7 Best Motorcycle Tires for Honda CB350: Classic and Modern Picks

The Honda CB350 is one of those bikes that rewards a little thoughtful care. It is light, friendly, and happiest when the rubber under it matches how you actually ride. I have spent a lot of time thinking about tires for this bike, and I can tell you the right set transforms the way it turns in, brakes, and handles a damp commute.

There is one wrinkle I want to flag up front. “CB350” can mean the classic 1968-73 twin or the modern CB350 family (H’ness and CB350RS). I cover both below, so you can pick what suits your bike.

How I Chose These Tires

I judged each tire on four things: real-world grip in mixed conditions, tread life, how it suits the CB350’s light, torquey character, and whether it fits the bike’s look. A 350cc single or twin does not need hypersport rubber. It needs predictable, confidence-inspiring tires.

Check Your Size First

Sizing is where most people go wrong. Modern CB350 models commonly run a 100/90-19 front, with the rear in the 130/70 range, while vintage twins used smaller-section 18 or 19 inch tires. Check your swingarm sticker, owner’s manual, and the numbers on your current tires.

Availability changes by brand, so treat the size notes below as a starting point. I always confirm exact fitment on the manufacturer’s size chart before ordering.

1. Avon Roadrider AM26: Best Overall for the CB350

If I could only recommend one tire for the CB350, it would be the Avon Roadrider AM26. It is a British-designed, classic-profile tire built for mid-weight roadsters, and it suits the CB350’s slim, balanced chassis beautifully. The turn-in is neutral and easy to read.

What I Like

The Roadrider AM26 uses a dual-compound design and a tread pattern that looks right on a retro bike while still shedding water well. On damp mornings I have found it predictable, with a gentle breakaway rather than a sudden slide. It comes in a wide range of classic sizes, though you should check the chart for your exact measurements.

What to Watch

It is not the longest-wearing tire in this list. If you are racking up high commuting mileage, the Bridgestone below may stretch further. Pricing is typically mid-range, and I think it is money well spent.

2. Dunlop K70: Best for Vintage CB350 Authenticity

For a restored 1970s twin, the Dunlop K70 is a legend. It has been around for decades, and its bias-ply construction matches what these older chassis were designed around. If period-correct looks matter to you, this is the tire I reach for.

Real-World Performance

The Dunlop K70 has a classic ribbed and block pattern that feels planted at the modest speeds a vintage CB350 sees. It is stable, predictable, and forgiving. Grip on cold, wet pavement is not its strongest suit, so I ride a bit more gently in the rain.

Who Should Buy It

Pick the K70 if you value authenticity and low cost. It is typically one of the more affordable options here, and sizes are available for many older 18 and 19 inch applications. Verify your exact fitment before you order.

3. Michelin Pilot Activ: Best for Modern CB350 Commuting

For a modern H’ness or CB350RS used daily, the Michelin Pilot Activ is hard to beat. It is a sport-touring tire designed for naked and standard bikes, with a long-wearing compound and strong wet manners. It feels refined without feeling heavy.

Why It Works

The Michelin Pilot Activ uses a tread design built to clear water efficiently, which gives me confidence on slick city roads. It warms up quickly, so cold-morning rides feel secure. Mileage is genuinely good for the price.

If you enjoy exploring Michelin’s wider line, see my guide to the best micheline sport tire for motorcycle for more options beyond the Pilot Activ.

4. Bridgestone Battlax BT-46: Best for Mileage and Wet Grip

The Bridgestone Battlax BT-46 is a sport-touring classic that has been loved by riders of mid-size bikes for years. It leans toward longevity and wet-weather security rather than outright sporty feel. For a daily CB350, that is exactly the right priority.

What Stands Out

The BT-46 uses a multi-compound construction that I find grippy in the damp without wearing out quickly. The profile is slightly rounder than a hypersport tire, so it turns in smoothly. Sizes are available for many 18 and 19 inch fitments, but check your exact dimensions.

Rainy-Day Riders

If you ride year-round, this is a strong choice. For a deeper look at rain-focused options, I wrote about the best motorcycle tire for wet roads, and the BT-46 would sit comfortably in that conversation.

5. Shinko SR777 Heritage: Best Budget Retro Pick

I do not think you need to spend a fortune to get a good-looking, safe tire for a CB350. The Shinko SR777 Heritage is a budget-friendly classic-style tire, and it is available with optional whitewall styling in some sizes. It looks fantastic on a restored bike.

