Finding the right tire set for track days can dramatically affect lap times, confidence on corner entry, and overall ride quality. The following selections emphasize grip, stable handling, and durability for sport and sport-touring motorcycles. Each tire brings a distinct balance of edge grip, warm-up speed, and wet-weather security to help riders push harder on the track and still feel secure on street rides.
Summary of chosen products (in short): Pirelli Angel ST, Pirelli Diablo Rosso II, Continental Conti Sport Attack 2, Michelin Pilot Power 2CT, and Kenda KM1 (KM001) 120/70ZR17 & 160/60ZR17. These five cover sport-touring blends and pure sport performance, with a focus on track-day reliability and predictable feedback. The list below provides practical insights for selecting tires that suit track ambitions while remaining versatile for street use.
Pirelli Angel ST 120/70ZR17 Front & 180/55ZR17 Rear
The Angel ST uses a sport touring compound with high silica content to deliver strong dry grip while preserving safer performance in wet conditions and cooler temperatures. The tire’s innovative tread patterns emphasize high mileage without sacrificing style, ensuring a modern look on both front and rear profiles. Its design supports a neutral, predictable feel across varied road surfaces, making it suitable for riders who blend daily commuting with occasional track sessions. Stability and smoothness are hallmarks of this tire, providing confidence during brisk highway stretches and on curving backroads.
Key features include a sport touring compound for wet-surface safety, an innovative tread design for mileage and aesthetics, and a versatile front/rear profile that maintains predictable performance across conditions. This tire set is well-suited for riders seeking balanced grip and durability with track-day potential.
TUSK EMEX T-35 Soft/Intermediate Terrain Front & Rear
Designed for soft to intermediate off-road terrain, the EMEX T-35 tire set features a deep tread pattern that delivers strong traction on loose dirt, sand, loam, and similar surfaces. Although primarily built for off-road use, its tread geometry and durable rubber compound can be appealing to riders who split time between pavement and trails, offering robust wear resistance for sport-touring riders who venture off the beaten path. A complete front-and-rear set makes it easy to replace tires in pairs and maintain balanced handling across a variety of terrains.
Important considerations include tread aggressiveness for loose surfaces, a durable rubber compound for long wear, and a front/rear pair that pairs predictable handling with rugged off-road capability. For track days, this tire is best suited to riders who expect mixed-terrain sessions or prefer a forgiving, all-terrain feel during casual street riding.
Pirelli Diablo Rosso II 120/70 ZR17 Front & 160/60 ZR17 Rear
The Diablo Rosso II delivers high-performance sport handling with dual-compound technology that combines a harder center for longevity and a softer shoulder for cornering grip. Its asymmetric tread pattern efficiently displaces water, improving wet traction while maintaining dry grip, which is advantageous for track days that begin in cooler mornings or unpredictable weather. This tire set suits riders who want strong, predictable grip across dry and wet surfaces, along with consistent wear over time.
Key benefits include excellent wet and dry performance, a tread design optimized for water displacement, and dual-compound technology to balance grip with wear life. For riders who prioritize on-track confidence with versatile road-going capabilities, this tire stands out as a well-rounded option.
Continental Conti Sport Attack 2 120/70ZR17 Front & 180/55ZR17 Rear
The Conti Sport Attack 2 uses a Black Chili compound for maximum grip in both dry and wet conditions, with quick warm-up that gets performance on line quickly. Its continuous compound technology enhances stability across lean angles, providing a smooth, confident feel as riders push into corners. The tire is designed to deliver strong mid-corner stability and reliable feedback, which helps riders dial in throttle inputs during track sessions while maintaining street versatility.
Critical considerations include the balance between grip and durability, the tire’s warm-up behavior for early laps, and stability across a spectrum of lean angles. If quick-track readiness and consistent performance matter most, this tire is a well-regarded option for sport and sport-touring bikes alike.
Michelin Pilot Power 2CT Front & Rear 180/55-17
The Pilot Power 2CT employs a dual-compound design with a 20% softer edge mix to enhance cornering grip, delivering strong lean angles and precise feedback. While developed with track-day and performance riding in mind, it remains road-friendly, offering excellent turn-in response and stability at speed. The tire’s construction is tuned for predictable performance during aggressive riding and spirited on-track sessions, helping riders maximize grip while maintaining predictable behavior on street roads.
Key advantages include aggressive cornering grip due to the softer edge compounds, proven track performance, and compatibility with track-day needs where lean angles and quick transitions matter. For riders prioritizing extreme grip and precise feedback, this tire is a standout option.
Kenda KM1 (KM001) 120/70ZR17 Front & 160/60ZR17 Rear
The KM1 sport-touring tires balance high-speed stability with reliable wet grip, using an optimized apex geometry and a newly designed tread pattern for even wear. The front/rear pair provides a balanced platform for sport-touring motorcycles, combining performance with durability for riders who expect varied road conditions. This tire set aims to deliver consistent handling across track and road use, helping riders maintain confidence during aggressive on-track riding and daily commutes alike.
Important considerations include high-speed stability, wet-grip reliability, and the capability to sustain predictable handling across different riding styles. For track days where riders want a single-tleet option that remains practical for street use, the KM1 offers a compelling all-around profile.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations For Track Day Tires
- Riding style and track goals: Decide whether you prioritize ultimate cornering grip, quick warm-up, or a balance between street usability and track performance.
- Compound and tread design: Softer edges usually boost grip but wear faster; harder center compounds extend wear but may reduce peak grip. Consider dual-compound or asymmetric patterns for varied conditions.
- Warm-up behavior: Tires that reach operating temperature quickly are essential for early laps on track days and changing weather patterns.
- Wet performance and safety margins: If you race or practice in mixed conditions, prioritize tires with proven wet performance and stable feedback when temperatures drop.
- Rear-wheel stability and feedback: Front/rear balance is crucial for predictable turn-in and mid-corner stability; look for tires with technology aimed at consistent performance across lean angles.
- Durability vs. performance: Track-focused tires can wear faster; if you ride on public roads between sessions, consider tires with better longevity for cost efficiency.
- Bike compatibility: Verify sizing compatibility with your motorcycle model and note any required rim width or speed rating for track use.
- Maintenance and storage: Ensure proper inflation pressures, regular inspection for wear indicators, and proper storage to maintain performance characteristics over time.
In selecting tires for track days, weigh how often you’ll ride on track versus street, your preferred riding tempo, and tolerance for tire wear. The listed options provide a range of grip, stability, and durability profiles to match diverse riding goals—from aggressive track handling to balanced sport-touring usability.