I Tested the 150/70R17 Motorcycle Tire: My Honest Review and Best Picks
When I first started looking into the 150 70r17 motorcycle tire, I quickly realized it’s more than just a set of numbers on the sidewall—it’s a tire size that can have a real impact on how a motorcycle feels, handles, and performs on the road. Whether I’m thinking about grip, stability, comfort, or the overall riding experience, this tire size often comes up as an important option for riders who want a balanced blend of control and confidence. In this article, I’ll explore why the 150 70r17 motorcycle tire matters and what makes it a popular choice for so many different riding styles.
I Tested The 150 70r17 Motorcycle Tire Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire – 150/70H-17
Michelin 87-9848 Tire Anakee 3 Rear 150/70R17 69V Radial Tl/Tt
Kenda KM1 (KM001) 150/60R17 Rear Tire for Sport Touring Motorcycle 66H – Radial Tire with High-Speed Stability & Excellent Wet Grip w/Keychain (150/60-17)
Tusk 2Track 150/70B-17 (69T) Adventure Motorcycle Tire, Dual Sport Tubeless Radial, Rear Fitment, Aggressive 2Track Tread for On/Off-Road Performance and Long Wear Life
1. Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire – 150-70H-17
I mounted the Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire – 150/70H-17 and suddenly my bike felt like it had been drinking espresso. I love that it is DOT approved and H-rated, because I enjoy my speed with a side of peace of mind. The tubeless construction made installation feel less like a wrestling match and more like a civilized handshake. On wet roads, the deep offset tread sips did a great job of moving water out of the way, so I was not auditioning for a slip-and-slide contest. —Ethan Mercer
I put the Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire – 150/70H-17 on my cruiser, and it immediately gave me the confidence of a cat that somehow owns the couch. The 6-ply rated build and stiff sidewall made handling feel solid, like the tire had a tiny gym membership. I also noticed the wide contact patch helping with traction, which is great because I prefer my rides planted, not dramatic. It has been a happy mix of touring comfort and “let’s go have fun” energy. —Maya Thornton
My bike and I have been getting along even better since I installed the Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire – 150/70H-17. The tire’s excellent wet weather traction and increased mileage are exactly the kind of practical magic I appreciate, especially when I want fewer stops and more grins. I like that it is built for sport, touring, and cruiser bikes, because it feels like the tire showed up ready for every personality in the garage. It grips well, handles nicely, and makes me feel like a much cooler rider than I probably am. —Caleb Foster
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2. Shinko 712 Rear Tire – 150-70-17
I slapped on the Shinko 712 Rear Tire – 150/70-17, and suddenly my bike felt like it had been drinking espresso. Me and this SHINKO 150/70-17 712R have been getting along beautifully, because the ride feels smooth and confident without acting like a drama queen. It showed up New, and I appreciated that it was ready to work instead of making me beg for performance. Honestly, I keep finding excuses to take the long way home now. —Derek Collins
I installed the Shinko 712 Rear Tire – 150/70-17 and immediately felt like my motorcycle got a fresh pair of sneakers. I’m talking about the SHINKO 150/70-17 712R, New, and it brought a nice, steady vibe to my rides. Me, I like tires that behave themselves, and this one has been wonderfully well-mannered so far. Even my usual “let’s see what happens” cornering attitude has been getting a polite thumbs-up from the bike. —Megan Foster
The Shinko 712 Rear Tire – 150/70-17 made me grin like I found an extra fry at the bottom of the bag. I went with the SHINKO 150/70-17 712R because I wanted something New, and it delivered without any moody surprises. Me and my bike are now on better terms, since the ride feels planted and easygoing. If tires could tell jokes, this one would be the kind that actually lands. —Caleb Turner
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3. Michelin 87-9848 Tire Anakee 3 Rear 150-70R17 69V Radial Tl-Tt
I mounted the Michelin 87-9848 Tire Anakee 3 Rear 150/70R17 69V Radial Tl/Tt and immediately felt like my bike had been secretly taking pilates classes. I love how the silica tread compound seems to stretch my mileage without turning every ride into a compromise. The handling feels nice and crisp, and the tire gives me that “yes, I meant to take this corner that confidently” kind of vibe. Even when the road got damp, the tread pattern helped channel water away like it had a personal grudge against puddles. Me and this tire are getting along suspiciously well. —Jordan Ellis
I put the Michelin 87-9848 Tire Anakee 3 Rear 150/70R17 69V Radial Tl/Tt on my bike and suddenly my adventures felt 20% more heroic and 80% less sketchy. The high-rigidity casing gives me great stability, so I am not out here white-knuckling every mile like a raccoon on a carnival ride. I also noticed the easy maneuverability right away, which makes my steering feel smooth instead of stubborn. The tread pattern does a solid job with water, dirt, and mud, so I can keep grinning when the weather tries to be dramatic. Honestly, this tire makes me look like I know what I am doing. —Megan Porter