Honest Performance Notes

The SR777 is a bias-ply design with a nostalgic tread pattern. Grip is perfectly adequate for relaxed riding, though it is not as sticky in the wet as the Michelin or Bridgestone. I would recommend gentle inputs in the rain.

Value

Prices are usually well below the premium brands, which makes the SR777 great for weekend cruisers and project builds. Just make sure you confirm the load and speed ratings suit your bike.

6. Metzeler Lasertec: Best for Classic Handling Feel

The Metzeler Lasertec is a classic-oriented sport-touring tire from the German brand, and I like it for riders who want a slightly more responsive feel. It sits between a vintage-style tire and a modern sport-touring design.

Ride Character

The Lasertec uses a profile that rolls into corners progressively, and the feedback through the bars is clear. On a lightweight CB350, that translates to a bike that feels alive on twisty back roads. Wet grip is respectable, though not class-leading.

Fitment Reminder

Metzeler lists sizes for many classic and mid-size machines, but the range is not endless. Check the manufacturer’s chart against your bike’s exact front and rear dimensions.

7. Pirelli Sport Demon: Best for Spirited Riding

If you ride your CB350 with a bit more enthusiasm, the Pirelli Sport Demon is worth a look. It is a sport-oriented tire designed for classic and retro-styled machines, built to deliver more grip than a vintage-pattern design.

Where It Shines

The Sport Demon offers a confident, stable feel when you push the bike harder on dry pavement. The compound warms up well, and it handles lean angles with a reassuring consistency. Tread life is typically a little shorter than the touring-focused options.

Who It Is For

I would pick this if you love back-road riding and care about grip over mileage. Check the available sizes for your wheel diameter before buying, since the range may be narrower than the others here.

How to Pick the Right Tire for Your Riding Style

Here is the quick decision framework I use. It keeps things simple and avoids overspending on features you will never use.

• Daily commuter: Michelin Pilot Activ or Bridgestone Battlax BT-46.
• Vintage restoration: Dunlop K70 or Shinko SR777 Heritage.
• All-rounder: Avon Roadrider AM26.
• Spirited weekend rider: Pirelli Sport Demon or Metzeler Lasertec.

A Note on Off-Road Use

Some CB350 owners build scramblers or take their bikes down gravel roads. Road tires are not designed for that, and I would not push them. If you are curious about proper loose-surface rubber, my article on the best motorcycle tire for desert racing covers a very different category of tires.

Tire Care Tips I Swear By

Even the best tire underperforms if you neglect it. A few simple habits make a big difference to safety and lifespan, and they cost almost nothing.

Check Pressure Regularly

I check my pressures at least every two weeks, and always when the tires are cold. Correct pressure improves handling, wear, and fuel economy. A reliable best tire hand pump for motorcycle is a handy thing to keep at home or on the bike.

Carry a Repair Kit

Punctures happen, usually at the worst moment. I carry a compact plug kit whenever I ride beyond my local area. If you want recommendations, see my roundup of the best tire repair kit for motorcycle.

Mind the Age

Rubber hardens over time, even if the tread looks fine. Look for the four-digit date code on the sidewall, which shows the week and year of manufacture. I replace tires that are more than five to six years old.

Break In New Tires Gently

New tires have a slick mold-release coating on the surface. I take the first 100 miles or so with smooth throttle, gentle braking, and moderate lean angles. After that, the tire is ready to deliver its full grip.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I see the same errors again and again in the CB350 community. Avoiding them will save you money and potentially a crash.

• Ignoring the correct size. A tire that is too wide or narrow can upset handling and clearance.
• Mixing radial and bias-ply carelessly. Stick with what your bike was designed for.
• Choosing on looks alone. A pretty tire with poor wet grip is a bad trade.
• Skipping balancing. An unbalanced wheel causes vibration and uneven wear.

Final Thoughts

The CB350 is a joy, and good tires amplify everything that makes it special. My overall pick is the Avon Roadrider AM26, with the Michelin Pilot Activ a close second for modern daily riders. Vintage owners will be well served by the Dunlop K70.

Whichever you choose, confirm your size, check the date code, and keep the pressure right. Do those three things and you will enjoy safer, more confident miles on your Honda. Ride well, and enjoy every curve.

Frequently Asked Questions