8 Best Tires For Honda CB1000R
The Honda CB1000R is an iconic motorcycle with a long and distinguished history. The bike is known for its power, reliability, and style.
One of the most important parts of riding any bike safely is having good tires that are able to cope with the demands placed on them. Finding the best tires for the Honda CB1000R will ensure performance and safety while we explore the open road.
Off-road options may also be available depending on our needs as a rider. The tire’s construction, tread pattern design, grip levels, durability, and price should also be considered.
Investing in high-quality tires for this bike can make a big difference. Below are what we consider the eight best tire options and it’s hard to go wrong with any of these options as an owners pick.
1. Michelin Road 5
Our number one tire choice for the Honda CB1000R is the Michelin Road 5. Developed with cutting-edge technology, this tire offers improved mileage performance and enhanced wet grip compared to its predecessor.
It also features an advanced tread pattern design, effectively dispersing water away from the contact patch and providing more traction in wet conditions. The GUM-X3D dual compound rubber on the rear increases rigidity, leading to better cornering stability and superior handling.
This updated tire also puts a heavier focus on versatility. It’s a much more reliable option in all weather situations with plenty of sport and sport touring tire capabilities.
Tire Performance
This tire excels on all surfaces. The aggressive lean angles built into the tire’s tread design will provide incredible wet and dry road grip. It’s a terrific tire for various driving and riding styles.
The rubber is explicitly formulated for bikes equipped with powerful engines, providing improved grip when accelerating and braking.
This means riders can enjoy greater confidence even at higher speeds, something significant during long journeys or on winding roads.
What Sets This Tire Apart
This tire stands out because of its wet-weather longevity. The Road 5 has been completely redesigned with new siping technology for improved water evacuation.
The water channels in the tire flare outwards so water can freely flow to assist with hydroplaning resistance. These treads remain consistent for longer than ever before, meaning the tire won’t lose wet traction as it ages.
Benefits of the Michelin Road 5
- Amazing grip on both wet and dry roads
- Not overly expensive
- Minimal road noise and reduced vibrations
- Excellent stability because of the upgraded compounds
Drawbacks of the Michelin Road 5
- Slight wobble when cornering
- Larger treads cause stone ejections when trekking off-road
Where To Buy The Michelin Road 5
- Pricing at Revzilla starts at $212.68 each for this tire
- It’s also available at Cycle Gear for the same pricing but with more sizing options
2. Metzeler Racetec RR K3
The Metzeler Racetec RR K3 is highly resistant to wear and tear due to its specially formulated rubber compound, which promotes longer tire life and consistent handling throughout its life span.
This means it’s ideal for those long journeys where you need a tire to take on anything thrown at it. The tread pattern works well on road and track surfaces, giving you a smooth ride regardless of the terrain.
We love this tire because it’s a W-rated model. This ensures performance and solid tire stability for speeds up to 168 MPH.
Tire Performance
This tire has been designed with precision engineering to provide excellent grip, even in wet and dry conditions. It’s an amazing racing tire with high-flexibility polymers and a combined stiffness structure.
The enhanced profile design delivers maximum performance in corners and excellent stability when braking or accelerating. It also features an innovative grooving system that increases its contact patch with road surfaces, improving grip and riding safety.
The rubber matrix technology has expanded, and the contact patch is enormous. This ensures all riders get a race-level grip in various weather conditions and temperatures.
What Sets This Tire Apart
Its aggressive tread pattern displaces water quickly while providing a reliable contact patch on wet or dry surfaces. The staggered shoulder blocks also give the rider maximum stability during hard braking.
Then the tire’s grooves ensure excellent traction even in rainy conditions. Finding a tire with such precise and accurate handling is difficult.
Its unique sidewall and contact patch design sets the Metzeler Racetec RR K3 apart from other motorcycle tires. They increase cornering stability and help reduce wear on the shoulders of the tread area.
