Best 170/80-15 Rear Motorcycle Tires for Cruisers
Choosing the right rear tire for a 170/80-15 setup can influence ride quality, grip, and longevity on mid-sized cruisers. This guide highlights five top options designed for stability, wet-weather traction, and confident handling. Each tire profile below is suited to V-twin and metric cruiser platforms that use the 170/80-15 rear size, balancing mileage with grip across varied road conditions.
| Product | Brand | Key Feature | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dunlop D404 Rear Motorcycle Tire 170/80-15 | DUNLOP | Balanced mileage and grip | All-weather touring |
| Kenda Kruz K673 | Kenda | Deep grooves, all-weather cruising | Bias-ply/Tube-optional |
| Shinko 777 Rear H.D. | Shinko | Classic white-wall cruiser look | White-wall cruiser |
| Kenda Kruz K673F | Kenda | Enhanced durability, wet grip | Bias-ply, DOT |
| Dunlop D404 45605418 | DUNLOP | Excellent water evacuation and load capacity | Bias-ply cruiser |
The selections below focus on widely available 170/80-15 tires that fit cruiser-oriented bikes, prioritizing grip, stability, and durability. Each entry includes a summary of features, riding advantages, and notes on suitability for particular cruiser styles and conditions.
Dunlop D404 Rear Tire 170/80-15
The Dunlop D404 is a long-standing option for cruisers seeking a balanced blend of mileage and grip. The rear tire in the 170/80-15 size benefits from a tailored tread compound designed to maintain predictable behavior in wet and dry conditions. Its bias-ply construction contributes to a comfortable ride with reliable load capacity, while the tread pattern supports effective water evacuation for improved wet traction. This tire is well-suited for older or classic-styled bikes that require a traditional cruiser profile without sacrificing modern grip performance.
Kenda Kruz K673
The Kenda Kruz K673 is designed for street cruising with a focus on dependable all-weather performance. It’s DOT-approved and H-rated, suitable for speeds up to 130 mph, which makes it a practical choice for highway cruising. The tire features a new 3+2 casting design for front and rear, aiming to improve handling and load carrying capacity. Its deep, wide grooves help with water dispersion, providing better wet-weather stability while maintaining a solid profile for everyday rides on cruiser platforms.
Shinko 777 Rear White-Wall 170/80B-15
The Shinko 777 is a cruiser-focused tire that emphasizes grip and comfort for long hours on the road. Its rubber compound is formulated to deliver reliable traction and a smooth ride, while the white-wall styling offers a classic look that complements vintage and modern cruisers alike. The model is widely chosen for its balance of grip, noise reduction, and predictable feedback through corners and straightaways.
Kenda Kruz K673F 170/80-15 77H
The Kenda K673F is a bias-ply, tubeless rear tire designed for high-mileage cruisers. It emphasizes all-weather performance, featuring a tread design with deep grooves that enhance traction in wet conditions while maintaining stability in sharper curves at highway speeds. The 77H rating supports confident highway cruising, and the casing design improves load handling for heavier bikes typical of cruiser models. The tire also emphasizes durability and mileage, making it a practical long-term choice for daily riders.
Dunlop D404 170/80-15 Rear Tire 45605418
This variant of the Dunlop D404 emphasizes water evacuation and wet grip, with a tread pattern optimized for reliable performance in rain. The bias-ply construction contributes to a reassuring ride quality and good load-carrying capacity, making it a strong option for cruisers that frequently encounter varied weather. The tire’s overall balance of grip, stability, and comfort helps maintain consistent handling through long tours and weekend rides alike.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
When selecting a 170/80-15 rear tire for a cruiser, several factors influence long-term satisfaction and safety. The following considerations help compare options objectively and tailor your choice to riding style and bike specs.
- Size compatibility and fitment: Confirm that your motorcycle’s rim type (tubed vs tubeless), load rating, and wheel width align with the tire’s specifications. Cruiser bikes with heavier guns require tires that can sustain higher loads without compromising stability.
- Construction type: Bias-ply tires generally provide a traditional ride feel and load capacity, while tubeless designs may offer improved puncture resistance and ease of maintenance. Your rim compatibility and wheel design determine the best choice.
- Speed rating: An H-rated tire (up to 130 mph) supports highway speeds common on cruisers and tours. If you ride more aggressively or at higher sustained speeds, a tire with an appropriate rating is important for stability and heat management.
- Tread design and weather performance: Deeper grooves help water evacuation and wet-weather grip, while a simpler pattern can emphasize mileage. Consider typical riding conditions—rainy climates and mixed weather benefit from tread designs optimized for water dispersion.
- Durability and mileage: If you log many miles or ride heavier bikes, a tire with enhanced casing and durable compounds helps maintain performance over time. Balance mileage with grip to avoid sacrificing safety.
- Maintenance and lifecycle: Some tires offer improved longevity through advanced compounds or design. Tubeless compatibility and care instructions affect daily use and tire replacement intervals.
- Aesthetics vs. performance: Classic white-wall options provide a nostalgic look but may not suit all bikes. Performance-focused tread patterns can deliver stronger grip and handling characteristics.
- Availability and price considerations: Availability varies by region and retailer. Check local inventory and warranty terms when making a decision, ensuring support for cruiser-specific sizes like 170/80-15.
- Riding style alignment: Casual weekend cruising emphasizes comfort and predictable handling, while longer tours may prioritize durability and steady wet-weather grip. Your typical route informs the best balance of features.
In summary, the right 170/80-15 rear tire for a cruiser balances grip, mileage, weather performance, and load capability. The options above are representative of common choices in this size, each with unique strengths. Matching tire characteristics to your bike’s weight, riding style, and climate will yield the most dependable performance across varied road conditions.