Metzeler is a long-established German brand, founded in 1863 and now owned by Pirelli, and it is worth being clear up front: it is a motorcycle tyre specialist, not a car-tyre brand. If you found it while shopping for car tyres, this guide will save you time.
Where it sits
Within motorcycle tyres, Metzeler is a premium marque, well regarded by riders for sport, touring and adventure use. It does not compete in the car-tyre market at all, so it has no place on a car-buying shortlist.
What it is known for
- Premium motorcycle tyres, especially sport and adventure
- A long German heritage dating to the 1860s
- Being Pirelli's dedicated motorcycle brand
The ranges that matter
These are motorcycle ranges, for context:
- Roadtec: sport touring
- Sportec: sport
- Tourance and Karoo, adventure and off-road
If you were looking for car tyres
Then Metzeler is a dead end, and that is useful to know. For a premium car tyre with a related pedigree, its parent Pirelli is the obvious starting point, and our guide to the best performance tyres covers the sporty end of the car market properly.
Who they suit
Motorcyclists, specifically those after premium sport, touring or adventure tyres. For car drivers, this is simply not the right brand, and there is no compromise version of that: a motorcycle tyre is not a car tyre.
From the reviews desk: I have included Metzeler only to be straight with anyone who stumbles onto the name. It is a genuinely excellent motorcycle brand under Pirelli, but it makes nothing for cars. If you are on four wheels, look at Pirelli instead and move on.
Sources and accuracy. This is a general brand profile at the time of writing. Metzeler is a motorcycle brand; car tyre buyers should look elsewhere. If anything here looks wrong, get in touch and we will check it and put it right.
Common questions
Are Metzeler tyres any good?+
Metzeler is a highly regarded premium tyre brand, but for motorcycles rather than cars. Owned by Pirelli, it has a strong reputation among riders for sport, touring and adventure motorcycle tyres. If you are shopping for car tyres, it is not the brand you are looking for.
Does Metzeler make car tyres?+
No, Metzeler is a motorcycle tyre specialist, not a car-tyre brand. It is owned by Pirelli and focuses on motorcycle tyres, so a car driver who finds the name will want to look at Pirelli or another car brand instead.
Who owns Metzeler?+
Metzeler is owned by Pirelli and operates as the group's dedicated motorcycle tyre brand, with a German heritage dating back to the 1860s.
Is Metzeler a premium brand?+
Yes, within motorcycle tyres Metzeler is a premium marque, well regarded for sport, touring and adventure riding. That premium standing applies to bikes, not cars.