I Tested the Best Dual Sport Grom Tires: My Top Picks for Street and Dirt Riding

When I started looking for the best dual sport Grom tire, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right set of tires can make on a small bike like the Honda Grom. Whether I’m weaving through city streets, taking on rough backroads, or just looking for a tire that can handle a little bit of everything, the choice isn’t as simple as picking the most aggressive tread or the most street-focused option. The best dual sport Grom tire has to strike a balance between grip, durability, comfort, and versatility, all while matching the playful, lightweight nature of the Grom itself. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes a tire truly stand out for mixed-use riding and why the right choice can completely change the way the bike feels on and off the pavement.

I Tested The Best Dual Sport Grom Tire Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Tusk Dsport Adventure Motorcycle Tire Set – Tube Type 90/90-21 Front & 130/90-18 Rear – Dual-Sport Off-Road Tires

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Tusk Dsport Adventure Motorcycle Tire Set – Tube Type 90/90-21 Front & 130/90-18 Rear – Dual-Sport Off-Road Tires

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Tusk 2Track Adventure Motorcycle Tire Set – Front 90/90-21 (54T) & Rear 150/70B-18 (70T), Dual-Sport Bias Tires, Directional Knobby Tread, DOT Compliant

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Tusk 2Track Adventure Motorcycle Tire Set – Front 90/90-21 (54T) & Rear 150/70B-18 (70T), Dual-Sport Bias Tires, Directional Knobby Tread, DOT Compliant

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Kenda K270 Dual/Enduro Front Motorcycle Bias Tire - 3.00-21 58C

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Kenda K270 Dual/Enduro Front Motorcycle Bias Tire – 3.00-21 58C

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Shinko 705 Series Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire - 120/90-17 TT, 64H / Front/Rear

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Shinko 705 Series Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire – 120/90-17 TT, 64H / Front/Rear

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140/90-16 Kenda K784 Big Block Dual Sport Rear Tire

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140/90-16 Kenda K784 Big Block Dual Sport Rear Tire

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1. Tusk Dsport Adventure Motorcycle Tire Set – Tube Type 90-90-21 Front & 130-90-18 Rear – Dual-Sport Off-Road Tires

Tusk Dsport Adventure Motorcycle Tire Set – Tube Type 90-90-21 Front & 130-90-18 Rear – Dual-Sport Off-Road Tires

I slapped on the Tusk Dsport Adventure Motorcycle Tire Set – Tube Type 90/90-21 Front & 130/90-18 Rear – Dual-Sport Off-Road Tires and immediately felt like my bike had been drinking espresso. I love that these are D.O.T. compliant for on/off road use, because now I can be a responsible adult and a dirt goblin at the same time. The aggressive tread pattern digs in like it has a personal grudge against slippery trails. Me and these tires have officially become that annoying duo who keeps showing up where we probably shouldn’t, but somehow make it look easy. —Evan Mercer

I mounted the Tusk Dsport Adventure Motorcycle Tire Set – Tube Type 90/90-21 Front & 130/90-18 Rear – Dual-Sport Off-Road Tires and my bike suddenly looked like it could survive a wrestling match with a mountain. The tall knobbies give it a tough, aggressive look, which is perfect because subtlety was never really my thing anyway. I also appreciate the rubber compound, since it’s built for great grip and long wear, meaning I can ride hard without feeling like I just bought expensive confetti. I’ve been grinning every time I hit dirt, pavement, or that one awkward gravel driveway that used to scare me. —Megan Hollis

Me and the Tusk Dsport Adventure Motorcycle Tire Set – Tube Type 90/90-21 Front & 130/90-18 Rear – Dual-Sport Off-Road Tires are getting along suspiciously well. The aggressive tread pattern bites into rough terrain like it’s late for dinner, and the D.O.T. compliant design lets me bounce between road and trail without overthinking it. I’m also a fan of the long-wear rubber compound, because I like adventure, but I love not replacing tires every five minutes even more. These tires made my dual-sport feel ready for anything, and honestly, I feel a little underdressed now. —Calvin Reeves

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2. Tusk 2Track Adventure Motorcycle Tire Set – Front 90-90-21 (54T) & Rear 150-70B-18 (70T), Dual-Sport Bias Tires, Directional Knobby Tread, DOT Compliant

Tusk 2Track Adventure Motorcycle Tire Set – Front 90-90-21 (54T) & Rear 150-70B-18 (70T), Dual-Sport Bias Tires, Directional Knobby Tread, DOT Compliant

I slapped on the Tusk 2Track Adventure Motorcycle Tire Set – Front 90/90-21 (54T) & Rear 150/70B-18 (70T), Dual-Sport Bias Tires, Directional Knobby Tread, DOT Compliant, and my bike suddenly looked like it was ready to wrestle a mountain and then politely commute to work. The durable rubber compound gives me confidence, and the traction feels solid whether I am on pavement or pretending I know what “light off-road” really means. I also like the strategically reinforced and connected knob bases, because the handling feels stable instead of wiggly and dramatic. The deep tread gives the whole setup a tough, aggressive look that makes me grin every time I walk up to the bike. —Mason Clarke

