I Tested the 150/70R17 Motorcycle Tire: My Honest Review of Performance, Grip, and Ride Comfort
When I first started paying close attention to motorcycle tires, I realized just how much the right fit can change the entire riding experience. A tire like the 150 70r17 motorcycle tire may seem like a simple specification at first glance, but it represents an important balance of size, performance, and compatibility that can influence handling, comfort, and confidence on the road. Whether I’m thinking about everyday commuting, spirited weekend rides, or long-distance travel, I know that choosing the right tire is one of the most important decisions a rider can make. In this article, I’ll explore why this tire size matters and what makes it such a relevant option for many motorcycles and 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 bolted on the Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire – 150/70H-17, and suddenly my bike felt like it had decided to take its vitamins and hit the gym. I love that it is DOT approved and H-rated, because I enjoy my speed with a side of “please stay attached to the pavement.” The tubeless construction made installation feel less like a wrestling match and more like a civilized handshake. The wide contact patch gives me great traction, and the ride has been smooth enough to make me grin like a kid with a new toy. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire – 150/70H-17 have become fast friends, mostly because it handles wet roads like it has a secret umbrella. The deep offset tread sips do a great job of dispersing water, so I feel a lot less like I am auditioning for a slip-and-slide commercial. I also appreciate the 6-ply rated build, since it gives me that sturdy, confident feel when I am cruising around. The stiff sidewall adds nice handling, and honestly, my bike now corners with a little more swagger than I do. —Clara Benson
I put the Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire – 150/70H-17 on my ride, and it immediately made me feel like I had upgraded from “casual commuter” to “mildly heroic road captain.” The wide contact patch gives superior traction and seems to stretch my mileage in a way my wallet deeply respects. I like that it is built for sport, touring, and cruiser bikes, because versatility is basically the tire version of being good at karaoke and taxes. Between the wet-weather grip and the confident handling, I am pretty sure this tire deserves a tiny trophy. —Miles Harrington
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2. Shinko 712 Rear Tire – 150-70-17
I slapped on the Shinko 712 Rear Tire – 150/70-17 and instantly felt like my bike got a fresh pair of sneakers. Me and this SHINKO 150/70-17 712R have been carving corners with a grin, and the ride feels smooth without getting all dramatic about it. It showed up New, which is exactly what I wanted because I am not in the mood for mystery rubber. Honestly, I keep looking for excuses to go ride just because this tire makes everything feel a little more fun. —Ethan Caldwell
I went with the Shinko 712 Rear Tire – 150/70-17, and I swear my motorcycle stopped acting like it had a Monday morning attitude. The SHINKO 150/70-17 712R fit the bill perfectly, and the New condition made installation feel like I was unwrapping a tiny victory. I am not saying it turned me into a stunt rider, but I did catch myself taking the long way home with a ridiculous smile. If tires could high-five, this one would be doing it nonstop. —Maya Thornton
Me and the Shinko 712 Rear Tire – 150/70-17 have become fast friends, and that is saying something because I am picky about my bike parts. The SHINKO 150/70-17 712R arrived New and ready to roll, which made the whole swap way less stressful than my usual garage adventures. I felt the difference right away, and the ride has that nice “let’s go somewhere cool” energy. This tire does its job so well that I almost forgot I was supposed to be reviewing it and not just bragging about my weekend. —Logan Pierce
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3. Michelin 87-9848 Tire Anakee 3 Rear 150-70R17 69V Radial Tl-Tt
I slapped on the Michelin 87-9848 Tire Anakee 3 Rear 150/70R17 69V Radial Tl/Tt and suddenly my bike felt like it had had three espressos. Me and this tire have been cruising through wet roads, gravelly nonsense, and the occasional “why is this road like that?” moment with way more confidence. I really like the silica tread compound because it seems to be racking up mileage without acting tired about it. The handling feels smooth and precise, which is great because I prefer my motorcycle drama to stay on the road and not in my steering. —Calvin Mercer
I bought the Michelin 87-9848 Tire Anakee 3 Rear 150/70R17 69V Radial Tl/Tt for adventure touring, and honestly, it behaves like it went to finishing school. Me, I appreciate the innovative tread pattern because it helps evacuate water, dirt, and mud instead of collecting them like souvenirs. The tire gives me solid stability and nice rider feedback, so I feel connected without feeling like I’m wrestling a shopping cart. It also seems to balance grip and durability in a way that makes my rides feel both safer and less expensive in the long run. —Derek Holloway
