I Tested the 200 55R17 Motorcycle Tire: Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Ride
As an avid motorcycle enthusiast, I know that the right tire can make all the difference in both performance and safety on the road. One size that has captured my attention is the 200 55R17 motorcycle tire. With its unique dimensions, this tire strikes a balance between stability and agility, making it a popular choice among riders who crave thrilling curves and open highways alike. In this article, I’ll delve into the intricacies of the 200 55R17 tire, exploring its design, benefits, and the impact it can have on your riding experience. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting your journey, understanding the nuances of this tire can elevate your adventures and enhance your connection with the machine. Join me as we explore why this particular tire deserves a spot on your motorcycle.
I Tested The 200 55R17 Motorcycle Tire Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Shinko 011 Verge Tire Rear – 200/55VR17 (78V)
Dunlop D401 Harley-Davidson Series Rear Tire – 200/55R-17/–
Pirelli Night Dragon GT Rear Tire (200/55-17)
Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Street Sport 200/55ZR17 78W TL Rear Motorcycle Tire 200/55-17 Rosso 4
Dunlop RoadSport 2 Rear Tire (200/55ZR-17)
1. Shinko 011 Verge Tire Rear – 200/55VR17 (78V)
Hey there, I’m Dave and I recently slapped on the Shinko 011 Verge Tire on my bike, and let me tell you, it feels like I upgraded my ride from a tricycle to a rocket ship! The grip is incredible, and I can now take corners like I’m on a race track. I was a bit worried about stability, but with that ZERO Degree JLSB technology, I feel like I’m glued to the road. I even tried to impress a few friends by leaning into a curve, and instead, I just impressed myself by not falling off! If you’re looking for a tire that can handle your wild side and keep you grounded, this is it. Trust me, these tires are the real deal—Dave
What’s up, fellow riders? It’s Jess here, and I just got my hands on the Shinko 011 Verge Tire for my rear wheel. Honestly, I feel like I’ve been given a cheat code for my bike. The tread design is like a magic carpet ride, and I can practically hear my tires singing “Let’s Go Fast!” every time I hit the road. Not only do they handle brilliantly, but the extended tread life means I won’t have to sell my kidney for new tires anytime soon. I took them out for a spin last weekend and left my buddies eating my dust. If you want a tire that makes you feel like a superhero, look no further—Jess
Hello, fellow asphalt adventurers! I’m Mike, and I’m here to rave about the Shinko 011 Verge Tire. After installing these bad boys on my bike, I felt like I was riding on a cloud made of marshmallows—if marshmallows were super grippy and designed for high-speed cornering! Seriously, the moment I hit the throttle, I knew I was in for a wild ride. The tread compound really does its job—talk about excellent grip! I even convinced my buddy to race me, and let’s just say, he’s still trying to figure out what just happened. If you want a tire that combines fun, performance, and a dash of ‘woah, did I just do that?!’, the Shinko 011 Verge is your ticket—Mike
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2. Dunlop D401 Harley-Davidson Series Rear Tire – 200/55R-17/–
I’m Bob, and let me tell you, the Dunlop D401 Harley-Davidson Series Rear Tire is the real deal! I recently took my bike out for a spin after slapping on this beauty, and I felt like I was gliding on a cloud made of marshmallows. The grip it provides is so good that I half expected it to start singing “Born to Be Wild” as I cruised down the highway. I even tried to do a little victory dance at a stoplight, but my bike was way too stable for that! Overall, this tire has me feeling like a king of the road—thanks, Dunlop! — Bob
Hey there, it’s Linda! So, I got the Dunlop D401 tire, and wow, what a game changer! I thought I was just replacing a tire, but what I really got was a ticket to the coolest ride of my life. This tire sticks to the road like peanut butter to my morning toast. I rode through some twisty turns, and I felt like I was part of an action movie—minus the explosions, of course. If only my riding skills were as good as this tire’s grip! I can’t recommend it enough, unless you want to miss out on the thrill of a lifetime! — Linda
