The top 200/55 R17 tires chosen here are ideal for sport and street bikes that demand strong grip, stable handling, and reliable performance in varied conditions. This guide helps riders decide which rear tire best fits riding style, climate, and road conditions. It highlights who each tire is best for, plus practical cautions to consider before purchase. A quick buying table is included to compare key traits at a glance.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 Radial Rear Tire 200/55ZR-17 | Aggressive street and track-day riders | High-speed stability and grip at full lean |
| Michelin Power 5 Radial Rear Tire 200/55ZR17 | All-season sport riding | Excellent wet grip and advanced compounds |
| Dunlop D401 Harley-Davidson Series Rear Tire 200/55R-17 | Harley and cruiser riders | Harley-approved with stable wet performance |
| ME 888 Ultra Mara-thon 200/55R17 Rear Tire | Long-lasting sport touring | High mileage with solid handling |
| Full Bore M1 200/50ZR17 Rear Tire (selected as a close fit) | Sport street riders on mixed roads | Strong grip and radial stability for daily riding |
Full Bore M1 200/50ZR17 Rear Motorcycle Tire
Brand: FULL BORE. Features include superior grip and handling for street and sport bikes in dry and wet conditions, a high-performance radial design for stability up to 168 mph, and durable construction for longevity. Best for riders seeking confident cornering on mixed road surfaces. Caution:
The tire size listed is 200/50ZR17, which is not the 200/55R17 specified in the guide’s focus; choose this only if your bike’s rear fits 200/50ZR17. It’s selected here as a close fit for riders who prioritize aggressive street performance and radial stability.
Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 Radial Rear Tire 200/55ZR-17
Brand: Pirelli. Features include patented high modulus fiber for stability under high-speed stress, a dual-compound rear for maximum grip at extreme lean, and precise fitment for modern sport bikes. Best for riders who want peak grip and precise steering in cornering. Caution: The tire’s performance emphasis can be more sensitive to street debris and wear patterns at lower speeds.
Michelin Power 5 Radial Rear Tire 200/55ZR17
Brand: MICHELIN. Features premium sportbike performance, enhanced wet grip, and optimized compounds with 11% void ratio to balance grip and longevity. Best for riders who ride year-round and demand reliable traction in wet and dry conditions. Caution: Higher-performance compounds may wear faster on aggressive street riding or poor road conditions.
Dunlop D401 Harley-Davidson Series Rear Tire
Brand: DUNLOP. Features Harley-Davidson approval, improved performance across a wide temperature range, siped design for added wet grip, and a matching tread pattern front-to-rear for stability. Best for Harley and cruiser riders who want a proven fit with reliable wet performance. Caution: Designed with cruiser geometry in mind; sportbike handling may vary from normal sport tires.
ME 888 Ultra Mara-thon 200/55R17 Rear Tire
Brand: Generic. Features include technology for consistent performance through the tire’s life, ultra-high mileage with Metzeler-inspired handling, and stability at both high and low speeds. Best for riders seeking long-lasting performance on sport-touring setups. Caution: Availability may vary by region and model year; confirm exact fitment before purchase.
Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Street Sport 200/60ZR17
Brand: Pirelli. Features include WSBK-derived structures for confident handling, strong braking grip, and smooth feedback in extreme lean. Best for riders who want strong grip and precise feedback during aggressive cornering. Caution: This model is a 200/60 size, which changes overall gearing and fitment; verify compatibility with your bike’s wheel and fender clearances.
Buying Guide
What should I consider when choosing a 200/55 R17 tire?
- Riding style: Sport riders may prioritize grip and lean stability, while touring riders value mileage and predictable feedback.
- Weather and road conditions: Consider wet grip and compound responsiveness for all-season use.
- Bike compatibility: Confirm tire size, load index, and speed rating match your motorcycle’s requirements.
- Durability vs. performance: Higher grip often means quicker wear; balance expected mileage with performance needs.
- Installation considerations: Some tires require professional mounting due to profile and radial construction.
FAQ
- Q: Is 200/55R17 the same as 200/55ZR17?
- Q: Which tire lasts longest on sport-touring bikes?
- Q: Are Harley-approved tires necessary for my bike?
- Q: Can I mix front and rear tire brands?
- Q: How important is wet grip for daily riding?
A: 200/55R17 denotes radial construction and load index; the “ZR” or “ZR” with speed rating indicates higher speed capability. Always verify the exact specification printed on the tire sidewall.
A: Tires advertised for high mileage with sport handling typically last longer; examples include ME 888 Ultra Mara-thon and Michelin Power 5 in suitable riding conditions.
A: Harley-approved tires ensure compatibility with Harley-Davidson bikes and their handling characteristics, but other brands can also deliver excellent performance on cruisers.
A: Yes, but ensure similar performance characteristics and enough tread depth to maintain predictable handling and stability.
A: Wet grip greatly affects safety and confidence in mixed weather; prioritize the tire with proven wet performance if you ride in rain or damp mornings.