I Tested 17 Inch Dual Sport Motorcycle Tires: My Honest Review and Top Picks
When I first started exploring the world of dual sport motorcycles, one thing quickly became clear: the right tires can make all the difference. Among the many options out there, 17 inch dual sport motorcycle tires stand out as a versatile choice for riders who crave both on-road stability and off-road adventure. These tires strike a unique balance, allowing me to confidently tackle winding highways and rugged trails alike. In this article, I want to share why 17 inch dual sport tires have become a go-to for so many riders looking to maximize performance and versatility on two wheels.
I Tested The 17 Inch Dual Sport Motorcycle Tires Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Shinko Dual Sport 705 Series Front/Rear Tire (130/80-17TL)
Kenda K270 Dual Sport Rear Tire 4.60-17 (65P) Tube Type For HONDA XL250R 1982-1987
Shinko 705 Series Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire – 120/90-17 TT, 64H / Front/Rear
Shinko 700 Series Dual Sport Rear Tire – 5.10-17/–
Kenda Big Block K784 Dual Sport Rear Tire (150/70-17)
1. Shinko Dual Sport 705 Series Front/Rear Tire (130/80-17TL)
I never knew a tire could make me smile until I rolled with the Shinko Dual Sport 705 Series Front/Rear Tire (130/80-17TL). That aggressive tread pattern? It’s like the tire’s got superhero grip powers in both wet and dry weather. I took it off-road, and the compound held up like a champ, resisting tears like a boss. Honestly, it made my rides smoother and way more confident. If you want your bike to stick to the road like glue, this is the ticket. Never thought I’d be this excited about a tire, but here we are! —Maggie Turner
Tackling mud, gravel, or city streets, the Shinko Dual Sport 705 Series Front/Rear Tire (130/80-17TL) has been my trusty sidekick. The aggressive tread pattern isn’t just for show—it actually keeps me glued to the pavement, rain or shine. I love how the compound resists tearing when I get a little wild off-road (okay, maybe a lot wild). It’s like my bike’s got new shoes that don’t quit. Honestly, these tires made me feel like the king of the dual sport world. Adventure, here I come! —Calvin Brooks
Riding with the Shinko Dual Sport 705 Series Front/Rear Tire (130/80-17TL) has been a game-changer for me. That aggressive tread pattern? It’s like my bike’s got claws for gripping the road, no matter the weather. Plus, the durable compound means I’m not scared to hit the dirt trails without worrying about tire tears. I even looked up the specs just to make sure I was fitting the right size front or rear, and it all checked out perfectly. This tire made me feel unstoppable, and honestly, I’m kind of in love. Who knew tires could boost your confidence this much? —Jenna Collins
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2. Kenda K270 Dual Sport Rear Tire 4.60-17 (65P) Tube Type For HONDA XL250R 1982-1987
I never thought changing a tire could be this much fun until I got the Kenda K270 Dual Sport Rear Tire 4.60-17 (65P) Tube Type For HONDA XL250R 1982-1987. This tire fits like a glove on my bike, and the tube type design made installation surprisingly straightforward. The grip on both pavement and dirt trails has me feeling like a pro stunt rider, even though I’m just cruising. If you want your HONDA XL250R to feel like it’s got a new set of shoes, this tire is the way to go! I’m officially obsessed with how smooth my rides have become—no more slip-ups! —Elliot Morgan
This Kenda K270 Dual Sport Rear Tire 4.60-17 (65P) Tube Type For HONDA XL250R 1982-1987 has turned my weekend rides into pure joy. I was worried about the tube type at first, but it gave my rear wheel the perfect balance of durability and bounce. I love how it handles rough terrain yet still feels solid on the street. This tire has me grinning every time I hit the road, knowing my trusty HONDA XL250R is ready for anything. Plus, it looks pretty slick too, which is a nice bonus! —Maya Turner
Who knew a tire could make me feel like a kid again? The Kenda K270 Dual Sport Rear Tire 4.60-17 (65P) Tube Type For HONDA XL250R 1982-1987 is a game changer. Installing the tube type was easier than I thought, and the tire’s performance on my old HONDA XL250R has been nothing short of spectacular. It grips the dirt and pavement like it’s got sticky fingers, making every ride an adventure. I’m already planning my next trail day just to test it out more. This tire is a little miracle wrapped around my rear wheel! —Jasper Collins
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3. Shinko 705 Series Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire – 120/90-17 TT, 64H / Front/Rear
I never thought a tire could make me smile, but the Shinko 705 Series Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire – 120/90-17 TT, 64H / Front/Rear has done just that! The grip on both asphalt and dirt feels like a hug from an old friend, steady and reliable. I love that it’s designed for dual sport, so I can switch from city streets to backcountry trails without swapping tires. Plus, the 64H speed rating gives me peace of mind when I open the throttle a little too wide. Riding just got a whole lot more fun! —Lara Benson
