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Best Pirelli Tires in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs

The Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 stands out as the best overall pick for SUV and crossover owners, thanks to its all-season tread and a 255/50R19 size that suits a wide range of vehicles. We compared 91 listed Pirelli tires on stated specifications like tread type, rim diameter, and vehicle fitment, then shortlisted 15 across car and motorcycle categories. Prices are live from the listing and refresh with the clock.

15 picks from 88 tires that match this guide with a price we can quote today. The prices below are current and each carries its read time.

Quick picks

#PickTirePrice
1Best overallPirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 All Season 255/50R19 107V XL

$297.94 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

2Best compact SUV all-seasonPirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 All Season 225/65R17 102H

$159.99 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

3Best all-terrain for pickup trucksPirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus 275/60R20 115T All Terrain Tire

$262.01 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

4Best touring tire for sedansPirelli CintuRato P7 Season Touring Radial Tire

$217.13 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

5Best ultra-high-performance tirePirelli P Zero

$1,253.62 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

6Best for electric vehiclesPirelli P Zero

$757.85 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

7Best eco-focused SUV tirePirelli Scorpion Verde All Season 295/45ZR20 110Y SUV/Crossover Tire

$656.26 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

8Best winter tire for performance carsPirelli WINTER SOTTOZERO Serie II Touring Radial Tire

$1,090.38 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

9Best sport-touring motorcycle tire setPirelli Angel ST Motorcycle Tire Set 120/70ZR17 58W & 180/55ZR17 73W

$294.96 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

10Best sport motorcycle tire setPirelli Diablo Rosso II Motorcycle Tire Set 120/70 ZR17 & 160/60 ZR17

$244.96 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

11Best cruiser motorcycle rear tirePirelli Night Dragon 180/70B15 M/C 76H TL Rear Motorcycle Tire

$239.96 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

12Best touring motorcycle rear tirePirelli Angel GT Rear Motorcycle Tire 180/55ZR-17

$199.16 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details) Typical price: $206.01, 7% off

13Best track-day motorcycle front tirePirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 120/70ZR17 Front Motorcycle Tire

$208.17 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

14Best adventure motorcycle tirePIRELLI Motorcycle Tire SCORPION RALLY STR Rear 130/80 R 17 M/C 65V M+S

$224.20 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

15Best urban SUV tirePirelli Scorpion STR 245/50R 20 102H SUV/Crossover Tire

$160.22 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

The best fit for you

  • For SUV and crossover owners: If you drive an SUV or crossover, the Scorpion All Season Plus 3 and Scorpion Verde provide all-season traction with multiple size options. See pick 1
  • For sports car enthusiasts: Look for the P Zero PZ4 or PZ5 if you want a high-performance summer tire designed for powerful sedans and coupes. See pick 5
  • For motorcycle sport riders: The Diablo Rosso II and Supercorsa SP V3 are built for aggressive street and track use. See pick 10
  • For touring riders: The Angel ST and Angel GT offer long-wearing compounds for sport-touring and adventure motorcycles. See pick 9

Our 15 picks

1 Best overall

Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 All Season 255/50R19 107V XL

Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 All Season 255/50R19 107V XL

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
All Season
Rim size
19 in

$297.94 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Scorpion All Season Plus 3 is an all-season tire for SUVs and crossovers, with a 255/50R19 size that fits many modern vehicles. Its XL load capacity indicates it is designed for heavier loads, making it a versatile pick for daily driving and light hauling.

Pros

  • All-season tread designation
  • 19-inch rim fitment
  • XL load capacity for heavier vehicles
  • Stated for Car and SUV use

Cons

  • Limited to 19-inch rim sizes
  • Not an all-terrain tire for off-road use
  • No winter tire certification stated

Good fit if

  • SUV and crossover drivers needing all-season traction
  • Drivers looking for a tire that fits 19-inch wheels

Skip if

  • You need a dedicated winter tire
  • You drive on unpaved roads regularly

Verdict: A balanced all-season tire for SUVs that covers most on-road needs.

2 Best compact SUV all-season

Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 All Season 225/65R17 102H

Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 All Season 225/65R17 102H

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
All Season
Rim size
17 in
Tire size
225/65R17

$159.99 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

This smaller 225/65R17 variant of the Scorpion All Season Plus 3 is available for compact SUVs and crossovers. The 17-inch rim size is common, and the 102H load and speed symbols provide a blend of capacity and highway capability.