Benefits of the Metzeler Racetec RR K3
- High-speed precision with excellent stability
- Grips well on all surfaces - both wet and dry
- Solid longevity with a durable design
- Available in both front and rear tire sizes
Drawbacks of the Metzeler Racetec RR K3
- Despite their impressive grip, they won’t hold up long-term in cold weather.
Where To Buy The Metzeler Racetec RR K3
- It’s possible to go directly to Metzeler to purchase these tires. They can direct us to local dealers in our area too.
- To buy them immediately online, RevZilla is the best option, with the cheapest size starting at $181.37.
3. Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II
The Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II tire is considered one of the best motorcycle tires. It offers a combination of performance and reliability that cheaper alternatives can’t match.
This Pirelli tire also features an advanced tread pattern that provides optimal grip in wet and dry conditions. The lightweight construction allows for a more responsive ride, and its reinforced sidewalls allow for greater protection against sharp objects.
This hyper sport tire has improved handling, braking, acceleration, and durability compared to its predecessor. We highly recommend this to any high-performance motorcycle rider.
Tire Performance
The compound used in the tread is highly resistant to wear, meaning you won’t have to replace your tires as often as you would with lesser models. It also has special sipes that increase traction while cornering or braking hard.
This makes it perfect for riders who want maximum performance when pushing their bike to the limit. It’s also one of the most comfortable tires with minimal road noise.
Its specially developed carcass ensures stability at high speeds while providing excellent shock absorption characteristics. This means fewer vibrations are transmitted through the bike, translating into a more comfortable ride for the riders.
What Sets This Tire Apart
We love the new internal structure of this tire. It has been upgraded with the new silica and black carbon tread technology, so the sidewall is more robust, and the tire rides faster with excellent stability.
It’s easy to notice the significant cornering and handling improvements too. This dual compound and increased grip with lean angles are also key upgrades and explain the success of this tire today. In the past, a hyper sport tire couldn't handle wet conditions.
Pirelli embraced the challenge and built this innovative tire. It’s one of the most reliable on wet roads in its class today. We also can’t mention enough how improved it is compared to its predecessor tire.
Benefits of the Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II
- Wider slick zone with broad shoulders for better gripping
- Excellent highway speed stability and balance
- High lean angles
- 70% silica compound for improved durability
Drawbacks of the Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II
- Premium pricing
- Won’t last as long as other touring or sport tires
Where To Buy The Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II
- Head over to RevZilla today to pick up this tire. It’s priced at $170.86-$284.19, depending on the tire size.
4. Dunlop Q3 Plus Sportmax
When it comes to motorcycle tires, one of the most trusted and reliable brands is Dunlop. Their Q3 Plus Sportmax tire has been a favorite among riders for many years, and with good reason.
This tire offers incredible grip and stability, perfect for street riding and track racing. It also provides excellent tread life and is highly durable under all weather conditions.
This tire is designed to offer maximum traction on dry roads, wet roads, or light off-road terrain. We love the versatility and longevity it provides for Honda CB1000R drivers too.
Tire Performance
On road surfaces such as asphalt or concrete, this tire's unique pattern helps provide maximum grip in various conditions, so whether we experience rain or snow, we can feel confident riding with these tires no matter what the environment throws at us.
On the track, the Q3 Plus Sportmax delivers precise handling and cornering performance due to its rigid carcass design, which helps maintain control even at high speeds.
Its proven construction also allows superb braking capabilities over irregular surfaces like rubble, debris, or gravel - making this an ideal choice for those looking to explore the race tracks or simply hit the highways at full speed.
What Sets This Tire Apart
The new feature that sets this tire apart is the Intuitive Response Profile (IRP) technology. It creates more latitude and steering predictably, so reaching new speeds is possible.
I noticed much better turning and cornering stability while testing this tire. The grip was superb, and the linear steering improved considerably compared to the Q2 model. I can confidently say this is one of the best lateral grip compound tires I’ve found thus far.
