So I’ve been testing tires like crazy this month, especially for street riding where grip matters more than anything else. Had a nasty slide last winter on some budget tires – scared the hell outta me. Ended up researching stickier options online and kept seeing “Pirelli Diablo Rosso 3” popping up everywhere. Everybody swears by them for street and light track use. Sounded worth a shot.
Digging Into the Details
First thing I did was check what bikes actually run this specific 120/70 R17 front tire size common on loads of sportbikes. Went through garage forums, watched endless YouTube walkarounds, even lurked in dealership parking lots peeking at front tires like some weirdo. My notebook’s scribbled with findings:
- Yamaha R6 riders practically live on these – like religion.
- Older Suzuki GSX-R600s/750s rock this size too.
- Honda CBR600RR crowd? Mostly Diablo Rosso IIIs or Corsas.
- Ducati Monster 796? Seen several running them upfront.
- Even some Triumph Street Triple Rs use it.
Kinda surprised how popular this exact size is honestly. Confirmed it’d fit my own bike – no weird clearance issues to sweat about.
Buying & Mounting Chaos
Ordered online – showed up quicker than pizza delivery. Took em down to my buddy Mike’s garage. Mounting tires is always a workout, swear it is. That stiff new rubber fought us hard. Used way too much lube, bounced the tire iron twice, sweated buckets. Pressurized it slow – heard that satisfying “pop” when the bead finally seated. Balanced it on the old spinny stand, slapped weights where needed. Felt good seeing that fresh black rubber shining under garage lights.
First Ride Impressions
Morning after mounting, roads were dry but chilly. Took it stupid easy those first 15 miles – you know, letting em scrub in. Cold grip felt sketchy initially; reminded myself not to be an idiot. But as things warmed up… whoa. Leaned into this familiar roundabout, and man. Felt glued. Like the bike dug its nails in. Acceleration out felt controlled – no weird squirming. Later that week, caught some drizzle. Braked gentle for a red light expecting to slip – nope. Held firm. Real confidence boost compared to my old, squared-off junk tires.
Couple Hundred Miles Later
Got some serious miles on them now. Pros first:
Grip: Unreal when warmed. Corners feel planted – lets me carry way more speed.
Feedback: Communicates super clearly. Feel that front end dig in.
Warm-up: Quicker than expected. Not instant, but decent for the cold morning commutes.
Downsides though:
Wear: Yeah, they disappear faster than cheap beer at a party. Grip ain’t free. Maybe 3,000 miles if I’m lucky? Price of admission.
Cold: First 2 miles? Slippery as butter on ice. Seriously gotta chill.
Cost: Cheap they ain’t. Shelled out more than usual, hurts the wallet a bit.
Would I Buy Them Again?
For pure street riding where grip trumps everything? Hell yes. Worth every penny just for that planted feel carving backroads. Touring? Nah, look elsewhere. Durability sucks. Track days? Maybe beginner groups. Got a 120/70 R17 front tire slot on something sporty? These are solid. Just keep that cash ready for replacements. Got mine pushing hard, no regrets.