Finding the right 160/60 ZR17 rear tyre hinges on your riding style and bike type. This guide highlights five top options, explaining who each tyre suits best, and why they stand out. Ideal buyers include sport riders seeking grip at high lean angles, daily commuters needing durability and quiet operation, and touring riders prioritizing long wear life. Use the quick reference table below to compare core traits at a glance.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Shinko 009 Raven Radial Rear 160/60-17 | Sport bikes requiring precise rear fitment | Aramid belt for speed stability and all-weather traction |
| MERXENG 160/60-17 Rear | Cruiser and touring riders | Long wear with strong wet/dry grip |
| Continental ContiMotion Rear 160/60-17 | Budget-conscious riders | New concept radial with reliable dry/wet feedback |
| Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV 160/60 ZR 17 | SuperSport riders | Silica-enriched compound and extreme lean angle |
| Pirelli Angel GT Rear 160/60ZR17 | All-rounder touring and sport | Versatile, durable with strong grip |
Shinko 009 Raven Radial Rear 160/60-17
The Shinko 009 Raven is a radial rear tyre designed for modern sport bikes requiring a 160/60ZR-17 fitment. It uses Advanced Aramid Belt Construction to maintain shape at high speeds, supporting aggressive riding styles. All-Weather Traction Technology provides grip on wet and dry roads, aiding stable handling and reliable braking. Best for riders who want sport-bike performance with consistent daily usability.
Who it’s best for: A sport rider who demands predictable grip and a stable profile at high speeds. Why selected: It combines aramid belt strength with a tread compound engineered for varied weather conditions. Caution: As with all performance radials, grip levels can vary with extreme temperature changes and track use.
MERXENG 160/60-17 Rear Motorcycle Tire
The MERXENG tyre is a 4PR tubeless street tire built for cruisers and touring bikes, featuring a 7.5 mm tread depth and a bias-ply design that emphasizes durability and mileage. It provides strong wet/dry grip and a comfortable, smooth ride suitable for daily commuting and long-distance trips. Best for: Touring riders who want long wear and stable, confident handling. Why selected: Durable compound and generous tread depth offer extended life and reliable traction. Caution: Bias-ply construction can feel different from radial tires in terms of steering response on tight maneuvers.
Continental ContiMotion Sport/Touring Rear 160/60-17
The ContiMotion is a value-focused radial designed to bridge sport and touring riding. It offers a balanced feel with dependable feedback on both dry and wet roads. The tyre is positioned as an affordable option for riders who require consistent mileage without sacrificing safety. Best for: Riders seeking a versatile tyre for mixed-road riding. Why selected: Provides a reliable, cost-conscious option with stable handling. Caution: May not deliver aggressive grip in extreme high-speed cornering compared to premium sport compounds.
Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV 110/70 ZR 17 & 160/60 ZR 17 Set
This Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV set includes front 110/70 ZR17 and rear 160/60 ZR17 tyres. It is built for high-performance supersport riding, offering a silica-enriched multi-compound for grip and traction in wet and dry conditions, plus an extreme lean angle boost. Best for: SuperSport riders seeking peak performance on twisty roads. Why selected: The suite delivers top-tier grip and precise feedback in aggressive riding. Caution: Front and rear tyre compounds are tuned for performance; wear may be higher if used aggressively on daily commutes.
Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV 110/70 ZR 17 & 160/60 ZR 17 Set
This Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV set mirrors the high-performance capability of the 160/60 rear alongside a compatible front. It emphasizes exceptional grip and traction with an emphasis on extreme lean angles, suitable for aggressive riders and track-day enthusiasts. Best for: Riders who want a complete high-performance pair for intense cornering. Why selected: Comprehensive performance advantage across front and rear axles. Caution: Premium compounds may wear faster under constant aggressive riding on public roads.
Bridgestone BATTLAX BT-023 Sport/Touring Rear 160/60-17
The Bridgestone BT-023 is a sport-touring radial designed to deliver consistent performance across touring and sport uses. It emphasizes reliable feedback in both dry and wet conditions, offering solid value for riders who split duties between commuting and sport riding. Best for: Riders who need a versatile tyre with dependable all-around performance. Why selected: A well-rounded option that bridges sport and touring needs. Caution: Not the newest model; may lack some modern compounds found on newer performance lines.
Pirelli Angel GT Rear 160/60ZR17
The Pirelli Angel GT Rear is a versatile sport/touring tyre designed for dependable performance with excellent grip across conditions. It combines longevity with robust traction, making it a strong choice for riders who commute and ride longer distances. Best for: All-rounders who want a balanced mix of grip and durability. Why selected: Known for stable handling and solid mileage. Caution: Heavier weight riders or aggressive track use may wear compounds faster than dedicated sport tyres.
Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV 120/70 ZR 17 & 160/60 ZR 17 Set
This set pairs a 120/70 ZR17 front with a 160/60 ZR17 rear for high-performance supersport riding. Featuring a silica-enriched multi-compound, it aims to provide superb grip during braking and corner exits, with an emphasis on lean-angle capability. Best for: Riders seeking consistent performance across front and rear in twisty roads. Why selected: Cohesive performance package for aggressive riders. Caution: Front tyre smaller than some OEM options; verify compatibility with your machine.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
What riding style best matches your tyre choice? For sport-oriented use, look for tyres with high lean-angle stability, quick warm-up, and strong grip in dry and wet conditions. Touring and commuting riders should prioritize durability, even wear, and predictable handling in mixed weather. For budget-conscious buyers, weigh the balance of price with expected wear life and safety in wet conditions. Consider these practical questions:
- Which tyre compound and construction suits my bike and riding style: radial vs bias-ply?
- What is the wear life expected from a 160/60-17 rear on my typical routes?
- Do I ride mostly in dry conditions, or do frequent wet-weather days influence grip needs?
- Is preserved steering feel and quick warm-up more important than maximum corner grip?
- Will I perform long-distance rides that require steadier mileage and lower maintenance?
Quick Selection Tips
- Best for sport performance: Shinko 009 Raven and Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV rear sets.
- Best all-rounder for touring and commuting: Pirelli Angel GT rear and Continental ContiMotion sets.
- Best value without sacrificing safety: Continental ContiMotion and Bridgestone BT-023 for mixed use.
FAQ
- What does 160/60 ZR17 indicate? A: 160 mm section width, 60% aspect ratio, ZR speed rating, 17-inch rim diameter.
- Are these tyres suitable for sport bikes only? A: They cover sport, touring, and cruiser segments; choose based on your bike and riding style.
- What is the difference between radial and bias-ply tyres? A: Radial tyres generally offer better grip and durability; bias-ply may deliver different feel and wear characteristics.
- Can I mix front and rear tyres from different brands? A: Mixing brands is possible but may affect handling symmetry; consult your motorcycle manufacturer guidelines.
- How important is tread depth for safety? A: Deeper tread improves wet grip and braking; once worn, grip decreases, especially in rain.
- Do performance tyres wear faster? A: Typically yes; higher grip compounds may wear more quickly if used aggressively or on rough roads.