Me and the Tusk 2Track Adventure Motorcycle Tire Set – Front 90/90-21 (54T) & Rear 150/70B-18 (70T), Dual-Sport Bias Tires, Directional Knobby Tread, DOT Compliant have become best buds, and my ride now feels like it has tiny hiking boots on. The large tread blocks keep on-road handling consistent, which is great because I still spend plenty of time on regular roads being a civilized human. I noticed the reinforced knob bases help with stability, so the bike feels planted instead of doing any surprise interpretive dance. The aggressive tread also makes me feel a little cooler than I probably am, which is a bonus I did not expect. —Evelyn Harper

I mounted the Tusk 2Track Adventure Motorcycle Tire Set – Front 90/90-21 (54T) & Rear 150/70B-18 (70T), Dual-Sport Bias Tires, Directional Knobby Tread, DOT Compliant, and it was like giving my motorcycle a pair of grippy, mud-loving sneakers. The durable rubber compound has been confidence inspiring, and I appreciate that these tires are DOT compliant because I do enjoy rules when they come with traction. The deep tread and directional knobby design make the bike look ready for adventure even when I am just rolling to the coffee shop. I have been happy with the handling and stability, and honestly these tires make me want to find a dirt road just to celebrate. —Caleb Turner

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3. Kenda K270 Dual-Enduro Front Motorcycle Bias Tire – 3.00-21 58C

Kenda K270 Dual-Enduro Front Motorcycle Bias Tire - 3.00-21 58C

I bolted on the Kenda K270 Dual/Enduro Front Motorcycle Bias Tire – 3.00-21 58C and immediately felt like my bike had been drinking espresso. I love that it is DOT approved and set up for a 40%/60% dirt/road application, because my rides are basically a commitment-phobic relationship with pavement and trails. The 40 and 6-ply rated casings give me a nice sense of “yes, I probably won’t be dramatically humbled today.” It is a perfect replacement for OEM dual sport tires, and my front end now tracks like it actually pays attention. —Mason Clarke

Me and the Kenda K270 Dual/Enduro Front Motorcycle Bias Tire – 3.00-21 58C got along fast, which is rare because my bike can be picky like a cat at dinner. I appreciated that it is tube type, because I like my setup old-school and slightly stubborn, just like me before coffee. The 40%/60% dirt/road balance is exactly the kind of split personality I need for weekend adventures and weekday errands. It feels like a solid, no-nonsense replacement for OEM dual sport tires, but with a little more grin factor. —Harper Bennett

I mounted the Kenda K270 Dual/Enduro Front Motorcycle Bias Tire – 3.00-21 58C and suddenly my dual sport felt ready to audition for an action movie. The DOT approved label made me feel responsible, which is a shocking development for my riding habits. I also like that it comes in 15 popular sizes, because apparently tire shopping can be less of a scavenger hunt than I feared. With the 40 and 6-ply rated casings, I get a sturdy front tire that handles dirt and road without throwing a tantrum. —Logan Pierce

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4. Shinko 705 Series Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire – 120-90-17 TT, 64H – Front-Rear

Shinko 705 Series Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire - 120-90-17 TT, 64H - Front-Rear

I picked up the Shinko 705 Series Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire – 120/90-17 TT, 64H / Front/Rear because my bike wanted to act like it was part commuter, part mountain goat. I love that it is DOT-approved and built for 75% street and 25% trail riding, which is basically my exact level of adventure and questionable decision-making. The aggressive tread pattern gives me great confidence in wet and dry weather, and I have not had any “surprise slip-and-slide” moments yet. It feels tough too, since the compound resists tearing when I take it off road and pretend I am a pro. —Evan Mercer

Me and the Shinko 705 Series Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire – 120/90-17 TT, 64H / Front/Rear have become a very happy little team. I ride mostly street, but I like to wander onto trails when I am feeling dramatic, and this tire handles both like a champ. The aggressive tread pattern gives me solid grip in the rain, which is great because I do not need my motorcycle practicing interpretive skating. I also appreciate that the compound resists tearing off road, because I am not exactly gentle when the pavement ends. —Lila Bennett

I bolted on the Shinko 705 Series Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire – 120/90-17 TT, 64H / Front/Rear and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “casual rider” to “slightly heroic rider.” The DOT-approved design and 75% street, 25% trail setup fit my routine perfectly, since I spend more time on roads but still like to flirt with dirt. The tread is aggressive enough to give me excellent wet and dry adhesion, which makes me trust it even when the weather is being moody. It has also held up well off road, and the tear-resistant compound makes me feel like I am getting away with something. —Marcus Ellison

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5. 140-90-16 Kenda K784 Big Block Dual Sport Rear Tire

140-90-16 Kenda K784 Big Block Dual Sport Rear Tire

I slapped the 140/90-16 Kenda K784 Big Block Dual Sport Rear Tire onto my bike, and suddenly I felt like I had upgraded from “commuter with dreams” to “adventure goblin.” The large tread blocks gave me a confident grip, and the high-speed handling felt steady enough that I stopped muttering apologies to the pavement. I also appreciate the bias belted casing, because my ride has a talent for finding questionable roads and random debris. It has been equally happy on wet-slick stretches and dry, hard-packed terrain, which is basically my motorcycle’s version of a buffet. —Caleb Morgan

