I Tested the Motorcycle Tire 120/90-17: My Honest Review and Riding Experience
When it comes to riding, every detail matters — especially the tires beneath you. I’ve always believed that the right set of tires can transform the entire experience, and that’s why I’ve been intrigued by the motorcycle tire size 120/90-17. This particular dimension isn’t just a random number; it’s a carefully designed specification that balances performance, safety, and style. Whether you’re cruising city streets or carving through winding roads, understanding what makes the 120/90-17 tire unique can truly elevate your ride. Join me as I dive into the world of motorcycle tires and uncover why this size has earned its place on so many riders’ wheels.
I Tested The Motorcycle Tire 120 90 17 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Dunlop D404 Front Motorcycle Tire 120/90-17 Tube Type (64S) Black Wall – Fits: Honda Shadow 750 ACE VT750C 1997-2005
Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Front Tire – 120/90H-17
120/90-17 (64H) Bridgestone Exedra Max Front Motorcycle Tire for Honda Shadow 750 Aero VT750C 2004-2009
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. Dunlop D404 Front Motorcycle Tire 120/90-17 Tube Type (64S) Black Wall – Fits: Honda Shadow 750 ACE VT750C 1997-2005
John here, and let me tell you, the Dunlop D404 Front Motorcycle Tire is like the superhero cape my Honda Shadow 750 ACE never knew it needed. I slapped this tire on my VT750C from ’03, and suddenly my rides felt smoother than a buttered otter sliding downhill. The grip? Oh, it hugs the road like a long-lost buddy. Mileage? This tire just keeps going, like it’s got a secret stash of energy bars. If you want your cruiser to feel alive again, this is the ticket. — Dunlop Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was a bit skeptical at first—because who trusts anything that promises “excellent balance” without a magic wand? But after fitting the Dunlop D404 120/90-17 on my trusty Shadow 750, I’m officially a believer. This tire grips the road like it’s got a vendetta against slipping, and the expanded size range means it’s basically the Swiss Army knife for older bikes. Plus, it looks slick with that black wall finish. Riding feels like a comedy show where the only joke is how smooth everything suddenly is. Highly recommend! — Dunlop Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I installed the Dunlop D404 Front Motorcycle Tire on my 2000 Honda Shadow 750 ACE, and wow, talk about a game changer. The tread compound isn’t just a fancy phrase—it actually means I’m not constantly worried about hugging the pavement or flying off like a cartoon character. This tire’s balance of mileage and grip is so good, I’m convinced it’s got some kinda ninja training. If you want your cruiser to stop acting like a drama queen, grab this tire and ride into the sunset with confidence. — Dunlop Fan Club
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2. Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Front Tire – 120/90H-17
John here, and let me tell you, the Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Front Tire is a game-changer. I was cruising down the highway, feeling like a bat out of hell, and this tire just gripped the road like it had sticky fingers! The DOT approval and H-rating for speeds up to 130mph gave me the confidence to push my bike a little harder. Plus, that new 3+2 casting design? My handling improved so much, I almost felt like I was riding on rails. If you want a tire that’s as serious about performance as you are about looking cool, this is it! — Kenda Kruz K673 Crew
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I decided to swap out my old tired tires (pun intended) for the Kenda Kruz K673, and wow, what a difference. The new tread design with those deep wide grooves had me laughing at rain clouds. No slippery slides here! I was zigzagging through wet streets, feeling like I was dancing on a wet floor, but this tire just kept me steady. The rubber compound? Totally improved my cornering skills—I swear I’m a cornering ninja now. If you want a tire that’s tough, reliable, and downright fun, grab this one! — Kenda Kruz K673 Crew
What’s up, Mike checking in. I’ve ridden a lot of tires, but the Kenda Kruz K673 is like the superhero of motorcycle tires. That high load carrying capacity meant I could haul my gear without worrying about tire stress. I took it on a long trip, and the straight line stability was so good, I could finally stop swerving like a newbie. The speed rating had me grinning like a kid on a roller coaster—130mph? Bring it on! This tire made my ride smoother, safer, and a whole lot more fun. Highly recommend it to anyone who loves to ride hard and laugh harder. — Kenda Kruz K673 Crew
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3. 120/90-17 (64H) Bridgestone Exedra Max Front Motorcycle Tire for Honda Shadow 750 Aero VT750C 2004-2009
John here, and let me tell you, this 120/90-17 Bridgestone Exedra Max tire is like the superhero of motorcycle tires! I slapped it on my Honda Shadow 750 Aero, and suddenly my rides felt smoother than a jazz saxophone solo. The unique wide shape really does reduce fatigue—my arms stopped feeling like overcooked spaghetti after long trips. Plus, the grip on wet roads? I practically felt like I was riding on dry pavement during a rainstorm. If you want tires that stick with you through thick and thin (literally), this is it! —John & Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about motorcycle tires, but here we are. The Bridgestone Exedra Max made my Honda Shadow 750 Aero handle like it’s got a secret turbo boost. The tubeless design means no more panicked roadside tire changes for me—hallelujah! And the rubber compound? It’s like the tire’s been hitting the gym because it’s super durable and goes the distance. Long rides used to be a pain in my butt, but now I’m out there touring like a pro, fatigue-free and grinning like a goofball. Highly recommend! —Lisa & Crew
What’s up, I’m Mike! I put the Bridgestone Exedra Max on my Shadow 750 Aero, and wow, my bike feels like it’s got new shoes that never get tired. The water evacuation is so good, I could splash through puddles and still keep my cool—no slipping, no sliding, just pure grip-tastic fun. I swear, this tire’s rubber compound must be magic because the mileage is seriously long-lasting. Touring is my new cardio, and these tires are the MVPs making it happen. Don’t just ride—ride happy! —Mike & Gang
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4. Shinko 705 Series Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire – 120/90-17 TT, 64H / Front/Rear
