K905 Semi Slick Tires: The Complete 2026 Guide to KingTyre’s Street-Legal Track Tyre

Quick answer: The KingTyre K905 is a street-legal semi slick tyre — a near-slick tread with minimal grooves that keeps a large, warm contact patch on track while remaining legal for public roads. It is certified to both ECE en DOT, built on a radial reinforced carcass met een ZR (240+ km/u) speed rating, and is produced in vier verbindingen (Hard, Medium, Soft, Ultra Soft) across eight 17-inch sizes — three front and five rear.

Last updated: November 12, 2026. Written and reviewed by the KingTyre technical team. All compound, certification, size, speed-rating and load-index figures are taken from the current KingTyre K905 product specification; all other KingTyre products referenced are cited from their own published product pages.

What is the KingTyre K905 semi slick tire?

The KingTyre K905 semi slick is a street-legal racing tyre that sits between a full slick and a road sport tyre. Its tread is a semi slick profile: the contact patch is close to continuous across the centre and shoulders, with only a few shallow grooves cut into it. Those grooves are the whole point — they disperse water and give the tyre a measurable wet-weather margin that a pure slick does not have, while leaving the large, stiff, warm rubber area that produces cornering grip.

That combination is what makes the K905 the practical choice for a rider who wants track capability without a second set of wheels. Because the K905 carries both ECE and DOT certification, it can be fitted to a road-legal motorcycle and ridden to a track session, a club race or a stunt event without changing tyres. Four rubber compounds — Hard, Medium, Soft and Ultra Soft — cover everything from a hot, long endurance day to a short sprint where maximum grip matters more than tyre life.

For a full breakdown of the pattern family, see our guide to what separates a semi slick from a full slick.

K905 key figures at a glance

Every published K905 specification is listed below, exactly as KingTyre specifies it for production.

What is not in the table, and why. KingTyre publishes the K905's compound list, certification, application, construction, size range, speed rating and load-index band, but it does not publish a per-size tread width, overall diameter, or a factory cold-pressure figure for every size. Those fields are therefore left out rather than estimated. If a distributor needs those numbers for a customs file or a fitment sheet, request them directly from KingTyre technical — we will not publish figures we cannot stand behind.

Where the K905 sits in the KingTyre tyre family

The single most common confusion in this product family is between the K905 semi slick and the K905 Sport Motard. They share a model number and a size list, but they are different tyres with different jobs, and choosing the wrong one is an expensive mistake.

How to read that table in practice. If the bike is a road-legal supersport or a supermoto and the intent is to run a track session, the K905 semi slick is the right pick: it is the only one of the four that pairs the semi slick pattern with both ECE and DOT approval. The K905 Sport Motard shares the size list but is built for street and supermoto mileage — expect roughly 8,000–10,000 km from that tyre rather than the 1,000–3,500 km a track-focused semi slick delivers. The K06 semi slick is the alternative when you need more rear size coverage than eight sizes, and the K97 Super Motard is the choice for 10-inch and 18-inch supermoto platforms.

K905 tread design: why semi slick instead of full slick

The K905 tread profile is engineered to maximise the contact patch while keeping a small number of grooves for water dispersion. A full slick has no grooves at all, which is the fastest possible configuration on a dry track — and completely without a margin once water appears. The K905 keeps the same near-continuous rubber and adds just enough groove to move water away from the contact patch.

Three practical consequences follow from that geometry:

1. Dry performance is close to a slick. The continuous centre and shoulder rubber mean the tyre reaches operating temperature quickly and delivers a progressive, connected feel through a lean angle rather than the abrupt edge break-up of a grooved road tyre.
2. Wet performance is better than a slick, worse than a road tyre. KingTyre's own position is that the K905 allows controlled handling in light to moderate rain. It is not a wet racing tyre, and it is not intended to replace one. Our guide to are slick motorcycle tires street legal covers the regulatory side of the same trade-off.
3. Wear is the price of the rubber. A near-slick pattern with a soft compound wears quickly by design. That is why the Hard and Medium compounds exist, and why the K905 publishes a life range rather than a single mileage claim.

The four K905 compounds: Hard, Medium, Soft and Ultra Soft

The K905 is produced in four rubber compounds, and each one is mapped to a specific use. This is the feature that separates the K905 from most semi slicks on the market — most manufacturers offer one or two hardness options, which forces a rider into a compromise. Four compounds let a rider, or a track-day fleet operator, match the rubber to the session.

On mixing compounds across the bike. KingTyre confirms that many riders run a softer front and a harder rear — a softer front for corner grip and feedback, a harder rear for longevity and stability under load. It is a legitimate setup, and it is one reason four compound options matter more than they first appear to.

K905 sizes and motorcycle fitment

KingTyre publishes eight K905 sizes, all on 17-inch wheels, split three front and five rear. The three front sizes cover the 17-inch supersport and sport front end; the five rear sizes cover the 17-inch rear wheels used across supersport, sport touring and supermoto platforms.

