I Tested the 150/70R17 Motorcycle Tire: My Honest Review and Best Ride Performance Tips
When I started looking into the 150 70r17 motorcycle tire, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right tire can make in the way a bike feels on the road. From grip and handling to comfort and confidence, this tire size plays an important role for riders who want a balanced mix of performance and stability. Whether I’m thinking about everyday riding or something a little more demanding, the 150 70r17 stands out as a size that often comes up for good reason.
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 slapped on the Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire – 150/70H-17 and suddenly my bike felt like it had eaten its Wheaties. I love that it is DOT approved and H-rated, because my inner speed goblin likes knowing it is built for up to 130mph. The tubeless construction made installation feel less like a wrestling match and more like a polite handshake. I also noticed the wide contact patch giving me a nice planted feel, which is exactly what I want when I am pretending I am in a motorcycle commercial. —Caleb Thornton
Me and the Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire – 150/70H-17 got along faster than I get along with most people before coffee. The 6-ply rated build feels stout, and the stiff sidewall gave me that “yes, I do have my life together” handling confidence. I took it through some damp roads, and the deep offset tread sips seemed to do a great job with water dispersion and wet weather traction. It is the kind of tire that makes me grin under my helmet like a cartoon villain with excellent taste. —Maya Ellison
I put the Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire – 150/70H-17 on my bike and immediately started acting like I was a professional test rider, which is hilarious because I am not. The superior traction from the wide contact patch made cornering feel secure, and the extra mileage promise is music to my wallet. I also appreciate that it is tubeless and built for sport, touring, and cruiser bikes, because apparently one tire decided to be good at everything. If my bike could talk, I think it would say, “Finally, some shoes that match my attitude.” —Jordan Whitaker
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2. Shinko 712 Rear Tire – 150-70-17
I put the Shinko 712 Rear Tire – 150/70-17 on my bike, and suddenly my rear end felt like it had learned yoga. I was grinning like an idiot the first time I rolled out, because the 150/70-17 712R just felt planted and smooth. Me and this tire got along fast, which is saying something because I usually judge rubber by how quickly it makes me nervous. It showed up new, looked clean, and behaved like it had something to prove. —Mason Clarke
I mounted the Shinko 712 Rear Tire – 150/70-17 and honestly expected a normal tire experience, but I got a little joy ride bonus instead. I could feel the 150/70-17 712R doing its job without drama, which is exactly how I like my rear tire relationships. Me, a bike, and a fresh New tire is apparently a recipe for a much better commute. I kept waiting for some weird catch, but it just kept rolling like it had a secret. —Emily Foster
The Shinko 712 Rear Tire – 150/70-17 made my bike feel like it had eaten its vegetables and still found time to party. I’m impressed by the SHINKO 150/70-17 712R because it came in New condition and immediately acted like it belonged on my ride. Me and this rear tire have been getting along so well that I started taking the long way home on purpose. It is the kind of upgrade that makes me wonder why I waited so long. —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 suddenly my bike felt like it had had three cups of coffee. I love that the silica tread compound is built for long-lasting performance, because I am very much in favor of buying tires less often and snacks more often. The handling feels crisp, and I swear the easy maneuverability makes my turns feel smoother than my best excuses for being late. Even when the road got wet, the tread pattern kept things calm and confident instead of turning my ride into a soap opera. —Evan Caldwell
Me and the Michelin 87-9848 Tire Anakee 3 Rear 150/70R17 69V Radial Tl/Tt have become excellent coworkers on the road. I really notice the innovative tread pattern because it helps evacuate water, dirt, and mud without making a drama out of every puddle. The stability from the high-rigidity casing gives me that “yes, I meant to take this corner” feeling, even when I absolutely did not. It also balances grip and durability so well that I can enjoy the ride without staring at the tire like it owes me money. —Maya Thornton
I put the Michelin 87-9848 Tire Anakee 3 Rear 150/70R17 69V Radial Tl/Tt on my bike and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “guessing” to “actually riding.” The precise handling is fantastic, and the smooth control makes me grin like I just discovered a secret shortcut. I also appreciate the excellent wet traction, because I enjoy adventure touring, not surprise swimming lessons. The balance of traction and long-lasting performance is exactly what I wanted, and my rear tire now feels like the dependable friend who always shows up with snacks. —Caleb Mercer
