The best 170/80-15 rear tire depends on your motorcycle’s required load and speed ratings, riding conditions, and preferred appearance. The Kenda Kruz K673 is a strong choice for all-weather cruising, while the Shinko SR777 HD suits cruiser riders seeking wet- and dry-road traction features. The Dunlop D404 is a straightforward option for older bikes and cruisers, and the Kenda K671 emphasizes wet-weather tread design. For a classic sidewall appearance, consider the Shinko 777 whitewall.
| Tire | Best For | Distinguishing Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Kenda Kruz K673 | All-weather cruising | Deep, wide grooves |
| Shinko SR777 HD Black Wall | Cruiser traction and comfort | Functional siping and grooves |
| Dunlop D404 | Older bikes and cruisers | Balance of mileage and grip |
| Kenda Cruiser K671 | Wet-weather riding | Offset tread sipes |
| Shinko 777 HD White Wall | Classic styling | Vivid white sidewalls |
Kenda Kruz K673
The Kenda Kruz K673 is best for cruiser riders who want a tire described for all-weather cruising and high load-carrying capacity. Its listed features include a DOT-approved design, an H speed rating, and a 3+2 casting design intended to improve handling and load capacity. Deep, wide tread grooves are designed for all-weather cruising.
Choose this tire if its size and ratings match your motorcycle’s requirements and you value the listed groove design. The listing states an H rating for speeds up to 130 mph. This rating is not a recommendation to ride at that speed; follow the motorcycle and tire manufacturers’ limits. The provided details do not specify tubeless construction, so confirm tube requirements before ordering.
Shinko SR777 HD Black Wall
The Shinko SR777 HD black-wall tire is best for cruiser owners looking for a tire designed for V-twin and metric cruiser models. Its rubber compound is formulated for grip and comfort, while functional siping and grooves are intended to support traction in both wet and dry conditions. The listed size is 170/80B15, with an 83H designation.
Choose this model if its bias-belted size and ratings are appropriate for your bike and you want a black-wall appearance. It offers a more explicit wet-and-dry traction focus than the Dunlop D404 listing. Check your owner’s manual and the tire sidewall requirements before purchase; the product description does not identify every motorcycle it fits.
Dunlop D404 Rear Tire
The Dunlop D404 is best for riders of older motorcycles and cruisers who want a tire available in a broad range of sizes. Its listed 170/80-15 size has a 77H designation, and the tread compound is described as balancing mileage and grip. That makes it a simple comparison option when those priorities matter more than a specifically stated wet-weather tread feature.
Choose this tire only if its load and speed ratings meet the motorcycle manufacturer’s specifications. Its listed 77H rating differs from the 83H rating on the Shinko SR777 HD and Shinko 777 HD models, so do not assume the tires are interchangeable. The supplied feature information does not give construction or wet-weather details; verify those points if they affect your choice.
Kenda Cruiser K671
The Kenda Cruiser K671 is best for riders comparing tires with a stated focus on wet-weather traction. Its deep, offset tread sipes are designed to disperse water, and the listing describes it as a DOT-approved, H-rated tire. It is also described as a 6-ply-rated, tubeless tire for sport, touring, and cruiser bikes.
Choose the K671 if the 170/80H-15 size, tubeless construction, and stated ratings fit your motorcycle and riding needs. Compared with the Kruz K673, its feature list provides more explicit details about ply rating and tubeless construction. The listed H rating is not permission to exceed your motorcycle’s speed limits, and fitment should be confirmed for the specific bike.
Shinko 777 HD White Wall
The Shinko 777 HD white-wall tire is best for cruiser riders who want a classic sidewall appearance alongside a tire designed for V-twin and metric cruiser models. Its listed size is 170/80B-15, and the description gives an 83H designation. The rubber compound is formulated for grip and comfort, and vivid white sidewalls provide the distinguishing visual feature.
Choose this version over the Shinko SR777 HD black-wall model when the white sidewall is important to your bike’s appearance. The provided features do not state the same wet- and dry-traction details listed for the black-wall version, so avoid assuming the descriptions are identical. Confirm the required tire type, size, and ratings before purchasing.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a 170/80-15 Rear Tire
Does 170/80-15 mean every listed tire fits?
No. The products include markings such as 170/80-15, 170/80H-15, and 170/80B15. Check the exact size, construction type, and service description required by your motorcycle. A similar-looking size does not guarantee fitment.
How should I compare load and speed ratings?
Match or exceed the specifications required by the motorcycle manufacturer, and verify the tire’s sidewall markings. The products listed here include 77H and 83H designations. Do not select a tire based only on its size or assume that a higher-looking rating makes it suitable for every motorcycle.
Which tire is a better choice for wet-road features?
The Kenda K671 lists deep offset sipes for water dispersion, while the Kenda Kruz K673 lists deep, wide grooves for all-weather cruising. The Shinko SR777 HD black-wall description specifically mentions siping and grooves for wet and dry traction. These feature descriptions do not replace careful riding in changing conditions.
Should I choose a black wall or white wall?
Choose based on the look you want and the tire specifications your motorcycle requires. The Shinko 777 HD white-wall version features vivid white sidewalls; the SR777 HD option has a black-wall appearance. Confirm the full size and rating before choosing by appearance.
What should I verify before ordering?
Check your owner’s manual, current tire markings, wheel requirements, and the product’s full sidewall specifications. Confirm whether your setup requires a tube or tubeless tire. Have installation and tire-pressure decisions handled according to the motorcycle and tire manufacturers’ instructions.