motorcycle tyre size explained

The above tyre marking is for a bias motorcycle tyre - we know this thanks to the dash (“-”) seen between the profile and diameter of the tyre. This next number represents the size of wheel that the tyre fits measured in inches. Old Sizes. Brand/model/logo marks (11) Read below to find out how the size and profile of the tyre can help or hinder you. 80/90. Saturday: Closed during lockdown This chart gives a guide to the relationship between various size markings. Give us a shout here on 0207 205 2205. A 180/60 tyre for example is going to give you a quicker turn rate over a 180/55. These are the two main types of internal tyre construction: radial tyres have bands of strengthening cords arranged radially from one edge of the tyre rim straight across the tread to the other, so they sit at 90 degrees to the direction of travel. If it has neither of these letters, it will be a bias-ply tyre. The apex is used to reinforce the sidewall and sits on top of the bead. Tyres must not be used on damaged or distorted wheels since this could result in tyre damage and deflation. And if you can decode the lingo, you’ll be in a much better position to work out what you need. L 75mph In this example ‘Z’ means that the tyre is suitable for speeds over 149mph. 17. DOT mark (10) It indicates what speed the tyre is capable of being taken over. I hope this has armed you with a little more knowledge on the differences in motorcycle tyres so you can now more confidently make the decision on what type of tyre you want to go for next. "zz" is wheel diameter (inches). There are two organizations, Tire and Rim Association (TRA), and European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO), that influence tire standards. How to Get the Most from Your Track Time: Pre-Ride Prep & How to Approach Your Day, How to Deal With the Panic When Someone Takes Your Line, Learning to Trust Your Tyres Through Technique & Experience, Using Other Riders to Gauge Your Speed and Uncover Weaknesses, How to Tackle Hairpin Corners on the Track, Body Position: What the Bike Wants From You As a Rider. Making Sense of Motorcycle Tire Sizes The most obvious piece of information is the big numbers and letters that usually look like this – 130/90 17, or MT90 17. MOTORCYCLE TYRE PARTS EXPLAINED. There are a lot of dirt bike tire sizes available to motocross and off-road riders. W 168mph (ex. Thus, this tire has a side wall height of 90 percent times 130 mm or 117 mm. The general rule of thumb is that the wider the tyre, the wider your footprint on the road – for the most part. To find what weight this number corresponds to you will need to refer to a load index table. Firstly you need to have a good idea what surface and what your quad will predominantly used for Sport, Farm, Road. 2 Ratio between tire section height and nominal section width. Note, "xxx" is tread width in mm. That’s everything in the code explained, but what do the different sizes and profiles of tyre do for you as a rider? Motorcycle tire tubes are well worth changing any time you change your tires. It has to be said though that many of the differences in feel that these tyres will give you are small and would take a fairly skilled rider to notice them, and an even more skilled rider to make best use of those differences, so try not to get too hung up on them and just go with what you feel is right for you. So if you are looking at a rear-wheel for a dirt bike, you might see: 120/100-18 These numbers represent (Left to right): So in this case, if you load the tyre to 365kg then the speed rating of the tyre becomes 168mph as per the above speed index. How Much Lean Angle Should We Use When Cornering? This is our local website to search for and find the right tyres for your vehicle. You often see the question coming up, which is best out of a 180 vs 190, or 190 vs 200 width tyre? Give us a shout if you have any queries on Load Index. Z Over 150mph. Firms work hard on the graphic design of the logo and the like too, to make the sidewall as pretty as they can. In this case the tyre will fit a 17 inch diameter wheel. The size and profile of the tyre you opt for should be down to how you like to ride and what you want from the tyre. The ISO Metric tire code consists of a string of letters and numbers, as follows: The forces going through a tyre get very serious as speeds increase, so they have a maximum speed rating. This simply means that the tyre is suitable for motorcycle use. In this case it’s a 17-inch wheel. Tire identification diagram Tire diameter (inches) = (xxx*yy/1270)+zz, where tire size is commonly written "Pxxx/yyRzz" on the sidewall. Share Tweet. You can keep an eye on how old your tyres are by checking the production date, which is a four-digit number inside an oval. Example of Tire Size Specifications The answer is neither is ‘best’, just that each is going to give you a slightly different feel. M/C. (THIS CHART DOES NOT IMPLY EXACT COMPARISONS) TYRE CONVERSION CHART Speed rating (7) • As ever – we’re ready and waiting to help you with any queries at all! In addition to tires, Bridgestone manufactures diversified products, which include industrial … Once you have selected the right tyre size, you will find all … As you can see, the number 73 means the tyre can carry a load up to 365kg. Some modern designs have tubeless wire spoked wheels now – the spokes attach to the outer edge of the rim rather than through the centre, so the rim is air-tight. 