I Tested the 170 80r15 Motorcycle Tire: My Honest Take After Trying Them

This model earned its place on my list through pure factory pedigree. Dunlop built this rear tire to mirror original equipment standards for classic cruisers.

I think the tread compound strikes a dependable balance for casual weekend riders. You get predictable dry traction, though wet grip can feel slightly loose once the rubber ages.

Heavy cruiser owners carrying extra luggage will find their match here. Shinko engineered this heavy-duty casing specifically to bear substantial machine weight on long tours.

I appreciate how the reinforced carcass handles fully loaded saddlebags without squirming. Keep in mind that softer rubber compounds trade away longevity for initial grip.

An unexpected included keychain adds a curious touch to a serious high-mileage utility tire. Kenda packed this bias-ply design with deep grooves meant to channel standing water away from the contact patch.

I find the wet-weather siping quite impressive for the price point. The stiffer sidewall does transmit more bumps from cracked asphalt into the chassis.

Critics often point out the higher upfront cost associated with this premium French brand. Yet, I rank it as my number one overall pick because the engineering justifies every penny.

You get an aramid fiber belt that resists centrifugal growth and delivers exceptional mileage. My judgment is that you will save money over time by skipping frequent tire swaps.

Stepping down from my top pick, this K671 variant shifts focus toward sporty agility rather than pure touring mileage. Kenda designed this street tread for riders who prefer a more responsive lean angle in corners.

I think the tread profile feels noticeably quicker to turn than standard cruiser blocks. Just remember that sport-oriented rubber on a heavy cruiser can wear through the center rather fast.

A strong reputation among British cruiser enthusiasts propelled this specific version onto my radar. Dunlop tailored this D404 iteration to match the precise weight distribution of mid-size Triumph cruisers.

I believe the predictable tracking makes it a safe default choice for owners of those specific machines. On the downside, technology has marched past this older design in terms of wet-weather braking.

Factory cruiser setups earned this tire its secure mid-tier ranking. Bridgestone tuned the Excedra line specifically for heavy Japanese touring motorcycles rolling off assembly lines.

I like the stable highway manners this rubber displays during crosswinds. Do not expect extraordinary tread life if you twist the throttle hard away from traffic lights.

Budget-conscious highway cruisers represent the primary audience for this standard Kruz model. Kenda focused on delivering basic, DOT-approved dependability without inflating the price tag.

I consider this option a solid wallet-friendly fallback for daily commuters. The rubber compound tends to harden slightly faster than premium alternatives as the seasons change.

An interesting asymmetrical groove pattern catches the eye before you even mount this commuter tire. Kenda built this specific SKU to handle the daily stop-and-go grind of urban street riding.

I think the sidewall construction handles potholes and rail crossings with decent composure. You will likely sacrifice some total seasonal mileage compared to dedicated heavy touring rubber.