The right 17 inch off-road oriented motorcycle tires blend rugged traction with road-ready stability. This guide highlights five top picks that fit 17-inch wheels, spanning sport-touring and dirt-ready variants. Each option emphasizes grip in varied conditions, durability, and confident handling to help riders tackle mixed terrain and everyday rides alike.
| Product | Brand | Wheel Size Fit | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pirelli Angel ST (Front 120/70ZR17 & Rear 190/50ZR17) | Pirelli | 17 inch | Sport-touring grip with wet weather safety |
| Pirelli Angel ST (Front 120/70ZR17 & Rear 160/60ZR17) | Pirelli | 17 inch | High mileage, versatile performance |
| Pirelli Diablo Rosso II (Front 120/70 ZR17 & Rear 160/60 ZR17) | Pirelli | 17 inch | Sport performance with excellent water dispersion |
| Kenda KM1 (Front 120/70ZR17 & Rear 180/55ZR17) | Kenda | 17 inch | Optimized apex geometry for stability and handling |
| Tusk EMEX T-35 (Front 70/100×17 & Rear 90/100×14) | TUSK | 17 inch | Deep tread for soft to intermediate off-road terrain |
Pirelli Angel ST 120/70ZR17 Front & 190/50ZR17 Rear – Sport Touring Tire
The Pirelli Angel ST line combines sport-touring performance with a high silica compound engineered for dry grip and strong wet performance. Its tread design emphasizes long wear without sacrificing cornering confidence, making it a versatile choice for riders who log both highway miles and twisty backroads. A new front and rear profile promotes neutral handling across a range of riding styles, delivering a stable, controlled ride on both smooth pavement and less-than-perfect surfaces.
Designed for sport and touring bikes, this tire balances predictable feedback with resilience in cooler temps. Riders benefit from reliable traction in damp conditions and across varying temperatures, helping maintain confidence through mountain passes or coastal highways alike. The combination of advanced compound and tread geometry supports consistent performance from highway cruising to spirited cornering.
Pirelli Angel ST 120/70ZR17 Front & 160/60ZR17 Rear – Sport Touring Tire
This variant of the Angel ST continues the sport-touring emphasis with a rear profile tuned for neutral, uniform performance across diverse road conditions. The high-silica compound contributes to wet and cold weather safety while preserving dry grip, making it a dependable choice for riders who encounter mixed climates. Its tread design aims to maximize mileage without compromising on cornering stability, ensuring a smooth ride from highway stretches to twisty sections.
Pirelli Diablo Rosso II 120/70 ZR17 Front & 160/60 ZR17 Rear – Sport Performance
The Diablo Rosso II is designed for riders seeking aggressive handling with strong wet and dry grip. Its asymmetric tread pattern efficiently moves water away to maintain traction in wet conditions, while the dual-compound construction enhances wear resistance in the center and grip on the shoulders for confident lean angles. This tire suits sportbikes and sport-touring bikes that demand immediate response and precise feedback during cornering and braking.
Kenda KM1 120/70ZR17 Front & 180/55ZR17 Rear – Sport Touring Tire
The Kenda KM1 emphasizes a balance of high-speed stability and agile handling, engineered for sport-touring motorcycles. Its apex geometry supports confident straight-line stability and responsive cornering. The tread pattern aims for even wear and solid grip across diverse weather conditions, making it a practical option for riders who want predictable performance on highways and backroads alike.
Tusk EMEX T-35 Soft/Intermediate Terrain Front & Rear – Off-Road Tire Set
The Tusk EMEX T-35 set targets off-road performance on soft to intermediate terrain. With a deep tread pattern and a durable rubber compound, these tires are built for grip in loose sand, loam, and packed trails. The front and rear pairing improves overall stability and control on off-road routes, while remaining compatible with tube-type configurations often found on dirt bikes using 17-inch rims.
Tusk EMEX T-35 Soft/Intermediate Terrain – 70/100×17 Front or Rear
This tire focuses on soft-to-intermediate off-road terrain with an aggressive tread pattern designed to maximize traction, cornering, and braking. The rubber compound enhances wear resistance for trail rides, and the deep lugs help maintain grip on uneven surfaces. It can be a practical choice for riders who frequently switch from dirt to mixed surface roads on a 17-inch wheel setup.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For 17 Inch Off-Road Motorcycle Tires
- Terrain compatibility: Assess whether you ride primarily on pavement, mixed surfaces, or off-road trails. Sport-touring tires prioritize highway stability and wet-weather grip, while off-road tires emphasize deep tread and aggressive patterns for loose terrain.
- Compound and tread design: A high-silica or multi-compound tire tends to offer better wet grip and durability. Asymmetric or directional tread patterns improve water evacuation and cornering feel, depending on use-case.
- Load and speed ratings: Ensure the tire’s load index and speed rating match your bike’s weight and riding style. You want a tire that sustains performance under higher speeds and heavier loads without excessive wear.
- Tire life vs. traction: Harder compounds last longer but may sacrifice grip in wet conditions. Softer compounds improve grip but wear faster. Consider your riding climate and maintenance routine.
- Rim compatibility: Confirm your motorcycle’s 17-inch rim width and load ratings align with the tire’s size and profile. Incorrect sizing can affect handling, stability, and safety.
- Maintenance and rotation: Off-road tires may wear unevenly if used heavily on pavement. Regular inspection of tread depth and sidewall condition helps maintain performance over time.
- Tube versus tubeless: Some off-road tires are designed for tubed setups. Check whether your wheel requires tubes or if tubeless-compatible tires are appropriate for your bike model.
- Price-to-performance balance: Compare tread life, grip level, and overall stability across brands. A slightly higher upfront cost can yield longer life and safer performance in varied conditions.
Riders should align their tire choice with riding habits, weather patterns, and terrain preferences. The five options above cover sport-touring performance and off-road capability on 17-inch rims, offering stability, grip, and durability across a range of scenarios. Always consult your bike manufacturer’s tire recommendations and have tires installed by a professional to ensure optimal safety and performance.