact with any surface.
This tire has given me a superior grip in even the most treacherous conditions without sacrificing handling performance or ride comfortability. I’d recommend it to any Superleggera owner who needs an 80% on-road, 20% off-road balanced tire.
Benefits of the Continental TKC 70
- Aggressive siping and self-cleaning design for off-road performance
- Free three-year roadside warranty included
- Above-average high-speed and highway stability
- Solid tread life for a tire in its class
Drawbacks of the Continental TKC 70
- Off-road braking distances could be better
- Snow and ice performance is not as good as I expected
Where To Buy The Continental TKC 70
- Starting at $116.97, this tire can be purchased at RevZilla. They have tons of sizing options to pick from too.
- Cycle Gear also sells this tire at this same price point.
6. Michelin Power GP Tire
The Michelin Power GP Tire offers superior performance to other models in its class. Its ability to grip any surface makes it an excellent choice for driving through twisty turns and open highways.
A pair of Michelin Power GP tires for this bike is wise. The ride quality is so smooth. I haven't skidded across corners since installing them.
The Power GP tire has an innovative tread pattern that offers superior cornering accuracy at higher speeds, enhanced dry performance, and predictable acceleration on dry surfaces.
The grooves help evacuate water from the contact patch for improved wet weather braking and overall grip when navigating slippery roads.
As far as comfort goes, these tires are some of the most comfortable riding ones out there thanks to their patented XST+ sipes technology, which reduces vibrations by dampening road noise levels and enhances feedback from the bike. This makes each turn feel smooth and precise.
Benefits of the Michelin Power GP Tire
- 50 % road and 50% track tire design
- Adaptive Casing Technology for improved grip and comfort
- Optimized tire profile to reach maximum riding speeds
Drawbacks of the Michelin Power GP Tire
- Not a tire worth using in the winter
Where To Buy The Michelin Power GP Tire
- RevZilla is a no-brainer place to buy this tire for $219.96 per tire.
- The Power GP tire is also available at Cycle Gear for the same price.
7. Pirelli Sport Demon Tire
The Pirelli Sport Demon Tire is excellent for fast riders looking for speed and road feedback. It has an impressive line between control and traction, making it ideal when going around corners or accelerating quickly on straightaways.
The unique pattern means no need to worry about skidding or hydroplaning while riding wet surfaces. This tire also offers superior mileage, which is great for saving money in my pocket as I rack up miles on my bike every weekend.
Its advanced tread pattern and innovative technologies give me peace of mind knowing that I can hit the open road with confidence. The bias-ply construction and blackwall design make this a stable handling tire too.
It’s available in multiple speed rating models so Superleggera owners can get one based on their preferences. The tread profile also has wider water evacuation grooves to help with wet conditions.
Benefits of the Pirelli Sport Demon Tire
- Multi-radius tread profile for improved wet and dry road traction
- One of the longest-lasting tires I’ve found for this bike
- Quiet and comfortable riding on highways
- Wide range of sizes and speed ratings to choose from
Drawbacks of the Pirelli Sport Demon Tire
- I wasn't impressed with the cornering on this tire
Where To Buy The Pirelli Sport Demon Tire
- This tire can be found for $131.92 each at RevZilla today.
- It’s also available at Cycle Gear, where buyers can take advantage of generous free shipping and other discounts.
8. Continental Twinduro TKC80 Dual Sport Tire
As an adventure rider, I’m always looking for the perfect tire to handle all terrain. The Continental Twinduro TKC80 Dual Sport Tire is one of the best dual sport tires on the market and worth considering if you’re in the market for a new set.
First, these tires boast incredible traction in wet and dry conditions thanks to their advanced tread pattern, which provides an excellent grip even at steep angles. This allows for confident cornering performance and reliable control over slippery surfaces like mud or gravel.
The combination of soft rubber compounds used to construct this tire allows it to give great feedback from the ground surface without sacrificing durability or longevity. The significant aerodynamic load generated from this single compound is impressive too.
I've never used this tire and needed to replace it early because of wear and tear. Plus, it has an incredibly long lifespan due to its robust construction. This also helps ensure we get our money’s worth out of each set.