Benefits of the Dunlop Q3 Plus Sportmax
- Amazing street and track handling
- Redesigned tread profile for better riding stability
- Good steering responsiveness
- Solid tread life
Drawbacks of the Dunlop Q3 Plus Sportmax
- Not the best for off-road terrain or wet roads
Where To Buy Dunlop Q3 Plus Sportmax
- RevZilla is the best place to find this tire. Prices start at $171.96 per tire.
5. Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR
The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR is truly next level when it comes to performance. Not only does it provide superb performance, but it looks great and provides an aggressive aesthetic to any motorcycle.
This tire features an optimized tread pattern that provides exceptional traction. The thicker rubber also reduces road noise and minimizes wear and tear.
The tire’s street profile is extremely impressive too. But it’s equipped with off-road knobs that easily drive on various surfaces. It can even handle cold temperatures without wearing down or losing traction.
Tire Performance
Made from a unique rubber compound, this tire can provide excellent feedback even when riding in wet conditions. It gives riders confidence knowing their bike will stay stable on slippery roads.
Not only does this make it ideal for track days or touring rides, but it also makes it perfect for everyday commuting, giving riders the ultimate combination of safety and dependability.
The high silica content compounds are extended, creating a broader contact patch. This allows the tire to stay connected to the pavement despite increased speeds, sharp turns, or sudden braking.
What Sets This Tire Apart
The distinctive design will turn heads whether the bike is parked or tearing up the roads. But the true selling point is the versatile pavement and off-road performance.
The Rally STR has a road-derived profile and a silica compound that performs well on wet or cold pavement. Its profile and compound result in a broad, constant contact patch that gives riders unmatched traction control.
The knob design also adds more durability and off-road performance. This is the ultimate tire for riders seeking versatility and adventure on their Honda CB1000Rs.
Benefits of the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR
- Excellent handling for off-road riding performance
- Amazing grip and stability
- High silica design for better longevity
- Top-notch street handling
Drawbacks of the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR
- Braking and stopping distances could be better
Where To Buy The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR
- Pricing for this tire at RevZilla starts at $166.27 per tire. It also ships for free with pricing matching availability.
6. Continental TKC 70
For the Honda CB1000R riders who prefer a product with on-road and off-road capability, the Continental TKC 70 is a perfect choice. It uses many of the same features from TKC 80 and Trail Attack 2 to create the ideal balance for adventure riders.
The zero-degree steel belt construction is more durable than any predecessor. This eliminates the risk of flats, blowouts, and punctures. Riders can expect much more balance and stability with reinforced sidewalls too.
Tire Performance
This tire has a unique structure and uses an 80% on-road and 20% off-road tread design balance. It won’t work like a traditional off-road tire but can provide enough support on dirt roads and less rugged trails.
The enhanced tread lug size does a fantastic job of improving comfort and performance. They can suppress bumps and road noise, so they ride like traditional street tires but carry some of the durability expected for a knobby off-road alternative.
There is also a central band for road comfort and road noise. It adds better stability to all rear tire models because of customer complaints in the past.
What Sets This Tire Apart
The aggressive siping design on this tire is a standout feature. It helps with trail riding but adds another element of self-cleaning, traction, and grip in various conditions. This is a reliable tire in rain, snow, or dry weather.
We’ve also seen amazing increases in longevity when using this tire. 7,000 to 8,000 miles is the minimum lifespan, according to many customers. The front tires are known to last even longer, up to 10,000 miles.
Benefits of the Continental TKC 70
- Excellent versatility and rated for road and off-road use
- Quieter and more stable tread block pattern
- High-strength construction for improved durability
- Solid grip on wet and dry surfaces
Drawbacks of the Continental TKC 70
- Still not powerful enough to be used strictly as an off-road tire
Where To Buy The Michelin Road 5
- RevZilla has this tire available in a variety of sizes, with prices starting at $116.97 per tire. This is a good budget option.