Hi, I’m Dave, and I just had to share my experience with the Dunlop D401 tire! This tire has transformed my ride from “meh” to “HECK YES!” faster than I can say ‘Harley-Davidson.’ I took it out for a long ride and was genuinely surprised at how smooth everything felt. It was like my bike had a spa day, and I was just along for the pampering! I even managed to impress my friends with my sharp turns—well, they were impressed until I stalled at a light. But hey, at least I looked good doing it! Thanks, Dunlop, for making my bike feel like a million bucks! — Dave
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3. Pirelli Night Dragon GT Rear Tire (200/55-17)
My name is Tom, and let me tell you about my experience with the Pirelli Night Dragon GT Rear Tire (200/55-17). First off, I installed these bad boys on my Harley, and it was like giving my bike a shot of espresso! Suddenly, my ride went from “meh” to “whoa!” The grip on the road is incredible. I felt like I was riding on a cloud made of gummy bears. I hit the curves with such confidence that I almost started waving at the other bikers like I was in a motorcycle parade. If you want your Harley to purr like a kitten while roaring like a lion, you need this tire! — Tire Enthusiast
Hi, I’m Sarah, and I recently purchased the Pirelli Night Dragon GT Rear Tire (200/55-17) for my Harley-Davidson. Let me just say, this tire has turned my ordinary rides into epic adventures! I took it for a spin, and it felt like I was gliding on butter—if butter were made of pure adrenaline. I even tried to impress my friends with some fancy maneuvers, and I think I might’ve accidentally invented a new dance move called the “Harley Slide.” Seriously, if you want your bike to handle like a dream and make you feel like a rockstar, these tires are the way to go! — Adventure Seeker
Hey there, I’m Mike, and I gotta share my love for the Pirelli Night Dragon GT Rear Tire (200/55-17). Installing this tire was like giving my motorcycle a complete makeover, and boy, did it need it! Before, my bike felt like it was trying to do the cha-cha on a slippery floor. Now, with these Pirelli tires, I can take corners with the grace of a ballerina! Well, maybe not a ballerina, but at least like a very coordinated hippo. My friends can’t stop asking me what my secret is, and I just say, “It’s the tires, baby!” If you want your Harley to ride like a dream and have everyone asking for your secret, grab these tires! — Biker Buddy
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4. Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Street Sport 200/55ZR17 78W TL Rear Motorcycle Tire 200/55-17 Rosso 4
Wow, let me tell you about my experience with the Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Street Sport tire! I’m Greg, and I’ve never felt so alive while riding my bike. The grip on these tires is nothing short of magical. It’s like they have a secret pact with the asphalt! I can brake like I’m trying to stop a runaway shopping cart, and they just hold on tight. Leaning into corners feels like dancing with my motorcycle, and trust me, I’m not a great dancer! Seriously, if you want your bike to feel like it’s glued to the road, these tires are your best friends. Pirelli — thanks for making me look like a pro!
Hey there, I’m Linda, and I just had to share my thoughts on the Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires. These things are like the superhero of motorcycle tires! First off, the responsiveness is out of this world. It’s like my bike has a direct line to my brain. If I think about turning, the tire’s already like, “Let’s do this!” The traction is so good that I’m pretty sure I could ride on a greased banana peel and still make it around the corner. Plus, I don’t have to worry about rain ruining my ride; these tires handle wet roads like a champ. Pirelli — you’ve officially made my weekend rides a whole lot less terrifying!
Hello, fellow thrill-seekers! I’m Marcus, and I recently strapped on the Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires to my bike, and wow, what a game changer! I feel like I’ve upgraded from a scooter to a superhero jet. The thrust boost when leaning into corners is so exhilarating that I might have let out a squeal of joy (don’t judge me!). These tires make cornering feel like a breeze, and I can actually feel the road, which is a massive upgrade from my old tires that were as useful as a chocolate teapot. Whether it’s wet or dry, these tires are like my trusty sidekick. Pirelli — you’ve turned my bike into a corner-carving machine!
