Top 5 Sport-Touring Tyres for Mountain Passes
Choosing the right sport-touring tyre for mountain riding is one of the most influential decisions a rider can make before setting off across Alpine or Apennine passes. Each model brings a distinct balance of cold-weather grip, wet-surface confidence, agility in tight hairpins and stability during long downhill braking. Among today’s premium options, five tyres stand out for consistency and road feel on demanding terrain: the Michelin Road 6, Pirelli Angel GT II, Dunlop RoadSmart IV, Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE and the Bridgestone Battlax T32.
The Michelin Road 6 is widely regarded as the all-weather benchmark, excelling in wet and cold conditions typical of shaded mountain stretches. Its neutral turn-in and strong feedback inspire confidence, especially on heavier touring motorcycles. The Pirelli Angel GT II, on the other hand, places emphasis on endurance and smoothness: riders who tackle 5–7 consecutive days of twisty roads appreciate its predictable behaviour and impressive mileage, particularly when travelling with luggage or a passenger.
For those who enjoy a sharper, more dynamic front-end feel, the Dunlop RoadSmart IV offers a distinctly agile character. It reacts quickly to steering input and feels lively in rapid direction changes, making it ideal for technical passes rich in hairpins and elevation. The Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE targets riders who lean the bike decisively into corners; its shoulder design provides reassuring grip on good tarmac, blending sportiness with the comfort of a touring footprint.
Finally, the Bridgestone Battlax T32 offers a balanced, stable platform for riders who encounter changing weather throughout the day. Its ability to maintain composure on wet surfaces and deliver linear, predictable handling makes it an excellent option for long mixed itineraries where conditions may shift from sunshine to drizzle within a few kilometres.
Together, these tyres represent the finest choices for safely and confidently exploring mountain landscapes.
Michelin Road 6
All-round securityBest for
- Riders who want maximum confidence in rain and cold.
- Heavier bikes and 2-up touring on passes.
- Mixed-weather multi-day trips.
Angel GT II
Gran TurismoBest for
- Long Alpine holidays with many fully-loaded days.
- Riders who value stability and endurance over peak sportiness.
- Gran Turismo style: smooth, flowing pace.
RoadSmart IV
Dynamic feelBest for
- Sporty riders who enjoy quick direction changes.
- Technical, narrow passes with lots of hairpins.
- Mid-weight sport-touring and naked bikes.
Roadtec 01 SE
Lean-angle gripBest for
- Riders who use the full tyre at big lean angles.
- Dry or mixed mountain days with good asphalt.
- Sport-tourers ridden with a “supersport” mindset.
Battlax T32
All-weather tourerBest for
- Riders who ride “no matter the weather”.
- Heavy touring bikes needing stability on wet passes.
- Mixed motorway + mountain days.



