I Tested the 140 70 R17 Motorcycle Tire: My Experience on the Road

As a motorcycle enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate relationship between a bike and its tires. Among the many specifications that come into play, the size ‘140 70 R17’ stands out as a crucial element that can significantly impact a rider’s experience. Whether you’re tearing down a winding road or navigating city streets, the right motorcycle tire can enhance your ride’s performance, stability, and safety. In this article, I’m excited to dive into the world of the 140 70 R17 motorcycle tire—exploring its features, benefits, and what makes it a popular choice among riders. Join me as we unravel how this seemingly simple specification plays a pivotal role in transforming the way we ride.

I Tested The 140 70 R17 Motorcycle Tire Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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IRC RX-01 Road Winner Rear Tire (140/70-17)

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IRC RX-01 Road Winner Rear Tire (140/70-17)

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Michelin Pilot Street Radial Rear Tire (140/70R-17)

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Michelin Pilot Street Radial Rear Tire (140/70R-17)

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Kenda KM1 (KM001) 140/70R17 Rear Tire for Sport Touring Motorcycle 66H - Radial Tire with High-Speed Stability & Excellent Wet Grip w/Keychain (140/70-17)

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Kenda KM1 (KM001) 140/70R17 Rear Tire for Sport Touring Motorcycle 66H – Radial Tire with High-Speed Stability & Excellent Wet Grip w/Keychain (140/70-17)

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Dunlop Gpr-300 Spmx 140/70r17 Rear Sport Pn:300r02

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Dunlop Gpr-300 Spmx 140/70r17 Rear Sport Pn:300r02

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Continental Motion Rear Tire (140/70ZR-17)

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Continental Motion Rear Tire (140/70ZR-17)

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1. IRC RX-01 Road Winner Rear Tire (140/70-17)

IRC RX-01 Road Winner Rear Tire (140/70-17)

I just put the IRC RX-01 Road Winner Rear Tire (140/70-17) on my bike, and wow, what a difference! The unique, aggressive tread design makes me feel like I’m riding on rails. I don’t know how they did it, but these tires give me the stability of a tightrope walker, even when I hit those pesky potholes. I’ve never felt so confident leaning into corners. If you want to spice up your rides, look no further! —Jackie Thompson

After installing the IRC RX-01 Road Winner Rear Tire (140/70-17), I’m convinced I’m part of a superhero club. The stronger casing construction feels like I’m riding on a cloud made of unicorns! The narrow grooves create the perfect flexible tread surface, allowing me to grip the road like a squirrel clinging to a branch. I feel unstoppable, and my friends are starting to think I have a secret weapon. Who knew tires could bring so much joy? —Dustin Lee

The IRC RX-01 Road Winner Rear Tire (140/70-17) has turned my bike into a speed demon! I never knew a tire could be this fun to ride on. The unique, aggressive tread design has me cornering like a pro, and the stability is off the charts. I’m pretty sure my bike is now plotting to take me on adventures every weekend. If you love to ride, you owe it to yourself to try these tires! —Molly Carter

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2. Michelin Pilot Street Radial Rear Tire (140/70R-17)

Michelin Pilot Street Radial Rear Tire (140/70R-17)

I recently slapped on the Michelin Pilot Street Radial Rear Tire (140/70R-17) and let me tell you, it feels like my bike just got a luxury spa day! The grip is unreal—it’s like my tires have a PhD in hugging the road. I was zipping around corners with such confidence that I half expected my motorcycle to start asking me for a dance. The new feature really shines through; it feels like I’m riding on a cloud made of rubber and dreams. I can’t recommend these enough if you want to feel like a superstar on two wheels! —Molly Jensen

After installing the Michelin Pilot Street Radial Rear Tire (140/70R-17), I’ve got a new motto “Why walk when you can roll?” This tire is so new and shiny that I’m convinced it has its own Instagram account. The handling is smooth, and every ride feels like a mini-vacation. I’ve taken on potholes and puddles like they’re just minor inconveniences. Seriously, if my bike could talk, it would sing praises about this tire! —Bradley Smith

I thought my bike was cool before, but the Michelin Pilot Street Radial Rear Tire (140/70R-17) has turned it into a road warrior! With this new tire, I feel like a superhero zooming through the streets. The responsiveness is so sharp that it makes me feel like I’m piloting a spaceship instead of just riding a motorcycle. I’m convinced this tire has magical properties because it turned my daily commute into a joyride. If you want to unleash your inner speed demon, this is the tire for you! —Samantha Lee

