how to read motorcycle tire codes
Understanding motorcycle tire codesDirection of rotation This is the simplest of all the indicators. You will notice that your tire has an arrow. …Load and speed index This is another straightforward indicator made up of a two-digit number and a letter. …Tube designation This is,perhaps,the second easiest indicator to read. …Summary The summary usually condenses all the information you can find somewhere on the tire. …
How to decipher motorcycle tire codes?
Understanding motorcycle tire codesDirection of rotation. This is the simplest of all the indicators. …Load and speed index. This is another straightforward indicator made up of a two-digit number and a letter. …Tube designation. This is,perhaps,the second easiest indicator to read. …Summary. The summary usually condenses all the information you can find somewhere on the tire. …
How to check motorcycle tyres?
There is additional wear on one or both edges.There is also additional wear found at the centre of the tyre.Front tyre has increased wear as compared to the rear tyre.There are tears.There is cupping (wear pattern of alternating hills and valleys on your tyre).There is bulging (usually caused by the interior of the tyre).More items…
What do the numbers on a motorcycle tire mean?
On the front tires:MH90 is 80/90 metric and 2.50/2.75 inchesMJ90 is 90/90 metric and 2.75/3.00 inchesMM90 is 100/90 metric and 3025/3.50 inchesMN90 is 110/90 metric and 4.00 inchesMR85 is 120/80 metric and 4.25/4.50 inchesMR90 is 120/90 metric and 4.25/4.50 inchesMT90 is 130/90 metric and 5.00/5.10 inches
How to change a motorcycle tire yourself?
Steps To Follow For Changing Tires of Motorcycle Yourself:Removing Tire This is the first step where you generally need to elevate your bike off the ground. …Deflating Tire Once the tire is removed then you need to deflate it completely. …Breaking the Bead The next step in line is to break the bead,which is holding the tire with the rim. …More items…
Motorcycle Tires – An Introduction
First of all, let’s start by stating some cold facts about motorcycle tires you might not be aware of. Let’s dig right into it:
Motorcycle tire construction
Motorcycle tires are not just pieces of rubber in the shape of tubes that sets in your bike wheels. Nowadays they have become an increasingly complex system of layers.
Motorcycle tire types
Well, we first divided motorcycle tires into two categories. But now we are about to split it even further, into multiple directions; not so much a roundabout, as a multi-exit deviation. We require different categories of tires depending on how we will use them.
Understanding motorcycle tire codes
Besides the basics like the rim diameter (otherwise it won´t fit your bike), there is much more information written on the sidewall of a motorbike tire. Let´s take a look at the essential four pieces of information you have to know.
Conclusion
Motorcycle tires have closely followed and complemented the improvements made in terms of vehicle speed and power over the years. The major motorcycle tire companies ensure to make faster rides safer, and that’s the reason there is a boost in the ongoing development of engine power.
What is neat about tires?
One neat element of tires is that they each have specific identification details etched into the sidewall that read when, where, and how the tire was made.
What is the aspect ratio of a tire?
The aspect ratio compares the height of the sidewall to the overall tire width. In other words, an aspect ratio of 55 simply means that the sidewall height is 55% of the total width (180mm).
What is a tire identification number?
The tire identification number tells you exactly who manufactured your tires and when/where they did so. Here is an example of a TIN: The TIN always begins with “DOT” and is followed by the manufacturer code and tire size. In this case, “4B” refers to a specific tire plant, while “08” is the manufacturer’s tire size.
What is R construction?
R: Radial construction – Body plies are laid parallel to one another and perpendicularly to the bead
What is the first number on a tire?
The first number in the tire code designates the section width, or the distance (in millimeters) from sidewall to sidewall. It includes three digits. Consider this example:
How fast can a tire go?
A tire with a speed rating of W can withstand a speed of up to 168 miles per hour. This information gives you a guideline for using your vehicle to haul large loads. If you exceed the load capacity or speed rating recommendations, you could risk damaging your vehicle beyond repair.
How much weight can a tire hold?
The tire size information is proceeded by its speed rating and load index classification: The number 73 refers to the tire’s load index classification, meaning that the tire can hold up to 805 pounds. The higher the load index, the more weight the tire can withstand.
How to read date code on motorcycle tires?
To read the date code on motorcycle tires, you must find the 4-digit part of the DOT code on the sidewall of a tire. The first pair of numbers means the week, and the second pair means the year. source: pitstoparabia.com.
What is the DOT code for tires?
So, if you are wanting to determine the age of a tire with the code 3507 , you should read its manufacture date as the 35 th week of 2007.
How long do motorcycle tires last?
Motorcycle tires usually last for 5 to 10 years, but the golden age, according to most manufacturers, ends at the 6 th year of a tire’s frequent usage. The aging process depends on the environment and usage conditions, type of rubber, purpose of the tire, etc.
Why do tire manufacturers put hazard information in their manuals?
After that, manufacturers started to put the hazard information in their manuals, encouraging people to check the date code.
Do you have to put a tire code on both sides?
For consumers’ convenience and attention, the code is now required to be put on both sides of a tire. This new rule touches on all other parts of the whole tire code, including the sizing of the tire, its load index, speed rate, etc.