The 40% on-road and 60% off-road compound design makes this a unique tire. It isn’t our favorite option, but no other tire is available to provide this type of off-road driving support for the Ducati Superleggera.
Benefits of the Continental Twinduro TKC80 Dual Sport
- Wide block tread pattern for optimal off-road traction performance
- Top-notch braking distances, especially in wet conditions
- Self-cleaning tread design
- High cornering stability
Drawbacks of the Continental Twinduro TKC80 Dual Sport
- A heavy tire that adds weight to the bike
- Surprisingly not as sharp as expected on the ice
Where To Buy The Continental Twinduro TKC80 Dual Sport
- This is a premium tire with prices starting at $178.43 per tire at RevZilla.
- It’s also available in a few more sizes at Cycle Gear.
9. Pirelli MT75 Tire
Upgrading to the Pirelli MT75 was a fantastic decision. I tried these tires, and I'm impressed. The ride is smoother and remarkably comfortable - even when I push harder on the open highway.
I also noticed how well this tire handled, displaying excellent grip in wet and dry conditions. It will provide plenty of stability when cornering or taking off from a light.
Reaching faster speeds can intimidate riders, but this tire offers excellent stability under braking, making them reliable in emergencies. And unlike other sport touring tires, the Sport Demons don't suffer much wear even after prolonged use.
In short, the Pirelli MT75 is an excellent choice for sport touring and everyday riding needs. I couldn't be more pleased with my purchase. I highly recommend it to anybody looking for a reliable tire that won't break their wallet.
Benefits of the Pirelli MT75
- Reliable wet and dry road traction and handling
- Longer tread life
- Superior grip profile
- Tubeless design with a classic look
Drawbacks of the Pirelli MT75
- Solid stability, but it can get noisy on the highway
Where To Buy The Pirelli MT75
- This tire is available at RevZilla for $124.12 per tire.
Buying Guide: Factors To Consider For Ducati Superleggera Tires
There is more to think about than just a tire's brand name or price. We have listed the most important factors to consider when finding a tire for the Superleggera motorcycle.
Tire Type & Size
First and foremost, it is essential to consider if the tire is compatible with the model of the bike. Due to its unique chassis design and requirements, many stock tires won’t work properly or even fit correctly on a Ducati Superleggera.
Luckily, tons of aftermarket options are designed for these machines, so ensure any new tires can accommodate them before purchasing. The same is true with the tire type.
Tread Depth & Pattern
The next factor to consider is the tire's tread depth and pattern. This dramatically impacts the tire’s ability to handle different terrains and create traction in wet or dry road conditions.
For maximum performance on wet roads, look for tires constructed from durable silica or carbon black rubber compounds, which offer excellent grip in all weather conditions. Any new set of tires should include an aggressive tread pattern enabling optimal traction on dry and wet pavement.
Load Capacity
As a rider, I'm constantly aware of the importance of tire load capacity. Selecting a suitable load-capacity tire is essential to staying safe and enjoying my ride.
Tire load capacity measures how much weight each tire can safely support while in motion. This includes the motorbike itself and any extra weight like luggage or passengers that may be carried onboard.
Tires with a low load rating will mean they cannot take the extra weight and could cause serious handling problems or blowouts if pushed too hard on certain road surfaces.
Construction Style
The construction style can also directly impact the way a tire performs. Both bias-ply and radial tires will work with this bike, but it’s worth considering the benefits of each.
You will notice more flexibility from a bias-ply tire. The radial tire is better suited for off-road riding because it lacks highway comfort and versatility.
Speed Rating
Lastly, always consider the speed rating of a tire. This is especially true for this Ducati bike because it has a maximum speed of up to 200 MPH.
What Is The Ducati Superleggera Tire Size?
The Ducati Superleggera V4 utilizes a unique design, allowing for staggered tire sizing. This means the rear tire is larger than the front tire, but the rider hardly notices it because it creates more riding stability.
The front tire size is 120/70 ZR17. The rear tire size is 200/60 ZR17. The wider rear tire also lets the motorcycle carry more weight in the back while keeping tire pressure the same in the front and the back.