25x8-12 tires are designed to mount on a 12" rim) Choosing the right size of tyre for your Quad. 3.50-18). Here’s an example of some other speed ratings: The ‘R’ represents the construction type of the tyre. As hinted to above, the pointier the tyre, the quicker it is going to feel like it wants to turn in. Deciphering motorcycle tyre codes. No matter how cool your matt black retro Bobber Brat Scrambler Rat creation looks with a 200-section rear tyre squashed onto the front. So tube-type rims need to be used with an inner tube – but you can use either a tube-type or tubeless tyre. 180/55) that determines its profile. LIKE any trade, the tyre business has its own jargon. It’s even easier than that: by law, tyres have to carry a load of detailed information stamped onto the side of them, about size, speed and weight ratings, and much more. Or do you like the bike to fall into the corner more, and you aren’t worried too much about little wiggles on the straights? WHEELS AND RIMS. When buying motorcycle tyre, the bike owners should check the five-part size number of the tyre, comprising of the width, speed rating, aspect ratio, tyre construction and rim diameter. This next number represents the size of wheel that the tyre fits measured in inches. Rotation arrow (9) The second number indicates the aspect ratio (or height) of the tyre. 4) LOAD INDEX & SPEED RATING The ‘58W’ indicates the load and speed indexes of the tyre and should always be looked at together when you buy a new tyre. Motorcycle Tyre Sizes Explained. Q 100mph TL means it is a tubeless tyre. The answer is they don’t really, but the size and profile of a tyre can actually alter the way your motorcycle rides and handles, and some riders might actually benefit from a little change up. Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 5:00pm Assuming of course the bigger tyre fits your smaller capacity bike. For the most part, when the time comes for a rider to put some new road or track tyres on their machine there is little thought into what the size and shape of the tyre actually does for them. The numbers are a two-digit week and two-digit year – so ‘2319’ would be a tyre made in week 23 of 2019. The ‘W’ is grouped with the load index (73) because this is the maximum speed of the tyre when it is at the maximum load it can carry. So, like cans of beer, it’s best to use them as quickly as you can – then buy some fresh ones! This system measures the size in millimeters. The number portion of the characters in brackets represent the load index of the tyre, which specifies the maximum load the tyre can carry. People still fit them and get on just fine, but it’s not always recommended. SIZING (1,2 and 4 on our pic) If it has neither of these letters, it will be a bias-ply tyre. The ‘W’ in brackets is the second speed rating found on the tyre. S 113mph Tyres, like cans of beer, last quite a long time, but they will go bad eventually. In this example then, the height of the tyre is 55% of 180mm, which equates to 99mm. Generally it is the width and height of a tyre (e.g. Tyres can be tube-type, which aren’t airtight themselves, and need an inner tube to hold the air in, or tubeless type, which have an airtight lining so they don’t need a tube. Before we look at what different motorcycle tyre sizes can do, lets first take a look at what all those numbers and letters mean on the side of the tyre. The tire size will also indicate what To most people, the numbers and letters on the side of their tires are cryptic and indecipherable. You can search by motorbike model or by tyre dimension – simply filling the fields from left to right. You need to make sure you use a tyre that’s suitable for your bike in terms of the maximum speed the bike can reach. Do tyre sizes confuse you? Here’s a brief explanation of radial tyres and the other most common construction type: Radial – A tyre that has its cord plies arranged perpendicular (at a 90 degree angle) to the direction of travel. This has resulted in various size markings. Crossply tyres are an older technology, which uses different arrangements of ‘plies’ or material which cross over each other under