The Ultimate Adventure Bike Tyre? The Motoz Tractionator Adventure put to the Test...
- Elton Bewsher
- 12h
- 6 min read
Tyres are always a hot topic among adventure riders. After a long day in the saddle, sitting with your mates over a couple of beers, the conversation almost always turns to tyres: which ones last the longest, which ones grip best in the wet, and which ones have failed spectacularly on sharp rocks. From there, the debate usually shifts to trade-offs. Do you go for maximum off-road grip at the expense of noisy road manners, or settle for something that cruises quietly on tar but leaves you short when the gravel gets loose? Everyone’s got a preference, and everyone’s got a story.
I’ve run through plenty myself: Bridgestone AX41s, Metzeler Karoo 4s, and Michelin Anakee Wilds, to name a few. Each has something to like, but none ever felt like the whole package. Some wore out far too quickly. Others gripped well but made long days on tar a noisy chore. None left me fully satisfied.
A few years ago, while participating in the Hogsback Rally Raid, a friend of mine was running a set of imported Motoz Tractionator Adventure tyres. We were pushing hard in the kind of terrain that eats tyres alive: rocky climbs, sandy stretches, endless punishment. At the end of the rally, his tyres looked surprisingly good. He wouldn’t stop talking about how tough they were, and I couldn’t help but notice it myself. The seed was planted right there...
Fast forward to earlier this year, and Motoz Tyres South Africa started importing them from Australia. For me, the timing was perfect. We had our South Africa is Calling tour ahead, covering close to 4,000km of mixed tar and gravel roads, and I thought, what better way to see if the hype holds up? I fitted a set to my BMW R 1200 GS Rallye and rolled out with high expectations...
Fitting and First Impressions
Mounting the Motoz Tractionator Adventures was about what I anticipated — they’ve got tough, reinforced sidewalls that make fitting a little more effort than softer adventure tyres. But that’s the trade-off you accept for their legendary durability and impact resistance. I’d rather wrestle them on in the garage than worry about soft sidewalls tearing out on a rocky mountain pass.
On the first tar section of our tour, I was immediately impressed.
The Tractionator Adventures were noticeably quieter than expected. Knobby tyres usually sing a loud tune on the road, but these Motoz tyres hummed far more softly — definitely quieter than the AX41s or Karoo 4s I’ve used before. The bike felt planted and predictable, with just a faint wander from the rear when brand new — typical of fresh aggressive tread. Within about 500km of riding, that feeling settled completely, leaving a confident, stable ride both on and off the tar.
Off-Road Performance
This is where they really started to shine...
Gravel: The GS felt locked in, stable, and predictable. I found myself riding quicker than expected without even trying, simply because the bike gave me confidence.
Sand: No tyre makes deep sand feel easy, but the Motoz bit in consistently. It gave me enough drive to keep momentum going, and didn’t feel like it wanted to wash out underneath me.
Mud: The tour didn’t throw much mud my way, but just looking at the tread, which is wide, aggressive, and well-spaced, it’s clear this tyre is designed to clear mud instead of holding onto it. I’d trust it in the muck.
Rocks: Here’s where it really won me over. I hammered through rocky sections that would normally leave knobs chipped or chunked. At the end of it, the Motoz looked like it had barely noticed. That’s rare.
It wasn’t just grip, it was the consistency of it. I never felt like I was at the edge of what the tyre could do.
On the Road
Off-road Adventure tyres usually come with a compromise on tar. The Tractionator didn’t feel like much of a compromise at all.
On the highways, the bike felt steady and predictable, and the lower road noise helped keep fatigue at bay during the long stretches. When the route turned into mountain passes, I had no hesitation leaning in with confidence. I even scraped a peg or two, and the tyres stayed calm and planted throughout. Under hard braking, they remained consistent and trustworthy, which only added to my confidence in them.
That balance, real off-road bite but road manners good enough for long tar sections, is exactly what I’ve been looking for.
Longevity and Wear
By the time we finished the tour, I’d clocked over 4,000 km on the tyres. Normally, with other brands, I’d already be thinking about what to fit next. But the Tractionator Adventure still looked fresh, with plenty of life left.
