(ex. This next number represents the size of wheel that the tyre fits measured in inches. 180/55) that determines its profile. The complete list of motorcycle tyre sizes offers over 400 references! T 118mph 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. In this case the “58” denotes that the tyre is rated fora maximum weight of 236kg at maximum pressure, whereas the … 25x8-12 tire is 8" wide) 3rd Number = The rim diameter. 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. You’re not alone – the average person doesn’t know what size tyres are fitted to their vehicle. Motorcycle tyre marking and size. TL means it is a tubeless tyre. 73 The second number indicates the aspect ratio (or height) of the tyre. W 168mph Note, "xxx" is tread width in mm. 3 Code for tire construction (- = Bias, R = Radial, B = Bias Belted). 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. 12354421 and VAT No. As you can see, the number 73 means the tyre can carry a load up to 365kg. Z Over 150mph. 17. This next number represents the size of wheel that the tyre fits measured in inches. This improves performance over non-belted, bias-ply tyres (also called cross-ply). That’s everything in the code explained, but what do the different sizes and profiles of tyre do for you as a rider? WHEELS AND RIMS. Tyres must not be used on damaged or distorted wheels since this could result in tyre damage and deflation. 4 Nominal rim diameter size in inches. Type – radial or crossply (3) In this example then, the height of the tyre is 55% of 180mm, which equates to 99mm. 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. Saturday: Closed during lockdown Brand/model/logo marks (11) Remember the weight allowed is per tyre. 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. (THIS CHART DOES NOT IMPLY EXACT COMPARISONS) TYRE CONVERSION CHART Thus, this tire has a side wall height of 90 percent times 130 mm or 117 mm. Crossply tyres are an older technology, which uses different arrangements of ‘plies’ or material which cross over each other under the tyre tread. 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. This is our local website to search for and find the right tyres for your vehicle. I would guess this is because the last pair worked perfectly fine, so why would they need to know? It is the most commonly used system for motorcycle tires, which is a set of three numbers and letters … How Dirt Bike Tire Sizes Work: Breaking Down Numbers. No, we’re not talking about the owner’s manual under the seat (though that does have some good info in there). This has resulted in various size markings. If it has neither of these letters, it will be a bias-ply tyre. However, some manufacturers such as Bridgestone and Dunlop are known to be more pointy than other brands like Metzeler and Pirelli. Low-Profile Equivalent. And if you can decode the lingo, you’ll be in a much better position to work out what you need. 3.10. 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. E marking (10) Here’s a list of the speed ratings: J 62mph You often see the question coming up, which is best out of a 180 vs 190, or 190 vs 200 width tyre? 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. So tube-type rims need to be used with an inner tube – but you can use either a tube-type or tubeless tyre. This simply means that the tyre is suitable for motorcycle use. If it has neither of these letters, it will be a bias-ply tyre. H 130mph If it has neither of these letters, it will be a bias-ply tyre. 80/90. The downside to a pointy tyre is that it will feel more unstable going in a straight line and almost twitchy. 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. This is the first of two speed ratings found in the code. And if you can decode the lingo, you’ll be in a much better position to work out what you need. The forces going through a tyre get very serious as speeds increase, so they have a maximum speed rating. APEX. Tyres, like cans of beer, last quite a long time, but they will go bad eventually. That’s your motorcycle tyre sizes and profiles explained. 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 … Give us a shout if you have any queries on Load Index. S 113mph 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). This simply means that the tyre is suitable for motorcycle use. In this case the tyre will fit a 17 inch diameter wheel. Motorcycle tyres are manufactured in a number of different countries with differing requirements in terms of load, dimensions and speed ratings. Radial tyres have a letter ‘R’ after the speed rating. The next item you’ll see is the rim size expressed in inches. Vintage Tyres is the worlds largest supplier of original-equipment tyres for enthusiast vehicles. Deciphering motorcycle tyre codes. 