225-17 Firestone Classic Blackwall Motorcycle Tire
Firestone Vintage Motorcycle tires wear two hats these days. They're authentic and great for use in the restoration of vintage American motorcycles and they've become wildly popular with custom bike builders as well. The tires feature deep tread and smooth sidewall styling with raised Firestone markings. This 17 inch rear Firestone Vintage Motorcycle tire is an excellent tire for restored or custom motorcycles.
Blackwall Tire
Since the introduction of carbon black rocked the tire industry, the original recipe for most tires has been a solid black sidewall. For classics and collector cars alike, it's hard to beat the no-nonsense appeal of a classic blackwall style tire. British sports car, classic truck and even hot rod enthusiasts love the way a nice period correct blackwall tire looks on their vehicles.
Bias Ply Construction
Bias ply tire construction is a method that was used from the 1900's through the 1970's on passenger cars and light trucks. Bias ply tires feature ply cords that run at a 45 degree angle to the bead, and overlap in a crisscross pattern, depending on how many ply layers are used. This creates a strong tire, but bias ply tires have a tendency to follow breaks or ruts in the pavement. Bias ply tires are the most authentic choice for classic car restorations and traditional hot rod builds. Coker Tire offers a huge variety of bias ply tires for many applications.
Firestone Classic Bias Ply Tires
Firestone Classic bias ply tires feature dozens of sizes and styles, making it one of the most popular authentic tire options for antique and classic cars, as well as hot rods and customs. You’ll find the Deluxe Champion and other models in this iconic product line.
Firestone Tires for Collector Vehicles
The vintage line of Firestone tires fits a wide range of cars, trucks and motorcycles built from the 1900's through the 1970's. Firestone Non Skid tires, Firestone Deluxe Champion tires, Firestone Wide Oval tires and many more famous styles and sizes are available to fit military vehicles, motorcycles and classic commercial trucks. With whitewalls, redlines, raised white letters and other classic sidewall styles, this product line is one of the most extensive and popular brands for classic cars.
Please Note
- Our New Old Stock tires are offered for display purposes only. They offer all of the authentic details of their brand new siblings at a reduced cost. NOS tires from Coker Tire Company are not intended for use on the road and are offered with no warranty.
| SKU | 68832 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.000000 |
| Brand | Firestone |
| Motorcycle Sizes | 225-17 |
| Tube Type or Tubeless | Tube Type |
| Tire Series | Firestone Classic Motorcyle |
| Rim Diameter | 17 inch |
| Tire Construction | Bias Ply |
| DOT Approved | Yes |
| Sidewall Style | Blackwall |
| Product Size | 225-17 |
| Section Width (IN) | 2.51 |
| Rim Width (in) | 1.2 |
| Overall Diameter (IN) | 21.88 |
225-17 Firestone Classic Blackwall Bias Ply Motorcycle Tire
Frequently Asked Questions
Fitment & Compatibility â–¼
The 225-17 Firestone Classic Blackwall Motorcycle Tire is intended for vintage American motorcycle restoration and custom motorcycle builds that use a 17 inch rear tire in this size. The product page identifies the tire as a rear motorcycle tire, so buyers should confirm rear wheel size before ordering.
Because the page does not list exact rim width, load rating, or full fitment chart details, final compatibility should be checked against the motorcycle’s original specifications. Confirm wheel diameter, frame clearance, fender clearance, and tube requirements before installation.
The 225-17 Firestone Classic Blackwall Motorcycle Tire is well suited to restoration projects where a period-correct blackwall appearance matters. The product page highlights smooth sidewall styling, raised Firestone markings, and vintage motorcycle use, all of which support an authentic older motorcycle presentation.
The blackwall design is understated and traditional, rather than decorative. For restorers who do not want whitewalls or modern sidewall styling, this tire helps preserve a simple factory-inspired look. Buyers should still compare the size with the original motorcycle tire specification.
The product page recommends a 225/250-17 tube with TR6 center metal stem as a related item, which strongly indicates that this tire should be installed with the correct tube. A 17 to 21 inch rim strip or tube liner is also shown as a related item.
For safe installation, use the proper tube, valve stem style, and rim protection for the wheel. Vintage motorcycle wheels often need tubes even when the tire itself looks simple. Confirm rim condition and spoke protection before mounting to reduce tube damage risk.
Tire Size Equivalents & Conversions â–¼
The 225-17 size identifies a motorcycle tire intended for a 17 inch rim. The product page presents the tire as a rear Firestone Vintage Motorcycle tire, so the size should be matched to a rear wheel that accepts this older motorcycle sizing format.
The page does not provide a modern metric conversion, aspect ratio, section width, or overall diameter. Because older motorcycle sizing can vary by construction and brand, buyers should compare the listed size with the motorcycle manual, existing tire markings, or trusted fitment data.