That’s even more impressive when you consider the bike I was riding. The BMW R 1200 GS is no lightweight. Once you factor in luggage and gear, you are asking a lot from any tyre. Heavy bikes tend to chew through rubber at an alarming rate, yet the Motoz handled the load without showing the kind of wear I’ve seen on other brands.
One clever design feature stood out: the front tyre can be flipped and run in either direction. That means when one side starts to wear unevenly or feather, you can simply turn it around and carry on. No other tyre I’ve run has offered that, and it means the front lasts significantly longer than the competition. Small detail, big payoff.
Touring Reality
The South Africa is Calling tour was a proper test, a long, demanding ride that would expose any weakness. The Motoz Tractionator Adventure didn’t just cope, it excelled. No punctures, no scary moments, and barely any visible wear after thousands of kilometres.
I came away from that ride with one clear thought: "These tyres are built for the kind of riding I actually do, not just the brochure photos."
Motoz Tractionator Adventure Tyre Review Verdict
I’ve ridden on AX41s, Karoos, and Anakee Wilds. They’ve all done the job and are fantastic off-road adventure tyres, but none left me as impressed as the Motoz Tractionator. It’s the first tyre that feels like it delivers across the board: long life, real off-road performance, and proper road manners.
Would I recommend it? Without question. If you’re the type of rider who mixes long-distance touring with proper off-road riding, this tyre deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Final Thoughts
The Tractionator impressed me in every way that matters. It gave me the grip I wanted off-road, the stability I needed on tar, and the durability to keep going without worrying about swapping tyres halfway through a long ride. Add in the comfort over distance and that clever reversible front, and it feels like Motoz has built a tyre with adventure bike riders in mind.
For me, this Motoz Tractionator Adventure review comes down to one thing: confidence. I bolted them on, rode them hard, and came away convinced, no more wondering if they lived up to the hype...
So the next time the tyre debate kicks off over a couple of beers after a ride, I’ll have my own story to share: I made the switch to Motoz, and I won't be looking back...
WIN YOUR OWN SET OF MOTOZ TRACTIONATOR TYRES...
After spending over 4,000 km on these tyres, we’re confident the Motoz Tractionator Adventure is the real deal — tough, grippy, and built for proper adventure riders.
And here’s the best part: you can win your own set...
We’ve teamed up with Motoz Tyres South Africa to give one lucky rider a full set of Motoz Tractionator Adventure tyres.
All you need to do is follow the simple steps on our competition page...
If you're looking for the ultimate adventure motorcycle tour, you’ve come to the right place! At Motorrad Adventures, we bring years of experience, expert guides, and world-class support to ensure you have an unforgettable off-road motorcycle experience.
Since 2009, we’ve been crafting and leading epic motorcycle expeditions across the globe. Our team has successfully organised tours in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Namibia, and South Africa, helping countless riders tick off their bucket-list motorcycle adventures.
We’ve also had the privilege of working alongside some of the biggest names in adventure motorcycling, including Charley Boorman, Billy Ward, Claudio von Planta, Dylan Wickrama, SA Adventure, Moto Aventures, and Compass Expeditions.
Your safety is our top priority. Every Motorrad Adventures motorcycle tour includes:
✅ Fully equipped support vehicle & trailer with satellite communication and tracking
✅ Professional lead and sweep riders for guidance and support
✅ On-tour medic for added peace of mind
✅ A dedicated backup crew so you can ride at your own pace
With our experienced team by your side, you can push your limits while knowing you have the best support in the industry.
Royal Enfield Himalayan rental
We take care of everything—from planning scenic routes to securing top-quality accommodation and delicious meals. That means you get to focus on what matters most—riding and exploring. Whether you're navigating Namibia’s desert dunes, cruising through the rugged landscapes of South Africa, or crossing breathtaking salt flats, we ensure every moment is an adventure to remember.
So, if you’re ready to experience the motorcycle trip of a lifetime, click the button below and start your next great adventure! 👇
Comments