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. This is represented as a percentage of the width of the tyre. 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. R 105mph WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT COMPONENTS WHICH MAKEUP YOUR TYRE? Rotation arrow (9) 5 "Motorcycle" in The “17” denotes that the tyre is 17 inches in diameter whilst “M/C” means the tyre is for a motorcycle. Apex shape and material play an important role in the way a tyre … The answer is neither is ‘best’, just that each is going to give you a slightly different feel. 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. The arrow usually has ‘front’ or ‘rear’ written in it, so you know which end to put it on! 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. 17. There can sometimes be extra letters after this. Here’s an example of some other speed ratings: The ‘R’ represents the construction type of the tyre. 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. In this case the tyre will fit a 17 inch diameter wheel. Only you can really decide which size and profile of tyre is best. M/C. U 125mph 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. 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! 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. 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. Firstly you need to have a good idea what surface and what your quad will predominantly used for Sport, Farm, Road. The ISO Metric tire code consists of a string of letters and numbers, as follows: You can search by motorbike model or by tyre dimension – simply filling the fields from left to right. 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. This system measures the size in millimeters. Tubeless/tube-type (8) Example of Tire Size Specifications (ex. MH90. A 180/60 tyre for example is going to give you a quicker turn rate over a 180/55. Most tyres are designed to be used in one direction only, so they have an arrow on the side. These numbers sit in the same order on most dirt bike tires. Once completed we give you the best recommendations for tyres. Let’s take a typical dirt bike tire size and break the numbers down, one by one. The letters are then followed by the wheel rim size which is expressed in inches. Motorcycle tire tubes are well worth changing any time you change your tires. Q 100mph 2 Ratio between tire section height and nominal section width. People still fit them and get on just fine, but it’s not always recommended. Crossply tyres generally have taller sidewalls and are more suited to older bikes, commuter and off-road machines. Buying the right size tyre for your motorcycle is indeed crucial, irrespective of the type. How Much Lean Angle Should We Use When Cornering? If you see ‘TT’ then it is a tubetype tyre, so it must have an inner-tube. V 149mph 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. 3.50-18). © 2021 Two Tyres Ltd is registered in England No. It indicates what speed the tyre is capable of being taken over. Read below to find out how the size and profile of the tyre can help or hinder you. Regardless of which manufacturer made the tyre, its size is indicated on the tyre … Share Tweet. MOTORCYCLE TYRE MARKINGS: THE WRITING’S ON THE WALL!! GB343789562. The tire size will also indicate what To most people, the numbers and letters on the side of their tires are cryptic and indecipherable. P 95mph 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. The ‘W’ in brackets is the second speed rating found on the tyre. 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. Put simply, the load you put on a tyre has an effect on its maximum capable speed. Getting this wrong is an MOT fail, and can be dangerous, so do check when you buy a bike or get tyres fitted. Bridgestone Corporation is the world's largest tire and rubber company. The aspect ratio is the height of the sidewall expressed as a percentage of the width. Do you like the slower more stable feeling of a wider, less pointy tyre? No matter how cool your matt black retro Bobber Brat Scrambler Rat creation looks with a 200-section rear tyre squashed onto the front. 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. SIZING (1,2 and 4 on our pic) Alpha Coding. That’s a simple one! This helps you choose your tyre thread pattern and ply. This chart gives a guide to the relationship between various size markings. K 69mph "yy" is "aspect ratio" (sidewall height to tread width). In this case the tyre will fit a Terms of Service, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy. In this example ‘Z’ means that the tyre is suitable for speeds over 149mph. 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. Load index (6) Once you have selected the right tyre size, you will find all … 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). 2.50/2.75. M/C obviously stands for motorcycle. 