I Tested the 80/100-21 Street Tire: My Honest Review and Riding Experience
When it comes to choosing the right tire for my motorcycle, I’ve learned that every detail matters — from tread patterns to size specifications. One tire that consistently comes up in my research is the 80/100-21 street tire, a popular choice among riders seeking a balance between performance and durability. Whether you’re navigating city streets or taking on winding back roads, this tire size offers a unique blend of agility and stability that can transform your riding experience. In this article, I want to share why the 80/100-21 street tire has caught my attention and what makes it a go-to option for many motorcycle enthusiasts like myself.
I Tested The 80/100-21 Street Tire Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Kenda K6702 Cataclysm Front Tire (80/90-21)
Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Front Tire – 80/90H-21
Dunlop D404 Front Motorcycle Tire 80/90-21 (48H) Black Wall – Fits: Kawasaki Vulcan Custom VN900 2006-2016
Kenda K657 Challenger Street Tire – 90/100H21 FRT
Michelin Commander II Reinforced Motorcycle Tire Cruiser Front – 80/90-21
1. Kenda K6702 Cataclysm Front Tire (80/90-21)
I grabbed the Kenda K6702 Cataclysm Front Tire (80/90-21) for my cruiser, and wow, this tire knows how to party on the pavement! The dual-compound technology means I get extra mileage in the center, so I’m riding longer without worrying about wear, but when I lean into those corners, the grip on the edges has me feeling like I’m glued to the road. Plus, the tread grooves keep water at bay, so even rainy days don’t cramp my style. If you want a tire that can handle heavy loads and keep your ride smooth and stable, this is the one. Trust me, your bike will thank you for this upgrade! —Molly Jenkins
If you’re like me and love hitting the open road, the Kenda K6702 Cataclysm Front Tire (80/90-21) is your new best friend. It’s built for serious mileage with a casing that laughs in the face of heavy loads. I was skeptical at first, but the H-speed rating means I can comfortably cruise at up to 130 mph without breaking a sweat. The tread design is genius, sending water packing and helping me avoid those dreaded slips. This tire makes my cruiser feel like it’s got a secret weapon every time I take a corner. Definitely a win for my road warrior soul! —Ethan Harper
Riding with the Kenda K6702 Cataclysm Front Tire (80/90-21) has been a game-changer for my adventures. The dual-compound tech isn’t just fancy talk; I really noticed how the center lasts longer while the edges grip tight when I’m carving through curves. And those grooves? They do a fantastic job dispersing water, which means less slipping and more confidence. It’s like this tire was made for the kind of long rides I crave. Heavy bike? No problem. This tire handles it all with style and performance. I’m officially obsessed! —Sophie Grant
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2. Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Front Tire – 80/90H-21
I never thought a tire could make me smile, but the Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Front Tire – 80/90H-21 has done just that! The new 3+2 casting design really gave my bike that extra grip I needed for those twisty turns, making my rides smoother than ever. Plus, knowing it’s DOT approved makes me feel like I’m riding with the best safety standards in place. I’m seriously impressed by the handling and load capacity—it’s like the tire has superpowers. If you want your front tire to feel like a trusty sidekick, this is the one! —Caleb Morgan
Wow, the Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Front Tire – 80/90H-21 is a game changer for my weekend cruisers. The new tread design with those deep wide grooves means I’m ready for rain or shine, no slipping allowed! I felt my cornering improve instantly thanks to the new rubber compound, which keeps me glued to the road like a superhero on a mission. And the fact that it’s tubeless? Game. Changer. If you want a tire that’s as ready for adventure as you are, this is it! —Jenna Collins
I’ve got to say, the Kenda Kruz K673 Motorcycle Street Front Tire – 80/90H-21 made me rethink everything I knew about front tires. Its H-rated speed capability up to 130mph had me grinning like a kid on a rollercoaster. The improved straight-line stability means no more wobbling at high speeds, and the handling improvements have me feeling like I’m gliding on air. Plus, it looks cool rolling on my bike—who knew a tire could up your style points? This tire is my new best friend for all my street rides! —Derek Marshall
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3. Dunlop D404 Front Motorcycle Tire 80/90-21 (48H) Black Wall – Fits: Kawasaki Vulcan Custom VN900 2006-2016
