Quick verdict: This Pirelli Night Dragon review is based on real-world riding in heat, rain, and long-distance touring conditions. The Pirelli Night Dragon motorcycle tires gave us excellent handling, outstanding wet-road confidence, and predictable grip in hot weather. The downside was tire life: our rear tire was done a little after 12,000 miles, which was sooner than I hoped but still within normal standards for motorcycle tires.
Pirelli Night Dragon Wet Grip and Handling
The Pirelli Night Dragon tires handled great. We rode on the Pirelli Night Dragon in hot and very hot conditions and never felt any traction issues. More importantly, in wet and very wet conditions, they were the best motorcycle tires I have ridden on. I never once felt uncomfortable on wet roads.
Pirelli Night Dragon Tire Wear: The Biggest Downside
We got a little more than 12,000 miles on the Pirelli Night Dragon tires before I had to park the motorcycle and order replacements. I was hoping to ride past 15,000 miles before needing new motorcycle tires, so mileage was the biggest disappointment in this Pirelli Night Dragon review.
Photo note: The rear Pirelli Night Dragon at about 12,500 miles.
Pirelli Night Dragon in Rain: Real-World Wet Road Performance
Overall, I loved the Pirelli Night Dragon handling and wet-road performance. During our 2017 motorcycle vacation in rain and wet riding conditions, almost two-thirds of the trip involved wet roads, rain, and torrential downpours. Never once did I feel like I needed to worry about slips and slides.
I was never fully confident with the Harley-Davidson OEM Dunlop tires in the wet, so the Pirelli Night Dragons felt like a noticeable step up for touring comfort and rider confidence.
Pirelli Night Dragon Grip vs. Mileage
I was disappointed with the Pirelli Night Dragon tire wear, but this seems to be the tradeoff: better grip versus longer mileage. With these tires, that tradeoff felt real. The question becomes simple: am I willing to buy motorcycle tires a little more often for grip that makes me feel safer at every lean angle?
For now, the answer is yes. I ordered another set of Pirelli Night Dragon motorcycle tires. If I only get another 12,000 miles out of the next set, I may consider testing another touring motorcycle tire.
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Pirelli Night Dragon Final Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
After all that, I am giving the Pirelli Night Dragon motorcycle tires a 4 out of 5 stars. The wet grip and handling are excellent, and the tire made me feel confident in rain, heat, and long-distance riding. The shorter-than-hoped-for tire life keeps the Pirelli Night Dragon from being a perfect touring motorcycle tire for me Motorcycle Tires
After all that I am giving these motorcycle tires a 4 out of 5 stars!
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