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Radial or bias tires?

Understanding motorcycle tire construction is key to finding the perfect set of tires for your ride. The choice between radial and bias tires impacts everything from handling and comfort to durability. At Michelin, we harness both technologies to ensure we have the perfect solution for every rider. The choice in the radial vs bias tires debate comes down to performance. Here’s how Michelin's philosophy applies to each construction.

  • What is a Bias-Ply Tire?

    A bias ply tire, also known as a diagonal or cross ply tire, features a carcass built from multiple, overlapping layers of ply cords arranged at an angle. These layers create a strong "criss-cross" pattern.

    In this construction, the entire structure is uniform; the crown (the part that contacts the road) and the sidewalls share similar mechanical properties. This creates a very stiff and robust tire.

    This robust motorcycle tire construction is why our Michelin Commander III tires provide exceptional stability and load capacity, making them perfect for cruisers and heavy touring bikes.

  • What is a Radial Tire?

    With radial tires, the ply cords radiate out from the center of the tire (like the spokes on a wheel). On top of this, the crown is reinforced with separate layers that form a belt.

    This advanced design means the crown and the sidewalls function independently, each optimized for a specific job. The sidewalls are soft and flexible, while the crown remains strong and stable.

    The advanced radial design is the secret behind the incredible grip and high-speed performance of our Michelin Power & Road series, engineered for the demands of modern sport and sport-touring bikes.

How Construction Impacts Your Ride

For the ultimate cornering confidence, the radial construction of our Michelin Power line is unmatched. Its soft sidewalls allow the crown to stick to the road, creating a shorter, wider contact patch for added grip when leaning.

For long-haul comfort and mileage, the bias-ply design of the Michelin Commander family is the benchmark. Its rigid sidewalls are able to carry a greater weight, providing rock-solid stability for heavy motorcycles or those loaded with gear.

Radial tires provide greater comfort at higher speeds, as their soft sidewalls absorb impact from road imperfections. They are essential for powerful vehicles with rigid chassis and for sporty riding, allowing you to reach ZR speed ratings (above 240 km/h). Bias ply tires are ideal for vehicles traveling at more moderate speeds, where their stability and load capacity are the priority.

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Matching Michelin Technology to Your Motorcycle

For Cruisers & V-Twins: These bikes benefit from the high load capacity and stability of bias ply tires. We recommend the Michelin Commander series for its class-leading durability and comfort on long rides.

For Sportbikes & Hypersports: High-performance machines demand radial tires. The Michelin Power series delivers the sharp handling, high-speed stability, and incredible grip required for sporty riding.

For Sport-Touring: To get the best of both worlds—cornering grip for the twisties and longevity for the motorway—radial tires are the answer. Michelin Road 6 is engineered for exceptional wet grip and mileage, no matter the distance.

Frequently asked questions

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FAQ

Look at the size marking on the tire's sidewall. A radial tire will have an "R" in the designation (e.g., 180/55 R 17). A bias ply tire will have a "-" (dash) or the letter "B" for "bias-belted" (e.g., 130/90 - 16 or 130/90 B 16).

One isn't universally "better" as they are engineered for different purposes. The right choice in the radial vs bias tires debate depends on your motorcycle's design and your riding style. Our Michelin Power radial tires are 'better' for a sportbike that needs extreme grip, while our Michelin Commander bias-ply tires are 'better' for a heavy cruiser that needs stability and high load capacity.

Michelin offers several great options co-developed with Harley-Davidson. The Michelin Scorcher series is a popular original equipment (OE) choice for many models. The Michelin Commander III line is also a fantastic aftermarket upgrade for many Harley-Davidson cruiser and touring bikes, offering excellent mileage and stability.

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