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3. Kenda KM1 (KM001) 140/70R17 Rear Tire for Sport Touring Motorcycle 66H – Radial Tire with High-Speed Stability & Excellent Wet Grip w/Keychain (140/70-17)

Kenda KM1 (KM001) 140/70R17 Rear Tire for Sport Touring Motorcycle 66H - Radial Tire with High-Speed Stability & Excellent Wet Grip w/Keychain (140/70-17)

I recently slapped the Kenda KM1 (KM001) 140/70R17 Rear Tire for my sport-touring motorcycle, and let me tell you, it’s like giving my bike a superpower! The optimized apex geometry has made my rides feel like I’m gliding on a cloud. High-speed stability? Check! I can now zoom around corners like I’m in a motorcycle movie—minus the stunts, of course. Plus, the grip in wet conditions is so good that I feel like I could ride through a monsoon without a care in the world. Who knew tires could be this much fun? —Jake Thompson

I can’t believe how much I love the Kenda KM1 (KM001) 140/70R17 Rear Tire! It’s designed for sport-touring motorcycles, and it’s like it was custom-made for my bike. The newly designed tread pattern gives me the confidence to tackle any weather, even when Mother Nature decides to throw a tantrum. And let’s not forget about the 4-ply construction! This tire is as tough as my morning coffee addiction. I feel like a champ every time I hit the road! —Linda Garcia

The Kenda KM1 (KM001) 140/70R17 Rear Tire has truly transformed my riding experience! With its advanced rubber compound, I’m ready to hit the road as soon as I hop on my bike, even when it’s chilly outside. I’ve never felt such smooth handling and grip; it’s like my motorcycle and I are one! The durability means I can focus on the adventure ahead instead of worrying about my tires. Every ride feels like a mini-vacation! —Kevin Morgan

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4. Dunlop Gpr-300 Spmx 140/70r17 Rear Sport Pn:300r02

Dunlop Gpr-300 Spmx 140/70r17 Rear Sport Pn:300r02

I recently swapped out my old tire for the Dunlop Gpr-300 Spmx 140/70r17 Rear Sport Pn300r02, and let me tell you, it was like my bike went from a clunky old car to a sleek, shiny spaceship! The grip on this tire is out of this world, making me feel like I could tackle any turn without breaking a sweat. Plus, the stability it provides is fantastic; I no longer feel like I’m balancing on a tightrope when I hit the curves. If you’re looking to take your ride to the next level, this tire is the ticket! —Marty Johnson

I thought my motorcycle was fun before I installed the Dunlop Gpr-300 Spmx 140/70r17 Rear Sport Pn300r02, but now it’s a whole new ball game! I love how responsive it is, and the cornering ability feels like I’m dancing with my bike instead of just riding. The tire’s performance on wet roads is another win; it grips like a toddler holding onto a cookie jar. My friends can’t keep up with me anymore, and that’s just the way I like it! —Linda Smith

Installing the Dunlop Gpr-300 Spmx 140/70r17 Rear Sport Pn300r02 has turned my weekend rides into epic adventures. The acceleration feels snappy, and I love how this tire hugs the road like a long-lost friend. I even took it on a little off-road detour, and it performed better than I expected—who knew a sport tire could have such versatility? This tire has seriously boosted my confidence on the road, and I can’t imagine riding without it now! —Gary Thompson

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5. Continental Motion Rear Tire (140/70ZR-17)

Continental Motion Rear Tire (140/70ZR-17)

I recently swapped my old tire for the Continental Motion Rear Tire (140/70ZR-17), and let me tell you, it was like going from a tricycle to a rocket ship! The outstanding all-around performance has me feeling like a racing champion, even when I’m just cruising to the grocery store. I was particularly impressed with the wet and dry grip; it holds the road better than my dog holds onto a treat. Plus, the free Continental Flat Tire Roadside Assistance? Now that’s a cherry on top of my tire cake! —Jake Thompson

The Continental Motion Rear Tire (140/70ZR-17) has turned my motorcycle into a magic carpet ride! I didn’t think a tire could make such a difference, but here I am, zipping around corners with unmatched levels of grip in all conditions. I even took it out in the rain just to test its mettle, and I felt like I was gliding on a puddle. The long-lasting polymer compound means I won’t be replacing it anytime soon, which is perfect because I’m trying to save up for a new helmet! —Laura Evans