Pros

  • All-season tread designation
  • 17-inch rim fitment
  • Suitable for compact SUVs
  • Stated size 225/65R17

Cons

  • Lower load index than the 19-inch version
  • Not for larger SUVs or trucks
  • No all-terrain capability

Good fit if

  • Compact crossover owners
  • Drivers seeking a replacement for factory 17-inch tires

Skip if

  • You need a heavy-duty truck tire
  • You require 18-inch or larger wheels

Verdict: A reliable all-season tire for smaller SUVs that keeps costs reasonable.

3 Best all-terrain for pickup trucks

Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus 275/60R20 115T All Terrain Tire

Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus 275/60R20 115T All Terrain Tire

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
All Terrain
Rim size
20 in
Tire size
275/60R20

$262.01 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Scorpion All Terrain Plus is for pickup trucks and SUVs that venture off pavement. The 275/60R20 size offers a wide footprint, and the all-terrain tread indicates mixed-use capability on gravel, dirt, and pavement.

Pros

  • All-terrain tread designation
  • 20-inch rim fitment
  • Wide 275mm section width
  • Fits many full-size trucks

Cons

  • Limited to 20-inch wheels
  • Larger size may require lift or fitment checks
  • Not a dedicated mud tire

Good fit if

  • Truck owners who tow and drive on dirt roads
  • Drivers wanting a more aggressive look

Skip if

  • You mainly drive on highways and want a quieter tire
  • Your truck uses 17-inch or 18-inch wheels

Verdict: A capable all-terrain tire for trucks that balances on-road comfort with off-road grip.

4 Best touring tire for sedans

Pirelli CintuRato P7 Season Touring Radial Tire

Pirelli CintuRato P7 Season Touring Radial Tire

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Rim size
16 in

$217.13 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Cinturato P7 Season is a touring radial for passenger cars. Its 195/55R16 size fits many small to mid-size sedans, and the 87V load and speed symbols indicate good capacity and highway capability.

Pros

  • Touring radial construction
  • 16-inch rim fitment
  • Size 195/55R16 fits many sedans
  • Stated for Car and SUV use

Cons

  • Not an all-season or all-terrain tire
  • No tread category specified
  • Narrower size may not suit larger vehicles

Good fit if

  • Owners of compact and midsize sedans
  • Drivers seeking a comfortable, long-wearing touring tire

Skip if

  • You need a tire for an SUV or crossover
  • You demand maximum performance in corners

Verdict: A dependable touring tire for everyday sedans, if you can confirm it matches your wheel and load needs.

5 Best ultra-high-performance tire

Pirelli P Zero

Pirelli P Zero

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Rim size
21 in and up

$1,253.62 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The P Zero (PZ4-Sport) is available in 325/30ZR23, a size used on high-performance vehicles. Its Y speed symbol indicates capability at very high speeds, and the 109 load index supports heavier loads.

Pros

  • Ultra-low profile 325/30R23
  • Y speed symbol
  • 109 load index
  • Stated for Car and SUV use

Cons

  • Requires 23-inch wheels, rare in mainstream cars
  • No tread category stated (likely performance summer)
  • Extremely wide size may not fit standard vehicles

Good fit if

  • Owners of high-end sports cars and luxury sedans
  • Drivers who prioritize dry grip and steering response

Skip if

  • You drive in snow or ice
  • Your car has standard 18-20 inch wheels

Verdict: A top-tier performance tire for those who can fit a 23-inch wheel and want maximum cornering capability.

6 Best for electric vehicles

Pirelli P Zero

Pirelli P Zero

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Rim size
21 in and up

$757.85 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The P Zero (PZ5) Elect is available in 315/30R23 and is intended for electric vehicles, with a heavy load (HL) index to support battery weight. The Y speed symbol allows for high-speed driving.

Pros

  • Electric-vehicle tire with heavy load (HL) index
  • 23-inch rim fitment
  • Y speed symbol
  • Stated for Car and SUV use

Cons

  • Niche 23-inch size limits fitment
  • Summer-oriented tread (not all-season)
  • Expensive category

Good fit if

  • Owners of performance electric sedans and SUVs
  • Drivers who need a tire that handles instant torque and heavy battery loads

Skip if

  • You drive a standard EV with common 18-20 inch wheels
  • You live in cold climates requiring winter tires

Verdict: A purpose-built tire for high-end EVs that delivers the load capacity and performance these vehicles demand.

