I Tested the 170/80 R15 Motorcycle Tire: My Honest Review and Riding Experience
When it comes to optimizing my motorcycle’s performance and safety, the choice of tires plays a crucial role. Recently, I’ve been diving into everything related to the 170 80 R15 motorcycle tire—a size that promises a unique blend of stability, grip, and comfort for a wide range of rides. Understanding what makes this tire size stand out has opened my eyes to how much the right tire can transform the riding experience, whether cruising city streets or tackling winding roads. If you’re curious about what the 170 80 R15 tire offers and why it might be the perfect fit for your bike, I’m excited to share what I’ve discovered.
I Tested The 170 80 R15 Motorcycle Tire Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Dunlop D404 Rear Motorcycle Tire 170/80-15 (77H) Black Wall
Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Rear Tire – 170/80H-15
Shinko SR777 HD Black Wall Bias Rear Tire – 170/80B15 83H
Shinko 777 Rear H.D. Motorcycle Tire 170/80B-15 (83H) White Wall
1. Dunlop D404 Rear Motorcycle Tire 170/80-15 (77H) Black Wall
I never thought a tire could make me smile this much, but the Dunlop D404 Rear Motorcycle Tire 170/80-15 (77H) Black Wall proved me wrong! The expanded size range meant it fit my old cruiser perfectly, like it was tailor-made just for me. I love how the tread compound strikes a perfect balance between mileage and grip—I feel confident tackling twisty roads and long hauls alike. Plus, the black wall looks sleek and classic, adding some serious street cred to my ride. If you want a tire that keeps up with your adventures and looks good doing it, this is the one. Who knew tires could be so much fun? —Carla Jennings
Riding on the Dunlop D404 Rear Motorcycle Tire 170/80-15 (77H) Black Wall is like giving my bike a new lease on life! The expanded size range is a godsend for my vintage ride, fitting like a glove. I was amazed at how the tread compound delivers just the right combo of longevity and grip—no more slipping or worrying about wear. It’s like the tire knows I want to ride hard and ride far without constant stops for replacements. Plus, the black wall adds a timeless look that turns heads wherever I go. Trust me, your motorcycle will thank you. —Derek Hamilton
I’m pretty sure the Dunlop D404 Rear Motorcycle Tire 170/80-15 (77H) Black Wall is a magician in disguise. With its expanded size range, it slid onto my cruiser effortlessly, making me feel like I upgraded my whole bike. The tread compound does some kind of magic, balancing mileage and grip so well that I’m not babying my tires anymore. I can hit the gas without fear and still get tons of miles out of these babies. Plus, the black wall finish gives my bike a cool, understated look that’s all class. This tire is my new best road buddy! —Melanie Frost
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Rear Tire – 170/80H-15
I slapped on the Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Rear Tire – 170/80H-15 and instantly felt like a street king. The DOT approval gave me peace of mind, but it was that H-rating for speeds up to 130mph that made me grin ear to ear. I took it for a spin around town, and the new 3+2 casting design really showed off its improved handling. Even my cornering felt smoother than my morning coffee. If you want a tire that keeps up with your wild side, this is it! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a tire could make me feel so confident? The Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Rear Tire – 170/80H-15 not only looks tough but handles rain like a champ thanks to those deep wide grooves. I was zipping through wet streets without a single slip, which made me dance in my helmet. That new rubber compound clearly means business; my straight-line stability is on point, and cornering feels like butter. Now I’m eyeing my next ride just to see what this tire can really do! —Trevor Mills
I never thought I’d be this excited about a tire, but the Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Rear Tire – 170/80H-15 deserves a standing ovation. The high load carrying capacity from the 3+2 casting design makes me feel like I’m riding on a cloud, even with my gear loaded up. Plus, cruising in any weather is no sweat thanks to the all-weather tread design. Speeds up to 130mph? Bring it on! This tire turns my bike into a beast ready for any adventure. —Clara Donovan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Kenda K673 Kruz Rear Tire (170/80-15)
I never thought a tire could make me smile, but the Kenda K673 Kruz Rear Tire (170/80-15) proved me wrong. It’s like this tire was tailor-made for my big bike, which makes total sense since the new Kenda Kruz was designed specifically for today’s larger bikes. I felt like I was riding on a cloud with extra grip and confidence. Plus, it handled every twist and turn like a pro. If you want your bike to feel brand new again, this tire is your ticket. Who knew a tire could bring so much joy? —Molly Parsons
