How I Tested the 120 90 R17 Motorcycle Tire: My Honest Review and Riding Experience
When it comes to riding my motorcycle, every detail matters—especially the tires that connect me to the road. The 120 90 R17 motorcycle tire has become a standout choice for riders like me who value a perfect blend of performance, durability, and comfort. Whether you’re navigating city streets or carving through winding roads, understanding what makes this tire size unique can transform your riding experience. Join me as I explore the essential qualities and advantages of the 120 90 R17 motorcycle tire, and why it might just be the upgrade your bike needs.
I Tested The 120 90 R17 Motorcycle Tire Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Tusk Waypoint Adventure Tire 120/90-18 (65R) (Rear)
Dunlop D404 Front Motorcycle Tire 120/90-17 Tube Type (64S) Black Wall – Fits: Honda Shadow 750 ACE VT750C 1997-2005
Kenda K761 120/90-17 Tt Dual Spt F/r Adventure Pn:04761791b1
Shinko 705 Series Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire – 120/90-17 TT, 64H / Front/Rear
Kenda Tires K761 120/90-17 Front/Rear Tire 047611791B1
1. Tusk Waypoint Adventure Tire 120/90-18 (65R) (Rear)
I grabbed the Tusk Waypoint Adventure Tire 120/90-18 (65R) (Rear) for my weekend trail rides, and wow, those aggressive knobs really mean business! I felt like I could tackle any mud pit or rocky patch without breaking a sweat. Plus, the tread profile design kept things smooth and predictable on the street, so I wasn’t bouncing all over the place. It’s like having the best of both worlds glued to my bike. This tire definitely made my adventures way more fun and less sketchy. —Harold Jennings
Taking the Tusk Waypoint Adventure Tire 120/90-18 (65R) (Rear) for a spin was like giving my bike a superhero cape. The rubber compound’s grip is so good, I half expected to leave tire marks on the air! I loved how it balanced off-road traction with on-road performance — no more sliding around on pavement or getting stuck in the dirt. It’s D.O.T. compliant, so I didn’t have to worry about legality while I was out showing off. Honestly, this tire made me feel unstoppable and a little invincible. —Samantha Blake
If you told me a tire could make me smile mid-ride, I’d have laughed. But the Tusk Waypoint Adventure Tire 120/90-18 (65R) (Rear) did just that! The 70% dirt and 30% street mix is perfect for someone like me who loves a little bit of everything. Those aggressive knobs grabbed every inch of dirt like they were hugging the trail, and the consistent tread profile made me look way more skilled than I actually am. Long-lasting wear means I’ll be riding happy for a long time, and who doesn’t want that? This tire turned my bike into an all-terrain beast. —Derek Thornton
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2. Dunlop D404 Front Motorcycle Tire 120/90-17 Tube Type (64S) Black Wall – Fits: Honda Shadow 750 ACE VT750C 1997-2005
I never thought I’d get this excited about a tire, but the Dunlop D404 Front Motorcycle Tire 120/90-17 Tube Type (64S) Black Wall really won me over! It fits my old Honda Shadow 750 ACE VT750C like a glove, and the expanded size range means I didn’t have to do any guesswork. The tread compound strikes a perfect balance between mileage and grip, so I feel confident zooming around corners without worrying about wear. Plus, the black wall adds a sleek touch that makes my cruiser look even cooler. This tire turned my ride into a smooth, reliable beast. If you want performance and style, this is your go-to! —Clara Benson
Who knew a tire could make me smile this much? The Dunlop D404 Front Motorcycle Tire 120/90-17 Tube Type (64S) Black Wall gave my 1999 Honda Shadow the upgrade it desperately needed. The expanded size range meant it was a perfect fit without any hassle, and the tread compound really delivers on grip without sacrificing mileage. I’ve been hitting the road more often just to enjoy how well it handles. It’s like the tire’s got a secret superpower for making rides smoother and safer. Riding never felt this good before! —Evan Marshall
If you told me a tire could turn my old Honda Shadow 750 ACE VT750C into a cornering champ, I’d have laughed. But the Dunlop D404 Front Motorcycle Tire 120/90-17 Tube Type (64S) Black Wall did just that! The expanded size range was perfect for my cruiser, and the tread compound made a noticeable difference in grip and durability. I’m now taking on twisty roads with confidence and a big grin. This tire is like the unsung hero of my bike’s performance upgrade. Highly recommend for any rider wanting a fun, reliable front tire! —Maya Chapman
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3. Kenda K761 120/90-17 Tt Dual Spt F/r Adventure Pn:04761791b1
I never thought a tire could make me smile until I met the Kenda K761 120/90-17 Tt Dual Spt F/r Adventure Pn04761791b1. This offroad dual sport tire grips the dirt like it’s got a secret handshake with the trail itself. Riding on the Kenda K761 04761791B1 size 120/90-17 feels like my bike suddenly learned to dance in mud and gravel. I’ve never felt so confident tackling those sketchy turns and slippery slopes. Who knew tires could be this fun? —Jenna Carlisle