7 Best eco-focused SUV tire

Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season 295/45ZR20 110Y SUV/Crossover Tire

Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season 295/45ZR20 110Y SUV/Crossover Tire

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
All Season
Rim size
20 in

$656.26 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Scorpion Verde All Season is an all-season tire for SUVs, available in 295/45ZR20. The Y speed symbol provides stability at high speeds, and the green branding suggests a focus on reduced rolling resistance.

Pros

  • All-season tread designation
  • 20-inch rim fitment
  • Wide 295mm section width
  • Stated for Car and SUV use

Cons

  • Large size may not fit many SUVs
  • Not for off-road use
  • Y speed symbol provides more capability than most drivers need

Good fit if

  • Drivers of large SUVs looking for a comfortable all-season tire
  • Eco-conscious owners who want Pirelli's green series

Skip if

  • You need a tire for a compact crossover
  • You plan to drive on unpaved surfaces

Verdict: A refined all-season tire for large SUVs that focuses on low rolling resistance without sacrificing stability.

8 Best winter tire for performance cars

Pirelli WINTER SOTTOZERO Serie II Touring Radial Tire

Pirelli WINTER SOTTOZERO Serie II Touring Radial Tire

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Tread
Winter
Rim size
20 in

$1,090.38 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Winter Sottozero Serie II is a winter tire in 335/30R20 size, intended for high-performance vehicles that need snow traction. The W speed symbol allows for winter driving at higher speeds, and the winter tread designation is clear.

Pros

  • Winter tread designation
  • 20-inch rim fitment
  • Wide 335mm footprint
  • W speed symbol

Cons

  • Only available in a very wide size
  • Not for summer use
  • 20-inch winter wheels may be costly

Good fit if

  • Owners of sporty cars in snowy regions
  • Drivers who need performance-oriented winter traction

Skip if

  • You drive a standard sedan with 16-18 inch wheels
  • You only need all-season tires

Verdict: A serious winter tire for performance vehicles that brings grip to cold, snowy roads.

9 Best sport-touring motorcycle tire set

Pirelli Angel ST Motorcycle Tire Set 120/70ZR17 58W & 180/55ZR17 73W

Pirelli Angel ST Motorcycle Tire Set 120/70ZR17 58W & 180/55ZR17 73W

Vehicle
Motorcycle

$294.96 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Angel ST set includes a front tire (120/70ZR17) and a rear tire (180/55ZR17) in one package. These 17-inch sizes fit many sport-touring and naked bikes, and the ZR speed symbol indicates high-speed capability.

Pros

  • Complete front and rear set
  • 17-inch fitment (common for sport-touring)
  • ZR speed symbol
  • Stated for Motorcycle use

Cons

  • Set only fits bikes with 17-inch wheels
  • No all-weather tread designation
  • May wear quickly on track use

Good fit if

  • Sport-touring riders seeking a matched front and rear set
  • Owners of motorcycles with 120/70-17 and 180/55-17 sizes

Skip if

  • You ride a cruiser with different wheel sizes
  • You need tires for track-only use

Verdict: A dependable sport-touring set that balances grip and mileage for everyday riding.

10 Best sport motorcycle tire set

Pirelli Diablo Rosso II Motorcycle Tire Set 120/70 ZR17 & 160/60 ZR17

Pirelli Diablo Rosso II Motorcycle Tire Set 120/70 ZR17 & 160/60 ZR17

Vehicle
Motorcycle

$244.96 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Diablo Rosso II set includes a 120/70ZR17 front and a 160/60ZR17 rear, intended for sport bikes. The ZR speed symbol and Diablo lineage point to grip for street and occasional track rides.

Pros

  • Front and rear set in sport-oriented sizes
  • 17-inch wheels
  • ZR speed symbol
  • Stated for Motorcycle use

Cons

  • Rear size (160/60-17) is narrower than many superbikes
  • Not designed for long-distance touring
  • Soft compound may reduce mileage

Good fit if

  • Sport bike owners who want a matched set for spirited riding
  • Riders looking for a tire that warms up quickly

Skip if

  • You ride a cruiser or adventure bike
  • You need tires with long tread life

Verdict: A great choice for sport riders who want a responsive, confident set for street and light track use.

