Best Dual Sport Tires: What Fits Your Ride in 2025
Evan Rally
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Dual‑sport rubber keeps you alive on the highway and lets you play in the dirt. It’s your only contact with the world – get the wrong set and you’ll spend more time sliding than smiling. The right set, however, will give you confidence on rain‑soaked roads, inspire you on mountain twisties, and still claw through sand or mud when the pavement ends.
Picking that sweet spot is tougher than it looks because price doesn’t always equal performance, and that 50/50 rating on the label rarely matches how the tire feels on your bike. Some of the street‑biased tires howl louder than full knobbies, a few aggressive off‑road patterns actually behave nicely on pavement, and there are bargains that last almost as long as premium sets.
In this guide we’ll look at our favorite dual‑sport tires for 2025, with options for riders who spend most of their time on asphalt, those who split their miles evenly, and those who live for the trail.
We’ll compare them head to head, tell you where they shine and where they don’t, and share stories from riders who actually wore them out.
Which Tire Fits Your Riding? Defining the Ratios
Dual‑sport and adventure tires are often described by an on‑road/off‑road ratio.
An 80/20 tire is tuned for mostly pavement use; it typically has shallow grooves and continuous rubber down the center for smooth running and long life. A 50/50 tire splits the difference, giving you moderately aggressive tread blocks and a stronger carcass for rocks or ruts. A 40/60 or 30/70 tire is built to dig; the tread blocks are tall and widely spaced to clear mud and sand.
In reality, these numbers are fuzzy marketing labels. A “50/50” like Dunlop’s Trailmax Mission behaves more like a 60/40 road tire because of its closed tread pattern, while Dunlop’s Trailmax Raid uses a 60/40 off‑road pattern but still hugs pavement like a sport‑touring tire. Use the ratio as a rough guide, then look at the tread design, compound, and rider reviews.
Our picks cover Street-Biased, 50/50, Off-Road, and Budget tires—plus three favorites that shine for touring, pavement, and trails.
Best for Long Journeys 
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Best for Quiet Touring 
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Best for Rugged Trails 
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A balanced 50/50 tire with excellent on-road stability and lifespan that often outlasts knobbier competitors. | This tire offers remarkably quiet, confident performance on wet and dry pavement while retaining decent gravel capability. | An aggressive dual-sport tire that digs into sand and mud yet still behaves predictably on the tarmac. |
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A balanced 50/50 tire with excellent on-road stability and lifespan that often outlasts knobbier competitors.
- Stable and smooth on pavement
- Outstanding tread longevity
- Good grip on dirt and gravel
- Tough sidewalls resist damage
- Harder to mount due to stiff sidewalls
- Weak in deep mud or loose sand
This tire offers remarkably quiet, confident performance on wet and dry pavement while retaining decent gravel capability.
- Excellent grip on wet and dry pavement
- Quiet ride for a tire with knobby looks
- Good braking traction on gravel and dirt
- Durable tread with long mileage life
- Can produce noticeable road noise
- Not suited for deep mud or loose sand
An aggressive dual-sport tire that digs into sand and mud yet still behaves predictably on the tarmac.
- Grips rock, sand, and loose terrain with confidence
- Handles highway curves well despite knobby blocks
- Impressive durability in off-road-biased rides
- Outstanding braking performance on mixed surfaces
- Center tread wears down faster with mostly road use
- Road noise and vibration noticeable at high speeds
Street‑Biased Adventure Tires (80/20 & 70/30)
These tires are perfect for riders who spend most of their miles on pavement but still venture onto fire roads or gravel. They tend to be quiet, provide strong wet grip, and last longer than more aggressive tires. Expect them to handle like a sport‑touring tire on the road while still looking adventurous enough to get you to your favorite campsite.
Michelin Anakee Adventure – Stable and Confident on Wet Pavement
Michelin positioned the Anakee Adventure as an 80/20 tire, but its performance feels much closer to a 90/10. The secret is Michelin’s dual‑compound 2CT and 2CT+ technology. A softer silica‑rich compound at the edges improves traction at lean angles, while a harder center compound keeps the tire stable under heavy loads and reduces wear.
Riders love how planted the Anakee feels in the rain. In independent testing the tires delivered excellent grip on wet pavement, even during panic stops. Cornering feel remains secure, with good feedback when you push near the limits.
On the highway the Anakee Adventure runs quietly when upright, but some owners notice a howl when leaned ove. That noise is the trade‑off for the deeper side tread that channels water away from the contact patch. Longevity is mixed: many riders report 4,000–5,000 miles before a flat spot develops. If you’re looking for more life with similar manners, the Dunlop Trailmax Mission (below) is a solid alternative.