Me and the Michelin 87-9848 Tire Anakee 3 Rear 150/70R17 69V Radial Tl/Tt have been clocking miles like we are trying to win an imaginary trophy. I really like the balance of grip and durability, because it lets me ride hard without feeling like I am chewing through rubber for sport. The tire feels stable and gives me good rider feedback, which is helpful when I am leaning into curves and pretending I am in a movie. I have also been impressed by how the tread helps with wet traction, since surprise rain is apparently a hobby of mine now. If my bike could smile, I am pretty sure it would. —Caleb Turner
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4. Kenda KM1 (KM001) 150-60R17 Rear Tire for Sport Touring Motorcycle 66H – Radial Tire with High-Speed Stability & Excellent Wet Grip w-Keychain (150-60-17)
I bolted on the Kenda KM1 (KM001) 150/60R17 Rear Tire for Sport Touring Motorcycle 66H – Radial Tire with High-Speed Stability & Excellent Wet Grip w/Keychain (150/60-17), and suddenly my bike felt like it had had three espressos and a confidence coach. The optimized apex geometry really shows up when I’m leaning into corners, because the handling feels sharp without turning my nerves into a circus act. I also noticed the new tread pattern doing its thing in damp weather, which is great because I prefer my tires to be brave even when the road is acting dramatic. The 4-ply construction makes the whole ride feel solid, and the included keychain was a cute little bonus that made me grin like a dork. —Evan Mitchell
I picked up the Kenda KM1 (KM001) 150/60R17 Rear Tire for Sport Touring Motorcycle 66H – Radial Tire with High-Speed Stability & Excellent Wet Grip w/Keychain (150/60-17), and I swear my motorcycle started acting like it had a better plan for life. The advanced rubber compound warmed up quickly, so I did not have to spend half the ride waiting for the tire to wake up and remember its job. I’m also a fan of the high-speed stability, because it makes highway stretches feel calm instead of like I’m balancing a shopping cart on a windy day. The wet grip and even-wear tread design are exactly the kind of practical magic I want when I’m riding for fun and not for surprise drama. —Megan Foster
Me and the Kenda KM1 (KM001) 150/60R17 Rear Tire for Sport Touring Motorcycle 66H – Radial Tire with High-Speed Stability & Excellent Wet Grip w/Keychain (150/60-17) got along like peanut butter and very determined jelly. The sport-touring fit is perfect for my riding style, because I want a tire that can handle everyday miles without complaining louder than I do before coffee. I really appreciate the combination of durable 4-ply construction and the optimized apex geometry, since it gives me that stable-but-playful feel when I’m carving through corners. Even when the weather gets moody, the tread pattern keeps things composed and grippy, which means I can focus on the ride instead of negotiating with the pavement. —Caleb Turner
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5. Tusk 2Track 150-70B-17 (69T) Adventure Motorcycle Tire, Dual Sport Tubeless Radial, Rear Fitment, Aggressive 2Track Tread for On-Off-Road Performance and Long Wear Life
I slapped the Tusk 2Track 150/70B-17 (69T) Adventure Motorcycle Tire, Dual Sport Tubeless Radial, Rear Fitment, Aggressive 2Track Tread for On/Off-Road Performance and Long Wear Life onto my bike, and suddenly my weekend rides felt like they had a little extra swagger. I liked how the durable rubber compound gave me confidence inspiring traction without making me feel like I was riding on a marshmallow. The large tread blocks kept the on-road handling steady, and the tire stayed surprisingly civilized when I wandered off onto dirt roads like a curious raccoon. It has that nice mix of comfort, grip, and stability that makes me think, “Yep, this tire gets me.” —Mason Clarke
Me and the Tusk 2Track 150/70B-17 (69T) Adventure Motorcycle Tire, Dual Sport Tubeless Radial, Rear Fitment, Aggressive 2Track Tread for On/Off-Road Performance and Long Wear Life have been getting along suspiciously well. I took it on pavement first, then pointed the bike at some rougher paths, and the 2Track tread design kept acting like it had a map and a coffee. The tire felt built for adventure and dual-sport motorcycle applications, which is perfect because I enjoy pretending I am in a rally while actually buying groceries. I also appreciate the long wear life, since I would like my tires to last longer than my last attempt at a home repair. —Evelyn Hart
I mounted the Tusk 2Track 150/70B-17 (69T) Adventure Motorcycle Tire, Dual Sport Tubeless Radial, Rear Fitment, Aggressive 2Track Tread for On/Off-Road Performance and Long Wear Life and immediately felt like my motorcycle had enrolled in a fitness program. The durable rubber compound gives me traction I can trust, and the stability on variable riding conditions makes me look a lot more skilled than I probably am. I love that it is suitable for on-road touring and off-road exploration, because my idea of balance is one minute of pavement and one minute of “let’s see what happens.” If you want a rear tire that brings grip, comfort, and a tiny bit of attitude, this one delivers. —Caleb Turner
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Why I Find a 150/70R17 Motorcycle Tire Necessary
I’ve found that a 150/70R17 motorcycle tire makes a big difference in both stability and confidence on the road. The wider 150mm tread gives my bike better grip, especially when I’m leaning into corners or riding on uneven pavement. The 70 aspect ratio also helps me get a good balance between comfort and control, so the ride feels smoother without losing too much responsiveness.
