Motorcycle tires represent a complex realm in the world of riding. With myriad opinions, brands, riding styles, and varied conditions like terrain preferences and luggage weight to consider, choosing the ideal dual sport tire becomes a daunting task. During my extensive overlanding journey across the Americas on my BMW 700 GS, spanning 69,300 kilometers over 21 months, I experimented with five different tire setups. Here, I share my personal insights on their performance and offer guidance on selecting the right dual sport motorcycle tire for your adventures.

Choosing the right dual sport motorcycle tires

When considering your tire choice for a motorcycle adventure, the initial step is to assess your intended balance between off-road and on-road riding. Understanding your preferences here is crucial as it directly influences the type of tire profile that will best suit your needs.

Initially, when I started my motorcycle journey in Brazil, I had no option but to use the tires that came pre-installed with the motorcycle. These tires were primarily suited for general road use, reflecting a standard compromise between durability and performance on paved surfaces.

Michelin Anakee III

The Michelin Anakee III boasts a 90% on-road / 10% off-road profile and is marketed as a versatile Dual Sport tire suitable for various riding scenarios. On paved roads, its performance is exceptional, providing a smooth and grippy feel akin to riding a sports tourer. Long distances and winding asphalt roads become a pleasure.

However, its off-road capabilities are limited, especially on less maintained dirt roads. It performs adequately on solid, well-maintained dirt paths but struggles on slippery surfaces or gravel, where enhanced grip is crucial.

Durability

During my journey starting from São Paulo, Brazil, I found myself needing to change my tires in Lima, Peru, just after surpassing 10,000 kilometers. While the rear tire could have potentially lasted another 1,000 to 2,000 kilometers, I opted for the peace of mind that comes with brand-new tires. Although the front tire was still performing well, I decided to replace both the front and rear tires simultaneously.

Consequently, I chose to invest in tires that offered better suitability for both on-road and off-road conditions.

HEIDENAU K60

Allow me to introduce you to the renowned “Heidenau K60” tire. Widely endorsed by the biking community, the K60 boasts a 50% on-road / 50% off-road profile. After switching to these tires, I immediately noticed a difference on the pavement—it wasn’t as smooth as the Michelin Anakee III, and it took some time to adapt to the new feel, especially in corners where I felt the most difference compared to the Anakee III. Initially, I was skeptical if I had made the right choice.

However, everything changed when I encountered my first gravel and dirt roads. The K60 provided me with significantly more confidence and grip on such terrains compared to the Anakee III. It strikes a great balance between both riding styles, making it an excellent choice if you’re not entirely committed to either on-road or off-road terrains. The Heidenau K60 performs admirably in both conditions, and I highly recommend considering them for your next adventure.

Durability

Starting my journey with Heidenau K60 tires in Lima (Peru), I had to replace them again in Punta Arenas after approximately 10,000 km. The rear tire was completely worn out due to the extensive off-road gravel sections like those on the Carretera Austral or Ruta 40. Surprisingly, the front tire remained in excellent condition. Fortunately, I found a skilled mechanic selling used but still serviceable Heidenau K60 tires, which allowed me to continue my journey back to Brazil without issues.

In Campinas, I purchased another set of Heidenau K60 tires, which performed similarly well—lasting 20,000 km for the front tire and 10,000 km for the rear tire.

Metzeler Karoo 3  

In Bogota (Colombia), I faced another tire change. Anticipating my rides through the Guajira desert and Baja California in Mexico, I opted for a more aggressive tire set for my BMW GS: the Metzeler Karoo 3, boasting a 70% off-road and 30% on-road profile.

Navigating the sand and gravel of the Guajira desert, I was thoroughly impressed with the Karoo 3’s performance. It provided exceptional grip, allowing me to thoroughly enjoy the challenging terrain. However, in Costa Rica, I encountered my first puncture with the Karoo 3, highlighting a common drawback of off-road tires. Their robust tread design, while enhancing grip, also increases susceptibility to punctures from nails, thorns, or barbed wire compared to more balanced 50/50 tires.

Durability

The impressive off-road capabilities of the Metzeler Karoo 3 tires did come with a notable trade-off: their durability was abysmal, lol. In Mexico, I found myself needing new tires again, and it was a challenge to locate a shop with the rear tire in stock. I barely managed 6,000 km before the rear tire was worn out (though the front could have gone a bit longer before replacement at 10,000 km). Despite this, given the good deal I got on the tires, I was generally satisfied with their performance and would recommend them for off-road adventures.

Fortunately, I stumbled upon a Continental TKC 80 tire and decided to give it a try. This also answered my curiosity about mixing different tire brands or profiles on a trip like mine—it’s definitely feasible, even if not the ideal choice. Sometimes, you just have to adapt and make the best of the situation on the road.

Continental TKC 80

The TKC 80 has an undeniable cool factor, and I’ve always admired BMW 1200 riders who sported this setup on their bikes. It just screams adventure and makes you itch to hit the off-road trails 🙂

Excited to test its performance, I quickly calculated that I had another 10,000 km to go before reaching Alaska. I figured the TKC 80s would hold up well for the journey… NOT!

Durability

Considering the soft nature of off-road tires, which I didn’t take into account before with the Karoo 3, and the blistering heat of Mexico, exceeding 40°C, my TKC 80s barely survived until San Diego, CA. At just 4,500 km, they threw in the towel like a marathon runner on a treadmill. The few off-road stretches in Baja California didn’t provide enough dirt to bury their lackluster durability. While the TKC 80s gripped well, their lifespan left much to be desired, akin to a firecracker fizzling out before the grand finale. For anyone planning a long-haul motorcycle escapade, I’d advise against banking on these tires like a rookie poker player.

Shinko 705

In San Diego, I faced a choice: stick with the dependable Heidenau K60s, which had served me well before, or try out the Shinko 705s after hearing positive reviews from fellow overlanders. The allure of their affordability was undeniable; the combined cost of both front and rear Shinko 705 tires was less than that of a single Heidenau K60 tire.

Durability

I decided to give the Shinko 705s a shot spontaneously. It felt good to have a 70/30 profile setup, and I enjoyed a smooth ride along Highway 1. I found myself completely satisfied with the performance of these “budget tires” – they handled both on-road and light off-road conditions admirably, even as I tackled gravel roads in Alaska later on. While the Shinko 705 may not have the same aesthetic appeal as the Heidenau and does have less durability (the rear tire lasted only 6,000 – 7,000 km), its price-to-performance ratio is unbeatable.

Conclusion

Choosing the right dual sport motorcycle tire depends on numerous factors. For long-distance motorcycle trips like overlanding the Americas, I highly recommend considering the Shinko 705 and Heidenau K60 tires. Both offer ideal characteristics to handle various terrains, making them excellent all-rounders for extended journeys.

If durability outweighs cost considerations, the Heidenau K60 is the clear choice. However, if you prioritize a good price-performance ratio, then the Shinko 705 is unbeatable. Each tire offers distinct advantages, catering to different preferences and needs of motorcycle travelers exploring diverse landscapes across the Americas.