Touring Motorcycle Tyres Australia

Touring tyres are built for sustained highway mileage, loaded panniers and changing conditions across Australia's long straights and mountain passes. This range covers radial and bias-ply construction, tubeless and tube-type fitments, in front and rear profiles from brands proven on road.

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How to choose the right touring tyre

Touring tyres prioritise longevity and all-condition grip over outright lap-time performance. The correct choice comes down to construction type, load and speed rating, tread compound, and whether your wheel requires a tubeless or tube-type fitment.

Radial vs bias-ply construction

Radial tyres use cords arranged at 90 degrees to the direction of travel, reducing heat build-up at speed and improving fuel economy over long distances. Bias-ply (cross-ply) tyres use overlapping cord layers at 30-40 degrees, producing a stiffer sidewall that handles heavy loads. Always match construction type to your rim specification.

Speed and load ratings explained

Speed Rating	Max Speed	Typical Use
H	210 km/h	Loaded tourers, cruisers
V	240 km/h	Sport-touring, radial fitments
W	270 km/h	High-performance touring radials
Z / ZR	240+ km/h	Radial performance touring

Reading the sidewall

A marking like 160/60ZR17 means the tyre is 160 mm wide, has a 60% aspect ratio, is radial (R) construction, and fits a 17-inch rim. A load index of 69 equals a maximum load of 325 kg. A 58W rating on a 120/70ZR17 confirms radial construction rated to 270 km/h sustained.

Tubes vs tubeless

Tubeless tyres seal against the rim bead and can be repaired roadside with a plug kit. Tube-type fitments require an inner tube and are common on 19-inch and 21-inch spoked wheels. Confirm your rim designation before selecting.

Tread depth and replacement

Australian road rules require a minimum tread depth of 1.5 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread. Most touring tyres start with 6-8 mm of tread. Replace when wear indicators, moulded into grooves at 1.6 mm, are reached.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a radial and a bias-ply touring tyre?

Radial tyres have cords running at 90 degrees to the tread, which lowers heat build-up at sustained highway speeds and improves fuel economy. Bias-ply tyres use overlapping cord layers at 30-40 degrees, producing a stiffer sidewall that handles heavy loads well. Match the construction type to your rim and manufacturer specification.

How do I know which tyre size fits my motorcycle?

Your tyre size is stamped on the sidewall in a format such as 120/70ZR17. The first number is tread width in millimetres, the second is the aspect ratio as a percentage of that width, and the final number is rim diameter in inches. Cross-reference this with your owner's manual or the placard on your swingarm before ordering.

When should I replace my touring tyres?

Replace touring tyres when the tread depth reaches the moulded wear indicators, which sit at 1.6 mm depth. Australian road rules require a minimum of 1.5 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread. Age also matters: most manufacturers recommend replacement after five years regardless of remaining tread, due to rubber compound degradation.

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Touring Tyres