A versatile 80/20 ADV tire blending outstanding road stability, wet grip, and dirt capability—built for confident touring with occasional off-road use.
- Excellent wet and dry pavement grip, even at lean
- Stable, confidence‑inspiring steering in varied conditions
- Durable wear—many report 8k–20k miles before replacement
- Comfortable and quiet for a mixed‑terrain tire
- Front tire can remain noisy during break‑in
- Not suited for deep mud or soft sand conditions
Our Review: We also spotlighted the Anakee Adventure in our best motorcycle tires guide—see how it stacks up.
Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR – Quiet and Confident in the Wet
Pirelli’s Rally STR fills the 70/30 to 50/50 niche. It uses an advanced mixing process and a compound with plenty of silica to provide traction in cold, wet conditions. The front tread blocks are optimized for directional stability at high speeds, while the rear provides high traction on loose surfaces.
Riders who swapped from the Michelin Anakee Adventure to the Pirelli were stunned by how quiet the Pirelli is; one tester said the STR is quieter than the Anakee and stays stable and grippy on rough, wet pavement. The STR warms up quickly and holds its line on broken asphalt, giving you confidence when the highway turns into a patchwork of cracks and potholes.
Off‑pavement, the Rally STR has enough bite for gravel and hard‑packed dirt but is not happy in deep mud. If you’re a rider who wants whisper‑quiet road manners with the ability to handle occasional dirt roads, this Pirelli is a top choice. Riders who need more mud performance should look toward the Bridgestone AX41 or Motoz RallZ in the aggressive section.
The Scorpion Rally STR blends excellent road grip with capable off-road performance, delivering stability, good wet-weather behavior, and long wear for adventure riders.
- Excellent grip on wet and dry pavement
- Quiet ride for a tire with knobby looks
- Good braking traction on gravel and dirt
- Durable tread with long mileage life
- Can produce noticeable road noise
- Not suited for deep mud or loose sand
Balanced 50/50 Tires – Go Anywhere, Do Anything
The heart of the dual‑sport market is the 50/50 tire. These tires are tuned to split their lives between asphalt and dirt. They’re versatile enough to commute during the week and explore backcountry trails on the weekend. Because they have tall tread blocks and harder compounds, they usually last longer than true knobbies but make more noise than street‑oriented tires.
Dunlop Trailmax Mission – Long‑Lasting and Surprisingly Quiet
Dunlop’s Trailmax Mission set a new standard for 50/50 tires. The tread uses Staggered Step blocks and wrap‑around lugs at the shoulder to reduce punctures and add grip. Deep grooves channel water and debris away while leaving plenty of rubber for the road. Riders who spend most of their miles on asphalt are surprised by how quietly the Mission runs; it tracks straight on grooved pavement without the “freeway groove wobble” common to knobby tires. Dunlop’s improved compound also delivers surprising wet grip and allows the tire to last a long time.
In long‑term testing, a Trailmax Mission set with 4,300 miles on mixed pavement and dirt still had more than 50 % of its tread remaining. That means you can realistically expect around 8,000 miles from a set, far more than most 50/50 tires. Off‑road, the Mission isn’t as grippy in deep sand as a true knobby, but the wraparound lugs help the front tire stay planted while the rear maintains traction. If you do a lot of slab miles between trails, the Mission’s longevity and quietness make it one of our favorite picks.
The Trailmax Mission delivers excellent road comfort and long life while offering capable gravel and dirt traction—ideal for riders who ride mostly pavement but venture off-road occasionally.
- Stable and smooth on pavement
- Outstanding tread longevity
- Good grip on dirt and gravel
- Tough sidewalls resist damage
- Harder to mount due to stiff sidewalls
- Weak in deep mud or loose sand
Dunlop Trailmax Raid – The New Balanced Contender
The Trailmax Raid is Dunlop’s newer 60/40 tire with an aggressive tread derived from the desert‑racing D908RR. To keep the tire civilized on the street, Dunlop added a Dynamic Front Formula (DFF) and Carcass Tension Control System (CTCS) to optimize the shape of the contact patch and provide smooth handling. The compound contains high silica for wet grip and uses a Jointless Belt construction to control heat and improve high‑speed stability.
On the road, testers found the Raid surprisingly adept at carving corners. It handles like a sport‑touring tire and stays quiet even at steep lean angles. Off‑road, the front provides tremendous grip on loose surfaces, giving riders confidence to slide the rear through turns. The only negative noted in testing was on a steep, wet grassy hill where traction disappeared – a reminder that no tire does everything. The Raid isn’t as long‑lived as the Mission, but it offers better off‑road bite for riders who prioritize dirt performance without sacrificing on‑road manners.