The 225-17 Firestone Classic Blackwall Motorcycle Tire is commonly read in the vintage motorcycle context as a 2.25-17 style size, but the product page itself lists the size as 225-17. Buyers should use the product page size and confirm fitment against the motorcycle’s original specification.
Because the page does not provide metric equivalents, do not assume a direct modern metric replacement without checking dimensions. Differences in section width, sidewall shape, and mounted height can affect fender clearance, chain clearance, and rear stance on vintage motorcycles.
The product page does not list a modern metric equivalent for the 225-17 Firestone Classic Blackwall Motorcycle Tire. Because of that, a buyer should not rely on a guessed conversion when choosing the tire for a motorcycle restoration or custom rear wheel setup.
Metric sizing depends on section width, aspect ratio, and rim diameter. Since the page does not provide aspect ratio or section width, the safest approach is to compare the existing tire, wheel size, and manufacturer fitment requirements. Exact measurements matter more than a casual conversion.
Performance & Use Case â–¼
The 225-17 Firestone Classic Blackwall Motorcycle Tire uses bias ply construction, which gives a more traditional vintage motorcycle feel than a modern radial tire. The product page describes deep tread and classic styling, so the tire is aimed at authenticity and traditional use.
Bias ply tires can respond differently to pavement seams, ruts, and road irregularities. Riders should expect a period-style road feel rather than modern sport tire precision. Proper inflation, wheel condition, and balanced installation are important for predictable road behavior.
The 225-17 Firestone Classic Blackwall Motorcycle Tire may be suitable for road use when installed on the correct motorcycle, but the product page does not list a speed rating. Buyers should not assume modern high-speed capability without checking the tire’s full specification and motorcycle requirements.
Highway riding creates heat, especially in bias ply tires and tube-type setups. Proper inflation, load control, and conservative speed expectations are important. For long highway trips, confirm speed rating, load suitability, and tire pressure guidance before relying on the tire.
The 225-17 Firestone Classic Blackwall Motorcycle Tire is better positioned for restoration and traditional custom use than aggressive performance riding. The page emphasizes authentic vintage motorcycle use, custom bike popularity, bias ply construction, deep tread, and smooth sidewall styling.
For riders seeking modern cornering grip, advanced wet performance, or high-speed touring behavior, the page does not provide enough performance data to support those expectations. This tire is most confidence-building when chosen for period appearance, correct size, and traditional road manners.
Construction, Durability & Load Capacity â–¼
The 225-17 Firestone Classic Blackwall Motorcycle Tire uses bias ply construction. The product page explains that bias ply tires use ply cords that run at an angle to the bead and overlap in a crisscross pattern.
This construction is historically appropriate for many vintage motorcycle and older vehicle applications. It offers an authentic ride and appearance, but it does not behave like a modern radial tire. Buyers should expect traditional tracking, pressure sensitivity, and a more vintage road feel.
The product page does not list a speed rating for the 225-17 Firestone Classic Blackwall Motorcycle Tire. Speed rating matters because it sets expectations for sustained road speed, heat control, and safe use within the tire’s tested capability.
This is especially important for riders planning longer highway trips. Bias ply construction and tube-type installation can be sensitive to heat buildup when speed, load, and inflation are not properly managed. Confirm the speed rating before using this tire beyond casual vintage riding.
Bias ply construction gives the 225-17 Firestone Classic Blackwall Motorcycle Tire its traditional structure and period-correct behavior. The angled ply layout can create a strong casing, which matches the type of construction used on many older motorcycle and vehicle applications.
The trade-off is that bias ply tires can follow pavement irregularities more than radial tires. Riders may feel road seams, grooves, and uneven pavement more clearly. This behavior is normal for the construction type and should be considered part of the vintage riding experience.
Installation & Maintenance â–¼
The product page recommends a 225/250-17 tube with TR6 center metal stem as a related item for the 225-17 Firestone Classic Blackwall Motorcycle Tire. That tube size is the most directly supported option shown on the page.
Tube choice should match tire size, rim design, valve stem hole, and motorcycle application. Using the wrong tube can create folds, stress, leakage, or valve misalignment. During installation, make sure the tube is not pinched between the bead and rim.
Inflation pressure is very important for the 225-17 Firestone Classic Blackwall Motorcycle Tire because bias ply tires can be sensitive to pressure changes. The product page does not list a pressure recommendation, so riders should use motorcycle and tire guidance from a reliable source.
Too little pressure can increase heat buildup, sidewall movement, and tube stress. Too much pressure can reduce ride comfort and alter the contact patch. Check pressure cold, inspect regularly, and adjust based on approved recommendations for the motorcycle’s load and use.