A note on fitment. The K905 rear list runs from 130 to 190 in section width, which is a wide spread rather than a narrow fitment. If your bike runs a 17-inch rear, check the size printed on your existing tyre sidewall against the table above before ordering — the first two numbers are the section width in millimetres and the aspect ratio, and both must match. For a wider reference on 17-inch fitment across the whole KingTyre range, our 17-inch motorcycle tires guide covers the platforms these sizes serve.

K905 technical specifications

The published K905 specification is summarised below. Where KingTyre publishes a band rather than a single figure, the band is shown as published.

What the speed rating does and does not mean. The ZR marking is a homologation limit of 240 km/h or above, and it tells you the tyre is built and tested for sustained high speed. It is not a suggestion to ride at that speed, and on a public road it is not a permission. On load index, KingTyre publishes the band 54–75 across the size range, because the exact figure depends on the size and construction built for a given rim. The number moulded into your tyre is the one that counts, and it must equal or exceed the requirement on your motorcycle's tyre placard. Our guides to DOT and ECE tyre codes explained en ECE R75 versus DOT FMVSS 119 explain how to read the markings and why importers need both.

K905 tyre pressure, speed rating and load index in practice

KingTyre's published track-day reference for the K905 is 28–32 PSI hot, and the guidance is explicit that the motorcycle manufacturer and the track take precedence over that range. That single sentence carries the most important instruction on this page: the number is a starting point, not a specification.

Three things about running a semi slick on track are worth understanding before you fit a set:

1. Hot pressure is the number that matters. A semi slick needs to be at operating temperature before it delivers its working grip. Cold readings taken in the pit lane tell you very little. Use the motorcycle and track guidance as the reference point, then measure hot pressure in the pit lane after a few laps and adjust as needed.
2. Pressure is a rider and track variable. The same tyre on the same bike can need different pressures on a cool morning and a hot afternoon, because the rubber's working window moves with temperature. Our article on the best tyre pressure for racing slicks covers the reasoning in more depth.
3. The placard still wins. If the motorcycle's tyre placard specifies a pressure, follow the placard. The KingTyre figure describes the tyre; the placard describes your bike and its load.

K905 performance on road, track and stunt

The same K905 is designed to cover three different jobs, and the pattern behaves differently in each one. The table below sets out where the K905 is strongest and where it is not the right answer.

On the street-to-track transition. A rider who moves between a public road and a circuit can stay on the same K905 for the whole day — that is the entire commercial argument for a semi slick over a pair of full slicks. The trade-off is the one that shows up in the tyre life figure: a K905 on mixed track and street use is expected to last 1,000–3,500 km, depending on compound and use. Riders who want a single tyre for daily riding and occasional track days should read the semi slick motorcycle tires track day guide before committing.

How to choose the right K905 compound

Compound selection is a three-variable decision: surface temperature, session duration and riding style. KingTyre's own guidance frames it in exactly those terms, and the steps below put them in order.

1. Start with the track temperature. Hot surface pushes you toward the Hard compound; cool morning sessions push you toward Soft or Ultra Soft. The Soft compound in particular needs the track to be warm before it delivers its working grip.
2. Add the session length. A short sprint rewards peak grip, so Ultra Soft. A full race day or a multi-session track day rewards a compound that survives the heat cycle, so Hard or Medium.
3. Factor in riding style. A rider who rides hard on the street and carries a passenger needs more rear durability than a rider who rides a bike to a session and back.
4. Decide on mixing. If your front and rear wear differently, a softer front and harder rear is a proven setup, and the K905's four-compound range makes it practical.
5. Confirm the size first. Compound choice is worthless if the size does not match the tyre currently fitted. Work from the size table above.

Fitting, breaking in, warmers and maintenance

Four practical habits decide whether a set of semi slicks performs as designed. All four are stated by KingTyre for the K905.

1. Break them in over the first 50–100 km. Ride cautiously at the start to scrub off the release agent from the mould. A semi slick that is leaned on immediately can feel vague and can wear unevenly in the first few hundred kilometres.
2. Use tyre warmers, especially on softer compounds. Warmers are recommended for maximum performance on track, and the recommendation applies most strongly to the Soft and Ultra Soft compounds, which need their operating temperature before they grip.
3. Manage heat, not just pressure. A hot semi slick can degrade before the pressure gauge tells you anything. Check hot pressures in the pit lane after a few laps and make small adjustments.
4. Inspect for chunking and cracking. Semi slicks used in stunt work or hard braking can pick up surface damage that a road tyre would never suffer. Our guide on slick tyre tread cracking explains the failure modes worth checking.

Storage matters if you own more than one set. A semi slick that is not being used should be stored away from heat and direct sunlight, with the tyres supported rather than stacked on their tread. Our K00 racing slick technical guide covers the storage and handling method in full.