The Trailmax Raid is a 40/60-adventure tire delivering strong wet and road grip, stable cornering, and capable performance on hard-packed dirt—ideal for riders who split time between asphalt and gravel.
- Excellent wet and dry road traction
- Confident grip on gravel and rocky trails
- Stable and predictable in corners
- Durable, resists chipping and wear
- Front can wander on grooved pavement
- Weak in deep mud or loose sand
Continental Twinduro TKC80 (Updated) – Classic Bite with Better Wet Grip
The TKC80 is one of the most recognizable adventure tires. For 2025 Continental updated the carcass and compound to improve durability and wet performance. The new compound uses a revised mixing process and a fresh carcass, resulting in more stability and improved wet traction while keeping the same wide block tread pattern that gives the TKC80 its off‑road bite. With a 40/60 split, it has tall, widely spaced lugs that self‑clean in mud and sand, plus high cornering stability.
Riders love the TKC80’s predictable behavior in soft dirt and shallow sand. It claws through mud, and the tall knobs provide good feedback when you brake or lean. Because of the softer compound, the rear tends to wear quickly – many riders get around 3,000–4,000 miles before the blocks start to round off. Continental’s own marketing suggests pairing the TKC80 front with the TKC70 Rocks rear if you want more longevity. For riders who accept the shorter life in exchange for confident traction on the trail, the TKC80 remains a worthy choice.
The TKC80 is a rugged 50/50 dual-sport tire delivering excellent grip both on pavement and off-road, with improved wet traction and stable ride feel for mixed-terrain riders.
- Good road manners despite aggressive tread
- Strong traction on gravel, dirt, and soft terrain
- Stable even on long highway stretches
- Self-cleans well in mud and loose dirt
- Knobby tread creates road noise and vibration
- Wears quickly in the center on heavy pavement use
Aggressive Off‑Road Tires (40/60, 30/70 and Beyond)
These tires are for riders who spend most of their time in the dirt, exploring single‑track trails and rocky passes. They feature high, widely spaced knobs for maximum grip and self‑cleaning. On pavement they will hum, vibrate and wear faster, but that’s the trade‑off for the traction they deliver when you need it most.
Motoz Tractionator RallZ – Tractor‑Like Grip and Unexpected Road Manners
If you ride 80 % off‑road and want a tire that feels like a tractor tire when it hooks up, the Motoz Tractionator RallZ is your friend. The design uses a hybrid natural/synthetic rubber compound with silica to provide traction on a variety of surfaces, and the tread blocks are self‑sharpening – as they wear down, their edges stay crisp. The RallZ is available in both tubeless and tube‑type constructions and is rated at 20 % on‑road / 80 % off‑road.
On loose sand and gravel, the RallZ digs in like no other. Testers describe the tire as pushing the bike forward in deep sand, and the tall blocks shed mud easily. Despite the aggressive pattern, the road manners are better than expected – riders report that the tire isn’t as loud as they feared and offers decent wet traction because of the silica compound. Mileage is respectable for such an aggressive design; after 2,766 miles split roughly 60/40 between pavement and dirt, the front still had 74 % tread and the rear 28 %, suggesting you can get around 3,500–4,000 miles from the rear.
One downside of the RallZ is its weight: it’s heavier than most tires in this category, which can make transitions from leaning left to right feel slower. If you want similar off‑road traction with lighter handling, the Bridgestone AX41 below might suit you better.
An aggressive 80/20 ADV tire built for dirt-first adventures that still holds its own on asphalt—ideal for riders who spend more time on trails but want reliable road manners too.
- Grips rock, sand, and loose terrain with confidence
- Handles highway curves well despite knobby blocks
- Impressive durability in off-road-biased rides
- Outstanding braking performance on mixed surfaces
- Center tread wears down faster with mostly road use
- Road noise and vibration noticeable at high speeds
Bridgestone Battlax AdventureCross AX41 – Sharp Turn‑in and Mega Off‑Road Grip
The AX41 is Bridgestone’s 40/60 tire designed to offer off‑road capability without sacrificing too much road performance. Its newly designed tread pattern and compound give excellent grip on pavement and trail. The staggered knobs and shoulder blocks allow quick turn‑in and stable high‑speed cornering. Riders find the AX41 impressively responsive on pavement; it feels precise and turns quickly compared to some other knobbies. At the same time, it still feels secure at highway speeds with a large contact patch.