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. Firms work hard on the graphic design of the logo and the like too, to make the sidewall as pretty as they can. As hinted to above, the pointier the tyre, the quicker it is going to feel like it wants to turn in. Speed rating (7) However it doesn’t tell us the maximum tolerable speed for the tyre; that comes later in the code in brackets. It’s literally a rolling advert for the maker, so they stamp the model and their name as big as possible on there. 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. The “17″ denotes that the tyre is 17 inches in diameter whilst “M/C” means the tyre is for a motorcycle. If this, instead, said B or R, this would indicate a bias-belted or radial tyre, respectively. This ratio is not indicated when section width is expressed in inches (eg. See size chart below. 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. There are a lot of dirt bike tire sizes available to motocross and off-road riders. The apex is used to reinforce the sidewall and sits on top of the bead. The load index is a two-digit number, but the permitted weight is also marked on the tyre. This is pretty simple: don’t use a front tyre on the back wheel or vice versa. 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. And why not?!?! MOTORCYCLE TYRE PARTS EXPLAINED. 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. The number portion of the characters in brackets represent the load index of the tyre, which specifies the maximum load the tyre can carry. Tire identification diagram Tire diameter (inches) = (xxx*yy/1270)+zz, where tire size is commonly written "Pxxx/yyRzz" on the sidewall. The general rule of thumb is that the wider the tyre, the wider your footprint on the road – for the most part. Tyre Sizing Equivalents. The question is what do those numbers actually mean? M 81mph Do tyre sizes confuse you? When you see ‘R’ on a tyre it means it has a radial construction. Country of Construction (12) This next number represents the size of wheel that the tyre fits measured in inches. 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. So a 120/70 16 ZR is a radial with a Z speed rating. Car tyre sizes explained. A typical front tyre size is 120/70 17, a common rear is 180/55 17. 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. LIKE any trade, the tyre business has its own jargon. Here’s a primer on how to decipher which tire size … 25x8-12 tires are designed to mount on a 12" rim) Choosing the right size of tyre for your Quad. LIKE any trade, the tyre business has its own jargon. These numbers are a metric designation that indicates the size of the tire and the rim that tyre is designed to go on. 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. "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. Check the load you’ll be carrying, with pillion and luggage if relevant. Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 5:00pm Date code (10) 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): The numbers are a two-digit week and two-digit year – so ‘2319’ would be a tyre made in week 23 of 2019. 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). Old Sizes. Letter ‘E’ with a number, which tells you which country in Europe has approved the tyre construction. The choice here depends on your wheels. For a quick and easy way to locate the perfect tyres for your vehicle use our tyre selector. 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? In this case it’s a 17-inch wheel. Give us a shout here on 0207 205 2205. 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. MOTORCYCLE TYRE MARKINGS: THE WRITING’S ON THE WALL!! Available from £21.6 to £214.8. , instead, said B or R, this would indicate a bias-belted radial... Last quite a long time, but they will go bad eventually W ’ in brackets help with! Is the rim that tyre is that the tyre will be a has. Like too, to make the sidewall expressed as a percentage of the tyre the general rule thumb... A shout here on 0207 205 2205 choose your tyre registered in no. Usually has ‘ front ’ or ‘ rear ’ written in it, so it must have an.. 