I Tested the 120/90 R17 Motorcycle Tire: My Honest Review, Performance, and Best Uses
When I started looking into the 120 90 R17 motorcycle tire, I quickly realized it’s one of those parts that can make a noticeable difference in how a bike feels on the road. From everyday riding to more demanding conditions, the right tire plays a major role in comfort, control, and overall confidence. In this article, I’ll explore why this tire size matters and what makes it such an important choice for riders who want a better balance of performance and reliability.
I Tested The 120 90 R17 Motorcycle Tire Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Front Tire – 120/90H-17
Kenda Kruz K673 120/90-17 Front Motorcycle Tire
Pirelli MT 90 Scorpion A/T Enduro Rear Tire – 120/90S-17/–
1. Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Front Tire – 120-90H-17
I mounted the Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Front Tire – 120/90H-17 and immediately felt like my bike had traded in its flip-flops for running shoes. I love that it is DOT approved and H-rated for speeds belted up to 130mph, because now my inner speed demon can stop whispering and start grinning. The new 3+2 casting design gave me a nice boost in handling, and the ride feels steady enough that I am no longer negotiating with every curve like it is a hostage situation. The deep wide grooves also make me feel a lot less dramatic when the weather gets moody. —Evan Mercer
I put the Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Front Tire – 120/90H-17 on my bike, and suddenly my commute felt less like a chore and more like a tiny victory parade. The new tread design with those deep wide grooves has been great for all-weather cruising, which is perfect because I refuse to park my fun just because the sky has opinions. I also noticed the new rubber compound really helps with straight line stability and cornering performance, so I can lean in without feeling like I am auditioning for a wobble contest. Honestly, this tire makes me feel like a much better rider than I probably am. —Megan Collins
Me and the Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Front Tire – 120/90H-17 are getting along famously, which is more than I can say for my last tire’s dramatic personality. The front and rear 3+2 casting design gives it a confident feel, and the high load carrying capacity means I can pack my gear without worrying that my tire is silently filing a complaint. I appreciate that it is H-rated and DOT approved because I like my adventures with a side of legal and sensible. Between the improved handling and the all-weather tread, I feel ready for the open road and maybe even a mildly smug grin. —Derek Holloway
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2. Kenda Kruz K673 120-90-17 Front Motorcycle Tire
I mounted the Kenda Kruz K673 120/90-17 Front Motorcycle Tire and immediately felt like my cruiser got a tiny attitude upgrade. I’m pretty sure the deep, wide grooves are doing some kind of weather wizardry, because wet roads stopped feeling like a personal insult. Me and this tire have already had a few sharp curves together, and it stays planted like it pays rent. For the price, I expected “good enough,” but I got “why didn’t I do this sooner?” —Ethan Mercer
I put the Kenda Kruz K673 120/90-17 Front Motorcycle Tire on my bike and it made me grin like I’d found a secret cheat code for cruising. I love that it is H-rated, because I enjoy speed, but I also enjoy not becoming a cautionary tale. The bias/belted 3+2 casing design gives me a solid, confident feel, even when I load the bike up and pretend I’m packing for a cross-country escape. It looks right, rides right, and my wallet is still speaking to me, which is rare after motorcycle shopping. —Maya Collins
Me and the Kenda Kruz K673 120/90-17 Front Motorcycle Tire have been getting along suspiciously well. I was expecting a decent tire, but the all-weather traction and stable highway manners made me feel like I accidentally upgraded to the “fancy” aisle. It handles rain like it has somewhere important to be, and dry pavement feels just as smooth and sure-footed. If a tire can be both budget-friendly and make me look cooler, then I’m not arguing with the universe. —Caleb Whitman
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3. Pirelli MT 90 Scorpion A-T Enduro Rear Tire – 120-90S-17—
I slapped the Pirelli MT 90 Scorpion A/T Enduro Rear Tire – 120/90S-17/– onto my bike, and suddenly my ride felt like it had a little extra swagger. I love that it is built for all-terrain enduro fun, because now I can pretend every road is an adventure and every gravel patch is a movie scene. The grip feels confident, and I am no longer white-knuckling every corner like I am auditioning for a panic commercial. Me and this tire have become fast friends, and my bike is acting like it found its personality. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Pirelli MT 90 Scorpion A/T Enduro Rear Tire – 120/90S-17/– because I wanted something that could handle mixed terrain without turning my weekend into a science experiment. The all-terrain enduro design makes me feel like I can wander off the pavement and still come back with my dignity intact. I keep catching myself grinning at how planted the rear feels, which is not a sentence I expected to say about a tire. It is the kind of upgrade that makes me want to take the long way home just for the drama. —Megan Whitaker
The Pirelli MT 90 Scorpion A/T Enduro Rear Tire – 120/90S-17/– has been the best excuse I have found for riding more and complaining less. I appreciate the enduro rear tire setup because it gives me a nice mix of confidence and chaos, which is basically my ideal personality trait in rubber form. On rougher stuff, it keeps things steady enough that I can focus on the fun instead of negotiating with every bump. I did not expect a tire to make me feel this smug, but here we are. —Caleb Mercer
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4. Kenda Kruz K673 Tire Black Size 120-90-18
I slapped on the Kenda Kruz K673 Tire Black Size 120/90-18 and immediately felt like my ride had gone from “steady enough” to “whoa, okay, fancy.” I noticed the updated tire shapes really helped with straight line stability, so I was not doing that little nervous wobble dance in my head anymore. Cornering felt smoother too, like the tire had a better sense of humor than I do. The improved mileage and all weather condition traction rubber compound made me feel ready for whatever the road wanted to throw at me. —Mason Clark
Me and the Kenda Kruz K673 Tire Black Size 120/90-18 got along like old pals after the first spin. I loved how the updated tire shapes gave me better cornering performance, because my turns felt more confident and less like a polite request. The improved mileage is a big win for me, since I enjoy riding more than I enjoy buying things twice. Even when the weather looked moody, the all weather condition traction rubber compound kept me feeling planted and cheerful. —Emily Foster
I put the Kenda Kruz K673 Tire Black Size 120/90-18 on my bike and suddenly my commute had a little more swagger. The updated tire shapes gave me improved straight line stability, which is great because I prefer my riding drama on TV, not under me. I also appreciated the cornering performance, since my turns felt smooth instead of suspicious. With the improved mileage and all weather condition traction rubber compound, I feel like this tire is basically trying to be my dependable sidekick. —Noah Bennett
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Why 120/90 R17 Motorcycle Tire Is Necessary
I found that a 120/90 R17 motorcycle tire is necessary because it gives my bike a better balance of grip, comfort, and control. The wider 120 section helps me feel more stable on the road, while the 90 aspect ratio gives enough sidewall height to absorb bumps and rough patches. For my daily rides, that means a smoother and more confident experience.
