Finding the right 160/60ZR17 motorcycle tire can transform your ride, whether you’re carving corners, commuting, or touring. We researched manufacturer specifications, published industry and safety standards, and aggregated owner feedback to compare the top options. This guide evaluates each tire’s performance, durability, value, ease of use, and safety to help you choose with confidence.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Michelin Pilot Power 3 Best All-Around Sport Tire ZR-rated, dual-compound, 160/60ZR17 |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Best for Aggressive Cornering ZR-rated, bi-compound, 160/60ZR17 |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Bridgestone Battlax S22 Best Sport Touring Hybrid ZR-rated, 3-layer compound, 160/60ZR17 |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Dunlop Sportmax Q5 Best for Track Days ZR-rated, multi-compound, 160/60ZR17 |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Metzeler Roadtec 01 Best for Wet Conditions ZR-rated, silica compound, 160/60ZR17 |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Avon Spirit ST Best Value Sport Touring ZR-rated, dual-compound, 160/60ZR17 |
7.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Shinko 011 Verge Budget Friendly Option ZR-rated, multi-compound, 160/60ZR17 |
7.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Michelin Pilot Power 3: Best All-Around Sport Tire
In our evaluation, the Michelin Pilot Power 3 stands out as a top-tier sport tire that balances grip and longevity. Based on owner feedback and the spec sheets, its dual-compound design provides a soft shoulder for cornering confidence and a harder center for straight-line durability. We compared its performance against other sport tires and found it offers exceptional wet-weather safety without sacrificing dry grip.
However, this tire comes at a premium cost, and riders on a tight budget may find better value elsewhere. Also, while durable for a sport tire, it won’t match the mileage of dedicated touring tires. If you prioritize all-around sport performance and can invest in quality, this is a top choice. Skip it if you need maximum tread life for long-distance touring.
- Dual-compound technology for grip and mileage
- Excellent wet and dry traction
- Stable turn-in and cornering feel
Pros: Superb grip in all conditions; Long-lasting tread life for a sport tire
Cons: Premium price point
2. Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV: Best for Aggressive Cornering
We researched the Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV and compared it to other hypersport tires. Its bi-compound construction with a full-silica shoulder delivers outstanding grip at extreme lean angles, making it a favorite among track-day enthusiasts. Aggregated owner feedback highlights its confidence-inspiring feel when pushing hard through corners.
That said, the softer compound wears more quickly during highway cruising, reducing its lifespan for daily commuting. Riders who primarily ride straight roads or want maximum mileage should consider other options. If you love aggressive cornering and are willing to replace tires more often, this is an excellent pick.
- Bi-compound with full-silica shoulder
- Exceptional lean angle grip
- Quick warm-up and feedback
Pros: Unmatched cornering traction; Predictable slide characteristics
Cons: Wears faster on highways; Higher price than some competitors
3. Bridgestone Battlax S22: Best Sport Touring Hybrid
Based on manufacturer specifications and owner reviews, the Bridgestone Battlax S22 is a strong sport-touring hybrid that performs well in both spirited riding and daily commutes. We compared its 3-layer compound to others; it offers a balanced blend of grip and durability. Many owners report high mileage without significant performance drop-off.
However, its turn-in response is slightly less crisp than hypersport tires like the Diablo Rosso IV. If you prioritize razor-sharp handling above all, you might prefer a more aggressive tire. For riders seeking a do-it-all tire that lasts, the S22 is a solid value.
- 3-layer compound for progressive grip
- Excellent stability at high speeds
- Good wet performance
Pros: Versatile sport-touring performance; Longer tread life than pure sport tires
Cons: Not as sharp turn-in as dedicated sport tires
4. Dunlop Sportmax Q5: Best for Track Days
We evaluated the Dunlop Sportmax Q5 and found it excels on the track, offering superb grip and precise feedback when pushed to the limit. Its multi-compound design provides a wide margin of safety during aggressive cornering. Owner feedback from track riders is overwhelmingly positive for its performance.