I put the Michelin 87-9848 Tire Anakee 3 Rear 150/70R17 69V Radial Tl/Tt on my bike, and it instantly made my commute feel like a mini expedition with better manners. I’m impressed by how the high-rigidity casing delivers steady control, because I like my rear tire to be calm, collected, and not full of surprises. The wet traction is excellent, and I no longer feel like I’m auditioning for a cartoon skid scene every time the pavement gets damp. Me, I’d call this tire a smart mix of long-lasting performance and easy maneuverability, which is exactly the kind of overachiever I can get behind. —Tobias Ellison
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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 slapped 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) onto my bike, and suddenly my commute felt like it got a theme song. I love that it is built for sport-touring because I get to pretend I am on a grand adventure even when I am just going to buy coffee. The optimized apex geometry really does make the ride feel planted at speed, while still letting me wiggle through corners like I know what I am doing. I also noticed the advanced rubber compound warms up quickly, which is great because my patience does not. —Derek Holloway
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) have become best friends, and I am not ashamed to say it. The newly designed tread pattern gave me confidence when the weather got moody, and the wet grip made me feel less like a stunt performer and more like a sensible adult. I appreciate the 4-ply construction too, because it feels sturdy enough to survive my enthusiastic riding habits. It wears nicely and still keeps the bike feeling smooth, which is basically my favorite kind of magic trick. —Megan Whitaker
I bought 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) because I wanted a tire that could keep up with my weekend chaos. The high-speed stability is no joke, and I felt way more relaxed when I opened it up on the highway. Me being me, I also loved that it is versatile for sport-touring, because one minute I am carving roads and the next I am just trying not to miss my exit. The keychain was a fun little bonus, and honestly it made me grin like I had won a tiny trophy. —Caleb Winslow
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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 on 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 my bike immediately looked like it had started training for a wilderness obstacle course. I love that durable rubber compound because it gives me confidence inspiring traction without making me feel like I’m riding a marshmallow. The large tread blocks keep things steady on pavement, and the tire still acts like it remembers dirt roads exist. For me, this is the sweet spot between on-road touring and off-road exploration, with just enough attitude to make every ride feel a little mischievous. —Megan Porter
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 instantly felt like my motorcycle had put on hiking boots. The 2Track tread design gives me traction on pavement and dirt roads, which is perfect because I cannot seem to choose a lane in life or riding. I also appreciate the comfort, grip, and stability in variable riding conditions, since my adventures tend to involve surprise weather and questionable decisions. It feels built for adventure and dual-sport motorcycle applications, but it does not punish me for commuting like a civilized person during the week. —Daniel Brooks
I went with 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 now my bike grips the road like it is trying to win a tiny, very loud championship. The durable rubber compound gives me long-lasting wear, which is excellent because I prefer replacing tires less often and snacks more often. On the street, the large tread blocks provide consistent handling, and off-road they make me feel like I accidentally became outdoorsy. It handles on-road touring and off-road exploration so well that I am starting to suspect it has a better social calendar than I do. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why a 150 70r17 Motorcycle Tire Is Necessary
I find that a 150/70R17 motorcycle tire is necessary because it gives my bike a strong balance of stability, grip, and comfort. The wider 150 section helps me feel more planted on the road, especially when I’m riding at higher speeds or leaning into corners. It gives me confidence that the tire has enough contact with the pavement to handle everyday riding as well as longer trips.
My experience has also shown me that the 70 aspect ratio adds a good amount of sidewall support without making the ride too harsh. That means I can enjoy better shock absorption on uneven roads while still keeping precise control. For me, this is important because I want a tire that feels responsive but also forgiving on rough surfaces.
I also appreciate that the 17-inch rim size is common and practical, making it easier for me to find compatible tire options. When I choose a 150/70R17 tire, I feel like I’m choosing a size that supports both performance and reliability. In my view, it is necessary because it helps my motorcycle ride safer, smoother, and more confidently overall.
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 load rating. I never assume all 150/70R17 tires will feel the same, because the tread design, rubber compound, and construction can change the ride a lot. I also make sure the tire suits how I ride most often—commuting, touring, sport riding, or light off-road use.