Off‑road, the AX41 shines. It grips in slippery clay, river crossings and sand, and sheds mud quickly so the tread stays clear. Testers found that you can push the AX41 hard on dirt; the rubber compound balances stickiness and strength, allowing you to carry speed across rocks and gravel. The major drawback is longevity. After 1,000 miles (600 off‑road), the front still had 4.6 mm of tread down from 7.9, and the rear dropped to 3.8 mm from 9. Most riders see around 3,500 miles from a rear and 5,000 miles from a front. If you need a tire that lasts longer, choose the Dunlop Mission or the RallZ.
The AX41 is a 40/60 adventure tire built for off-road strength while still delivering stable, confident handling on pavement.
- Very stable at highway speeds, even with loads
- Excellent traction on dirt, gravel, and hard-pack
- Knobs resist flexing under braking and cornering
- Quieter than most aggressive knobby tires
- Rear tire wears faster with heavy road use
- Wet pavement grip can be limited in sharp turns
Heidenau K60 Ranger – Ruggedly Tough with a Learning Curve
Heidenau’s K60 Ranger is a 30 % road / 70 % off‑road tire with an open tread pattern designed for traction and self‑cleaning. Alternating edge tread blocks improve power transfer and help the tire climb out of ruts. The carcass is reinforced for puncture resistance, and the compound is optimized for grip on wet asphalt. In independent riding tests, the K60 Ranger felt smoother than expected with minor vibration at low speeds. There’s a noticeable howl around 50 mph that fades once you accelerate. On the highway, the Ranger feels stable and comfortable up to high speeds, though some riders notice a bit of instability near triple digits. Off‑road, the Ranger grips well on loose gravel and provides plenty of control.
The downside is availability; some sizes may be on closeout or hard to find. If you can’t locate your size, the Motoz RallZ offers similar off‑road performance with wider distribution. If you ride 70 % off‑road, the Ranger’s robust carcass and sharp edge lugs will serve you well.
The K60 Ranger is a 30/70 street-to-dirt adventure tire that leans toward off-road capability while still handling paved roads with stability and confidence.
- Strong off-road grip thanks to large, aggressive tread blocks
- Surprisingly stable and planted on twisty pavement corners
- Handles mixed terrain like gravel and hard-packed dirt well
- Tough carcass aids durability and resists damage
- Noticeable vibration and tire noise at lower speeds
- Less confident in deep mud or very loose sand
Shinko 804/805 – Budget‑Friendly Big‑Block Fun
Shinko’s 804/805 set is proof that you don’t have to break the bank to explore off‑road. These tires use a classic big‑block tread pattern and are rated at 40 % on‑road / 60 % off‑road. They are DOT‑approved and tubeless, making them a plug‑and‑play upgrade for most adventure bikes. On pavement, you have to work a little harder to lean the bike in compared to more road‑oriented tires, but once leaned they hold a line and actually generate less noise than Shinko’s own 705 street tires. Off‑road, the Shinkos slice through mud and self‑clean rapidly when conditions get sloppy. The compound isn’t as soft as premium brands, so the blocks don’t tear as quickly.
Longevity is where the Shinkos surprise; after 2,000 miles, tests show roughly 80 % of the front tread and 60 % of the rear remain. A full set often lasts around 5,000 miles, which is very respectable for an affordable tire set. The front starts to develop a whining noise around 4,000 miles, but the cost is low enough to replace them before the noise bothers you. If you want cheap dual‑sport tires that don’t suck, the 804/805 should be at the top of your list. For quieter road performance, look at the Dunlop Mission; for more aggressive dirt traction, step up to the Motoz RallZ or Bridgestone AX41.
A rugged 60/40 adventure tire delivering impressive off-road traction and surprisingly stable on‑road manners—great for riders who mix trail days with pavement rides.
- Excellent grip on loose dirt, gravel, and mud
- Stable, confidence‑inspiring handling at highway speeds
- Smooth pavement ride with less noise than full knobbies
- Durable tread—handles aggressive trail braking well
- Sidewall flex can feel mushy in hard corners
- May cup faster if suspension isn’t well tuned
Comparison Table
Below is a quick‑reference table summarizing the key attributes of each tire. Use it to narrow down your choices based on the type of riding you do and the characteristics you care about. (Remember, tables are for short phrases; we discuss the details above.)