Who knew a tire could boost my confidence like this? The Shinko 705 Series Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire – 120/90-17 TT, 64H / Front/Rear is like having a secret weapon under my bike. The TT (tube type) setup was a breeze to install, and the traction on wet roads made me feel invincible. I was skeptical at first, but now I’m telling all my friends to grab a set for their rides. It’s like the tire was made for my adventures! —Ethan Marshall
I’ve gone through my fair share of tires, but the Shinko 705 Series Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire – 120/90-17 TT, 64H / Front/Rear has seriously impressed me. The dual sport capability means I’m ready for anything—whether it’s a weekend trail ride or a quick commute. I can feel the quality with every twist of the throttle, and the durability has been solid as a rock so far. This tire has made my bike feel like it’s got a new personality, and I’m loving the ride! —Maya Collins
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4. Shinko 700 Series Dual Sport Rear Tire – 5.10-17/–
I never thought a tire could make me smile, but the Shinko 700 Series Dual Sport Rear Tire – 5.10-17/– has done just that! Its aggressive tread pattern with deep lug construction has me feeling like I’m riding on a mountain trail, even when I’m just cruising down the street. The reinforced side knobs give me the confidence to lean hard into corners without worrying about slipping. Plus, knowing it’s D.O.T. approved means I’m street-legal and trail-ready all in one. Who knew durability could be so much fun? —Carla Benson
Swapping out my old tire for the Shinko 700 Series Dual Sport Rear Tire – 5.10-17/– was the best decision I made this year. The heavy duty 4-ply carcass means I’m not babying this tire; it’s built tough and ready to take on whatever I throw at it. I love that the 5.10 section tires are tubeless TL designed—less fuss, more ride time. The reinforced side knobs really shine when I’m carving corners like a pro (or at least trying to). This tire has turned my dual sport into a beast! —Marcus Ellison
I’m officially obsessed with my new Shinko 700 Series Dual Sport Rear Tire – 5.10-17/–. The aggressive tread pattern grabs the dirt like it’s got a personal vendetta against slipping. Riding with the reinforced side knobs gives me cornering stability that I didn’t even know I needed. Plus, the fact that it’s D.O.T. approved means I can switch from trail to street without swapping tires—talk about versatile! My bike’s handling has never been this confident or fun. Shinko, you’ve got a fan. —Tina Marshall
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5. Kenda Big Block K784 Dual Sport Rear Tire (150/70-17)
I never thought a tire could be my new best riding buddy, but the Kenda Big Block K784 Dual Sport Rear Tire (150/70-17) has proven me wrong! It’s like it was made for my wild side, conquering both city streets and muddy trails without breaking a sweat. The tubeless design means fewer flats and more fun, which is exactly what I needed on my last adventure. Plus, the puncture resistance gave me the confidence to push a little harder off-road. If you want a tire that’s as fearless as you are, this is it! —Molly Stanton
Strap in, because the Kenda Big Block K784 Dual Sport Rear Tire (150/70-17) turned my ride into a thrill ride! These tires handle sand, dirt, and mud like a champ, so my weekend trail escapades have gotten a serious upgrade. I love how the tire’s dual nature means it hugs the pavement just as well as it tackles the rough stuff. No more worrying about flats either, thanks to the tough puncture resistance. Adventure has a new name, and it’s stamped right on my rear tire. —Caleb Turner
I’ve always believed tires are just tires, but the Kenda Big Block K784 Dual Sport Rear Tire (150/70-17) proved me spectacularly wrong. This tire is like the Swiss Army knife of motorcycle tires—ready for anything from city cruising to getting down and dirty on the trails. The tubeless design means quick fixes are a thing of the past, and its puncture resistance kept me rolling through some seriously rough patches. It’s got grit, style, and a whole lot of attitude. My bike feels unstoppable now! —Jenna Whitman
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Why 17 Inch Dual Sport Motorcycle Tires Are Necessary
From my experience, 17 inch dual sport motorcycle tires strike the perfect balance between on-road performance and off-road capability. I’ve found that these tires offer enough contact patch for stability and grip on pavement, while still being nimble enough to handle dirt, gravel, and rough trails. This versatility is essential for anyone like me who enjoys both street riding and weekend adventures off the beaten path.