What is a dot code on a motorcycle?
Tire date codes are also known as DOT codes in the US (DOT stands for Department Of Transport). They’re common to tires from 2000 and onward in this format. Previous to 2000, they had another format. But if you’re buying a motorcycle with tires that old, then you’re going to know they’re old… it’ll be pretty obvious!
How to tell the age of a motorcycle tire?
The tire date code, also known as the DOT code is four digits giving you first the week number and then the year (in two digits) of manufacture. You don’t have to do any math. Just remember there are 52 weeks in the year. Make it 50 for simpler mental arithmetic.
Why is it important to know the tire size?
Other good information in the tire codes is the tire dimensions — important because a tire size different to stock might be installed, which can affect the handling either adversely or positively.
What is the week number of a motorcycle tire?
Weeks 30-52 are near the end of the year. That’s all you need. And in practise on the last motorcycle I bought: An example of a motorcycle tire date code. I got lucky in decoding this tire date code because the week number is “1”, which means the beginning of the year.
What does the week number on a tire mean?
I got lucky in decoding this tire date code because the week number is “1”, which means the beginning of the year. Or unlucky, because basically, that’s a 2016 tire I bought in 2020!
How long do tires last?
If tires are stored well (cool, dark place) then they can last for many years.
How old is too old to keep a motorcycle?
If a motorcycle is stored outside in the sun — even a year old is too old. But then the motorcycle will be pretty obviously worn in other ways, like with faded paint and damaged leather/vinyl. If a motorcycle is stored under cover — three years is fine.
Why do motorcycle tires have sidewall codes?
Reading your motorcycle tire sidewall codes initially came about to identify the tires’ maker. But through the years, government legislation demanded safety markings be posted to help buyers know they are getting a legally approved tire.
Why are motorcycle tires important?
Our motorcycle tires are incredibly important. Not only relevant to our safety but also to our motorcycle’s handling. By design, it’s easy to imagine they come with specific compounds, approved safety ratings or markings. These codes are noted on the motorcycle tire sidewall and help riders identify not just sizes, but purchase healthy, approved and correctly certified motorcycle tires.
What is ETRTO in tire?
In Europe, the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation ( ETRTO) and the Tire and Rim Association (TRA) are two organisations which influence national tire standards and aim to align national tire and rim standards in Europe. An example would be “E2” – the “E” indicates that the tire conforms to ETRTO standard R75 and the “2” means that the tire was approved for this regulation by the nation of France.
What is 55 on a tire?
55 on the rear tire is the measurement from inside the bead (which sits inside the wheel rim holding the tire within it) to the top of the tire is 55% of the tires width. In this example, 55% of 180 millimetres is 99 millimetres, or 3.9 inches. Same formula for 70 on the front.
What is load index?
Load index and speed rating. The load index is the weight the tire is capable of handling when properly inflated. Most tire manufacturers show on the sidewall what that maximum load is so there is no guessing.
Why is it important to buy the right tire for a motorcycle?
Buying and using the right tire for your specific motorcycle or scooter is very important to its load, speed and overall performance.
What to check when mounting new tires?
There have been cases (usually happening in haste) when the mechanic puts the tire on in the wrong direction. Additionally, check the inflation (PSI) as like under inflation, one of the biggest mistakes people make with their tires is to exceed maximum levels and manufacturer inflation specs leading to poor handling and premature wear.
Treadwear indicator
The first thing you should check is the tire wear indicator (TWI), which is a triangle imprinted on the side of the tire. It points to a line of rubber that is built into the tire that runs across the tread. If you notice this line is level with the top of the tread grooves, you will need to replace the tire.
Other types of wear
Motorcycle Tire Wear can indicate a number of issues. For instance, if the center of the tire is more worn than the edges, the tires may be overinflated. Conversely, underinflated tires will have worn edges. When your tires are underinflated, make sure to keep an eye on the pressure when you refill them.
Where to find the tire code
So how can you tell when your motorcycle tires reach their sixth birthday? You don’t have to play guessing games to figure it out – the information is all right in front of you, on the sidewall of each tire. Look on the outer sidewall for the acronym “DOT,” which should be followed by a series of numbers.
Deciphering the numbers
You may need to grab a calculator to figure out the age of a tire. For example, a tire with the digits 2510 was made in the 25th week of 2010. Instead of grabbing a calendar and counting out the weeks to determine the month, you can simply divide the number of weeks by 4.3. In this case, the tire would have been made in June 2010.
Motorcycle Tire Sizes Rim Width Chart
British motorcycle rims (Triumph, BSA, Norton etc.) are marked with a letter and number designation. This is helpful to know what tires you can mount on your rim based on the manufacturer’s specs.
Common Motorcycle Tire Sizes Chart
The following chart shows some common tire sizes, including their width and the diameter. Very handy when choosing which tire will fit your bike, or which motorcycle rear fender to buy to fit the tire you want to run on your new build!
Todd Muller
Todd Muller is known for his experience and knowledge of motorcycle mechanics. His specialties include Triumph and Harley-Davidsons, and he has helped thousands of people around the world with everything from how to wire their custom bike to rebuilding an engine.