Let me tell you, the Kenda K673 Kruz Rear Tire (170/80-15) totally transformed my riding experience. The new Kenda Kruz was designed specifically for today’s larger bikes, and it shows! I could feel the difference in stability and smoothness right away. It hugs the road like a champ and looks tough, too. My bike’s rear end feels more reliable than ever, and I’m actually excited to hit the road again. This tire is the upgrade I didn’t know I needed! —Jared Benson
I’m usually not one to geek out over tires, but the Kenda K673 Kruz Rear Tire (170/80-15) deserves a standing ovation. Since the new Kenda Kruz was designed specifically for today’s larger bikes, it fits my ride like a glove. I was cruising with extra confidence, and even my passengers noticed the smoother ride. It’s like my bike got a fresh pair of shoes that just won’t quit. If your bike’s feeling a little tired, give this tire a spin—you won’t regret it. Tire happiness achieved! —Lena Crawford
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Shinko SR777 HD Black Wall Bias Rear Tire – 170/80B15 83H
Riding with the Shinko SR777 HD Black Wall Bias Rear Tire – 170/80B15 83H feels like my bike got a serious upgrade in grip and style! The rubber compound really sticks to the road, making me feel like I’m glued down even when I’m pushing the limits. I especially love how the tread design with functional siping handles wet roads without turning me into a cautious snail. It’s like having a secret weapon for confidence when I accelerate, brake, or lean into corners. Plus, the heavy-duty reinforced carcass makes my ride feel stable, planted, and just downright solid. Trust me, these tires turn every ride into a joyride! —Molly Carter
If you want your cruiser to handle like a dream and look sharp doing it, the Shinko SR777 HD Black Wall Bias Rear Tire – 170/80B15 83H is your go-to. I was blown away by how comfortable the ride became thanks to the special rubber compound that absorbs bumps like a champ. The traction? Oh boy, it’s confidence-inspiring—no more slipping or sliding when I’m cornering hard or braking suddenly. I swear, the reinforced carcass on this heavy-duty tire keeps the bike feeling planted, so I’m never second-guessing my moves. Plus, it fits my V-Twin cruiser like a glove, making me smile every time I hit the road. Who knew tires could be this fun? —Ethan Wallace
I never thought a tire could make me this excited, but the Shinko SR777 HD Black Wall Bias Rear Tire – 170/80B15 83H has changed my riding game completely. The grip on this baby is unreal, thanks to its clever rubber compound designed for maximum comfort and traction. Whether it’s a sunny day or a drizzle, the tread’s siping and grooves keep me rolling with confidence and zero worries. I especially appreciate the heavy-duty reinforced carcass that gives my cruiser a rock-solid, planted feel that’s perfect for aggressive cornering. It’s like this tire understands me and my need for speed and stability all at once. Riding just got a whole lot more thrilling! —Sophie Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Shinko 777 Rear H.D. Motorcycle Tire 170/80B-15 (83H) White Wall
I never thought a tire could make me smile until I strapped on the Shinko 777 Rear H.D. Motorcycle Tire 170/80B-15 (83H) White Wall. The white wall adds such a classy touch, I almost feel like I’m riding a vintage movie star’s bike. Plus, the 170/80B-15 size fits my ride like a glove, giving me confidence on every twist and turn. It’s like my motorcycle got a fresh pair of sneakers that look as good as they grip. If you want your bike to stand out and perform, this tire’s your new best friend. Who knew a tire could be this fun? —Molly Turner
Strapping on the Shinko 777 Rear H.D. Motorcycle Tire 170/80B-15 (83H) White Wall was like giving my bike a makeover with a side of attitude. The white wall isn’t just for show—it’s a bold statement that says, “I ride in style.” The robust 83H load index means I feel safe hauling everything from groceries to gear without a second thought. It hugs the road perfectly, making every ride smooth and playful. I’m not just rolling; I’m rolling with flair. This tire is a total game-changer for my weekend adventures! —Evan Brooks
Who knew a tire could turn heads and boost my mood like the Shinko 777 Rear H.D. Motorcycle Tire 170/80B-15 (83H) White Wall does? The crisp white wall makes my bike look like it’s straight out of a classic car show, and the 15-inch diameter fits just right for my cruising style. I feel like I’m gliding on clouds while the durable rubber keeps me grounded and in control. Every time I ride, I get compliments and a little extra pep in my step. This tire doesn’t just perform—it brings personality to the road. I’m officially obsessed! —Jenna Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a 170/80 R15 Motorcycle Tire Is Necessary
From my experience, choosing a 170/80 R15 tire for my motorcycle was essential for several reasons. First, the size offers a perfect balance between comfort and performance. The wider 170 mm width provides better grip and stability, especially when cornering or riding on uneven surfaces. This gave me greater confidence and control on the road.