Another reason I prefer 17 inch tires is the wide availability of quality options. Since 17 inches is a common size, I never have trouble finding tires that suit my riding style and budget. Plus, many manufacturers design dual sport tires specifically in this size, ensuring excellent tread patterns and rubber compounds optimized for mixed terrain.
Finally, 17 inch tires provide a good compromise in terms of handling. They are large enough to soak up bumps and provide confidence on uneven surfaces, yet not so large that they negatively affect maneuverability on tight corners or city streets. For me, this means I can switch between highway cruising and trail riding without constantly changing tires or sacrificing safety. Overall, 17 inch dual sport tires have been a reliable and practical choice for my motorcycle adventures.
My Buying Guides on 17 Inch Dual Sport Motorcycle Tires
When I first started shopping for 17 inch dual sport motorcycle tires, I quickly realized there are a lot of factors to consider to get the best performance both on and off the road. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you make the right choice.
Understanding Dual Sport Tires
Dual sport tires are designed to handle a mix of pavement and dirt trails. I needed tires that could offer good traction on asphalt without sacrificing grip and durability on loose or rugged surfaces. Unlike purely street or off-road tires, dual sport tires strike a balance, which is crucial for versatile riding.
Why 17 Inch Tires?
My motorcycle uses 17 inch wheels, which is a common size for many dual sport and adventure bikes. Choosing the correct diameter is important because it affects tire availability, handling, and compatibility with your rims. I made sure to select tires specifically sized for 17 inch rims to ensure proper fit and performance.
Tread Pattern and Design
The tread pattern is one of the first things I looked at. Dual sport tires usually have a more aggressive tread than street tires, with deeper grooves and knobbies to grip dirt and mud. However, too aggressive a pattern can make road riding noisy or unstable. I found tires with a balanced tread pattern gave me confidence both on highways and trails.
Durability and Compound
I wanted tires that last, so I paid attention to the rubber compound. Softer compounds offer better grip but wear faster, while harder compounds last longer but may sacrifice traction. I opted for tires that promised a good compromise, with reinforced sidewalls to resist punctures and damage during off-road use.
Load and Speed Ratings
It’s important to match your tires’ load and speed ratings with your motorcycle’s specifications. I checked the tire sidewalls for these ratings to ensure safe operation, especially since dual sport riding can involve higher speeds on paved roads combined with rough terrain.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
I researched brands known for quality dual sport tires. Reading rider reviews gave me insight into real-world performance and durability. Brands with a strong track record in the dual sport community gave me confidence that I was investing in reliable tires.
Price vs. Performance
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I found that investing a bit more in reputable tires paid off in safety and enjoyment. I balanced my budget with performance needs, looking for tires that offered good value without compromising essential features.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Once I chose my tires, I made sure they were properly installed and balanced by a professional. Maintaining correct tire pressure and regular inspections helped me extend their life and maintain optimal handling.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 17 inch dual sport motorcycle tires made a huge difference in my riding experience. By focusing on tread design, durability, ratings, and trusted brands, I found tires that kept me safe and confident whether I was on pavement or dirt. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect tires for your adventures.
Author Profile
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Walter Roland is a former telecom engineer turned tech reviewer based in Denver, Colorado. With a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Colorado State University, he spent over a decade designing and testing wireless networks before founding My Spark Wireless in 2025. His deep technical background and real-world testing approach give his reviews a practical edge that readers can trust.
When he’s not analyzing gadgets or running performance tests, Walter enjoys hiking Colorado’s trails and experimenting with new tech in outdoor environments. Through My Spark Wireless, he aims to simplify buying decisions by sharing honest, firsthand insights on the latest devices that power modern life.
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