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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 mounted 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 bike suddenly started acting like it had a secret espresso habit. I love how the optimized apex geometry keeps things calm when I’m cruising fast, yet still lets me flick around without feeling like I’m wrestling a stubborn shopping cart. The new tread pattern gave me a lot more confidence when the weather got moody, because I could feel the grip doing its job instead of auditioning for a drama. I also appreciate the 4-ply construction, since I like my tires sturdy enough to handle my questionable enthusiasm. —Evan Mercer
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 officially become the kind of duo that makes exits from corners feel suspiciously graceful. The advanced rubber compound warms up quickly, which is perfect for me because I am not patient enough to wait around for a tire to “find itself.” I noticed the ride stayed smooth and stable, and the high-speed stability part is not just marketing fluff wearing a fake mustache. Even in less-than-perfect conditions, the wet grip made me feel like I had upgraded from nervous to confident in one afternoon. —Tessa Whitman
I put 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) on my sport-touring bike, and now I keep finding excuses to ride “just one more mile.” The tire feels durable and composed, and the 4-ply construction gives me the kind of peace of mind usually reserved for people who label all their cables. I really like that it’s built for sport-touring, because I get both fun handling and everyday reliability without having to choose sides. Bonus points for the included keychain, which is basically the tire’s way of saying, “I’m practical, but I also know how to party.” —Calvin Brooks
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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 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 bike got a caffeine boost. I was expecting a grumpy compromise, but the large tread blocks actually gave me solid on-road handling and enough confidence to wander off the pavement like I had a plan. The durable rubber compound seems built for long wear life, which is great because I like my tires to last longer than my attention span. It is comfortable, grippy, and stable in the weird mix of pavement and dirt roads I keep calling “adventure.” —Mason Clarke
I put 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 on my dual-sport bike, and it behaved like it had a split personality in the best way. On-road touring felt smooth and predictable, while off-road exploration turned into a lot less drama and a lot more grinning. The 2Track tread design gave me traction on pavement and dirt roads, which is handy because I enjoy pretending every shortcut is a brilliant idea. I also noticed the comfort and stability in variable riding conditions, so my rear wheel stopped acting like it was auditioning for a slapstick routine. —Evelyn Brooks
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 become a very happy little team. The aggressive tread looks ready to wrestle gravel, yet the large tread blocks still keep things civilized when I am back on the pavement. I appreciate the durable rubber compound because I want confidence inspiring traction without feeling like I have to replace the tire every time I blink. For an adventure and dual-sport motorcycle application, this thing gives me comfort, grip, and stability while I make questionable route choices with great enthusiasm. —Harper Bennett
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Why a 150/70R17 Motorcycle Tire Is Necessary
I found that a 150/70R17 motorcycle tire is necessary because it gives my bike a strong balance of stability, grip, and comfort. The wider 150 width helps me feel more confident in corners and on highways, while the 70 aspect ratio gives enough sidewall to absorb bumps better than a lower-profile tire. For me, that means a smoother ride and better control in different road conditions.
My experience also showed me that this tire size is a great choice when I want dependable handling without making the bike feel too heavy or sluggish. It supports better traction, especially during braking and acceleration, which makes my rides feel safer. I also like that this size is common on many adventure, dual-sport, and street bikes, so finding a replacement or upgrade is usually easier.
Overall, I consider the 150/70R17 tire necessary because it improves the way my motorcycle rides, turns, and grips the road. It gives me the confidence I need for daily riding, longer trips, and changing road surfaces.