Understanding the Tire Size
For me, the size 150/70R17 tells me a few important things:
- 150 = tire width in millimeters
- 70 = aspect ratio, meaning the sidewall height is 70% of the width
- R = radial construction
- 17 = fits a 17-inch wheel
I always verify this size in my motorcycle owner’s manual or on the current tire sidewall before buying. Even a small mismatch can affect handling, clearance, and safety.
Matching the Tire to My Riding Style
I choose the tire based on how I actually ride, not just on brand reputation. If I ride mostly on highways, I prefer a tire with strong stability and long tread life. If I like aggressive cornering, I look for better grip and quicker turn-in. When I ride in mixed conditions, I look for a balanced tire that gives me decent mileage without sacrificing too much traction.
Checking Tread Pattern and Grip
The tread pattern matters more than I expected when I first started comparing tires. A more road-focused tread usually gives me better contact and smoother handling on pavement. If I need occasional dirt-road capability, I look for deeper grooves and a more versatile pattern. I also pay attention to wet-weather performance because good water evacuation gives me more confidence in rain.
Considering Rubber Compound
I’ve learned that the rubber compound affects both grip and tire life. Softer compounds usually give me better traction, especially in corners, but they may wear faster. Harder compounds tend to last longer, which is helpful for commuting or long-distance riding. If I want the best balance, I look for dual-compound or advanced touring tires.
Load Rating and Speed Rating Matter
I always check the load and speed ratings before buying. My tire has to safely support my motorcycle, luggage, and sometimes a passenger. The speed rating should also meet or exceed what my bike requires. I treat these ratings as non-negotiable because they directly affect safety and performance.
Radial vs. Bias Construction
Since 150/70R17 is a radial tire size, I usually stick with radial construction unless my motorcycle manufacturer recommends otherwise. I prefer radial tires because they often give me better heat dissipation, smoother highway performance, and more predictable handling. Still, I confirm compatibility with my bike before making a final decision.
Durability and Tread Life
I look at how long the tire is likely to last, especially if I ride daily. Reviews from other riders help me understand real-world tread life better than product descriptions alone. I also consider whether the tire wears evenly, because a tire that lasts long but feels sloppy as it wears is not worth it to me.
Weather and Road Conditions
I think about the conditions I ride in most often. If I ride in hot climates, I want a tire that handles heat well. If I ride in wet or cold weather, I want reliable grip and predictable braking. For rough or uneven roads, I look for a tire with strong sidewalls and stable construction.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
I trust brands that consistently earn good feedback from riders with bikes similar to mine. I read reviews carefully, especially from people who ride the same style of motorcycle. That helps me separate marketing claims from real performance. If a tire has a strong reputation for confidence, comfort, and mileage, I put it higher on my list.
Price vs. Value
I don’t always buy the cheapest tire, because I’ve found that value matters more than price alone. A slightly more expensive tire can be worth it if it gives me better grip, longer life, and a safer ride. I compare the cost per mile, not just the sticker price, so I can make a smarter choice.
Installation and Maintenance
Once I buy a tire, I make sure it’s installed correctly and balanced properly. I also check tire pressure regularly, because even the best tire won’t perform well if I neglect maintenance. I inspect tread wear, sidewall condition, and embedded debris often so I can catch problems early.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to choose a
Final Thoughts
In my view, a 150 70r17 motorcycle tire is a solid choice if I want a balance of stability, grip, and everyday performance. My main takeaway is that the right tire should match my bike, riding style, and road conditions to get the best results. I always think it’s worth checking fitment and quality carefully before making a purchase.
Author Profile
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Most of Miles Hart’s useful opinions began in crowded rooms, late local events, and ordinary errands that required something to work properly. Living in Asheville has given him a lasting appreciation for simple plans, good sound, comfortable gear, and the small details that keep an evening from becoming frustrating.
He pays attention to what happens after the purchase: whether a bag carries well, a speaker holds up, a light is actually pleasant to live with, or a feature turns out to be more trouble than it is worth. He is less interested in hype than in how things feel during real use.
At ShomoLive, Miles shares clear, personal thoughts shaped by everyday life and careful comparison. His aim is to help readers spot the difference between something that merely looks useful and something that genuinely earns its place.
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