When it comes to large adventure motorcycles like the BMW R1300GS, selecting the right tires is crucial for ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride, no matter where your journey takes you. Adventure riders often find themselves traveling across a mix of paved roads and rugged off-road terrain, and your tires need to be able to handle both. But with so many tire options available, from 50/50 to 80/20 tread tires, how do you know which one is right for your adventure?
Let’s break down the key differences between tire types and help you choose the best option for your next ADV trip.
What Do Tread Ratios Mean?
Tire ratios such as 50/50, 60/40, 70/30, and 80/20 refer to the balance between on-road and off-road performance. The first number represents the percentage of the tire optimized for paved road riding, while the second number indicates the percentage meant for off-road terrain. Depending on how you split your time between highways and trails, you’ll want to choose a tire ratio that suits your specific riding style and needs.
50/50 Tires: The True Dual-Sport Option
If you’re someone who splits your time equally between the pavement and the dirt, 50/50 tires are the way to go. These tires are designed to give you solid performance both on asphalt and in off-road conditions. With an aggressive tread pattern for traction on loose gravel, mud, and dirt, they also offer reasonable stability on paved surfaces.
The downside? They won’t offer the smoothest or quietest ride on highways compared to tires designed for mostly on-road use. However, if your adventures often take you from tarmac to trails without skipping a beat, 50/50 tires are a solid, versatile option.
60/40 Tires: Slightly More Road-Friendly
If you find yourself spending a bit more time on the road than off, but still want good off-road capability, 60/40 tires could be your ideal choice. With a slightly more road-friendly design than 50/50 tires, these provide better grip and smoother handling on asphalt while still offering enough off-road performance for dirt paths, gravel roads, and light trail riding.
The trade-off? While they handle gravel and hard-packed dirt quite well, they might struggle in deep mud or loose sand. If you’re primarily on the road but frequently venture into moderate off-road conditions, 60/40 tires strike a nice balance.
70/30 Tires: Road Comfort with Off-Road Confidence
Riders who spend most of their time on paved roads but enjoy occasional forays into the dirt will appreciate 70/30 tires. These tires are designed to provide excellent performance on highways, with superior grip, cornering, and braking on asphalt. At the same time, their off-road capabilities are still good enough for well-maintained dirt paths or gravel roads.
However, deep off-road terrain may be a challenge, as the tread design is more geared towards highway performance. If your adventure rides lean heavily toward road touring with the occasional dirt or gravel detour, 70/30 tires are the way to go.
80/20 Tires: Primarily for Pavement, With a Dash of Dirt
For those who mostly stick to the pavement but want a bit of off-road capability just in case, 80/20 tires are the answer. These tires are designed for superior on-road performance, offering smooth handling, great traction, and comfort on long highway stretches. They’re quiet, durable, and provide excellent control on paved surfaces.
When it comes to off-road, however, they’re best for very light and easy dirt riding. Think gravel roads or compact dirt paths—not deep, rugged trails. If your adventures are 80% road touring and only occasionally involve the dirt, 80/20 tires will provide the smooth ride you crave, with just enough ruggedness for light off-road jaunts.
Which Tire Is Right for Your BMW R1300GS?
When choosing tires for a large adventure motorcycle like the BMW R1300GS, the most important factor to consider is how you ride. If your adventures are split evenly between pavement and trails, 50/50 tires offer the versatility you need. On the other hand, if you primarily stick to the road but want the option to take on light off-road terrain, an 80/20 tire might be the better fit.
Additional Considerations
- Durability: ADV tires face harsh conditions, so durability is key. Depending on the terrain, some tires wear faster than others, especially those with more off-road bias.
- Weather Conditions: Some tires perform better in wet or cold conditions, so consider the typical climate where you’ll be riding.
- Tire Pressure: Don’t forget that adjusting your tire pressure can optimize performance depending on whether you’re riding on or off-road.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tires for your adventure motorcycle is essential for maximizing performance, comfort, and safety on the road and trail. Whether you're a true dual-sport rider who needs 50/50 tires or a highway tourer with a taste for light dirt trails who prefers 80/20 tires, there’s a tire that perfectly suits your style.
Ready to upgrade your BMW R1300GS with the perfect tire? Explore a wide range of options at mo-moto.com and get your adventure started!