You will never get lost in choosing the right tires anymore! I will give simple and easy tips on how to read and understand the tire sizes, its meaning, and the replacement timing that most riders are concerned about.
A tire is a daily use component for motorcycles. I assumed that some riders may know the markings of the tire size, though many riders who don't know its meaning and searching constantly during tire replacement. I will introduce how to read the information marked on the tire sidewall.
Table of Contents
1. How to read tire size
How to read tire size
The first thing you should know is about the tire size for you to choose the right size suitable for your motorcycle. The tire size is marked on the tire sidewall. Besides the size, various information such as the tire manufacturer name, speed index, and date of manufacture are marked on the tire sidewall.
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▲ Metric notation |
▲ Inch notation |
For tire size marking, there are multiple methods like metric notation and inch notation, but the notation is standardized worldwide, having no significant difference between manufacturers. The common position of the code is the same sequence as the manufacturer's name and brand name engraved on the tire sidewall. In fact, the size highlighted with light blue is important when choosing tires. (Tire width, Aspect ratio, Rim size)
Tire width
This indicates the cross-sectional width of the tire. In some cases, the unit size is mm or inch notation depending on the tire.
Aspect ratio
This is a numerical value indicating the ratio from the height to the width of the tire.
Rim size
This is the rim size of the wheel suitable for the tire, and may also be regarded as the inner size of the tire. The unit of measurement is indicated in inch.
If you could remember at least these three points, you can choose a tire that best suits on your motorcycle!
Apart from that, tires are marked with information indicating its structure and design!
Structural notation
This indicates the structure of the tire.
・It is marked with "R" for radial structure and "ZR" for tires with a maximum speed of more than 270 km/h.
・It is marked with a hypen "-" for bias structure.
・The tire marked with "B" is an indication of a belted-bias composition where a bias structure is reinforced with a belt. The belted-bias structure is suitable for heavy vehicles due to its increased tread rigidity.
Load index
This is an index indicating the maximum load capacity for the tire. Hereafter referred to as the load index.
Speed index
This is an index indicating that the tire is capable to travel to its maximum speed. Hereafter referred to as speed index, and speed range as well.
2. What are the guidelines for tire replacement?
Usually, the timing of the tire replacement is supposed to be replace for about 3 years from its production date. This is risky because even the groove remains on the tire that has been manufactured for years, the tire will not be able to demonstrate its original performance as the rubber will be hardened, leading to a major accident such as a falling.
Manufacturing week of the year
The manufacturing week of the year engraved on the tire sidewall is common worldwide. The tires manufactured prior to the year 2000 are marked with 3 digits, while the tires manufactured after the year 2000 are marked with 4 digits. The last 2 digits shown below are the year of manufacture, while the first 2 digits are the week of manufacture.
Moreover, please be reminded when tires are running out of grooves as it is dangerous even if the number of the year specified on the tire is not yet aged. In case of the occurrence of the tread wear indicator, it is recommended to replace the tire as early as possible.
▲ The tread wear indicator often displays on the side of the tire.
Other factors you should be cautious includes tires where only the center is worn-out, tires on the edge tend to be used for sports, and tires with cracked or punctured.
3. Webike available tires from well-known manufacturers!