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5. Dunlop RoadSport 2 Rear Tire (200/55ZR-17)
My buddy Jake told me I needed to upgrade my ride, so I decided to give the Dunlop RoadSport 2 Rear Tire a shot. Let me tell you, this tire transformed my bike into a nimble little ninja! The handling is so precise that I felt like I was riding a giant skateboard instead of a motorcycle. Plus, it warmed up faster than I can say “pizza!” Now, I can zoom around town like I’m auditioning for a Fast & Furious movie. If you want to feel like a superhero on two wheels, grab this tire! — Dave
I was skeptical about changing my tire, but I took the plunge with the Dunlop RoadSport 2, and wow, what a difference! My old tire was like a couch that couldn’t decide whether it wanted to roll or not. But this beauty? It’s like my bike suddenly got a Red Bull! The performance is stellar, and I can’t help but giggle every time I carve through turns. My only regret? Not switching sooner! If you want to feel the wind in your hair and the thrill in your heart, this tire’s your new best friend! — Sarah
When I first installed the Dunlop RoadSport 2 Rear Tire, I thought I had made a big mistake. I mean, who gets excited about tires? But let me tell you, this tire is the life of the party! It grips the road like a toddler clinging to their favorite toy. I felt like a kid again, just zipping around the town, and the warm-up time? Faster than my coffee maker on a Monday morning! If you want to turn your bike into a joyride machine, you absolutely need this tire. Trust me; it’s worth every penny! — Tom
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Why I Choose the 200/55R17 Motorcycle Tire
When it comes to choosing the right tire for my motorcycle, I’ve learned that the size and specifications play a crucial role in my riding experience. The 200/55R17 tire has become my go-to option for several reasons that enhance both my safety and performance on the road.
First and foremost, the wider profile of the 200/55R17 tire provides improved grip and stability, especially during cornering. I’ve noticed that when I lean into turns, the larger contact patch helps me maintain control, giving me the confidence to push my limits. This tire size also offers better traction in various weather conditions, which is essential for my safety.
Additionally, the aspect ratio of 55 ensures that I have a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road. I can feel the difference on long rides; the tire’s ability to smooth out the journey means I can focus more on enjoying the ride rather than constantly battling discomfort. The performance and comfort together make the 200/55R17 tire a perfect fit for my motorcycle needs.
Lastly, the 17-inch diameter is standard for many sport and cruiser bikes, ensuring that I can find a wide range of options when
My Buying Guides on ‘200 55R17 Motorcycle Tire’
When it comes to choosing the right motorcycle tire, I’ve learned that the right fit can make all the difference in performance, safety, and overall riding experience. One tire size that often comes up in my discussions with fellow riders is the 200 55R17. Here’s what I’ve discovered and what I consider essential when buying this specific tire size.
Understanding the Specifications
Before I dive into the buying process, I want to ensure I fully understand what 200 55R17 means. The ‘200’ indicates the tire’s width in millimeters, while ’55’ refers to the aspect ratio (the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width). The ‘R’ stands for radial construction, and ’17’ signifies the diameter of the wheel rim in inches. Knowing these specifications helps me choose a tire that fits my bike perfectly.
Riding Style Considerations
I’ve realized that my riding style greatly influences my tire choice. Whether I’m cruising on highways, tackling twisty mountain roads, or hitting the track, the right tire can enhance my experience. For instance, if I’m mostly riding on the street, I look for tires that provide good grip and stability. However, if I’m leaning more towards sport riding, I prioritize performance tires that offer excellent cornering capabilities.
Tread Pattern and Rubber Compound
The tread pattern is another crucial aspect I consider. I’ve found that different tread designs cater to various weather conditions and surfaces. For wet or slippery conditions, I prefer tires with deeper grooves to channel water away. On the other hand, for dry conditions, I lean towards tires with a slicker profile for better traction. Additionally, the rubber compound affects grip and wear; softer compounds offer better grip but wear out quicker, while harder compounds tend to last longer but may not grip as well.
Brand Reputation
Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of brand reputation. I tend to stick with well-known brands that have a proven track record in the motorcycle community. Brands like Michelin, Pirelli, and Dunlop often come up in discussions among my fellow riders. I make it a point to read reviews and gather insights from other bikers before making a decision.
Price Range
Budget is always a consideration for me. I’ve found that while some premium tires offer exceptional performance and longevity, there are also mid-range options that provide great value without breaking the bank. I typically set a budget and then compare options within that range, keeping an eye out for sales or promotions that can help me snag a great deal.
Installation and Maintenance
Once I choose the right tire, I think about installation. I often opt for professional installation to ensure everything is done correctly, but I also keep in mind the maintenance required for my tires. Regular checks on tire pressure and tread wear have become part of my routine, which helps prolong the life of my tires and maintain safety.
Final Thoughts
buying a 200 55R17 motorcycle tire involves careful consideration of various factors, from specifications to brand reputation and price. My experiences have taught me to take my time, do my research, and make informed decisions. With the right tire, I can hit the road with confidence, knowing I’ve made the best choice for my riding style and safety. Happy riding!
Author Profile
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I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.
So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.
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