The best match for a 170/80-15 white wall motorcycle tire depends on whether you prioritize cruiser styling, long-distance wear, or a specific tire construction. The Shinko 777 Rear H.D. is a direct white-wall cruiser option, while the SR 999 and Metzeler ME 888 offer white-wall versions with features aimed at extended riding. The list also includes a black-wall tire and a motorcycle tube; neither is a white-wall tire, so check the product details carefully before buying.
| Product | Best For | Key Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Shinko 777 Rear H.D. White Wall | Classic cruiser styling | White sidewalls and grip-focused compound |
| SR 999 Long Haul White Wall | Long-distance riding | Silica-rich compound and elevated tread depth |
| Metzeler ME 888 White Wall | Stability and handling | Designed for consistent performance |
| Shinko SR777 Black Wall | Riders who prefer black sidewalls | Wet- and dry-condition tread features |
| IRC Motorcycle Tube | Buyers seeking a tube | Component, not a tire |
Shinko 777 Rear H.D. White Wall
Best for: Cruiser riders who want a classic white-sidewall appearance along with a tire designed for cruiser motorcycles. The listing specifies size 170/80B-15 and load and speed designation 83H.
Shinko says its rubber compound is formulated for grip and comfort, and the vivid white sidewalls provide the traditional look many buyers want. Its range of sizes is described as fitting many V-Twin and metric cruiser models, but that does not confirm fitment for a particular motorcycle.
Why it was selected: It directly matches the requested size and white-wall style. Check before buying: Confirm your motorcycle’s required size, load and speed ratings, and tire construction; the listing’s size includes a “B” designation.
SR 999 Long Haul White Wall
Best for: Riders looking for a white-wall rear tire with features aimed at long-distance use. The listed size is 170/80-15, bias ply, with an 83H designation.
The product description highlights a silica-rich compound intended to provide traction in wet and cold weather, a rubber blend formulated for mileage and grip, and elevated tread depth for extended wear. These are manufacturer-listed features, not a guarantee of a particular service life or performance in every condition.
Why it was selected: It combines the requested size and white-wall styling with explicitly long-haul-oriented features. Check before buying: Verify that the bias-ply construction and listed ratings meet your motorcycle’s requirements.
Metzeler ME 888 White Wall
Best for: Cruiser riders comparing white-wall options that emphasize stability, handling, and mileage. The listing identifies this as a rear, bias-ply street tire in size 170/80-15, with a 77H designation.
Metzeler describes the ME 888 as offering consistent performance through the tire’s life, high mileage, and stable handling at both high and low speeds. Its smooth-handling emphasis makes it a useful comparison against the Shinko options, whose supplied descriptions focus more on compound, grip, or tread depth.
Why it was selected: It is a white-wall tire in the requested size with clearly stated handling and mileage attributes. Check before buying: Its listed rating is 77H, unlike the 83H ratings on two other listed tire options. Confirm the required rating for your motorcycle before choosing.
Shinko SR777 Black Wall Tire
Best for: Riders who want a Shinko cruiser tire in the requested size but prefer a black sidewall. This is not a white-wall product, so it is an alternative only if the sidewall color is flexible.
The listed features include a compound formulated for grip and comfort, plus functional siping and grooves intended to support traction in wet and dry conditions. It is identified as a 170/80B-15 83H rear tire.
Why it was selected: It offers a close size and brand comparison to the Shinko white-wall model. Avoid this if: White sidewalls are essential to your purchase; the product name specifies black wall.
IRC Motorcycle Tube 170/80-15
Best for: Buyers specifically searching for a motorcycle tube associated with the listed 170/80-15 size. This is a tire component, not a complete tire, and it does not provide white-wall styling.
IRC describes the tube as Japanese-made and made from a blend of natural and butyl rubber. The listing says it meets or exceeds OEM quality standards, but does not provide enough information here to establish fitment for a particular wheel or tire setup.
Why it was selected: It may be relevant to a tire replacement purchase where a tube is also needed. Check before buying: Confirm the required tube size and valve type for your wheel; the listing name includes PV-78.
Buying Guide: Choosing a 170/80-15 White Wall Tire
Which listing most directly matches the search?
Compare the Shinko 777, SR 999, and Metzeler ME 888 first. All three are presented as white-wall rear tire options in or near the requested size. The Shinko listing uses 170/80B-15, while the SR 999 and ME 888 use 170/80-15. Do not assume these notations are interchangeable for your motorcycle; check the owner’s manual or current tire specifications.
How should I compare ratings and construction?
Check the tire’s size, position, construction, load index, and speed rating against the motorcycle manufacturer’s requirements. The listed options include 83H and 77H ratings, and the descriptions identify bias-ply construction for the SR 999 and ME 888. Select only a tire whose specifications are appropriate for your motorcycle.
What features matter for riding priorities?
- Classic styling: Choose a product explicitly labeled white wall.
- Long-distance focus: Compare the SR 999’s elevated tread depth and long-haul features with the ME 888’s stated mileage and stability focus.
- Grip and comfort emphasis: The Shinko 777 description highlights its compound’s grip and comfort formulation.
- Wet- and dry-condition tread features: The black-wall Shinko SR777 listing mentions siping and grooves, but it is not a white-wall tire.
Do I need a tube too?
Not necessarily. The supplied product information does not establish whether your wheel setup requires a tube. Confirm your wheel and tire requirements before purchasing the IRC tube, and do not treat a tube as a replacement for a tire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 170/80-15 mean?
It is a tire size designation. Confirm the complete size and construction required for your motorcycle, including any letter shown in the fitment specification.
Are all five listed products white-wall tires?
No. The Shinko SR777 is labeled black wall, and the IRC item is a tube. The Shinko 777, SR 999, and Metzeler ME 888 are the listed white-wall tire options.
Can I choose a tire with a different load or speed rating?
Use the rating required by your motorcycle manufacturer. The supplied tire listings show different ratings, so compare them rather than assuming they are equivalent.
Does the IRC tube come with a tire?
No. It is listed as a motorcycle tube and is a separate component.
Which option emphasizes long-distance wear?
The SR 999 listing highlights elevated tread depth and long-haul features. The Metzeler ME 888 listing also emphasizes high mileage and stable handling.