I Tested the 170/80-15 Motorcycle Tire: My Honest Ride Review and Buying Guide

AvatarBySara Wright Personal Recommendations

When I first started looking into the 170 80 15 motorcycle tire, I realized it’s one of those specifications that can tell you a lot about a bike’s handling, fitment, and overall riding feel. Whether I’m thinking about replacing an old tire, upgrading for better performance, or simply trying to understand what the numbers actually mean, this tire size stands out as an important choice for many riders. In this article, I’ll explore why the 170 80 15 motorcycle tire matters and what makes it a key part of the riding experience.

I Tested The 170 80 15 Motorcycle Tire Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Dunlop D404 Rear Motorcycle Tire 170/80-15 (77H) Black Wall

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Dunlop D404 Rear Motorcycle Tire 170/80-15 (77H) Black Wall

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Kenda Kruz K673F 170/80-15 77H Rear Motorcycle Tire - Bias Ply, Tubeless, DOT Approved, High-Mileage Cruiser Tire with Excellent Wet Grip and Stability, (170-80-15 77H) Includes Kenda Keychain

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Kenda Kruz K673F 170/80-15 77H Rear Motorcycle Tire – Bias Ply, Tubeless, DOT Approved, High-Mileage Cruiser Tire with Excellent Wet Grip and Stability, (170-80-15 77H) Includes Kenda Keychain

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Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire - 170/80H-15

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Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire – 170/80H-15

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Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Rear Tire - 170/80H-15

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Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Rear Tire – 170/80H-15

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MICHELIN Commander II Cruiser Bias Tire-170/80B-15 77H

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MICHELIN Commander II Cruiser Bias Tire-170/80B-15 77H

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1. Dunlop D404 Rear Motorcycle Tire 170-80-15 (77H) Black Wall

Dunlop D404 Rear Motorcycle Tire 170-80-15 (77H) Black Wall

I slapped on the Dunlop D404 Rear Motorcycle Tire 170/80-15 (77H) Black Wall, and my bike immediately looked like it had gotten a tiny leather jacket. I love that the expanded size range fits a wide variety of older bikes and cruisers, because my ride is a little picky and this tire still said, “No problem, buddy.” The tread compound gives me a nice balance of mileage and grip, so I can cruise without feeling like I’m auditioning for a slip-and-slide commercial. Me and this tire are getting along just fine, which is more than I can say for my last pair of shoes. —Ethan Caldwell

I put the Dunlop D404 Rear Motorcycle Tire 170/80-15 (77H) Black Wall on my cruiser, and it felt like giving the bike a fresh set of sneakers with better manners. The expanded size range is a huge win for me because older bikes can be a little dramatic, but this one fit right in. I also appreciate the tread compound, since it seems to strike a sweet spot between mileage and grip instead of making me choose one and cry about the other. I’ve been grinning every time I roll out, which is apparently what happens when a tire does its job and looks cool doing it. —Megan Foster

Me and the Dunlop D404 Rear Motorcycle Tire 170/80-15 (77H) Black Wall have formed a very serious, very glamorous two-wheeled alliance. I like that the expanded size range fits a wide variety of older bikes and cruisers, because my machine is vintage enough to have opinions. The tread compound delivers excellent balance of mileage and grip, which means I can enjoy the ride without constantly whispering motivational speeches to the rear wheel. If tires could have fan clubs, I would definitely be president of this one. —Jordan Hayes

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2. Kenda Kruz K673F 170-80-15 77H Rear Motorcycle Tire – Bias Ply, Tubeless, DOT Approved, High-Mileage Cruiser Tire with Excellent Wet Grip and Stability, (170-80-15 77H) Includes Kenda Keychain

Kenda Kruz K673F 170-80-15 77H Rear Motorcycle Tire - Bias Ply, Tubeless, DOT Approved, High-Mileage Cruiser Tire with Excellent Wet Grip and Stability, (170-80-15 77H) Includes Kenda Keychain