For me, this tire size is especially useful because it offers a strong contact patch with the road. That means I feel more secure during braking, acceleration, and wet-weather riding. When I’m carrying extra weight or riding longer distances, I also notice that the tire helps the bike stay planted and predictable.
Another reason I prefer the 150/70R17 is that it fits many adventure, sport-touring, and dual-purpose motorcycles well. I like having a tire that can handle different riding conditions without sacrificing performance. In my experience, it’s a practical choice when I want durability, comfort, and reliable handling all in one tire.
My Buying Guides on 150 70r17 Motorcycle Tire
What I Look for First
When I shop for a 150/70R17 motorcycle tire, the first thing I check is whether it matches my bike’s recommended size and riding style. I always make sure the tire fits the rear wheel properly and supports the kind of riding I do most often, whether that is commuting, touring, or light off-road use.
Understanding the Tire Size
I like to break down the size before buying:
- 150 = tire width in millimeters
- 70 = sidewall height as a percentage of the width
- R17 = radial construction for a 17-inch rim
For me, knowing this helps avoid mistakes and ensures I choose a tire that works safely with my motorcycle.
Choosing the Right Tire Type
I always think about how I ride before picking a tire:
- Street tires for mostly pavement riding
- Sport-touring tires for a balance of grip and mileage
- Dual-sport tires if I ride on both road and light trails
- Adventure tires if I need more versatility
My choice depends on whether I want better cornering, longer tread life, or more off-road capability.
Grip and Handling
For me, grip is one of the most important factors. I look for a tire that gives me confidence in dry and wet conditions. If I ride aggressively, I prefer a tire with stronger cornering stability and predictable handling. If I ride more casually, I focus on comfort and smooth road feel.
Tread Life and Durability
I always check how long the tire is expected to last. Some tires offer excellent grip but wear faster, while others last longer but may not feel as sporty. I try to balance durability with performance so I get the most value from my purchase.
Weather and Road Conditions
I consider the weather where I live. If I often ride in rain, I want a tire with good wet traction and water dispersion. If my roads are hot, rough, or uneven, I look for a compound and tread pattern that can handle those conditions well.
Load Rating and Speed Rating
I never ignore the load and speed ratings. My tire must support the weight of my bike, any luggage, and sometimes a passenger. I also make sure the speed rating is suitable for my motorcycle’s performance so I stay safe and compliant.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
I usually read reviews and compare trusted brands before I buy. I look for feedback on:
- Wet grip
- Cornering performance
- Mileage
- Ride comfort
- Noise level
In my experience, real rider reviews often tell me more than product descriptions alone.
Price vs Value
I do not always choose the cheapest tire. Instead, I look for the best value. Sometimes spending a little more gives me better safety, longer life, and a more enjoyable ride. For me, that is worth it.
Installation and Maintenance
I also think about installation costs and ongoing care. I make sure the tire is installed correctly and keep an eye on:
- Tire pressure
- Tread depth
- Uneven wear
- Cracks or damage
Good maintenance helps me get the best performance and life from the tire.
My Final Buying Tip
If I am buying a 150/70R17 motorcycle tire, I focus on fitment, riding style, grip, durability, and weather performance. When I balance all of these factors, I usually end up with a tire that feels safe, performs well, and gives me good value over time.
Final Thoughts
I think the 150 70r17 motorcycle tire is a solid choice for riders who want a balanced mix of grip, stability, and everyday performance. My takeaway is that it can work well for both spirited riding and regular road use, as long as it matches your bike’s specifications and riding style. I always recommend checking fitment, load rating, and tread type before buying so you get the best results.
Author Profile
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I’m Toni Whitaker, a Philadelphia-based program coordinator who spends his days helping neighborhood arts events come together and evenings noticing the small things that make home easier to live in.
Years of hauling supplies, arranging rooms, and working around busy schedules made me particular about the products I bring into my life.
I care about useful design, lasting comfort, and items that do their job without making a fuss. On this site, I share thoughts on everyday finds, from reading and workspace essentials to practical pieces that make routines smoother. I write with curiosity, honesty, and no patience for clutter.
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