This design also absorbs road bumps, vibrations, and shocks much better. Getting to faster speeds is more stable, and riders feel comfortable while riding.
How Fast Does The Ducati Superleggera Go?
The Ducati Superleggera has an official top speed of 200 mph. This makes it one of the fastest-production motorcycles in the world. But it generates speed and power because it's so lightweight.
As a fan of Italian motorcycles, I know all about the Ducati Superleggera. It's one of Ducati's most influential and iconic models ever produced, and it just keeps getting faster.
Its power comes from its V4 engine, which produces 234 hp with 93 lb-ft torque. The high power output combined with its lightweight design means that this bike can easily reach its impressive top speed limit.
Aside from being incredibly fast, the Ducati Superleggera is also packed with technological features such as electronic suspension adjustment, traction control, launch control, and more.
Types Of Tires For The Ducati Superleggera
I'm Ducati Superleggera's proud owner, and it's an incredible machine with a challenging performance target. With its lightweight design and powerful engine, it's no surprise that this bike can top speeds of more than 200 mph.
But I still need to consider my tires: what kind should I be using for this beast?
Sport/Performance Tire
For those planning to take their Ducati Superleggera out for speed and handling, a sport/performance tire is an absolute must.
These tires have been specifically engineered with higher grip levels, so you can push your bike to its limits without worrying about slippage or poor handling due to poor traction levels.
Sport Touring Tire
Sport Touring tires are the best of both worlds. This tire will add the performance of a sport tire with the longevity and comfort of a touring tire.
We recommend this tire for long trips because it still allows the Superleggera to reach top speeds and handle with precision. Expect excellent wet-weather performance from this tire type too.
Competition Tire
Consider a competition tire if you want something slightly more robust but still intended for track use. These models fall somewhere between dedicated sports tires and touring ones regarding performance.
They’ll give you great flexibility when it comes time to tackle winding roads or straights at high speeds, yet still, be durable when used for many miles.
Street Tire
If racing isn't the focus but getting from Point A to Point B in style, street tires are best suited for the bike.
Street tires come in various compounds ranging from very comfortable on wet surfaces to ultra-high performance options. Even under challenging braking conditions, they provide significant grip levels and offer precise ride comfort and stability on highways.
Touring Tire
Consider investing in a pair of touring treads for those wanting something more suited towards longer-distance riding trips where speed isn’t necessarily critical.
They feature substantial flat profile soft-compound sidewalls. This improves durability while providing smooth rolling resistance making it easier to navigate tight turns. This Ducati bike has a Challenging performance target set for riders to meet, but this tire can handle it.
Can You Use Different Front & Rear Tires On The Ducati Superleggera?
Using different front and rear tires is possible, but we advise against it. Finding two compatible tires would be a significant hassle, and replacing them when worn out would be equally challenging.
I also tested this theory and noticed significantly better performance from the bike with two of the same tires than the one using a different front and rear model. The responsiveness is much more precise, and the handling is sharp.
Another critical difference between the two was the ability to stop quickly. The bike with two of the same tires performed 15% better, and I always felt much more in control of my bike. The challenging performance target required for this bike also must be considered.
How To Replace The Tires On The Ducati Superleggera
If you're the proud owner of a Ducati Superleggera, you know it's an impressive machine. It has a sleek, aggressive look and offers incredible performance on the street or track.
But to get the most out of your Ducati, you must ensure its tires are in good condition. Replacing them regularly is vital to keeping your bike running at its best. I’ll walk you through how to replace the tires on your Ducati Superleggera.
The first step is ensuring we have all the necessary tools and supplies before starting any work. We will need a torque wrench, a tire lever, some tire seals (if needed), and an appropriate lubricant such as WD40 or graphite powder for easy assembly.
Once everything is ready, loosen the wheel axle nuts using your torque wrench set at 32Nm (23ft/lbs). Remove both wheels from their respective sides using either side stands or lift straps, so they don’t rest directly on concrete.
Once installing the new tire, just make sure the valve seat & lip are locked correctly within the alloy wheel surface, then top up pressure accordingly. Lastly, check the entire setup before refitting the rear swingarm back onto the bike.