- This tire is also available at Cycle Gear for $116.97 per tire and free shipping.
7. Michelin Anakee Adventure
The Michelin Anakee Adventure is the ideal tire for the adventure rider looking for a reliable, durable, and safe tire to tackle all terrain.
This top-of-the-line motorcycle tire is designed specifically for off-road rides and rough terrains. This tire provides superior grip and performance, allowing riders to take on any challenge, utilizing advanced technologies and premium construction materials.
Combined with these cutting-edge technologies comes long-lasting durability. This is primarily thanks to its reinforced sidewalls and robust tread design, which guarantees an extended life span for your tires when subjected to challenging terrains or sustained use over time.
Tire Performance
This is not an average motorcycle tire. It has great wet weather handling due to its optimal water dispersion capabilities, keeping us safe while riding through rains or shallow puddles without compromising ride comfort or quality.
The dual silica blend compound is a high-performance design. It helps enhance the tire’s rigidity, stability, and driving speeds. It handles with extreme precision while riding off-road too.
What Sets This Tire Apart
What sets the Michelin Anakee Adventure apart from other tires? For starters, it features a unique tread pattern that combines straight grooves and lateral blocks to provide maximum traction in dirt or mud.
The 3D sipes create multiple contact points, improving braking performance while reducing skidding when cornering on loose surfaces.
The rubber compound used in this tire has been specially designed to remain flexible and reliable in light off-road conditions. This provides a solid grip in cold weather conditions too.
Benefits of the Michelin Anakee Adventure
- Unmatched wet road traction and grip
- Improved internal structure to help with riding stability
- Excellent off-road riding performance
- Above average durability
Drawbacks of the Michelin Anakee Adventure
- Noiser tire than most on highways and at higher speeds
Where To Buy The Michelin Anakee Adventure
- First, take a look at RevZilla to find this tire, with prices starting at $197.56 each.
- This tire is also available at Cycle Gear with similar pricing and sizing options.
8. Shinko 003 Stealth Radial Tire
The Shinko 003 Stealth Radial Tire is the perfect choice for Honda CB1000R owners. I saw this as one of the fastest tires we used, and it’s considered an elite-level sport riding and racing tire for motorcycles.
The tire has a superior tread pattern that provides excellent traction on any terrain, wet or dry. It also provided surprising comfort, which I did not expect when reaching top speeds on my bike. Typically, a tire will get noisy when going this fast.
I highly recommend this tire for drag racers and sport-riding racers. The softer tread compound is one of the most impressive I have ever used, and it’s DOT approved with a durable interior construction.
Tire Performance
The construction also reduces vibration and road noise to ensure comfortable, stable rides every time. The radial design helps by providing an enhanced cornering capability without sacrificing the stability or longevity of the tread life.
The stealth black rubber compound gives this tire an attractive appearance and helps increase wear resistance. It offers a great grip with excellent feedback from the contact patch. I never felt like my bike’s control was in question.
What Sets This Tire Apart
The thing I loved most about this tire was the unique construction. It's powerful and strong, yet agile. This allows me to handle the hot summer temperatures because of the heat dissipation characteristics.
After using this tire numerous times, I confirm that anybody using this tire will love its handling too. You can expect a light feel with more natural steering responsiveness and quick turn-in response.
Benefits of the Shinko 003 Stealth Radial Tire
- Simple design and affordable pricing
- Excellent speed support and stability
- W speed rating with an aramid belt
- Light yet efficient handling and cornering
Drawbacks of the Shinko 003 Stealth Radial Tire
- Not to be used in freezing winter conditions
Where To Buy The Shinko 003 Stealth Radial Tire
- Pricing for this tire starts at $147.60 at RevZilla with free shipping.
How To Choose The Best Tire For Honda CB1000R
Determining the best tire for this motorcycle can be daunting, so we’re here to help. This requires knowing what to look for and how to find it.