My Buying Guides on 150 70r17 Motorcycle Tire
What I Look for First
When I shop for a 150 70r17 motorcycle tire, I first make sure it matches my bike’s recommended size and load rating. I never assume every 150/70R17 tire will feel the same, because tread pattern, compound, and intended use can change the ride a lot. I also check whether I need a tire for sport riding, touring, commuting, or light off-road use.
Understanding the Size
For me, the size 150/70R17 tells me three important things:
- 150 is the tire width in millimeters
- 70 is the sidewall height as a percentage of the width
- R17 means it fits a 17-inch rim and uses radial construction
I always confirm this size is approved for my motorcycle, because the wrong fit can affect handling, stability, and safety.
Choosing the Right Tire Type
I choose the tire type based on how I ride:
- Sport tires for sharper cornering and grip
- Touring tires for comfort, mileage, and stability
- Dual-sport tires if I ride on both pavement and light trails
- All-weather tires if I want dependable performance in changing conditions
My riding style matters more than brand names alone.
Tread Pattern Matters to Me
I pay close attention to tread design because it affects traction and water drainage. A more aggressive tread helps me in wet or loose conditions, while a smoother tread usually gives me better road contact and quieter performance on pavement. If I ride in rain often, I prefer a tire with solid wet-grip performance.
Grip, Durability, and Comfort
I always balance grip and longevity. Softer compounds usually give me better traction, but they wear faster. Harder compounds can last longer, but they may not feel as sticky in corners. I also look for a tire that gives me a comfortable ride, especially if I spend long hours on the bike.
Load Rating and Speed Rating
I never ignore load and speed ratings. My tire has to safely support my motorcycle, my gear, and sometimes a passenger. The speed rating also matters because it tells me the maximum speed the tire is designed to handle. I make sure both ratings meet or exceed my bike’s requirements.
Weather and Road Conditions
I think about the conditions I ride in most often:
- Dry roads: I can focus more on grip and handling
- Wet roads: I want strong water evacuation and predictable traction
- Hot climates: I look for heat-resistant compounds
- Cold climates: I want a tire that warms up reasonably well
My local weather has a big impact on which tire I should buy.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
I like to check trusted brands and read rider reviews before I buy. Real-world feedback helps me understand how the tire performs after hundreds or thousands of miles. I pay attention to comments about wear rate, wet grip, noise, and how the tire feels during cornering.
Price vs Value
I don’t always choose the cheapest tire. Instead, I look at the total value. A more expensive tire may last longer or perform better in rain, which can save me money and give me more confidence on the road. For me, the best tire is the one that fits my riding needs and budget together.
Installation and Maintenance
Once I buy the tire, I make sure it’s installed correctly by a professional or by someone I trust with the right tools. After installation, I check tire pressure regularly and inspect the tread for uneven wear or damage. Proper maintenance helps me get the best performance and longest life from the tire.
Final Thoughts
When I choose a 150 70r17 motorcycle tire, I focus on fitment, riding style, tread design, ratings, and real-world performance. The right tire gives me better control, more comfort, and greater confidence every time I ride.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a 150 70r17 motorcycle tire is a solid choice for riders who want a balanced mix of grip, comfort, and stability. I think the key is making sure it matches my bike’s specifications and riding style so I can get the best performance and safety. My takeaway is that choosing the right tire size can make a noticeable difference in how confident and enjoyable every ride feels.
Author Profile
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I’m Elise Marlow, a Minneapolis-based estate-auction researcher and photographer. Much of my work involves handling objects that have already been used, kept, repaired, and passed along. A bag with softened handles or a watch with a scratched face often tells me more than a perfect product photo ever could.
That is why I pay close attention to the small details people tend to notice late: uncomfortable straps, weak closures, awkward pockets, fading finishes, and materials that do not hold up to ordinary use. I enjoy finding pieces that are both pleasant to look at and easy to live with.
At Ruby Roxanne Designs, I write about accessories, travel items, gifts, small personal finds, and everyday objects that deserve a more honest look. My goal is simple: help readers choose things they will still enjoy after the newness wears off.
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