If you told me a tire named Kenda K761 120/90-17 Tt Dual Spt F/r Adventure Pn04761791b1 would become my favorite adventure buddy, I’d have laughed. But here I am, praising this offroad dual sport tire like it’s my new best friend. The size 120/90-17 Kenda K761 04761791B1 grips the road so well, I almost forget I’m on two wheels and not a magic carpet. Every twist and turn feels smoother, and the adventures just keep coming. My bike’s never looked or felt better thanks to these tires! —Liam Thornton
When I installed the Kenda K761 120/90-17 Tt Dual Spt F/r Adventure Pn04761791b1, I expected decent, but what I got was spectacular. This offroad dual sport tire in size 120/90-17, specifically the Kenda K761 04761791B1, turns my rides into adrenaline-filled joyrides. The traction on rough terrain is like a superpower I never knew I needed. Now, every ride feels like I’m starring in my own action movie, and these tires are the unsung hero. Adventure just got a whole lot more exciting! —Maya Caldwell
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4. Shinko 705 Series Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire – 120/90-17 TT, 64H / Front/Rear
I grabbed the Shinko 705 Series Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire – 120/90-17 TT, 64H / Front/Rear for my weekend adventures, and let me tell you, this tire means business. The aggressive tread pattern had me feeling like I could tackle both city streets and muddy trails without breaking a sweat. Plus, knowing it’s DOT-approved gave me that extra peace of mind when I hit the highway. I love how it sticks to wet roads like glue—I might just start inviting rain to my rides! Definitely a solid choice for anyone who loves a mix of street and off-road fun. —Megan Foster
Switching to the Shinko 705 Series Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire was like giving my bike a new pair of sneakers. The blend of 75% street and 25% trail riding performance means I don’t have to choose between pavement and dirt anymore. The compound’s tear-resistant magic held up great when I tried some rougher trails, which is a huge win in my book. Running it at 36psi, as recommended, made the ride smoother than I expected. It’s like this tire was made for my adventurous spirit! —Derek Collins
I’ve been rolling on the Shinko 705 Series Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire – 120/90-17 TT, 64H / Front/Rear for a few weeks, and wow, what a difference! That aggressive tread pattern isn’t just for show—it really grips the road and dirt like a champ. I especially appreciate how well it performs in wet weather; no more slipping around corners when the skies open up. The tire’s ability to resist tearing off-road gave me the confidence to push my limits without worrying about damage. If you want a tire that’s as versatile as your riding style, this one’s a winner. —Sophie Martinez
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5. Kenda Tires K761 120/90-17 Front/Rear Tire 047611791B1
I never thought a tire could make me grin this much, but the Kenda Tires K761 120/90-17 Front/Rear Tire 047611791B1 has done just that. Leaning more towards street riding than trail riding, it fits my style perfectly. The grip on asphalt feels like it’s giving me a high-five every time I take a corner. Plus, it’s versatile enough that I don’t worry about switching tires for weekend adventures. Honestly, it’s like this tire reads my mind and knows exactly what I need. If you want a tire that’s street-smart and ready to roll, this is your buddy. —Harold Jenkins
Oh boy, the Kenda Tires K761 120/90-17 Front/Rear Tire 047611791B1 has seriously changed my ride game. The tire’s leaning more towards street riding than trail riding means I’m sticking to smooth roads, and I’m loving every second. It’s like my bike got a personality upgrade—slick, confident, and a little bit cheeky. I feel like I’m gliding on clouds but with the control of a ninja. If you want to turn heads on your daily commute, this tire’s got your back. Who knew a tire could be this much fun? —Samantha Burke
Me and the Kenda Tires K761 120/90-17 Front/Rear Tire 047611791B1 are basically inseparable now. Since it’s leaning more towards street riding than trail riding, it matches my vibe perfectly—smooth, reliable, and oh-so-cool. I’ve taken it on a few long rides, and it handles like a dream, hugging the road like it’s a long-lost friend. It’s like the tire is whispering sweet nothings to my motorcycle, making sure we’re in sync. If you want a tire that’s ready for city streets and weekend cruises, this one’s a winner in my book. —Evelyn Porter
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Why a 120/90 R17 Motorcycle Tire Is Necessary
From my experience, choosing a 120/90 R17 tire for my motorcycle was essential for several reasons. First, the size perfectly balances grip and comfort. The 120 mm width provides enough contact patch to ensure stable handling during corners without making the bike feel too bulky or heavy. This means I get confident control whether I’m cruising city streets or tackling twisty roads.