Buying KingTyre K905 semi slick tires in bulk

For distributors, importers and racing teams, the K905 is one of the easier KingTyre patterns to build a programme around. It carries both ECE and DOT certification, which means the same tyre can be sold into the European and United States markets without a separate homologation run, and it is available in a size list that covers the mainstream 17-inch sport and supersport platforms.

• Certification in both major frameworks. ECE R75 for Europe, DOT for the United States — the two frameworks importers most often have to satisfy separately. Our guide to choosing a motorcycle tyre manufacturer in China covers what to verify before you commit.
• Four compounds per size. A distributor can serve three separate customer segments — endurance riders, club racers and stunt riders — from one product family, with a single production line.
• Factory capacity behind it. KingTyre operates a production facility with an annual capacity of over 300,000 radial tyres, exporting to more than 45 countries across Europe, South America, Asia and the Middle East, with ISO 9001 certification and barcode-based warehouse traceability.
• Proven at endurance-racing level. KingTyre's racing programme with Full Gas Racing Team competes in the FIM Endurance World Championship at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is where the same rubber compound and casing development work is proven. Our endurance racing field report sets out the detail.
• OEM and private-label support. For private-label and OEM programmes, see our private label motorcycle tyre manufacturing page, or contact KingTyre directly for compound and branding options.

For importers. Pair this article with our import motorcycle tyres from China wholesale guide, and check the full pattern list on the KingTyre product list page.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use K905 semi slick tires on public roads?

Yes. The K905 is ECE and DOT approved, which makes it legal for street use in both Europe and the United States. That is the defining difference between the K905 and a pure slick such as the KingTyre K00, which is not homologated for highway service.

What is the difference between a slick and a semi slick tire?

A semi slick keeps a small number of grooves in an otherwise near-continuous tread. Those grooves disperse water, which makes a semi slick safer on a wet road than a full slick, while preserving most of the dry contact patch that gives a slick its cornering grip. Our longer explainer covers the difference between slick and semi slick tires in detail.

How do I choose the right K905 compound?

Select based on track temperature, riding style and desired tyre life. Hard is the choice for endurance and high-temperature tracks, Medium balances grip and longevity for mixed use, Soft delivers maximum grip for competitive racing, and Ultra Soft is for short sprints and stunt work.

Are K905 semi slick tires good in the rain?

The K905 is not as capable as a full wet racing tyre, but its design allows controlled handling in light to moderate rain. It is a dry-track tyre with a wet safety margin, not a wet-weather specialist.

What tire pressure should I run on track days?

Typically 28–32 PSI hot, but follow the motorcycle manufacturer and track recommendations. The published range is a reference point rather than a specification — hot pressures vary with rider weight, track surface, temperature and suspension setup.

How long will a K905 semi slick last?

Depending on compound and usage, between 1,000 and 3,500 km for mixed track and street riding. A Hard compound on a road-only commute will run considerably longer; an Ultra Soft compound on a race bike will run considerably shorter.

Can I mix compounds front and rear on the K905?

Yes. Many riders use a softer front for corner grip and a harder rear for longevity. The four-compound range makes a matched setup possible on a single bike.

How should I break in new K905 semi slick tires?

Ride cautiously for the first 50–100 km to scrub off the release agent. Avoid aggressive cornering and heavy braking while the new rubber is settling into its working surface.

Are K905 semi slick tires suitable for stunt riding?

Yes. The Ultra Soft compound is specified for stunt work and short sprints, offering outstanding grip for stunt performance.

Do I need tire warmers for the K905?

Warmers are recommended for maximum performance on track, especially with the softer compounds. Warmers bring the rubber up to its operating temperature before the session rather than letting the first laps do the work.

Find the K905 semi slick tire

The KingTyre K905 is available in eight 17-inch sizes across four compounds, with ECE and DOT certification and a ZR (240+ km/h) speed rating. View the full product specification, sizes and compound options on the KingTyre K905 semi slick tyres product page, or browse the complete pattern range on the KingTyre product list.

For wholesale enquiries, container-load pricing, private-label packaging or OEM supply, contact the KingTyre export team — we ship to more than 45 countries and can support compound selection and fitment advice for your market.

Related reading

• Semi slick motorcycle tires track day guide — how to plan a track day around a street-legal semi slick.
• What is the difference between slick and semi slick tires — the pattern fundamentals behind the K905.
• Are slick motorcycle tires street legal — the regulatory answer for full slicks versus semi slicks.
• 17-inch motorcycle tires: the complete 2026 guide — platform fitment for the 17-inch sizes used here.
• Motard tires and the supermoto philosophy — when a treaded motard tyre is the better answer.
• DOT and ECE tyre codes explained — how to read the markings on your K905.
• Motorcycle racing slick tire supplier — the factory behind the K905 programme.