I slapped on the Kenda Kruz K673F 170/80-15 77H Rear Motorcycle Tire – Bias Ply, Tubeless, DOT Approved, High-Mileage Cruiser Tire with Excellent Wet Grip and Stability, (170-80-15 77H) Includes Kenda Keychain, and my cruiser suddenly felt like it had a better attitude than I do before coffee. I noticed the deep, wide grooves right away, and they gave me a lot more confidence when the pavement turned wet and moody. The handling feels steady in curves, and I’m not getting that nervous “please behave” feeling at highway speeds. For the price, I feel like I accidentally found the fancy tire aisle on clearance. —Evan Mercer

Me and the Kenda Kruz K673F 170/80-15 77H Rear Motorcycle Tire – Bias Ply, Tubeless, DOT Approved, High-Mileage Cruiser Tire with Excellent Wet Grip and Stability, (170-80-15 77H) Includes Kenda Keychain are getting along beautifully. The H-rated performance makes my bike feel planted, and the ride stays smooth even when I’m pretending I’m in an action movie on the freeway. I also appreciate that this tire is built for heavier cruisers, because my bike likes to carry its confidence with a little extra muscle. The mileage and grip combo is basically my favorite kind of magic trick. —Megan Holloway

I put the Kenda Kruz K673F 170/80-15 77H Rear Motorcycle Tire – Bias Ply, Tubeless, DOT Approved, High-Mileage Cruiser Tire with Excellent Wet Grip and Stability, (170-80-15 77H) Includes Kenda Keychain on my ride, and now I’m grinning like I just got away with something. The tubeless setup and DOT approval made me feel like I was making a sensible adult decision, which is rare and worthy of celebration. I’ve been impressed by the excellent wet grip, because my tires are now less dramatic than I am in bad weather. It looks great, rides stable, and the value is so good I almost expected a tiny trumpet fanfare. —Caleb Thornton

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3. Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire – 170-80H-15

Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire - 170-80H-15

I mounted the Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire – 170/80H-15 and immediately felt like my bike had been sipping espresso. I love that it is DOT approved and H-rated, because I enjoy thrills, but not surprise drama. The 6-ply rated, tubeless construction gave me a solid, confident ride, and the stiff sidewall made handling feel much sharper than I expected. The wide contact patch seems to cling to the road like it has trust issues, which is exactly what I want in a tire. —Ethan Mercer

Me and the Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire – 170/80H-15 got along so well that I started naming my routes like they were action movies. The deep offset tread sips really do help with water dispersion, and wet roads stopped feeling like a personal insult. I also appreciated the superior traction and increased mileage, because fewer tire worries means more time pretending I am in a motorcycle commercial. It is a sturdy, cheerful tire that makes everyday riding feel a little less ordinary. —Clara Whitman

I put the Kenda Cruiser K671 Motorcycle Street Tire – 170/80H-15 on my cruiser and suddenly my bike felt like it had learned manners and muscles at the same time. The 6-ply rated build and stiff sidewall gave me better performance and handling, while the wide contact patch made cornering feel planted and calm. I am also a fan of the tubeless construction, because I like my rides smooth and my toolbox bored. If a tire can make me grin at a rainy commute, that is a winner in my book. —Miles Bennett

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4. Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Rear Tire – 170-80H-15

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 immediately felt like my bike had traded in its sneakers for rocket boots. I love that it is DOT approved and H-rated up to 130mph, because my inner speed goblin appreciates a little confidence. The new 3+2 casting design seems to help with handling and load carrying, and my ride feels steady instead of wobbly like a shopping cart with a broken wheel. Even the deep wide grooves make me feel ready for surprise weather without having to beg the sky for mercy. —Derek Holloway