11 Best cruiser motorcycle rear tire

Pirelli Night Dragon 180/70B15 M/C 76H TL Rear Motorcycle Tire

Pirelli Night Dragon 180/70B15 M/C 76H TL Rear Motorcycle Tire

Vehicle
Motorcycle

$239.96 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Night Dragon in 180/70B15 is a rear tire for cruisers and choppers. The 15-inch rim size and 76H load and speed symbols suit heavier V-twin motorcycles, and the M/C marking confirms motorcycle use.

Pros

  • Cruiser-oriented rear tire size
  • 15-inch rim fitment
  • H speed symbol
  • Stated for Motorcycle use

Cons

  • Only rear tire, not a set
  • 15-inch wheels are less common on modern sport bikes
  • No all-weather tread designation

Good fit if

  • Cruiser riders replacing their rear tire
  • Owners of bikes with 15-inch rear wheels

Skip if

  • You ride a sport bike
  • You need both front and rear tires

Verdict: A solid rear tire for cruisers that delivers stable handling and a classic look.

12 Best touring motorcycle rear tire

Pirelli Angel GT Rear Motorcycle Tire 180/55ZR-17

Pirelli Angel GT Rear Motorcycle Tire 180/55ZR-17

Vehicle
Motorcycle

$199.16 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details) Typical price: $206.01, 7% off

View on Amazon

The Angel GT rear tire in 180/55ZR17 is a fitment for touring and sport-touring motorcycles, including the Aprilia Caponard 1200 as stated. The ZR speed symbol supports high-speed touring, and the Angel GT line is designed for long-distance durability.

Pros

  • Fits touring bikes like the Aprilia Caponard 1200
  • 17-inch rear size (180/55-17)
  • ZR speed symbol
  • Stated for Motorcycle use

Cons

  • Sold as a single rear tire, not a set
  • Not designed for off-road or track use
  • Check your motorcycle's exact fitment before purchase

Good fit if

  • Touring riders who need a reliable rear tire for long trips
  • Owners of sport-touring motorcycles with 17-inch rear wheels

Skip if

  • You ride a cruiser with a 16-inch rear wheel
  • You want a matched front and rear set

Verdict: A quality rear tire for sport-touring bikes that provides grip and stability over miles.

13 Best track-day motorcycle front tire

Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 120/70ZR17 Front Motorcycle Tire

Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 120/70ZR17 Front Motorcycle Tire

Vehicle
Motorcycle

$208.17 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 front tire in 120/70ZR17 is intended for track use on sport bikes. With a ZR speed symbol, it is built for aggressive cornering and high-speed stability.

Pros

  • Track-oriented front tire
  • 17-inch fitment (120/70-17)
  • ZR speed symbol
  • Stated for Motorcycle use

Cons

  • Sold as a single front tire, not a set
  • Soft compound may wear quickly on the street
  • Not suitable for touring or wet weather

Good fit if

  • Sport bike riders who attend track days
  • Riders seeking maximum front-end feedback

Skip if

  • You need a set of tires for commuting
  • You ride in cold or wet conditions often

Verdict: A high-performance front tire for riders who demand precise handling on the track.

14 Best adventure motorcycle tire

The Scorpion Rally STR is a rear tire for adventure motorcycles, sized 130/80R17. The M+S and TL designations indicate mud-and-snow capability and tubeless compatibility, making it a suitable choice for mixed street and off-road riding.

Pros

  • M+S (mud and snow) designation
  • Tubeless construction
  • 17-inch adventure sizing
  • Stated for Motorcycle use

Cons

  • Rear tire only, not a set
  • 130/80-17 may not fit all adventure bikes
  • Aggressive tread may be noisy on pavement

Good fit if

  • Adventure riders who split time between asphalt and gravel
  • Owners of mid-size adventure bikes with 17-inch rear wheels

Skip if

  • You only ride on highways
  • Your bike requires a 180/55-17 rear tire

Verdict: A versatile adventure tire that brings off-road confidence without giving up street legality.

15 Best urban SUV tire

Pirelli Scorpion STR 245/50R 20 102H SUV/Crossover Tire

Pirelli Scorpion STR 245/50R 20 102H SUV/Crossover Tire

Vehicle
Car and SUV
Rim size
20 in

$160.22 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Scorpion STR in 245/50R20 is a touring tire for SUVs and crossovers. The 20-inch size fits many luxury SUVs, and the 102H load and speed symbols provide a balanced combination of capacity and highway endurance.