However, this tire wears quickly on the street and requires a warm-up cycle to reach optimal grip. It is not ideal for daily commuting or long tours. If you are a track-day regular who trailers to the circuit, this is a top pick. Skip it if you need a tire for everyday riding.
- Multi-compound for grip and stability
- Designed for track use with street legality
- Excellent feedback at lean
Pros: Top-tier track performance; Great grip on warm surfaces
Cons: Short tread life; Requires warm-up for best grip
5. Metzeler Roadtec 01: Best for Wet Conditions
After comparing the Metzeler Roadtec 01 against other sport-touring tires, we found its silica-rich compound delivers outstanding wet grip, making it a safe choice for rainy climates. Owner reviews consistently praise its confidence in the rain. The tread pattern is designed to evacuate water effectively.
On the downside, its sidewall is softer, which can feel less precise during aggressive cornering. Sport riders may find it lacking in feedback. If you ride primarily in wet conditions or prioritize safety over sharp handling, this is an excellent option. Otherwise, consider a more sport-oriented tire.
- High silica content for wet grip
- Long-wearing tread pattern
- Stable at highway speeds
Pros: Exceptional wet weather traction; Good tread life
Cons: Less sporty feel than pure sport tires; Softer sidewall can feel vague
6. Avon Spirit ST: Best Value Sport Touring
We researched the Avon Spirit ST and found it offers good value for riders seeking a sport-touring tire without the premium cost. Its dual-compound design provides adequate grip for everyday riding and touring. Aggregated owner feedback indicates satisfactory performance for the price point.
However, in our comparison, its grip and longevity fall short of more expensive options like the Michelin Pilot Power 3. Heavy bikes or aggressive riders may experience faster wear. If budget is a primary concern and you ride moderately, this is a worthwhile choice. Skip it if you demand maximum performance or ride a heavy sport tourer.
- Dual-compound for balanced performance
- Good wet and dry grip for the price
- Decent tread life
Pros: Affordable price for the performance; Solid all-rounder
Cons: Not as grippy as premium tires; Some owners report faster wear on heavy bikes
7. Shinko 011 Verge: Budget Friendly Option
Based on our research of budget-friendly options, the Shinko 011 Verge offers the lowest entry price for a 160/60ZR17 tire. Owner feedback indicates it provides acceptable grip for casual street riding and commuting. For riders on a strict budget, it can be a functional choice.
However, we compared its safety and durability against other tires and found it lacking in wet traction and longevity. It is not suitable for aggressive riding, wet conditions, or high-mileage touring. If you can afford a higher-quality tire, we recommend investing more for better performance and safety. This tire is best for occasional riders with limited budgets who prioritize cost above all.
- Multi-compound for entry-level performance
- Affordable alternative to premium brands
- Adequate for casual riding
Pros: Very low price; Decent dry grip for the cost
Cons: Below average wet traction; Shorter tread life than competitors
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 160/60ZR17 mean?
160 is the tire width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio (sidewall height is 60% of width), ZR indicates a speed rating above 149 mph (240 km/h), and 17 is the rim diameter in inches.
Can I use a 160/60ZR17 tire on a different rim width?
It is best to follow the manufacturer’s recommended rim width range, typically 4.5 to 5.0 inches for this size. Using a rim outside this range can affect handling and safety.
How often should I replace a 160/60ZR17 motorcycle tire?
Replace when tread depth reaches 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) or if you see any signs of damage like cuts, bulges, or uneven wear. Sport tires may need replacement sooner due to softer compounds.
What is the difference between ZR and R speed ratings?
ZR indicates a maximum speed above 149 mph (240 km/h), while R is up to 106 mph (170 km/h). For high-performance bikes, ZR is standard for 160/60ZR17 tires.
Can I mix different tire brands front and rear?
While possible, it is not recommended because different tire constructions and compounds can affect handling and stability. For best performance and safety, use matched tires from the same brand and model.
Our Verdict
After researching and comparing the top 160/60ZR17 motorcycle tires, our top pick is the Michelin Pilot Power 3 for its excellent all-around sport performance and durability. For riders who prioritize cornering grip, the Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV is a strong runner-up. Choose based on your riding style and budget.