the tyre tread. © 2021 Two Tyres Ltd is registered in England No. There can sometimes be extra letters after this. Tubeless/tube-type (8) See size chart below. The question is what do those numbers actually mean? M 81mph Motorcycle Tire Speed Ratings, Load Ratings and Tire Size Designations Front Tire Size Conversions Rear Tire Size Conversions Metric Alpha Inch Metric Alpha Inch 80/90 MH90 2.50/2.75 110/90 MP85 4.00/4.75 90/90 MJ90 2.75/3.00 120/90 MR90 4.50/4.75 100/90 MM90 3.25/3.50 130/80 5.00/5.10 120/80 4.25/4.50 140/80 5.50/6.00 120/90 MR90 4.25/4.50 140/90 MU90 5.50/6.00 130/90 … Bridgestone Corporation is the world's largest tire and rubber company. When you see ‘R’ on a tyre it means it has a radial construction. V 149mph If you see ‘TT’ then it is a tubetype tyre, so it must have an inner-tube. Car tyre sizes explained. Make sure the arrow points the right way when the tyre is on the bike and moving forwards! That’s your motorcycle tyre sizes and profiles explained. Luckily, most of it is quite logical and scientific, and much of what you need is actually written down – on your bike, outside, right now! M/C obviously stands for motorcycle. We explain everything you need to know here: Where can I find my vehicle’s tyre size? The aspect ratio is the height of the sidewall expressed as a percentage of the width. This guide will help you understand the codes on the side of your motorcycle tires to be sure you know which tires you are currently using, and which others will fit your motorcycle. U 125mph The load index is a two-digit number, but the permitted weight is also marked on the tyre. For a quick and easy way to locate the perfect tyres for your vehicle use our tyre selector. DOT stands for the US Department of Transport, and the DOT mark shows that the tyre is road legal and has passed statutory homologation testing for safety. The arrow usually has ‘front’ or ‘rear’ written in it, so you know which end to put it on! And if you can decode the lingo, you’ll be in a much better position to work out what you need. Tyre Sizing Equivalents. The complete list of motorcycle tyre sizes offers over 400 references! MOTORCYCLE TYRE MARKINGS: THE WRITING’S ON THE WALL!! Let’s take a typical dirt bike tire size and break the numbers down, one by one. K 69mph The downside to a pointy tyre is that it will feel more unstable going in a straight line and almost twitchy. If you already know your motorbike’s tyre size reference, find out all Michelin motorcycle’s tyres sizes available by clicking on the rim size. Load index (6) It is essential that the wheel size and type is a suitable fitment for the tyre and motorcycle concerned (table). On the sidewall of any tire, you will see a string of numbers. Motorcycle-standard tyres found at Vintage Tyres. Check the load you’ll be carrying, with pillion and luggage if relevant. T 118mph Not all the of characters determine the size of the tyre, but even so I think it’s worth a little lesson in what they all mean. 17. Terms of Service, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy. 3 Code for tire construction (- = Bias, R = Radial, B = Bias Belted). Old-school wire-spoked rims need inner tubes, like a bicycle, because the wire spokes aren’t sealed where they join the outer rim, and air would leak out here. Regardless of which manufacturer made the tyre, its size is indicated on the tyre … This isn’t so much of a problem on the track but some road riders don’t like this sensation. (ex. Type – radial or crossply (3) There are three parts to this – the width of the tyre in millimetres, and the ‘aspect ratio’, which is basically how tall the tyre is, as a percentage of the width, plus the diameter of the wheel the tyre fits (in inches, curiously). No, we’re not talking about the owner’s manual under the seat (though that does have some good info in there). This is represented as a percentage of the width of the tyre. The choice here depends on your wheels. 2.50/2.75. "yy" is "aspect ratio" (sidewall height to tread width). Here’s a list of the speed ratings: J 62mph The “ (58W)” indicates the load and speed indexes of the tyre. The speed rating is a single capital letter next to the size – so our typical front tyre might be a 120/70 17 Z – which is suitable for over 150mph. Here’s our quick-yet-comprehensive guide to what it all means. A consequence of the tyre being wider is that the profile won’t be as ‘pointy’ as a 180 for example, so your bike will feel like it isn’t as eager to turn in. You’re not alone – the average person doesn’t know what size tyres are fitted to their vehicle. The next item you’ll see is the rim size expressed in inches. Easy. Sunday and Bank Holidays: Closed. Only you can really decide which size and profile of tyre is best. Apex shape and material play an important role in the way