Where Are Metzeler Tires Made

Metzeler tires are made in Germany and China, with production actually split between a longstanding German facility and a much newer plant located in Shandong province.

Metzeler is a German motorcycle tire manufacturer known for its sport, touring, and off road tire lines used by riders around the world.

The company has been owned by Italian tire giant Pirelli since 1986, though Metzeler continues to operate under its very own brand name and dedicated engineering team.

But if Metzeler is a German brand owned by an Italian company, where does the actual physical manufacturing happen today, and does it matter?

This article will explore where Metzeler tires are made, who owns the company today, how it compares to other motorcycle tire brands, and whether the quality really holds up.

So let’s get started.

Who Owns Metzeler Tires

Metzeler has been owned by Pirelli since 1986, with full company details available on the official Metzeler website.

Pirelli itself is an Italian tire manufacturer with a controlling interest held by the Chinese company Sinochem as of December 2025.

Despite the layers of corporate ownership, Metzeler continues to operate with its own dedicated research, development, and racing teams under the Pirelli umbrella, according to Wikipedia.

Where Metzeler Tires Are Actually Manufactured

Metzeler tires are produced at a large facility in Breuberg, Germany, and at another separate plant in Yanzhou, located in Shandong province, China, according to SlashGear.

The German facility handles much of the research, development, and production for high end sport and touring models, keeping premium manufacturing close to Metzeler’s engineering roots.

The Chinese facility supports broader global production volume, helping Metzeler meet demand across international markets at a more competitive price point.

Metzeler’s History as a German Tire Maker

Metzeler was founded in Germany and built its early reputation on general rubber products before eventually shifting focus specifically toward motorcycle tires over the following several decades of growth.

The company became known for performance oriented sport and touring tires, eventually building a strong following among racing teams and everyday street riders alike.

Pirelli’s 1986 acquisition brought Metzeler into a larger corporate structure while allowing the brand to keep its own distinct identity in the motorcycle tire market.

Metzeler vs Michelin Motorcycle Tires

Michelin is one of Metzeler’s biggest competitors in the motorcycle tire market, also known for strong performance across sport and touring categories. Readers can see how Michelin handles its own manufacturing in our guide on where Michelin tires are made.

Both brands compete heavily in racing and premium touring segments, with riders often choosing based on personal preference for grip feel and tire wear characteristics.

Pricing between the two brands is fairly comparable at the premium tier, with neither consistently undercutting the other across most tire categories.

Metzeler vs Pirelli and Bridgestone

Since Pirelli owns Metzeler outright, the two brands sometimes overlap in target market despite operating as separate labels. Readers can see that relationship explored further in our guide on who makes Pirelli tires and our guide on who makes Bridgestone tires.

Bridgestone remains a fully independent competitor, giving riders a genuinely separate option outside the Pirelli owned Metzeler and Pirelli branded tire lines.

Is Metzeler a Good Quality Tire Brand

Metzeler has a strong reputation among sport and touring motorcycle riders, frequently praised for grip performance and predictable handling in varied conditions.

Some riders note that certain Metzeler lines wear faster under aggressive riding, a common tradeoff for tires tuned toward maximum grip performance.

Overall, Metzeler is considered a well regarded motorcycle tire brand, particularly popular among sport bike and touring riders who prioritize performance over tread life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Metzeler Tires

Where are Metzeler tires made?

Metzeler tires are made in Breuberg, Germany, and in Yanzhou, Shandong province, China, with high end models mostly concentrated at the German facility.

Who owns Metzeler?

Metzeler has been owned by the Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli since 1986, though it still continues to operate under its very own brand name.

Is Metzeler a German or Italian company?

Metzeler was founded in Germany and still remains a German brand today, though it has been owned by the Italian company Pirelli since 1986.

Are Metzeler tires good for touring motorcycles?

Yes, Metzeler is well regarded for its touring tire lines, offering strong grip and confident handling across a wide range of long distance riding conditions.