The 120/70-17 tire size is common on many sport, naked, and touring motorcycles, delivering balanced grip and precise handling. This guide compares top options designed for street riding, wet conditions, and aggressive cornering. Each entry highlights performance traits, ideal applications, and notable technology to help riders choose confidently.
Summary of chosen products
| Product | Brand | Core Strength | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pirelli Diablo Rosso 2 Front Motorcycle Tire 120/70ZR-17 | Pirelli Store | Versatile Rosso generation, strong wet grip | Sport/r street with all-weather capability |
| Pirelli Diablo Rosso 3 Front Tire 120/70ZR-17 | Pirelli Store | World Superbike-derived tech, responsive handling | Sport riding, aggressive corners |
| Bridgestone Pneu Battlax BT46 Blackwall 120/80-17 | Bridgestone Store | Vintage sport/touring balance | Classic bikes, smooth highway touring |
| Continental ContiAttack SM 2 Front 120/70R17 | Continental Store | High grip, quick warm-up, precise feedback | Supermoto and aggressive street riding |
| Continental Conti Sport Attack 2 120/70ZR-17 | Continental Store | Light handling, strong cornering grip | Hypersport street riding |
Pirelli Diablo Rosso 2 Front Motorcycle Tire 120/70ZR-17
Pirelli’s Diablo Rosso 2 represents a blend of sportiness and everyday practicality. This supersport radial is designed for a wide range of riding conditions, including wet roads, while delivering responsive steering and stability at lean. It emphasizes a versatile performance profile suitable for aggressive street riders and track days alike. The tire’s compound and profile are tuned for confident grip without sacrificing durability.
Pirelli Diablo Rosso 3 Front Tire 120/70ZR-17 D-Spec
The Diablo Rosso 3 brings World Superbike technology to the street, focusing on improved warmth response and high-speed stability. It offers precise turn-in and predictable feedback at the limit, making it a solid option for riders who push sport riding into higher lean angles. The tire emphasizes a balance of grip and longevity for track days and daily commuting alike.
Bridgestone Pneu Battlax BT46 Blackwall 120/80-17
The Battlax BT46 Blackwall is tailored for vintage sport and touring motorcycles. It emphasizes a classic profile with modern compounds for reliable grip and predictable handling, especially on older platforms or retro-styled machines. The tire suits riders who value curb appeal and steady highway comfort without sacrificing weekend ride fun.
Continental ContiAttack SM 2 Front 120/70R17
Continental’s ContiAttack SM 2 delivers high-performance grip with quick warm-up and a broad lean-angle range. It uses Black Chili compound technology to enhance traction in both dry and wet conditions. This tire emphasizes grip and stability for riders who push a sport street or light off-road riding, including Supermoto-derived setups.
Continental Conti Sport Attack 2 120/70ZR-17
Conti Sport Attack 2 is designed for hypersport street bikes, offering extraordinary light handling and exceptional grip during cornering. It emphasizes precise feedback and stable performance at the limit, making it a strong choice for riders who demand high agility, quick turn-in, and confident braking on twisty roads.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Riding style and bike type: Sport, naked, touring, or vintage setups each benefit from different compounds and profiles. Align the tire with intended use and lean-angle demands.
- Weather and road conditions: Wet weather performance, road grip, and groove patterns influence safety and traction. Consider tires with proven wet performance for all-season riding.
- Speed rating and load index: Ensure the tire’s ratings meet or exceed the original equipment specifications. This affects stability and durability at highway speeds.
- Warm-up characteristics: Some tires require more time to reach optimal grip. If you ride frequently in cooler conditions, prioritize faster warm-up compounds.
- Maintenance and longevity: Look for tread life estimates and warranty policies to balance upfront cost with long-term value.
- Compatibility: Confirm that the tire size is compatible with your motorcycle’s rim width and suspension setup to avoid handling anomalies.
- Brand and technology: Features like race-derived compounds, grip technology, and feedback systems offer different benefits. Evaluate what matters most for your riding goals.
- Replacement cadence: For riders who rack up miles quickly, choosing a tire with reliable wear and consistent performance helps maintain safety and confidence.
By comparing tire technology, construction, and intended use, riders can select a 120/70-17 tire that aligns with their motorcycle and riding style. The products above illustrate a spectrum—from sport-oriented compounds to vintage-friendly profiles—so riders can balance grip, stability, and longevity according to their needs.