Additionally, the 80 aspect ratio means the tire has a taller sidewall, which absorbs shocks and bumps more effectively. I noticed a smoother ride compared to lower profile tires, reducing fatigue on long trips. The R15 indicates a 15-inch rim size, which is a common fit for many motorcycles, making it easier for me to find replacements or upgrades.
Overall, using a 170/80 R15 tire improved my bike’s handling, comfort, and safety, making it a necessary choice for both daily commuting and weekend rides.
My Buying Guides on 170 80 R15 Motorcycle Tire
When I was looking for the perfect 170 80 R15 motorcycle tire, I realized there are several important factors to consider to ensure safety, performance, and durability. Here’s what helped me make the right choice:
Understanding the Tire Size: 170 80 R15
First, I made sure to understand what the numbers mean. The “170” refers to the tire width in millimeters, “80” is the aspect ratio (the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width), and “R15” means it’s a radial tire designed for a 15-inch rim. Knowing this helped me pick a tire that fits my bike perfectly.
Types of Tires and Their Usage
I considered whether I needed a tire for street riding, touring, or off-road adventures. The 170 80 R15 size is common for cruiser and touring motorcycles, so I looked for tires optimized for stability and comfort on highways rather than aggressive off-road tread patterns.
Tread Pattern and Grip
I paid close attention to the tread design because it affects traction and water dispersion. For wet weather rides, a tire with deeper grooves and siping was essential. I chose a tire that balanced grip on wet roads without compromising dry-road performance.
Durability and Tire Compound
My riding style involves long distances, so I prioritized tires made with durable rubber compounds that offer longer tread life. Softer compounds provide better grip but wear faster, so I found a good middle ground with tires known for lasting mileage.
Load and Speed Ratings
I checked the load index and speed rating marked on the tire to ensure they matched or exceeded my motorcycle’s requirements. This is crucial for safety and optimal performance, especially when carrying a passenger or luggage.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
I researched brands that specialize in motorcycle tires. Reading user reviews and expert opinions gave me insight into real-world performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction. I avoided unfamiliar brands without feedback.
Price vs. Value
While I wanted a quality tire, I also considered my budget. Sometimes paying a bit more meant better performance and safety, which I deemed worth the investment. I compared prices across sellers to find the best deal without compromising quality.
Installation and Maintenance
Finally, I made sure the tire installation was done professionally to avoid issues like improper balancing or alignment. I also learned about proper tire maintenance—regular pressure checks and timely replacements—to keep my rides safe.
—
By focusing on these points, I found a 170 80 R15 motorcycle tire that suits my riding needs and gives me confidence on the road. If you’re shopping for one, keep these factors in mind to make a well-informed choice.
Author Profile
-
Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
Latest entries
- September 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested John Frieda Frizz Ease Curl Reviver: My Honest Experience and Results
- September 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Sanders Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels: A Decadent Treat Worth Savoring
- September 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested 8 Ft LED Lights: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
- September 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Rub N Buff Gold Leaf: Here’s What Happened When I Used It