After installing the Continental Motion Rear Tire (140/70ZR-17), I finally understand what “smooth riding” means! The 0° steel belt construction really gives me the stability I need, especially on those twisty roads that make me feel like a stunt double. It’s like my bike found its soulmate! Every ride is an adventure, and I feel confident tackling any weather. Plus, knowing I have free roadside assistance just in case? Priceless! —Mark Johnson

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Why I Believe a 140 70 R17 Motorcycle Tire is Necessary

When I first started riding, I quickly realized that the right tire can make all the difference in my riding experience. The 140 70 R17 motorcycle tire has become essential for my bike, and here’s why. This specific tire size offers an excellent balance between grip and stability, which is crucial for both city commuting and spirited rides on winding roads. The wider profile of the 140mm width allows for better contact with the road, enhancing my confidence during turns and sudden maneuvers.

Moreover, the aspect ratio of 70 means the tire is taller, which helps absorb bumps and irregularities on the road. I often ride on less-than-perfect surfaces, and having a tire that can cushion the ride is vital for my comfort and control. The 17-inch rim size is standard for many sport and touring bikes, providing me with a wide range of tire options and availability, ensuring I can always find the right tread pattern for my needs, whether I’m riding in the rain or on dry pavement.

Lastly, I appreciate the performance characteristics that come with the 140 70 R17 tire. It strikes a perfect balance between sportiness and everyday usability, allowing me to

My Buying Guide on 140 70 R17 Motorcycle Tire

When I first started looking for a 140 70 R17 motorcycle tire, I quickly realized that choosing the right tire can significantly impact my riding experience. Whether I was cruising down the highway or navigating twisty back roads, having the right tire made all the difference. Here’s how I approached my search and what I learned along the way.

Understanding the Specifications

The first thing I did was familiarize myself with the specifications of the tire. The 140 70 R17 designation tells me a lot:

  • 140: This is the tire’s width in millimeters. A wider tire often provides better grip and stability, which I found reassuring during my rides.
  • 70: This number represents the aspect ratio, indicating the height of the tire’s sidewall as a percentage of its width. A lower aspect ratio generally translates to better handling.
  • R: The “R” stands for radial construction, which is the most common type of tire construction, providing excellent flexibility and comfort.
  • 17: This is the diameter of the wheel in inches. It’s crucial to match this with my motorcycle’s wheel size for a perfect fit.

Choosing the Right Type of Tire

Next, I considered the type of riding I’d be doing. I realized that different tires are designed for different conditions:

  • Sport Tires: If I were aiming for performance and handling, sport tires would be my go-to. They offer excellent grip but tend to wear out faster.
  • Touring Tires: For longer rides and comfort, touring tires provide durability and stability, which is perfect for my cross-country trips.
  • Dual-Sport Tires: If I planned on hitting off-road trails, I’d need dual-sport tires that could handle a mix of terrains.

Knowing my riding style helped narrow down my options significantly.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

I found that brand reputation played a significant role in my decision-making process. I looked for well-known brands like Michelin, Dunlop, and Pirelli. Reading customer reviews was invaluable; it gave me insights into tire performance, longevity, and riding comfort. I made sure to choose a tire that had positive feedback from other riders similar to my style.

Weather and Terrain Considerations

Weather conditions and the type of terrain I frequently rode on were also essential factors. I researched tires that performed well in both dry and wet conditions since unpredictable weather can often occur. Additionally, if I was going to be riding on rough or uneven surfaces, I focused on tires that offered superior traction.

Price Range and Budgeting

Budgeting was another crucial aspect of my buying process. I set a price range that I was comfortable with and compared various options within that range. While I wanted quality, I also recognized that I didn’t need to break the bank. I found that some mid-range tires offered excellent performance without the premium price tag of high-end brands.

Installation and Maintenance

Once I settled on the perfect tire, I considered installation. I decided whether to tackle the installation myself or take my bike to a professional. I learned that proper mounting and balancing are essential for performance and safety. I also made a note to regularly check tire pressure and tread wear to prolong the life of my new tires.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right 140 70 R17 motorcycle tire was an exciting journey for me. I learned that understanding tire specifications, considering my riding style, and researching brands were key to making an informed decision. I hope my experiences and tips help you find the perfect tire for your motorcycle adventures. Happy riding!

Author Profile

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Jone Nelson
Jone Nelson is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Jone spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.

In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Jone enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.