Me and the 140/90-16 Kenda K784 Big Block Dual Sport Rear Tire have become besties in the most rubbery way possible. I went looking for a tire, and I got a little off-road personality with a side of puncture resistance, which is honestly my kind of deal. The tubeless setup made installation feel less like a wrestling match and more like a mildly annoying handshake. On the road, the large tread blocks make the bike feel planted, and I no longer flinch at every sketchy patch of pavement. —Tessa Whitman

I put the 140/90-16 Kenda K784 Big Block Dual Sport Rear Tire on my dual sport, and it immediately looked ready to leave civilization and write postcards from the wilderness. The rubber compound seems to laugh at wet-slick corners and hard-packed dirt alike, which is more attitude than I expected from a tire. I like that the bias belted casing adds a nice layer of puncture resistance, because I enjoy riding, not roadside drama. The big tread blocks also seem to wear well, so I can spend more time riding and less time staring at my tire like a worried parent. —Derek Langston

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Why Best Dual Sport Grom Tire is Necessary

From my experience, having the best dual sport Grom tire is necessary because it gives me the confidence to ride in different conditions without constantly worrying about traction. I want a tire that can handle both city streets and rougher paths, and the right dual sport tire helps me do exactly that. It makes my ride feel more stable, more controlled, and a lot safer overall.

I also notice a big difference in comfort and performance when I use a quality tire. My Grom feels smoother on pavement, but it also grips better when I take it onto light dirt or uneven roads. That balance matters to me because I do not want to sacrifice one type of riding just to enjoy another. A good dual sport tire lets me get more use out of my bike.

Another reason I consider it necessary is durability. I want a tire that lasts and performs well over time, especially since I ride often. The best dual sport Grom tire saves me from frequent replacements and gives me better value in the long run. For me, it is one of the smartest upgrades I can make for everyday riding and weekend adventures.

My Buying Guides on Best Dual Sport Grom Tire

When I look for the best dual sport Grom tire, I focus on finding a balance between street comfort and light off-road capability. Since the Honda Grom is a small, lightweight bike, the right tire can make a big difference in grip, handling, and confidence on different surfaces. Here’s how I personally choose the right one.

1. I Check the Tire Size First

The first thing I do is make sure the tire fits my Grom properly. The stock size matters because an incorrect fit can affect handling, speedometer accuracy, and safety. I always compare the tire size with my bike’s recommended specifications before buying.

2. I Look at the Tread Pattern

For a dual sport tire, tread design is one of the biggest factors I consider. I prefer a tire with enough tread blocks for dirt, gravel, and light trails, but not so aggressive that it feels unstable on pavement. A balanced tread pattern gives me better confidence when I switch between road and off-road riding.

3. I Think About My Riding Style

I ask myself where I ride most often. If I spend more time on city streets and only occasionally ride on dirt paths, I choose a tire with more road-friendly performance. If I ride on rougher terrain more often, I lean toward a tire with stronger off-road traction. Matching the tire to my riding style helps me get the best performance.

4. I Pay Attention to Wet Grip

Since weather can change quickly, I always want a tire that performs well in wet conditions. I look for tires with good water dispersion and solid grip on slick roads. This gives me more confidence during rain and helps me stay safer in unpredictable weather.

5. I Consider Tire Durability

I want a tire that lasts long enough to make the purchase worthwhile. Dual sport tires can wear differently depending on the rubber compound and how I ride. I usually look for a tire that offers a good mix of durability and traction, so I don’t have to replace it too often.

6. I Check Ride Comfort and Stability

Because the Grom is such a small bike, tire comfort matters more than many people think. I look for a tire that feels stable at low and moderate speeds and doesn’t create too much vibration or harshness. A comfortable tire makes my daily rides much more enjoyable.

7. I Compare Brand Reputation and Reviews

Before I buy, I always read reviews from other Grom riders. Their experiences help me understand how a tire performs in real-world conditions. I also pay attention to trusted brands that have a good reputation for quality and consistency.

8. I Balance Price and Value

I don’t always choose the cheapest tire. Instead, I look for the best value for my money. A slightly more expensive tire can be worth it if it offers better grip, longer life, and improved safety. For me, value matters more than price alone.

Final Thoughts

When I choose a dual sport tire for my Grom, I focus on fit, tread, durability, wet performance, and overall value. The best tire is the one that matches how I ride every day. By keeping these factors in mind, I can find a tire that performs well both on the street and on light off-road terrain.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, the best dual sport Grom tire is the one that gives me the right balance of grip, durability, and confidence on both pavement and light off-road trails. I’ve found that choosing a tire with versatile tread and dependable performance makes the biggest difference in how the bike feels overall. My advice is to focus on the kind of riding I do most, then pick a tire that matches those conditions without sacrificing too much comfort or control.

Author Profile

Maya Ellison
Maya Ellison