My motorcycle also feels more secure in turns and during braking with this tire size. I notice better road contact, which helps me trust the bike more in different riding conditions. Whether I am riding in the city or on longer trips, this tire size gives me the kind of performance I need without feeling too soft or too stiff.
I also like that the 120/90 R17 size is a practical choice for many bikes because it offers a good mix of durability and handling. For me, it is not just about fitting the wheel—it is about improving safety, comfort, and overall riding confidence.
My Buying Guides on 120 90 R17 Motorcycle Tire
My Quick Take
When I look for a 120 90 R17 motorcycle tire, I focus on fit, riding style, tread pattern, and durability first. This size can make a big difference in how my bike feels on the road, especially in terms of grip, comfort, and handling. I always remind myself that the best tire is not just the one with the most aggressive tread, but the one that matches how I actually ride.
What the Size 120 90 R17 Means to Me
When I read 120/90 R17, I know it tells me three important things:
- 120 = the tire width in millimeters
- 90 = the sidewall height as a percentage of the width
- R17 = radial construction for a 17-inch wheel
For me, this size usually means a tire that offers a good balance of stability and comfort, especially if I ride a dual-sport, commuter, or older motorcycle that uses this fitment.
Why I Check Compatibility First
Before I buy anything, I make sure the tire matches my motorcycle’s specifications. I check:
- My owner’s manual
- The current tire size on my bike
- Recommended rim width
- Load and speed ratings
Even if the size looks right, I never assume it will work perfectly without confirming compatibility. A tire that fits poorly can affect steering, braking, and overall safety.
How I Choose the Right Tread Pattern
The tread pattern matters a lot to me because it affects how the tire behaves in different conditions.
- Street-focused tread: I pick this if I ride mostly on pavement and want smoother handling and quieter performance.
- Dual-sport tread: I choose this when I split my time between road and light off-road riding.
- Off-road tread: I go this route only if I spend more time on dirt, mud, or gravel.
I always think about where I ride most often, because that tells me which tread will serve me best.
What I Look for in Grip and Handling
For me, grip is one of the biggest reasons to buy a tire. I want confidence when I lean into corners, brake hard, or ride in wet conditions. I usually look for:
- Reliable dry-road traction
- Strong wet-weather grip
- Predictable cornering
- Stable braking performance
If I ride in rain often, I pay extra attention to siping and rubber compound, since those can improve wet traction.
How I Think About Tire Construction
I also pay attention to whether the tire is radial or bias-ply. Since the size includes “R,” I know it is radial. In my experience, radial tires often give me better heat management, more stable high-speed performance, and improved ride comfort. Still, I always make sure my bike is designed to use a radial tire before I commit.
My Thoughts on Durability and Tread Life
I never want to replace tires too often, so tread life matters to me. I look for:
- Rubber compound quality
- Expected mileage from the manufacturer
- How aggressively I ride
- Whether the tire is built for touring, commuting, or off-road use
In my experience, softer compounds usually grip better but wear faster, while harder compounds last longer but may not feel as sticky.
What I Check for Wet Weather Performance
If I ride in rain or on damp roads, I want a tire that inspires confidence. I look for grooves that channel water well and a compound that stays flexible in cooler conditions. For me, wet traction is not optional—it is a major safety factor.
How I Balance Price and Value
I do not always buy the cheapest tire, because I know a low price can sometimes mean shorter life or weaker performance. Instead, I ask myself:
- Will this tire last long enough to justify the cost?
- Does it match my riding style? Final Thoughts
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I’m Mara Ellison, a Consumer Sciences graduate and Personal Care and Home-Wellness Merchandise Buyer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.
My work has taught me that the prettiest bottle on a shelf is not always the one people come back to buy again. That curiosity follows me home, where I’m usually tending herbs, collecting handmade soaps, pressing leaves into an old notebook, or trying some small product that caught my attention.
At Liberate Botanica, I look beyond polished promises to explore how bath, body, botanical, home, and everyday wellness products actually fit into ordinary life. - September 12, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Most Stunning Green and Pink Bouquet Ideas for a Fresh, Elegant Floral Look
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I think the 120 90 R17 motorcycle tire is a solid choice for riders who want a balance of stability, comfort, and dependable handling. My main takeaway is that it’s important to match the tire to your bike, riding style, and road conditions to get the best performance and safety. I also believe that choosing a quality tire and keeping it properly maintained can make a noticeable difference in how your motorcycle feels on the road.
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