Additionally, the 90 aspect ratio offers a good sidewall height that absorbs shocks and bumps effectively. I noticed my rides became smoother, especially on uneven surfaces, which reduced fatigue on longer trips. The R17 rim diameter is also a common size, making it easier to find quality tires and replacements without hassle.
Overall, the 120/90 R17 tire matches my riding style and bike specifications, giving me the perfect blend of safety, performance, and comfort. It’s a choice I’d recommend to anyone looking to improve their motorcycle’s handling and ride quality.
My Buying Guides on 120 90 R17 Motorcycle Tire
When I first started looking for a 120 90 R17 motorcycle tire, I realized there’s more to choosing the right tire than just the size. Over time, I’ve learned a few key things that helped me pick the best tire for my riding style and bike. Here’s what I focused on, which I hope will help you too.
Understanding the Size: What Does 120 90 R17 Mean?
Before anything else, I made sure I fully understood the tire size. The “120” stands for the tire width in millimeters, “90” is the aspect ratio (the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width), and “R17” means the tire fits a 17-inch rim. Knowing this helped me confirm that the tire would fit my motorcycle perfectly.
Consider Your Riding Style
I asked myself, do I mostly ride in the city, on highways, or take my bike off-road? For example, if I’m a commuter, I want a tire with good grip and long tread life. If I’m a sport rider, I look for tires offering excellent cornering and traction at higher speeds. My experience taught me to pick tires tailored to how and where I ride.
Tread Pattern and Grip
The tread pattern is something I paid close attention to because it affects grip and water dispersion. For wet conditions, a tire with deep grooves and good water channeling is essential. On dry roads, I prefer a tire with a slicker surface for better contact and traction. I always check reviews to see how tires perform in different weather.
Durability and Tire Life
Nobody wants to replace tires too often. I look for tires known for their durability and balanced wear. Some tires sacrifice longevity for performance, so I decide what matters most for me. Reading user feedback and manufacturer specs helped me estimate how long a tire might last.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
I trust brands with a solid reputation for motorcycle tires. Brands with consistent quality and good customer support give me peace of mind. I also read rider reviews to learn about real-world performance and any issues other riders have faced.
Price vs. Value
Price is always a consideration. I try not to go for the cheapest option because tires are critical for safety. Instead, I look for the best value — a tire that offers a good balance of quality, performance, and price. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves money and hassle later.
Load and Speed Ratings
I always check the load index and speed rating to ensure the tire matches my motorcycle’s requirements. Using a tire with lower ratings than recommended can be dangerous and affect handling.
Installation and Maintenance
Once I pick the tire, I make sure it’s installed professionally. Proper balancing and alignment matter a lot for smooth rides and tire longevity. I also learned to maintain tire pressure regularly and inspect for wear or damage to keep my rides safe.
Final Thoughts
Buying the right 120 90 R17 motorcycle tire took a bit of research, but it was worth it. By understanding size, performance needs, and quality, I found tires that improved my ride comfort and safety. I recommend taking your time, considering your riding habits, and investing in good tires — it really makes a difference on the road.
Author Profile
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Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
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