Pros

  • Touring tire for SUV use
  • 20-inch rim fitment
  • Size 245/50R20 with H speed symbol
  • Stated for Car and SUV use

Cons

  • Not an all-season tire (tread category not stated)
  • Narrower than some SUV fitments
  • May not suit larger heavy-duty trucks

Good fit if

  • Luxury SUV drivers who want a comfortable highway tire
  • Owners of crossovers with 20-inch wheels

Skip if

  • You need winter or all-terrain capability
  • Your vehicle requires a wider 275mm or larger tire

Verdict: A refined SUV touring tire for city and highway driving, if you confirm your size needs.

Specifications side by side

#TireVehicleTreadRim sizeTire sizeSold as
1Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 All Season 255/50R19 107V XLCar and SUVAll Season19 innot statednot stated
2Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 All Season 225/65R17 102HCar and SUVAll Season17 in225/65R17not stated
3Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus 275/60R20 115T All Terrain TireCar and SUVAll Terrain20 in275/60R20not stated
4Pirelli CintuRato P7 Season Touring Radial TireCar and SUVnot stated16 innot statednot stated
5Pirelli P ZeroCar and SUVnot stated21 in and upnot statednot stated
6Pirelli P ZeroCar and SUVnot stated21 in and upnot statednot stated
7Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season 295/45ZR20 110Y SUV/Crossover TireCar and SUVAll Season20 innot statednot stated
8Pirelli WINTER SOTTOZERO Serie II Touring Radial TireCar and SUVWinter20 innot statednot stated
9Pirelli Angel ST Motorcycle Tire Set 120/70ZR17 58W & 180/55ZR17 73WMotorcyclenot statednot statednot statednot stated
10Pirelli Diablo Rosso II Motorcycle Tire Set 120/70 ZR17 & 160/60 ZR17Motorcyclenot statednot statednot statednot stated
11Pirelli Night Dragon 180/70B15 M/C 76H TL Rear Motorcycle TireMotorcyclenot statednot statednot statednot stated
12Pirelli Angel GT Rear Motorcycle Tire 180/55ZR-17Motorcyclenot statednot statednot statednot stated
13Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 120/70ZR17 Front Motorcycle TireMotorcyclenot statednot statednot statednot stated
14PIRELLI Motorcycle Tire SCORPION RALLY STR Rear 130/80 R 17 M/C 65V M+SMotorcyclenot statednot statednot statednot stated
15Pirelli Scorpion STR 245/50R 20 102H SUV/Crossover TireCar and SUVnot stated20 innot statednot stated

How the picks were chosen

We started with a pool of 91 Pirelli tires listed on the site, covering passenger cars, SUVs, and motorcycles. Each tire was evaluated on its stated specifications, including tread designation (all-season, all-terrain, winter, or unstated), rim size, and the vehicle category provided by the seller. We eliminated near-duplicate sizes and focused on models with clear fitment details. We did not test any tire ourselves; all claims are based on manufacturer-provided data and the listing information. The prices shown are the live prices read from the store listing at the time of writing, and they may change.

Picking the right one for you

Understanding tire size codes

Tire sizes like P225/60R17 encode important dimensions. The first letter (P for passenger, LT for light truck) indicates the vehicle class. The three-digit number (225) is the section width in millimeters, the two-digit number (60) is the aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of width), and R stands for radial construction. The final number (17) is the rim diameter in inches. Always match the size printed on your vehicle's placard or owner's manual, and never change diameter without checking clearance and calibration.

For motorcycles, the markings are similar but often use a different order. For example, 120/70ZR17: 120 is width, 70 is aspect ratio, ZR indicates a high-speed radial, and 17 is rim diameter. Load and speed indices (such as 58W or 73W) are also marked; the load index corresponds to a load capacity table, and the speed letter indicates the maximum service speed. The U.S. DOT requires that tires meet certain standards under 49 CFR 571.139 for passenger vehicles and 49 CFR 571.119 for motorcycles.

Tread categories: all-season vs summer vs winter vs all-terrain

Pirelli offers several tread families. All-season tires (like Scorpion All Season Plus 3) are designed to work in a wide range of temperatures and light snow. Summer tires (like P Zero PZ4) maximize dry grip but harden in cold weather and perform poorly on ice. Winter tires (like Winter Sottozero) use specialized rubber and tread patterns for snow and freezing temperatures. All-terrain tires (like Scorpion All Terrain Plus) feature more aggressive tread blocks for unpaved roads.

When a listing does not explicitly state a tread category, check the tire's sidewall for the M+S mark or the three-peak mountain snowflake for severe winter service. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards (49 CFR 575.104) also require passenger car tires to display treadwear, traction, and temperature grades, which can help you compare brands, though not all sizes are covered.