| Tire | On‑Road/Off‑Road Ratio | Notable Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin Anakee Adventure | 80/20 | Dual‑compound 2CT/2CT+; deeper side grooves | Stable wet grip; planted cornering | Noise when leaned; moderate lifespan |
| Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR | 70/30 | Silica‑rich compound; optimized block design | Very quiet; good wet grip | Not ideal in deep mud |
| Dunlop Trailmax Mission | 50/50 (rides like 60/40 road) | Staggered Step blocks; wraparound lugs | Long life (~8k miles); quiet on pavement | Less grip in deep sand |
| Dunlop Trailmax Raid | 60/40 (off‑road bias) | DFF & CTCS; high silica compound | Great road handling; strong off‑road grip | Shorter life than Mission |
| Continental Twinduro TKC80 | 40/60 | Updated compound and carcass | Classic off‑road traction; improved wet grip | Short lifespan (3–4k miles) |
| Motoz Tractionator RallZ | 20/80 | Hybrid rubber with silica; self‑sharpening tread | Incredible off‑road grip; decent road manners | Heavy; mid‑range life (~3.5–4k miles) |
| Bridgestone Battlax AX41 | 40/60 | Newly designed tread & compound | Quick turn‑in & stable corners; excellent off‑road control | Short life (rear ~3.5k miles) |
| Heidenau K60 Ranger | 30/70 | Open tread; reinforced carcass | Strong gravel traction; stable at speed | Howls at 50 mph; limited availability |
| Shinko 804/805 | 40/60 | Big‑block tread; budget‑friendly | Low price; good mud grip; decent longevity | Requires effort to lean; front whines after ~4k miles |
Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Dual‑Sport Tires
Choosing the right dual‑sport tire goes beyond grabbing the most aggressive pattern you can find. Here are the key factors to consider when shopping for your next set:
Riding Ratio
Take an honest look at where you ride. If 80 % of your miles are highway commuting, an 80/20 tire like the Michelin Anakee Adventure will keep your ride smooth and quiet, while still letting you hit the occasional gravel road. If you split your time equally between pavement and dirt, the Dunlop Trailmax Mission or Trailmax Raid provide a great balance. For riders who live for single‑track and want to feel like they’re on a dirt bike, the Motoz RallZ or Bridgestone AX41 deliver traction at the expense of lifespan and noise.
Noise and Vibration
Street‑biased tires run quiet because they have more continuous rubber. The Pirelli Rally STR is whisper‑quiet; the Dunlop Mission is also surprisingly silent. Aggressive tires will hum or howl; some riders enjoy the soundtrack, but if you have sensitive ears the Shinko 804/805’s whine after 4k miles could annoy you.
Wet Grip
Silica improves wet traction. Michelin’s Anakee Adventure and Pirelli’s Rally STR use silica in their compounds, giving them excellent rain performance. Even the Motoz RallZ uses silica to provide decent wet grip despite its aggressive design.
Longevity
There’s a direct trade‑off between grip and life. The Dunlop Mission is the mileage king, with many riders seeing 8k miles. The Bridgestone AX41 and TKC80 are at the opposite end, with the rear lasting around 3–4k miles. Budget tires like the Shinko 804/805 surprise with about 5k miles for the price. Consider how often you’re willing to change tires when picking a set.
Off‑Road Terrain
Deep sand and mud demand tall, widely spaced knobs. Motoz RallZ and Heidenau K60 Ranger shine here. For rocky trails and gravel roads, a 50/50 tire with good sidewall strength like the Dunlop Raid or Mission is adequate. A street‑biased tire will handle well on hard‑packed dirt but may struggle in mud or deep gravel.
Tube vs Tubeless
Most adventure bikes run tubeless wheels. All of the tires above are available in tubeless versions. If you ride a smaller dual‑sport bike with tube‑type wheels, make sure to pick a tube‑type option like the Motoz RallZ or Shinko 804/805.
Budget and Value
Expensive tires often deliver better performance and durability, but there are bargains that punch above their weight. The Shinko 804/805 set offers off‑road grip and reasonable life for a fraction of the price. Spending a bit more on a Dunlop Mission may actually save you money in the long run because it lasts twice as long as some competitors.
Final Thoughts
Tires are the only thing standing between you and the ground. The right dual‑sport tires will transform your ride, making your daily commute smoother and your weekend adventures safer and more fun.
Whether you choose the quiet confidence of the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR, the long‑distance comfort of the Dunlop Trailmax Mission, or the unstoppable off‑road traction of the Motoz Tractionator RallZ, you’re investing in your safety and enjoyment. Take time to assess your riding style, pick the ratio that matches your needs, and don’t be afraid to experiment – your bike might surprise you with how good it feels on a new set of rubber.
If you’re still undecided or want to explore more options, check out our comprehensive guide on the best motorcycle tires for street, ADV and dirt or our cheap motorcycle tires guide. We’re constantly testing new rubber, so bookmark our gear page to stay updated.
Ride safe and enjoy the adventure!