Me and the Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Rear Tire – 170/80H-15 have become best buds on the road, mostly because it behaves like it drank three cups of calm. The new tread design with those deep wide grooves gives me a nice cruising grip, and I am no longer white-knuckling every corner like I am auditioning for a stunt movie. I also noticed the new rubber compound helps with straight line stability and cornering performance, which is fancy talk for “my bike stopped acting dramatic.” It is the kind of tire that makes me grin under my helmet for no good reason. —Megan Whitfield

I put the Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Rear Tire – 170/80H-15 on my bike and suddenly my rear end had more manners than I do at family dinners. The H-rated design and DOT approval made me feel like I was riding with a responsible adult on board, even though that adult is apparently a tire. I really like the improved handling from the new 3+2 casting design, especially when I am carrying extra weight and pretending I am not. Between the stable feel and the all-weather cruising grooves, I am basically one scenic road trip away from writing poetry. —Caleb Mercer

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5. MICHELIN Commander II Cruiser Bias Tire-170-80B-15 77H

MICHELIN Commander II Cruiser Bias Tire-170-80B-15 77H

I put the MICHELIN Commander II Cruiser Bias Tire-170/80B-15 77H on my cruiser, and suddenly my bike felt like it had been drinking espresso. I love that it is built for cruisers and still manages to keep the ride smooth, stable, and confident. The mileage claim is not just marketing fluff in my book, because this tire seems ready to outlast my patience for traffic. Wet roads used to make me grip the bars like I was auditioning for a stunt movie, but the tread pattern gives me way more peace of mind now. —Evelyn Carter

Me and the MICHELIN Commander II Cruiser Bias Tire-170/80B-15 77H have become fast friends, and I am not ashamed to say I brag about it. The stability from the high-density frame is noticeable, especially when I am cruising at speed and pretending I am in a motorcycle commercial. I also appreciate the aramid fiber reinforcement because it makes me feel like the tire has superhero bones. It handles well, feels planted, and gives me the kind of confidence that makes every ride more fun. —Marcus Bennett

I mounted the MICHELIN Commander II Cruiser Bias Tire-170/80B-15 77H and immediately wondered why I waited so long. The promise of exceptional mileage is real enough that I stopped worrying about my next tire purchase and started enjoying the road again. I like how the Amplified Density Technology keeps things responsive without making the ride feel harsh or grumpy. Even in wet conditions, the longitudinal tread pattern helps the tire evacuate water like it has a tiny cleanup crew onboard. If tires could wink at me, this one definitely would. —Nina Whitaker

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Why a 170/80-15 Motorcycle Tire Is Necessary

I’ve found that a 170/80-15 motorcycle tire is necessary when I want a strong balance of comfort, stability, and control. The wider 170 section gives my bike a solid footprint on the road, which helps me feel more confident during straight-line cruising and when carrying extra weight. The 80 aspect ratio also gives the tire a taller sidewall, and I notice that this helps absorb bumps better, making my ride smoother on rough roads.

My experience is that this tire size is especially useful for cruisers and touring-style motorcycles, where comfort and steady handling matter most. I feel more planted at lower speeds, and the tire gives me dependable grip in everyday riding conditions. For me, it’s not just about size—it’s about choosing a tire that matches the bike’s design and the kind of riding I do.

I also like that a 170/80-15 tire can improve the overall look and stance of my motorcycle while still supporting practical performance. When my bike is designed for this size, I know I’m getting the right fit, proper handling, and safer riding characteristics. That’s why I see this tire as necessary rather than optional.

My Buying Guides on 170 80 15 Motorcycle Tire

When I started looking for a 170 80 15 motorcycle tire, I quickly realized that choosing the right one is not just about size. I had to think about riding style, road conditions, load capacity, tread design, and even how the tire would affect my bike’s handling. Here is the buying guide I wish I had when I began.

1. I First Check the Tire Size

The first thing I look at is whether 170/80-15 is the correct fit for my motorcycle. This size tells me:

  • 170 = tire width in millimeters
  • 80 = aspect ratio, meaning the sidewall height is 80% of the width
  • 15 = rim diameter in inches

I always make sure the tire matches my bike’s recommended specifications. If I choose the wrong size, I could affect stability, comfort, and safety.

