Looking for the best 17 inch motorcycle tires for street, sport, and light off-road use? This guide highlights top options that balance grip, durability, and value. Ideal for riders upgrading a mid-size bike, dual-sport riders seeking confidence on mixed terrain, and commuters needing dependable performance in varying weather. Below, each product is evaluated for who it’s best for, with clear reasons to choose or avoid based on tread design, compound, and construction. A quick comparison table helps you spot key differences at a glance.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| TUSK 2Track Adventure Tire (130/80-17) | Dual-sport and adventure riders | Aggressive 2Track tread for on/off-road grip and durability |
| Michelin Pilot Street 2 Tire (90/80-17) | Urban riders and scooters | Deep tread grooves and mileage-focused compounds |
| Pirelli Angel ST Tire Set (120/70ZR17 & 180/55ZR17) | Sport-touring riders | Sport-touring compound with versatile performance |
| Michelin Pilot Street 2 Front Tire (110/70-17) | Front-end replacements | Designed for scooters and small-displacement bikes with water evacuation |
| IRC RX-01 Road Winner Front Tire (110/70-17) | Replacement front tires | Aggressive tread for roadholding and stable feel |
TUSK 2Track Adventure Motorcycle Tire
Brand: TUSK
Size: 130/80-17 (65Q) rear tubeless bias-ply
Features: Durable rubber compound for traction and long wear. Aggressive 2Track tread provides reliable grip on- and off-road. Designed for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle use.
Best for: Dual-sport and adventure riders who need dependable on/off-road performance in a single tire. This tire is chosen for its rugged tread and durability, suitable for mixed terrain riding.
Caution: As a tubeless bias-ply rear tire, ensure compatibility with your wheel setup and check for proper fitment on your model. Limited data on sidewall tallness for some sport-oriented forks.
Michelin Pilot Street 2 Tire (90/80-17)
Brand: MICHELIN
Size: 90/80-17
Features: Designed for scooters and smaller displacement motorcycles. Deep tread grooves and compounds aim to maximize mileage. Responsive handling in wet and dry conditions with water evacuation grooves.
Best for: Urban riders and commuters on smaller displacement bikes needing long wear and predictable wet-weather behavior.
Caution: Less aggressive for heavy off-road use; primarily oriented toward street and city riding.
Pirelli Angel ST Tire Set (120/70ZR17 & 180/55ZR17)
Brand: Pirelli
Sizes: 120/70ZR17 (front) and 180/55ZR17 (rear)
Features: Sport Touring Compound with high silica for grip and mileage. Innovative tread design blends high mileage with modern aesthetics. Front/rear profiles engineered for neutral, uniform performance and stability across conditions.
Best for: Sport-touring riders who want a tire that delivers confident handling, strong wet performance, and a balanced look on a 17-inch setup.
Caution: More performance-oriented than economical touring tires; upfront cost may be higher than basic street tires.
Michelin Pilot Street 2 Front Tire
Brand: MICHELIN
Size: 110/70-17
Features: Front tire designed for scooters and small-displacement motorcycles. Deep tread grooves with compounds that maximize mileage. Water evacuation grooves for wet conditions.
Best for: Front-end replacement on urban or light-duty bikes where long wear and dependable wet grip are prioritized.
Caution: Front-specific design; pairing with a matching rear tire is recommended for balanced performance.
IRC RX-01 Road Winner Front Tire
Brand: IRC
Size: 110/70-17
Features: Aggressive tread design. Narrow grooves for flexible tread surface and better roadholding. Stronger casing for stability.
Best for: Riders seeking a confident front tire with precise steering feel on paved roads. Choose this if you value roadholding and stable high-speed performance.
Caution: Front-focused tire; ensure a compatible rear tire is selected to maintain balanced handling.
Buying Guide
What to consider when choosing a 17 inch tire
Type of riding: Street-only, sport-touring, or dual-sport will determine tread and compound needs. Dual-sport tires offer better off-road traction, while sport-touring tires favor highway stability and rain grip.
Rear vs. front emphasis: For front tires, focus on steering response and wet traction. Rear tires should emphasize durability and grip under acceleration.
Bike compatibility: Check your motorcycle’s wheel type (tube vs tubeless) and section width to ensure correct fitment.
Weather performance: Tires with deeper tread and strong silica compounds perform better in wet conditions. Assess local climate and typical conditions.
Maintenance and replacement: Consider wear indicators, expected mileage, and ease of replacement. Some tires are built for longer life on city commutes; others prioritize performance.
Common questions
- What does 17 inch refer to in tire sizing?
It’s the wheel diameter the tire is designed to fit. 17 inches is common on many street and sport-touring motorcycles. - Can I mix tire brands on a bike?
It’s generally best to match front and rear tires by type and compound to avoid handling anomalies. - Is tubeless preferred for modern bikes?
Yes, tubeless tires are common on many 17″ rims and ease maintenance, but always verify compatibility with your wheels and tubes if needed. - Which tire is best for wet weather?
Tires with deeper grooves and silica-rich compounds typically offer better wet grip and water evacuation. - How do I know if a tire is right for my bike?
Consult your owner’s manual or a tire professional for recommended sizes, load ratings, and speed ratings. - Can I install a sport-touring tire on a cruiser?
It’s possible but may affect ride feel and longevity. Choose a tire designed for your bike’s weight and intended use.
Note: All product details reflect listed features and specifications from the provided sources. For exact fit and compatibility, verify with your motorcycle’s manufacturer guidance and a trusted tire technician.