A few major factors should always be considered, like tread life, tread width, traction, comfort, etc. We’ll explain the importance of each below.
Tread Life
Tread life is important because it determines how long the tires will last before needing replacement. A highway touring tire typically provides the best results if durability is the number one priority.
Factors like weather conditions and how often we ride will also affect the longevity of a set of tires. Look for tires that have good reviews in terms of durability and wear.
Tire Width
We also want to check out the size and type of tires available for our bike. The correct diameter will ensure the bike has a safe grip on the road and won’t cause excessive wear or tear.
Quality is also essential, as better-quality tires can skid or slip more easily than higher-grade ones and may need to be replaced sooner.
The tread width impacts the bike's handling characteristics, stability, and cornering. These are all important aspects to consider, especially if we want responsive performance on winding roads or fast straights.
Grip & Traction
Traction is something else we want to pay attention to when selecting our tires, as it governs grip in various conditions, such as wet surfaces or bumpy roads. This is especially important for performance riding.
The rubber compound composition that has been used will determine the level of traction. For example, a durable silica tread provides sufficient grip no matter what kind of terrain we are riding on.
Stability & Comfort
Finally, comfort plays an arguably bigger part than it does in cars. Consider softer compounds that improve shock absorption over longer rides but won’t compromise grip levels too much when sharp cornering or braking.
Softer compounds can also provide better shock absorption for off-road conditions. This helps when riding over bumps, so the bike remains on course, stable, and doesn’t lose control at all.
What Tire Size Does The Honda CB1000R Use?
One great thing about the Honda CB1000R is they have used the same exact tire size since production began. The front tire size is 120/70/17, and the rear tire size is 180/55/17.
Adjusting tire pressures is important too. The recommended tire pressure is 33 PSI too.
We recommend only using this size with this motorcycle. It can also damage the wheels or decrease riding performance. Changing sizes is possible, but bike modifications must be made first.
When using this tire size, expect solid handling and a top speed of 150 MPH. This allows the forged pistons to perform as intended, and this superbike can turn heads on straightaways or off-road trails.
What Is The Honda CB1000R Stock Tire?
Honda is well-known in the industry for equipping their top motorcycles with impressive features. This remains true when looking at the stock tire too.
Typically, a brand-new Honda CB1000R has a pair of Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S21 tires. This is a heavy-duty, ultra-durable tire with strong wet road traction. Check out all of the features that come with this tire below.
Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S21
The Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S21 is a high-performance tire with maximum grip and performance in all riding conditions.
This tire is the stock option for newer models of Honda's CB1000R motorcycle, and it is specifically tailored to meet the demands of high-speed, spirited cornering.
If you want top-notch performance from this motorbike, consider sticking with this original stock tire. Honda chose these because of the impressive mix of durability, grip & comfort under difficult riding circumstances.
Tire Performance
In terms of construction, the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S21 utilizes durable compounds explicitly designed for sport bike applications.
These compounds offer a firm grip at all lean angles while providing superior wear resistance over extended periods of use - making them ideal for both track days and everyday riding adventures.
It also has a stiff sidewall construction that offers excellent steering response when confidently navigating sharp turns or tight corners. Everything about this tire represents durability and long-lasting performance.
What Sets This Tire Apart
So what makes this tire so great? The Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S21 features an advanced tread pattern design with three straight grooves, which helps to maximize contact patch without compromising stability at higher speeds.
This ensures excellent balance and bike handling on any terrain, from wet roads to dry race tracks. On top of that, the tread pattern helps disperse water quickly in wet weather conditions for enhanced traction and rider safety, even in challenging road environments.
Benefits of the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S21
- Excellent dry road grip
- Durable 3D cross grooves to create a larger contact patch area
- Dual compound construction with excellent tread wear comfort
- Lower lean angles for handling
Drawbacks of the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S21
- Not the best warranty
- Other owners have reported poor tread life