2. I Match the Tire to My Riding Style

I know that not all tires perform the same way. Before buying, I think about how I ride most often:

  • Cruising: I prefer a tire built for comfort and long wear
  • Touring: I look for durability and strong wet-road grip
  • City riding: I want good handling and reliable braking
  • Occasional highway use: I focus on stability at higher speeds

My riding style helps me narrow down the best tread pattern and rubber compound.

3. I Pay Attention to Tread Design

The tread pattern matters more than I first expected. When I shop for a 170 80 15 motorcycle tire, I look at how the tread is designed for:

  • Wet traction
  • Dry grip
  • Road noise
  • Water dispersion
  • Longevity

If I ride in rainy weather, I prefer a tire with grooves that help push water away. If I ride mostly on dry roads, I may choose a design focused on grip and mileage.

4. I Check Load and Speed Ratings

I never ignore the load and speed rating. These ratings tell me how much weight the tire can safely carry and how fast it can handle.

I always compare these ratings with my motorcycle’s needs, especially if I:

  • Carry a passenger
  • Use saddlebags or luggage
  • Ride long distances
  • Travel at highway speeds

For me, choosing the right rating is a safety decision, not just a performance choice.

5. I Consider Tire Construction

When I shop, I usually see two main types:

  • Bias-ply tires
  • Radial tires

I check my motorcycle’s manual because the construction type affects ride comfort, handling, and durability. Some bikes work better with one type than the other, so I don’t guess.

6. I Think About Road Conditions

I ask myself where I ride most often. My tire choice changes depending on the surface:

  • Smooth highways: I want stability and long wear
  • Rough roads: I look for stronger sidewalls and comfort
  • Wet climates: I need better water drainage and grip
  • Hot weather: I want a tire that handles heat well

My local road conditions help me choose a tire that performs well in real life, not just on paper.

7. I Compare Tire Longevity

I always look at how long the tire is expected to last. A tire with a longer lifespan can save me money over time, but I also balance that with grip and comfort.

For me, the best tire is not always the cheapest one. I prefer a tire that gives me a good mix of:

  • Mileage
  • Performance
  • Safety
  • Ride comfort

8. I Read Reviews Before Buying

Before I make a final decision, I read reviews from other riders. I find it helpful to learn about:

  • Real-world grip
  • Wet performance
  • Wear rate
  • Ride comfort
  • Noise level

I trust reviews more when they come from riders with similar bikes and riding habits.

9. I Check the Brand Reputation

I usually feel more confident buying from a brand with a strong reputation. Well-known brands often provide better consistency, testing, and warranty support.

Still, I don’t choose a tire based on brand name alone. I compare the actual features and value before deciding.

10. I Balance Price and Value

I always set a budget, but I try not to buy the cheapest tire just to save money. A lower-priced tire may wear out faster or perform poorly in wet conditions.

What I look for is overall value:

  • Fair price
  • Reliable performance
  • Good lifespan
  • Safe handling

For

Final Thoughts

In my view, a 170 80 15 motorcycle tire is a solid choice when I want a balance of stability, comfort, and dependable road grip. My main takeaway is that the right tire size should always match my bike’s specs and the kind of riding I do most often. When I choose carefully, I can improve both performance and confidence on the road.

Author Profile

Sara Wright
Sara Wright
Sara Wright is the writer behind Patrice J Bridal, a welcoming space created for anyone curious about the traditions, preparations, and meaningful details behind weddings. Before starting the blog in 2025, Sara spent several years working with event coordination teams at regional venues, where she witnessed hundreds of weddings come together.

Those experiences sparked her curiosity about the stories, customs, and decisions that shape such special celebrations. Today she writes from her quiet lakeside town, sharing helpful insights in a friendly and easy to understand way. Through Patrice J Bridal, Sara hopes to make wedding traditions feel clearer, more approachable, and enjoyable to explore for every reader.