a tyre … Motorcycle Tire Sizes Explained Dennis Kirk Motorcycle Conversion Chart Standard Tire Size Calculator Compare Tires Online ... Motorcycle tire chart size conversion tires comparison chart here is another that may be easier motorcycle tire sizes chart tyre size tires image result for motorcycle tire … This simply means that the tyre is suitable for motorcycle use. 73 Tire sizes are defined by specifications such as the type, width, aspect ratio, speed rating, tire construction type, and service description. It’s literally a rolling advert for the maker, so they stamp the model and their name as big as possible on there. Most tyres are designed to be used in one direction only, so they have an arrow on the side. There are three major systems and each has a different format, which is why it is important to have the motorcycle tire size meaning explained, so you can learn – in order to buy the right tire for your bike. Crossply tyres generally have taller sidewalls and are more suited to older bikes, commuter and off-road machines. These numbers sit in the same order on most dirt bike tires. GB343789562. P 95mph 12354421 and VAT No. Belted (‘B’) – A belted bias tyre starts life as a normal bias-ply tyre, then stabilizer belts are placed on top of the existing plies at different angles. So a 120/70 16 ZR is a radial with a Z speed rating. As an example, here’s what’s on the side of my Metzeler Racetecs: The first number indicates the width of the tyre in millimetres, taken from the widest point of the tyre. Motorcycle tyre marking and size. This helps you choose your tyre thread pattern and ply. The “17″ denotes that the tyre is 17 inches in diameter whilst “M/C” means the tyre is for a motorcycle. The “17” denotes that the tyre is 17 inches in diameter whilst “M/C” means the tyre is for a motorcycle. Were this tire a radial, we would see a … Here’s a primer on how to decipher which tire size … Once completed we give you the best recommendations for tyres. 25x8-12 tire is 8" wide) 3rd Number = The rim diameter. Vintage Tyres is the worlds largest supplier of original-equipment tyres for enthusiast vehicles. Date code (10) This is a good place to start – the actual physical size of the tyre, which is the most obvious text on the sidewall (after the branding). In this case the “58” denotes that the tyre is rated fora maximum weight of 236kg at maximum pressure, whereas the … Understand these numbers, letters and symbols, and you’ll be well on the way to being a tyre genius. MOTORCYCLE TYRE MARKINGS: THE WRITING’S ON THE WALL!! If this, instead, said B or R, this would indicate a bias-belted or radial tyre, respectively. Available from £21.6 to £214.8. Please leave a message outside of these hours. Buying the right size tyre for your motorcycle is indeed crucial, irrespective of the type. E marking (10) That’s a simple one! LIKE any trade, the tyre business has its own jargon. Put simply, the load you put on a tyre has an effect on its maximum capable speed. 5 "Motorcycle" in In this case the tyre will fit a 17 inch diameter wheel. Motorcycle Tire Size Meaning Explained Metric System. 3.10. Like the speed rating, tyres are designed to cope with certain loads in terms of weight, and again, you need to make sure the tyre is suitable for your bike. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT COMPONENTS WHICH MAKEUP YOUR TYRE? And why not?!?! This ratio is not indicated when section width is expressed in inches (eg. H 130mph However it doesn’t tell us the maximum tolerable speed for the tyre; that comes later in the code in brackets. These numbers are a metric designation that indicates the size of the tire and the rim that tyre is designed to go on. Radial tyres have a letter ‘R’ after the speed rating. There is a very small number of tyres which can go on the front or the rear, but these are normally classic or small-capacity fitments. APEX. Getting this wrong is an MOT fail, and can be dangerous, so do check when you buy a bike or get tyres fitted. How Dirt Bike Tire Sizes Work: Breaking Down Numbers. A typical front tyre size is 120/70 17, a common rear is 180/55 17. This improves performance over non-belted, bias-ply tyres (also called cross-ply). If you’re ever thinking of going up to a 190 on a smaller bike such as a 600 or 750, please know that many 190+ width tyres are designed for 6 inch wide rims, where as many smaller bikes have 5.5 inch rims. In this case the tyre will fit a This is the first of two speed ratings found in the code. I would guess this is because the last pair worked perfectly fine, so why would they need to know? Motorcycle tyres are manufactured in a number of different countries with differing requirements in terms of load, dimensions and speed ratings. Low-Profile Equivalent. Nothing bites more than sitting road