Metzeler Tire and Wheel

About Metzeler: A Legacy Built on Two Wheels

Metzeler is one of motorcycling's most storied tire brands, with roots stretching back to 1863 in Munich, Germany. Metzeler motorcycle tires have evolved over more than 160 years from a company that originally crafted rubber goods — from surgical equipment to early aviation materials — into a singular, world-class manufacturer focused exclusively on two-wheel performance.

The brand's pivot toward motorcycles became decisive in the late 1970s, when Metzeler narrowed its entire engineering focus to motorcycle tires alone. That dedication paid off: Metzeler tires were behind several landmark innovations, including the development of Europe's first tubeless motorcycle tire in 1978, which reduced weight, improved puncture resistance, and simplified maintenance for riders everywhere. In 1986, Metzeler became part of the Pirelli Group, a move that brought expanded R&D resources and global manufacturing infrastructure — while the brand retained its independent engineering identity and product development path.

What Sets Metzeler Apart

Metzeler's singular focus on motorcycle tires — not cars, not trucks, not farm equipment — is a point of pride the brand wears openly. This specialization has translated into deep expertise across every riding discipline. The Metzeler catalog spans tires for sport touring, adventure, cruiser, off-road, enduro, motocross, scooter, and classic motorcycle applications, with each product line developed using advanced rubber compounds, innovative tread geometries, and proprietary technologies like Interact™ multi-zone tension and the Metzeler Belt System (MBS-Radial).

That reputation for real-world performance resonates with riders at the highest level. Readers of the German motorcycle publication Motorrad have named Metzeler the best tire brand 13 times, including as recently as 2024 — when nearly two-thirds of nearly 50,000 voters chose the brand. Metzeler tires also come fitted as original equipment on high-profile motorcycles, including the BMW R 1300 GS, underscoring the brand's standing with major OEMs.

A Tire for Every Rider

Whether you're logging long miles on a sport-tourer, carving mountain roads on a naked bike, or tackling unpaved terrain on an adventure motorcycle, Metzeler engineers a solution with your specific riding context in mind. The Roadtec™ line is a benchmark in the sport-touring segment, balancing mileage with wet-weather grip. The Tourance™ series addresses adventure and enduro riders who split time between pavement and dirt. Cruiser and custom riders rely on the ME 888 Marathon™ Ultra for its exceptional mileage and all-weather traction, while the Karoo™ lineup delivers rally-inspired performance for those who venture well off the beaten path.

Metzeler's manufacturing heritage — centered at its Breuberg plant in Germany — combined with the R&D depth of the Pirelli Group means every tire benefits from both grassroots riding knowledge and cutting-edge materials science. For riders who demand a tire that matches their passion, Metzeler has earned its place in the premium tier of the motorcycle world.