If you ride a dual-sport, adventure, or sport-touring bike, you want tires that master both pavement and dirt. This guide highlights 60/40 tires that balance grip on dry roads with solid traction off-road. The top picks below are suited for riders who want predictable handling, efficient wear, and stable performance across mixed surfaces. Each product section explains who it’s best for and why, with practical cautions to consider before you buy.
| Product | Terrain Focus | Best For | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tusk EMEX T-35 Soft/Int | Soft to intermediate | Light off-road, weekend trail riding | A complete front/rear set with deep tread for loose surfaces |
| Tusk EMEX T-45 Rear 120/80×19 | Intermediate to hard | Motocross and mixed-terrain riding | Reinforced durability with self-cleaning tread |
| Pirelli Angel ST 120/70ZR17 & 180/55ZR17 | Sport touring | Highway plus light winding roads | Sport-touring compound with versatile performance |
| Pirelli Diablo Rosso II 120/70 ZR17 & 160/60 ZR17 | Sport/Street | Performance handling on dry/wet roads | Dual-Compound design for longevity and grip |
| Dunlop D605 Rear 120/80×18 | Off-road to on-road | Dual-sport riders seeking rugged rear grip | Deep tread with a speed rating for varied surfaces |
Note: All listed tires are tube-type or tubeless compatible per model, and sizing suggestions depend on your bike’s wheel configuration. Check your manufacturer’s recommendations before purchasing any 60/40 tire set.
Tusk EMEX T-35 Soft/Int Front & Rear Tire Set
The set includes 80/100×21 front and 120/80×19 rear tires designed for soft to intermediate terrain riding. Features an aggressive deep tread pattern that provides traction on loose dirt, sand, loam, and hard-packed trails. The durable rubber compound resists wear for long-lasting off-road performance.
- Best for riders who want a dedicated soft to intermediate terrain setup.
- Choose this if you value aggressive traction and protection against rapid wear on trails.
- Caution: Not ideal for long highway cruising or very hard-packed surfaces without additional tread considerations.
Tusk EMEX T-45 Rear 120/80×19 Tire
This rear tire features an aggressive knobby design with deep center knobs and siping for traction on hardpack, rocks, and varied trails. Reinforced durability with bridged side knobs resists flex for longer life in intermediate to hard terrain. Open pattern self-cleans to maintain grip after mud or debris buildup.
- Best for riders seeking solid grip on mixed terrains and reliable durability.
- Better for riders prioritizing traction on harder surfaces and rocky trails.
- Caution: Front tire performance controls steering; pairing with a compatible front is recommended for balanced handling.
Pirelli Angel ST Front & Rear
Sport touring tires with a high silica compound designed for excellent grip on dry surfaces and reliable safety on wet and cool conditions. The tread design emphasizes high mileage and a modern look, with a front/rear profile that provides uniform performance across varying riding styles. It delivers a stable, controlled ride for highway cruising and winding roads alike.
- Best for sport-touring riders who want balanced road grip and longevity.
- Choose this if you prioritize predictable behavior in mixed weather on paved roads.
- Caution: Road-focused design means its off-road performance is more limited than dedicated dirt tires.
Pirelli Diablo Rosso II Front & Rear
The Diablo Rosso II uses dual-compound technology with a harder center for extended wear and softer shoulders for enhanced grip. The asymmetric tread improves water displacement for better wet traction while maintaining dry grip. This tire is suitable for sport-oriented riders who want responsive handling and strong endurance on mixed roads.
- Best for riders who demand high grip with longer wear in everyday sport riding.
- Better for stable, predictable cornering on wet surfaces.
- Caution: Not the ideal choice for aggressive off-road adventures or deep mud conditions.
Dunlop D605 Rear Dual Sport Tire
Featuring a deep, knotty tread pattern engineered for off-road use, the D605 offers reliable traction on diverse surfaces from hard-packed fire roads to soft single-tracks. It carries a P-rating for speeds up to 94 mph, supporting transitions between dirt paths and paved stretches. The 120/80-18 rear size fits many dual-sport models for balanced handling.
- Best for dual-sport riders needing robust off-road capability with highway viability.
- Choose this if you frequently switch between dirt and pavement.
- Caution: Not optimized for pure street bikes or long-distance highway use without a matching front tire.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Riding style: If you ride mostly on pavement with occasional gravel roads, lean toward sport-touring or sport tires like Angel ST or Diablo Rosso II. If you spend more time on dirt, soft-to-intermediate tires like T-35 or T-45 are more suitable.
- Terrain balance: 60/40 tires are designed for mixed surfaces. Consider your typical terrain mix to pick a tread pattern with the right bite and wear characteristics.
- Durability vs traction: Deeper, more aggressive tread excels off-road but can feel slower or noisier on pavement. Softer compounds grip better in wet conditions but wear faster.
- Rear vs front emphasis: A front tire with strong steering feel paired with a durable rear helps maintain control across surfaces. Check for compatibility with your bike’s wheel size and bike weight.
- Tube-type vs tubeless: Some 60/40 tires are listed as tube-type; confirm your rim compatibility and whether you need tubes or tubeless-ready options.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a 60/40 tire? A 60/40 tire aims to blend street and off-road performance, offering more street grip than full-knobby dirt tires while still delivering traction on light trails.
- Can I use 60/40 tires on highway cruising? Yes, but expect more road noise and different wear characteristics than pure sport-touring tires.
- How do I choose between front and rear tire emphasis? Front tires influence steering response and stability; rear tires control traction and acceleration. Pairing a balanced front and rear improves overall handling on mixed terrain.
- Are tubeless options available for these tires? Many 60/40 tires are tube-type; verify your rim compatibility and consider tubes if required by the tire model.
- Will these tires fit my dual-sport bike? Fitment depends on your motorcycle’s wheel size, aspect ratio, and load rating. Always check your owner’s manual and tire manufacturer specs before purchasing.
- Do these tires perform well in wet conditions? Tires with sport-touring compounds or dual-compound technology typically offer reliable wet grip, but performance varies by model and tread pattern.