Load and speed symbols

Every tire carries a load index and a speed symbol, both molded into the sidewall. The load index (e.g., 107) is a code that corresponds to a maximum load in pounds; a higher number means a higher load capacity. The speed symbol is a letter (H, V, W, Y, etc.) that indicates the maximum safe speed. For example, H is 130 mph, V is 149 mph, W is 168 mph, and Y is 186 mph. These symbols are determined by laboratory tests, and U.S. regulations (49 CFR 571.110) require that the sum of load indices on an axle not be less than the vehicle's gross axle weight index. Always use a tire that meets or exceeds the load and speed requirements from your vehicle manufacturer.

For motorcycles, load and speed symbols are equally critical. CFR 571.119 covers tire performance for motorcycles, including endurance and high-speed tests. Verify your bike's fitment and ensure the tire's load index is sufficient for your riding weight and luggage.

Motorcycle tire types: sport, touring, cruiser, adventure

Pirelli's motorcycle lineup covers different riding styles. Sport tires (Diablo Rosso, Supercorsa) use softer compounds for maximum grip in corners, but they wear faster. Sport-touring tires (Angel ST, Angel GT) offer a compromise of grip and mileage for long-distance riding. Cruiser tires (Night Dragon) are designed for heavyweight V-twins, with a more rounded profile for stable straight-line cruising. Adventure tires (Scorpion Rally STR) have a tread pattern that works on both pavement and dirt.

Before buying, note whether the tire is a front, rear, or set. Some listings sell each tire separately, and mixing brands or compounds on the same motorcycle is generally not recommended. Always purchase tires that match the original equipment sizes from your motorcycle's owner's manual.

Tire pressure and TPMS

Proper inflation is critical for safety and performance. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, reducing fuel economy by about 0.2% for every 1 psi drop in the average pressure of all tires, according to fueleconomy.gov. Over-inflation reduces grip and can cause uneven wear. Check your vehicle's recommended cold tire pressure from the placard on the driver's door jamb or inside the fuel door, not the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall.

Modern cars and many motorcycles are equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that warns you when a tire is significantly under-inflated. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138 (49 CFR 571.138) requires the system to illuminate a warning within 20 minutes if the pressure drops to 25% below the recommended level. Keep your tires properly inflated to avoid TPMS alerts and to get the most life out of your Pirellis.

Questions

Are Pirelli tires good for winter driving?

If you live in an area with snow and ice, you need a dedicated winter tire. Pirelli's Winter Sottozero line is designed for cold-weather performance, with specialized rubber and tread patterns. All-season Pirellis (like the Scorpion All Season Plus 3) can handle light snow, but they lack the grip of a true winter tire on ice and in deep snow. Always switch to winter tires when temperatures regularly drop below 45°F (7°C).

What is the difference between P Zero PZ4 and PZ5?

In the current listings, the P Zero PZ5 is available in an Elect version for electric vehicles, while the PZ4 is a general performance tire. The PZ5 Elect has a heavy load (HL) index for EV battery weight. Both are summer-performance tires, but the PZ5 Elect is optimized for the unique demands of electric powertrains, such as higher torque and lower rolling resistance.

How do I know which tire fits my car?

Look at the sidewall of your current tires or the vehicle's placard, usually on the driver's door jamb. The size is formatted like P225/60R17. The load and speed symbols are also listed there. Never change tire size without consulting your vehicle manual or a professional, as it affects speedometer accuracy and clearance.

Can I use a sport motorcycle tire for touring?

Sport tires (like the Diablo Rosso II) are engineered for maximum grip and cornering at high speeds, but they use softer rubber that wears faster on long highway trips. Touring tires (like the Angel GT) have a harder compound and a more durable construction, providing better mileage and comfort for long distances. If you spend most of your riding on twisty roads and occasional track days, a sport tire is fine; for sustained highway riding, a sport-touring tire is a better choice.

Do all Pirelli tires come with a treadwear warranty?

Treadwear warranties vary by tire model and are set by the manufacturer. The federal Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards (49 CFR 575.104) require passenger car tires to display a treadwear grade, but this grade is a comparative measure, not a warranty. To understand what warranty applies to your specific Pirelli tire, check the official Pirelli website or the tire's documentation. The listings in our guide do not include warranty information.

Revision notes

  • : First published.

Sources

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