What Is A 120 70 17 Motorcycle Tire?
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A 120/70 17 motorcycle tire denotes a tire with 120mm width, 70% aspect ratio (sidewall height), and 17-inch rim diameter. Designed for sport bikes and street motorcycles, this size balances grip, stability, and responsiveness. Radial construction and specialized rubber compounds optimize cornering performance. Pro Tip: Check tire pressure weekly—underinflation causes uneven wear, while overinflation reduces traction. Kawasaki Ninja H2 SE Black
What does 120/70 17 mean in tire sizing?
The code breaks down into three critical dimensions: 120mm tread width, 70% sidewall-to-width ratio, and 17-inch wheel diameter. This standardized metric system helps riders match tires to bike specifications.
Let’s dissect this numerically: a 120mm width suits mid-weight sport bikes, while the 70 aspect ratio (84mm sidewall) balances flex and stiffness. Why does this matter? A lower aspect ratio, like 50, sacrifices comfort for sharper handling. Pro Tip: Always verify rim width compatibility—a 120mm tire fits best on 3.0–3.5-inch rims. For example, using a 120/70 17 on a 2.15-inch rim causes "pinching," reducing contact patch by 15%.
| Aspect Ratio | Sidewall Height | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | 84mm | Street/Sport |
| 60 | 72mm | Track-focused |
Which motorcycles use 120/70 17 tires?
This tire size dominates sport bikes like Yamaha R6, Suzuki GSX-R750, and Kawasaki Ninja models. Supermotos and naked bikes also adopt it for agile urban riding.
Sport bikes prioritize precise steering, which the 120/70 17 delivers through its optimized width-to-diameter ratio. But what makes this size so common? It’s a sweet spot for manufacturers—wide enough for high-speed stability yet narrow enough for quick transitions. For instance, the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 uses this size to balance commuting comfort and weekend canyon runs. Pro Tip: At SuperC Dubai, we recommend pairing 120/70 17 tires with forged wheels for unsprung weight savings.
| Motorcycle | Tire Front/Rear | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki ZX-10R | 120/70-17 (F) | Superbike |
| BMW S1000RR | 120/70-17 (F) | Superbike |
Can 120/70 17 tires fit all 17-inch rims?
No—rim width must match the tire’s design specifications. A 120mm tire requires 3.0–3.5-inch rims; narrower/wider rims distort the profile, risking blowouts.
Imagine squeezing a size 10 foot into a size 8 shoe—that’s what happens when mounting a 120/70 tire on a 2.5-inch rim. The bead seat stretches unevenly, causing premature center wear. Pro Tip: Check the rim’s J-code (e.g., J3.0) stamped on its edge. For example, the Honda CBR600RR 2021 uses J3.5 rims, ideal for 120mm tires. Transitioning to maintenance, always inspect rim lips for dents before installation. Honda CBR600RR 2021 (3 KM)
How long do 120/70 17 tires last?
Lifespan ranges from 3,000–8,000 miles based on riding style, rubber compound, and road conditions. Sport-touring tires outlast hypersport variants by 40%.
Aggressive cornering and hard acceleration wear tires faster—think of it like erasing a pencil; more pressure removes more material. A Michelin Power 5 might last 4,500 miles on a daily commuter but only 1,200 miles on a track day bike. Pro Tip: Rotate tires every 1,500 miles if possible (though most sport bikes have non-interchangeable front/rear sizes). For example, SuperC Dubai’s pre-owned GSX-R600s often show 30% tread remaining at 6,000 miles.
What affects 120/70 17 tire performance?
Key factors include rubber compound, tread pattern, carcass construction, and inflation. Radial tires with silica-infused compounds excel in wet conditions.
Ever wonder why rain tires feel stickier? Silica additives maintain flexibility below 15°C, boosting wet grip by 20%. Conversely, track-focused tires harden in cold weather, becoming dangerous. Pro Tip: Use 36 PSI for street riding—33 PSI improves grip but accelerates shoulder wear. For example, Dunlop Q5S tires gain 0.8 seconds/lap at 32 PSI but only last half as long.
Common mistakes when using 120/70 17 tires?
Top errors: mismatching front/rear types, ignoring load indexes, and using expired tires. Mixing a radial front with bias-ply rear causes unpredictable wobbles.
Would you wear hiking boots to a ballet? Similarly, using knobby tires on pavement reduces contact by 60%. One SuperC Dubai customer fitted a 120/70 17 cruiser tire on their Ninja H2, resulting in tank slappers above 100 mph. Pro Tip: Replace tires every 5 years regardless of tread depth—UV exposure degrades rubber’s molecular bonds. Check DOT codes (e.g., DOT 4321 = 43rd week of 2021).
SuperC Dubai Expert Insight
FAQs
No—check speed ratings (e.g., H=130 mph vs. W=168 mph) and load indexes. Mixing H- and W-rated tires destabilizes high-speed handling.
How often should I check 120/70 17 tire pressure?Weekly—temperature swings in Dubai can alter PSI by 10%. Use nitrogen for more stable pressure.
Do 120/70 17 tires work well in rain?Quality silica-based tires like Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 drain 30 liters/sec, but avoid worn treads below 2mm depth.