Decoded sidewall size
120/70R17 tire size
120/70R17 in inches: 23.61" overall diameter — 4.72" wide, 3.31" sidewall.
Methodology: dimensions are calculated from standard ETRTO tire-size formulas. Last reviewed June 2026 by the TreadSize editorial team.
Before you fit 120/70R17: verify the vehicle placard, load index, speed rating, wheel offset, and full-lock/full-compression clearance. Nominal dimensions do not guarantee a safe physical fit.
Compare this sizeFull dimensions
| Measurement | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 599.8 mm | 23.61 in |
| Section width | 120 mm | 4.72 in |
| Sidewall height | 84 mm | 3.31 in |
| Rim diameter | 431.8 mm | 17 in |
| Circumference | 1884.3 mm | 74.19 in |
| Revolutions per mile | 854.1 | |
| Aspect ratio | 70% | |
NHTSA safety record for 120/70R17
Drawn from official U.S. government (NHTSA) consumer complaint and recall filings for this exact tire size — not the generic averages you'll find elsewhere.
2 tire recalls on record affecting 120/70R17
- NHTSA 17T011000 · 2017 DUNLOP SPORTMAX Q3+ The tire defect may affect the handling and/or steering characteristics of the motorcycle. Continued use can result in tread chunking. These conditions may increase the risk of a c
- NHTSA 14T009000 · 2014 CONTINENTAL CONTIRACEATTACK COMP. ENDURANCE TL A loss of tire inflation could increase the risk of a motorcycle crash.
What owners report fails — 120/70R17
- Road hazard 1
These are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated failure rates, and not adjusted for how many tires of this size are in service. Popular sizes naturally accumulate more reports. Use this as a research signal, not a verdict on any specific tire. Data as of 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain). Always check the latest recalls at NHTSA.gov and report a tire problem if you have one.
Recall timeline for 120/70R17
NHTSA campaigns affecting this tire size, grouped from the local recall dataset. Exact owner-notification dates are not stored here; open the campaign at NHTSA for current remedy details.
How 120/70R17 compares inside the NHTSA size dataset
This comparison is derived only from tire sizes that have a real NHTSA complaint or recall record in the TreadSize dataset. Source: NHTSA ODI — Consumer Complaints (FLAT_CMPL) + Recalls (FLAT_RCL), U.S. DOT public domain; Complaints through 2021.
Nearby safety records by complaint volume
Dataset download: JSON or CSV. Latest recall lookup: NHTSA.gov.
Frequently asked questions
What is the overall diameter of a 120/70R17 tire?
A 120/70R17 tire has an overall diameter of 23.61 inches (599.8 mm).
How tall is a 120/70R17 tire?
The sidewall height is 84 mm (3.31 inches), and the overall diameter from the ground to the top of the tire is 23.61 inches.
How many revolutions per mile does a 120/70R17 tire make?
A 120/70R17 tire makes approximately 854 revolutions per mile. Your speedometer is calibrated to this number.
What rim size does a 120/70R17 tire fit?
A 120/70R17 tire is designed for a 17-inch rim (431.8 mm).
Are there recalls or safety complaints for 120/70R17 tires?
NHTSA has 3 consumer complaints on record for the 120/70R17 size and 2 recalls; the most reported issue is road hazard (1 reports). These are unverified consumer reports, not validated failure rates, and are not adjusted for how many tires of this size are in service.
All dimensions calculated using standard ETRTO formulas. Always confirm fitment with your vehicle's door-placard and a qualified tire professional before purchasing.