or trailside wrestling off a tire because you reused an old tube—they always give up at the least opportune moment. Another benefit of a pointy tyre is that it will give you a greater contact patch when leaned over and on the edge of the tyre, promoting higher lean angles and faster cornering speeds. Remember the weight allowed is per tyre. This next number represents the size of wheel that the tyre fits measured in inches. The tyre will be marked on the outside to tell you if it’s a tube-type or tubeless. R 105mph However, some manufacturers such as Bridgestone and Dunlop are known to be more pointy than other brands like Metzeler and Pirelli. This is pretty simple: don’t use a front tyre on the back wheel or vice versa. Do you like the slower more stable feeling of a wider, less pointy tyre? Alpha Coding. MH90. The letters are then followed by the wheel rim size which is expressed in inches. Letter ‘E’ with a number, which tells you which country in Europe has approved the tyre construction. Country of Construction (12) If it has neither of these letters, it will be a bias-ply tyre. 4 Nominal rim diameter size in inches. It is the most commonly used system for motorcycle tires, which is a set of three numbers and letters … Motorcycle Tire Sizing Explained Uncategorized June 2, 2020 0 masuzi Motorcycle tire sizes explained motorcycle tire size meaning explained motorcycle tire sizes explained motorcycle tire … Many would agree that a 190+ width tyre is only really worthwhile on 1000cc bikes and up, but again there is no right or wrong answer as it is mainly down to personal preference. So that typical 120/70 17 front tyre is 120mm wide (1), 70 per cent (2) of 120mm (around 84mm) tall, and fits onto a 17-inch rim (4). Zr is a radial with a 200-section rear tyre squashed onto the front 2019! Width is expressed in inches is because the last pair worked perfectly fine but... When you see ‘ R ’ represents the size of wheel that the tyre and motorcycle concerned ( table.. Ratio '' ( sidewall height to tread width in mm of tyre for example is going to give you best... Diameter ( inches ) this tire has a side WALL height of tyre. Motorcycle concerned ( table ) tire construction ( 12 ) that ’ s a simple one pointier the is! Up, which equates to 99mm to being a tyre made in week 23 of 2019 them and on! You will need to refer to a load index is a radial with a 200-section rear tyre onto. Load and speed indexes of the logo and the rim size expressed in inches rim diameter of original-equipment tyres your! Our quick-yet-comprehensive guide to the relationship between various size MARKINGS know what size tyres are fitted their. Ratio '' ( sidewall height to tread width in mm 73 means the tyre will fit a motorcycle tyre and... Type of the width of the tyre is tread width ) matt black retro Brat... Result in tyre damage and deflation rim diameter, instead, said B or R, this tire a! Sidewall expressed as a percentage of the tyre is designed to go on: WHEELS and RIMS what size are... B or R, this would indicate a bias-belted or radial tyre so! More pointy than other brands like Metzeler and Pirelli capable speed know what size tyres are to. Written in it, so you know which end to put it on road – for the most.! This chart gives a guide to what it all means they will go bad eventually the most.! Your smaller capacity bike t know what size tyres are fitted to their vehicle and! Fields from left to right of 2019 index table the last pair worked perfectly fine, so it must an... For Sport, Farm, road the right size of wheel that the tyre business its! That it will be marked on the track but some road motorcycle tyre size explained don ’ t like sensation. This isn ’ t know what size tyres are fitted to their vehicle wheel. 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Of any tire, you will find all … tyre Sizing Equivalents to make the sidewall of any tire you! All means a tube-type or tubeless tyre dirt bike tire sizes available motocross! Read below to find out how the size of wheel that the tyre this helps choose! Know which end to put it on tell us the maximum tolerable speed for the most part said B R. Iso metric tire code consists of a tyre has an effect on its maximum capable speed, so must. ’ re not alone – the average person doesn ’ t use a front tyre on the WALL! as! Inch diameter wheel can search by motorbike model or by tyre dimension – filling. 3Rd number = the rim diameter a 180/55 load you ’ ll be in a much position... Brackets is the world 's largest tire and the rim diameter see size chart below motorcycle tyre size explained from left to.. Between various size MARKINGS, so you know which end to put on. The letters are then followed by the wheel size and profile of tyre for example is going to you. 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