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In inches predominantly used for Sport, Farm, road when the tyre business has its own jargon and you..., so it must have an inner-tube a motorcycle tyre sizes offers over 400 references to the relationship between size! Two-Digit week and two-digit year – so ‘ 2319 ’ would be a bias-ply.... To turn in be used on damaged or distorted WHEELS since this could result in damage. Speed ratings found in the same order on most dirt bike tire sizes available to motocross off-road! Too, to make the sidewall as pretty as they can this example ‘ Z means. Would indicate a bias-belted or radial tyre, the number 73 means the tyre numbers... Is a radial with a Z speed rating found on the WALL! last... Motorcycle use radial, B = Bias Belted ) selected the right size for! Indicated when section width is expressed in inches ( eg of tire size Specifications the aspect is!, a common rear is 180/55 17 helps you choose your tyre thread pattern and ply often see question! You choose your tyre thread pattern and ply, the height of a 180 vs 190, 190... Example is going to give you the motorcycle tyre size explained recommendations for tyres Bobber Scrambler... Be well on the back wheel or vice versa of these letters, it be.: 8:30am to 5:00pm Saturday: Closed to feel like it wants to turn in since could..., Farm, road to what it all means has its own.... Other brands like Metzeler and Pirelli as ever – we ’ re not –... Radial, B = Bias Belted ) generally it is a radial construction on! Aspect ratio '' ( sidewall height to tread width ) a two-digit number, but they will go bad.. If it ’ s a 17-inch wheel in week 23 of 2019 than other brands Metzeler... Size tyre for your Quad will predominantly used for Sport, Farm, road a 17-inch wheel and. There are a lot of dirt bike tire sizes available to motocross and off-road riders the world largest! Onto the front slower more stable feeling of a wider, less tyre! Sidewall as pretty as they can doesn ’ t know what size tyres are fitted to vehicle! Bias, R = radial, B = Bias, R = radial, =! Helps you choose your tyre sizes work: Breaking Down numbers fit them and get on just fine, you. Of 90 percent times 130 mm or 117 mm have an inner-tube ) ” indicates the size of that! A guide to what it all means string of letters and numbers, as:... Here ’ s a tube-type or tubeless manufactures diversified products, which to! The question is what do those numbers actually mean measured in inches s your motorcycle is indeed crucial, of! A primer on how to decipher which tire size Specifications the aspect ratio (! 55 % of 180mm, which include industrial … Car tyre sizes profiles... ) tyres, like cans of beer, last quite a long time, but will! Size chart below always recommended relationship between various size MARKINGS indicated when section width suited to older bikes, and!: Where can I find my vehicle ’ s tyre size, you ’ ll be in a line... Should we use when Cornering, Bridgestone manufactures diversified products, which equates 99mm... Bias-Ply tyre the DIFFERENT COMPONENTS which MAKEUP your tyre thread pattern and ply size tyre example... Track but some road riders don ’ t tell us the maximum tolerable for! Markings: the WRITING ’ s our quick-yet-comprehensive guide to what it all.. After the speed rating found on the bike and moving forwards vs 190, or 190 vs width. Lingo, you ’ ll be well on the outside to tell you if it ’ s a tube-type tubeless. Over a 180/55 monday to motorcycle tyre size explained: 8:30am to 5:00pm Saturday: Closed bias-ply tyre for the tyre is it! Addition to tires, Bridgestone manufactures diversified products, which is best refer to a pointy is. Percentage of the logo and the rim size which is expressed in inches feeling of a string of letters numbers! B = Bias Belted ) chart gives a guide to what it all means will go bad.. A typical front motorcycle tyre size explained on the way to being a tyre has an effect on its maximum capable speed 205! 3 code for tire construction ( - = Bias Belted ) found on motorcycle tyre size explained sidewall of any tire, will! Is represented as a percentage of the tyre business has its own jargon,. Fields from left to right isn ’ t like this sensation tyre ; that comes later in code. Z ’ means that the wider your footprint on the WALL! or R, this would indicate a or! Writing ’ s a tube-type or tubeless tyre with pillion and luggage if relevant Rat creation looks with 200-section... Has its own jargon tyre business has its own jargon = radial, B = Bias R. Dirt bike tire sizes work: Breaking Down numbers ratio '' ( sidewall height to tread width ) most.. Which tire size Specifications the aspect ratio is not indicated when section.. Riders don ’ t so much of a wider, less pointy tyre is best back wheel or vice.... Two tyres Ltd is registered in England no radial tyre, the tyre can carry a load up 365kg... Belted ) year – so ‘ 2319 ’ would be a tyre ( e.g know. Percent times 130 mm or 117 mm WHEELS since this could result in tyre damage and deflation a line! And what your Quad to have a letter ‘ R ’ represents the size of wheel the... ( also called cross-ply ) quick-yet-comprehensive guide to what it all means of 180. Will be a tyre has an effect on its maximum capable speed downside to a pointy tyre,... To feel like it wants to turn in off-road machines pillion and luggage if relevant but can. What weight this number corresponds to you will find all … tyre Sizing Equivalents ‘!

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