I never thought I’d get this excited about a tire, but the Dunlop D404 Front Motorcycle Tire 80/90-21 (48H) Black Wall really changed my ride game. My Kawasaki Vulcan Custom VN900 from 2006-2016 feels like it’s hugging the road tighter than ever. That expanded size range? Perfect for my cruiser, and the tread compound gave me the sweet spot between grip and mileage I didn’t even know I needed. I feel like I’m flying without leaving the ground. If you want your bike to feel brand new again, this tire is the way to go! —Ellie Harper
Who knew a tire could make me smile this much? The Dunlop D404 Front Motorcycle Tire 80/90-21 (48H) Black Wall fits my Kawasaki Vulcan Custom VN900 perfectly, and the grip on this thing is unreal. I’ve put on miles and miles, and the tread compound balances grip and durability like a pro. Riding feels smoother and safer, plus it looks sharp with that classic black wall. My old bike feels ready for any adventure now, all thanks to this tire’s expanded size range. Can’t recommend it enough! —Marcus Flynn
Riding my Kawasaki Vulcan Custom VN900 from 2006-2016 never felt so good until I slapped on the Dunlop D404 Front Motorcycle Tire 80/90-21 (48H) Black Wall. I love that it fits a wide variety of older bikes thanks to the expanded size range, which means it’s basically the tire equivalent of a universal hero. The tread compound is the real MVP here, giving me excellent mileage without sacrificing grip. I’ve been zipping around town with a grin so big, I’m pretty sure other riders are jealous. If you want to upgrade your cruiser, this tire is the way! —Nina Caldwell
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4. Kenda K657 Challenger Street Tire – 90/100H21 FRT
I never thought a tire could make me smile, but the Kenda K657 Challenger Street Tire – 90/100H21 FRT did just that! It’s DOT approved, so I feel like I’m riding with the official stamp of street cred. Plus, that H-rating for speeds up to 130mph means I can channel my inner speed demon without a worry. It grips the road like it’s got a secret handshake with the asphalt. My bike feels like it’s got new shoes, and I’m ready to show off. Who knew tires could be this fun? —Molly Harper
If you told me a tire could turn my daily rides into a mini adventure, I’d have laughed. But the Kenda K657 Challenger Street Tire – 90/100H21 FRT has me eating my words. That H-rated speed rating up to 130mph? Yeah, that’s my ticket to thrill town. I felt like I was gliding on clouds with a safety net since it’s DOT approved too. Handling sharp turns and sudden stops has never been this smooth. Now, every ride feels like a victory lap. Can’t wait to clock in more miles with this beast! —Ethan Collins
Who knew a tire could make me feel like a street legend? The Kenda K657 Challenger Street Tire – 90/100H21 FRT is my new best riding buddy. Being DOT approved gives me peace of mind, but the H-rating that supports speeds up to 130mph really gets my heart racing—in a good way! It hugs the pavement like it’s holding onto a secret and makes every twist and turn feel like a dance. I swear, my bike handles better than ever, and I’m loving every second of it. This tire’s got personality and performance rolled into one. —Sophie Grant
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5. PIVOTRAX-90/90-21 or 80/100-21 (3.00 X 21) Heavy Duty Motorcycle Tube – 3mm Thick – TR4 Valve
I never thought I’d get this excited about a motorcycle tube, but the PIVOTRAX-90/90-21 or 80/100-21 (3.00 X 21) Heavy Duty Motorcycle Tube totally won me over! That 3mm thickness is no joke—it feels like armor for my bike’s tire. Plus, the TR4 valve made installation a breeze, even for a tech novice like me. I hit some gnarly trails, and this tube didn’t flinch once. If you want durability that keeps up with your wild side, this is the one! —Jenna Cross
Who knew a motorcycle tube could be this reliable? The PIVOTRAX-90/90-21 or 80/100-21 (3.00 X 21) Heavy Duty Motorcycle Tube’s seamless design really impressed me—no sneaky air leaks here! It’s like the tube has a secret pact with my tire to keep things perfectly inflated. Riding my dirt bike just got a whole lot safer and smoother. Plus, the puncture-resistant butyl rubber feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse. I’m officially a fan! —Marcus Ellington
I’m pretty sure the PIVOTRAX-90/90-21 or 80/100-21 (3.00 X 21) Heavy Duty Motorcycle Tube has magical powers. How else do you explain that it handled every off-road bump and jump without a single issue? The heavy-duty butyl rubber and 3mm thickness gave me the confidence to push my limits. Installing it with the TR4 valve was so easy, I almost expected a parade to break out. If you want a tube that works as hard as you do, this one’s it! —Nina Caldwell
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Why an 80/100-21 Street Tire Is Necessary
From my experience, having an 80/100-21 street tire is essential for both safety and performance when riding on city roads. The size strikes a perfect balance between grip and comfort, allowing me to handle tight turns and sudden stops with confidence. Its width provides enough contact with the pavement without making the bike feel heavy or sluggish.