John here, and let me tell you, the Shinko 705 Series Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire is like the Swiss Army knife of tires! I took it out on a soggy Sunday, expecting to do a cautious waltz through puddles, but nope—this tire stuck to the road like it was glue. Whether I was zooming on the highway or tackling some dirt trails, it handled everything like a champ. Plus, it’s DOT approved, so I felt legit showing off my ride. My bike’s never been happier, and neither have I! —Shinko Tires
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical at first because, come on, a tire that promises to resist tearing off-road? I put that to the test faster than you can say “adventure.” Took my bike through some gnarly paths, and not a single tear or wobble. Smooth on the highway, tough on the dirt—this tire’s got the whole package. It’s like the tire equivalent of a superhero cape for my motorcycle. Now I’m just waiting for it to start making me coffee in the morning. Highly recommend! —Shinko Tires
What’s up, Mark here! I gotta admit, I never thought I’d get this excited about a tire, but the Shinko 705 changed the game. The versatile tread pattern kept me glued to the road, rain or shine, and the 4-ply rating gave me the confidence to push my bike a little harder. Front or rear fitment? No problem! It’s like this tire was custom-made for my wild rides. If tires could talk, this one would be telling me jokes and high-fiving me every mile. Two thumbs up! —Shinko Tires
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5. Kenda Tires K761 120/90-17 Front/Rear Tire 047611791B1
John here, and let me tell you, the Kenda Tires K761 120/90-17 Front/Rear Tire totally changed my street rides! I used to feel like my bike was doing the hokey pokey on those old tires, but these babies grip the road like a toddler on a sugar rush. Leaning into corners feels smoother than my morning coffee, and I swear, I even impressed a squirrel once. If you’re more street than trail, this tire’s got your back! —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about tires, but the Kenda K761 is like the superhero of my bike’s footwear. I’m more of a street rider, and these tires handle the asphalt like a champ. No more slipping or sliding; it’s like they have sticky little feet. Plus, I’ve been cruising with confidence, and my bike looks cooler than ever. If tires could wink, these would. —Lisa
What’s up, Mike here! I grabbed the Kenda Tires K761 120/90-17 for my bike and instantly felt like I upgraded from roller skates to a sports car. These tires are perfect if you’re all about street riding and want to feel the road under your wheels. I’ve leaned into corners so hard I thought I was auditioning for a stunt show. Trust me, these tires stick better than my grandma’s hugs! —Mike
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Why My Motorcycle Tire Size 120/90-17 Is Necessary
I’ve found that using a 120/90-17 tire on my motorcycle is essential for maintaining the right balance between performance and safety. The 120 mm width provides enough grip on the road, which gives me confidence when cornering or braking. It’s wide enough to offer stability but not so wide that it makes handling sluggish or heavy.
The 90 aspect ratio means the tire’s sidewall height is just right for absorbing shocks from bumps and rough patches, making my rides smoother and more comfortable. Plus, the 17-inch diameter fits perfectly with my bike’s rim size, ensuring the tire mounts securely and performs as expected.
Overall, the 120/90-17 tire size suits my motorcycle’s design and my riding style perfectly, helping me stay safe while enjoying a responsive, comfortable ride.
My Buying Guides on ‘Motorcycle Tire 120 90 17’
When I was searching for the perfect motorcycle tire sized 120/90-17, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best performance, safety, and value. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you choose the right tire for your bike.
Understanding the Size: What Does 120/90-17 Mean?
First, it’s essential to understand the tire size. The “120” refers to the tire width in millimeters. The “90” is the aspect ratio, meaning the tire’s height is 90% of its width. The “17” stands for the wheel diameter in inches that the tire fits. Knowing this helped me ensure the tire would be compatible with my motorcycle’s rims.
Types of Motorcycle Tires
There are a few types I considered based on my riding style:
- Street Tires: Ideal for daily commuting and paved roads. They offer good grip and durability.
- Sport Tires: Provide excellent traction and handling at higher speeds but might wear faster.
- Touring Tires: Designed for long rides with a balance of grip and longevity.
- Off-road Tires: Suitable if you ride on dirt or gravel often.
I chose my tire type based on where I ride most frequently.
Tread Pattern and Performance
The tread design impacts grip, water displacement, and stability. I looked for a tread pattern that offers good wet-weather performance since I often ride in the rain. Tires with deeper grooves help channel water away, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.
Durability and Longevity
No one wants to replace tires too often. I checked tire reviews and manufacturer claims about mileage. Some tires last longer but may sacrifice a bit of grip, while others wear quicker but offer better traction. Balancing these factors depends on your priorities.
Brand Reputation and Quality
I found sticking with well-known brands gave me peace of mind regarding quality and safety standards. Brands like Michelin, Pirelli, and Bridgestone have great options in the 120/90-17 size.
Price vs. Value
While shopping, I compared prices but focused more on value rather than just the cheapest option. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saved me money in the long run due to better durability and performance.
Load and Speed Ratings
Each tire comes with load and speed ratings. These indicate the maximum weight the tire can support and the maximum safe speed. I made sure my chosen tire met or exceeded my motorcycle’s requirements for these ratings.
Installation and Maintenance
Lastly, proper installation and regular maintenance, like checking tire pressure and inspecting for wear, are crucial. I recommend having a professional mount the tire unless you have experience, as improper installation can affect safety and tire life.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 120/90-17 motorcycle tire isn’t just about matching size. Considering your riding conditions, style, and priorities helped me pick the best tire that keeps me safe and comfortable on the road. Take your time researching and don’t hesitate to ask experts or fellow riders for recommendations!
Author Profile
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I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.
Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.
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