The selling season is about to begin, and major manufacturers are doubling down on three high-value segments for dealers — V-twin touring, adventure/dual-sport and track performance. This shift in focus reflects the growing demand for motorcycles that can handle various riding conditions.
The value brands continue to pressure pricing in off-road and cruiser categories, which is a challenge for dealers who need to balance profitability with customer demand. As a result, it's essential for dealers to stay up-to-date on the latest tire technologies and offerings.
Dunlop’s American Elite 2 is a key player in the heavyweight touring category, refining its formula with improvements in wet grip, stability, and ride comfort. The updated design incorporates Dunlop’s Multi-Tread technology, pairing a mileage-focused center compound with grippier shoulders to maintain cornering confidence under load.
The American Elite 2 strengthens Dunlop’s position in a dependable, high-volume replacement category, which is critical for dealers who prioritize brand recognition, longevity, and all-weather confidence. Touring riders replace tires consistently, making this a core business for dealers.
Michelin’s Road Classic speaks directly to the retro and heritage motorcycle segment, producing steady replacement sales. The tire maintains a period-correct tread pattern suited for classic machines and café builds, while using modern construction and compound technology to improve wet braking, straight-line stability, and cornering feedback.
The Road Classic is tubeless-ready but can also be used with tubes for spoked-wheel applications, making it versatile for restorations and custom builds. For dealers serving vintage, metric heritage or European classic customers, the Road Classic provides a premium-branded upgrade that blends authenticity with modern performance.
Continental continues to leverage its well-known TKC80 while expanding options with the TKC70 Rocks rear. The TKC80 front maintains its reputation for predictable performance on gravel and loose terrain, while the TKC70 Rocks rear is designed to improve longevity and on-road manners without giving up meaningful off-road traction.
The mix-and-match approach reflects a broader trend among ADV riders who tailor tire setups to their riding mix. Dealers can benefit from stocking complementary front/rear combinations rather than single SKU sets, as riders increasingly seek advice on balancing mileage with off-road capability.
As the motorcycle tire market continues to evolve, dealers will need to stay ahead of the curve to meet customer demands and remain competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.
The motorcycle tire market is shifting towards high-value segments, with manufacturers focusing on touring, adventure, and track performance.