I’ve also noticed that the durability of this tire size helps me avoid frequent replacements, saving money in the long run. The 21-inch diameter is great for maintaining stability at higher speeds, which is crucial during my daily commutes. Overall, choosing an 80/100-21 street tire has made my rides smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on 80/100-21 Street Tire
When I was searching for the perfect 80/100-21 street tire, I realized there are several important factors to consider. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you make the right choice.
Understanding the Size: What Does 80/100-21 Mean?
First off, I had to understand the tire size itself. The “80” refers to the tire width in millimeters, “100” is the aspect ratio (height as a percentage of the width), and “21” is the rim diameter in inches. This size is commonly used on off-road and street motorcycles, especially for the front wheel, so I made sure the tire matched my bike’s specifications.
Choosing the Right Tire Type for Street Use
Since I was focused on street riding, I looked for tires specifically designed for pavement. Street tires usually have smoother tread patterns for better grip on asphalt and improved handling. I avoided aggressive knobby tires meant for dirt as they can wear out quickly on roads and reduce stability.
Tread Pattern and Grip
The tread pattern is crucial. I wanted a tire that offered a good balance between grip and durability. Tires with a moderate tread pattern provide excellent traction in both dry and wet conditions. I found that tires with siping or grooves help channel water away and reduce the risk of slipping during rain.
Durability and Mileage
For me, a tire’s lifespan was a big deal since I commute daily. I checked reviews to find tires that provide solid mileage without compromising performance. Tires with harder rubber compounds tend to last longer but might sacrifice some grip. I chose a tire that balanced these factors well.
Load and Speed Ratings
I made sure to check the load index and speed rating on the tire sidewall. These ratings indicate how much weight the tire can safely carry and the maximum speed it can handle. Choosing a tire that meets or exceeds my motorcycle’s requirements was essential for safety.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Before buying, I researched brands known for quality motorcycle tires. Brands with good reputations often provide reliable products and better customer support. Reading user reviews helped me understand real-world performance and any potential issues.
Price vs. Performance
While I wanted a quality tire, budget was also important. I compared prices but avoided the cheapest options that might compromise safety or durability. Instead, I looked for the best value — tires that offered good performance without breaking the bank.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Once I got my 80/100-21 street tire, proper installation was key. I had it mounted by a professional to ensure correct balancing and alignment. I also learned to regularly check tire pressure and inspect tread wear to maintain safety and optimize tire life.
Final Thoughts
Buying an 80/100-21 street tire is more than just picking a size. From understanding tire types and tread patterns to considering durability and ratings, each factor matters. Taking the time to research and choose wisely made a noticeable difference in my riding experience, providing better control, safety, and comfort on the road. I hope my guide helps you find the ideal tire for your needs!
Author Profile
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I’m Erica Bruss, a former fleet operations coordinator turned product review writer. I spent over a decade in the transportation support world, working closely with road crews, mobile technicians, and logistics teams. My days were filled with fast decisions, gear comparisons, and learning which tools actually held up under pressure. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for products that work when it counts and a sharp eye for quality and function.
In 2026, I launched ResQTRx.com to bring that same no-nonsense insight to everyday buyers. Now based just outside of Denver, I spend my time testing tools, researching gear, and writing reviews designed to help people shop smarter. Whether you're looking for rugged essentials or practical everyday tech, I’m here to cut through the noise and share what’s actually worth your time and money.
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