Tips and Advice motorcycle
The motorcycle tire size is indicated on its sidewall. But how do you figure out this sequence of numbers and letters? Find out in this article.
Contents of the article:
Motorcycle tire size explained
There are a number of elements that determine the size of a tire. As you will see, it is not just the ratio of height to width. The size of a tire also contains other important information that defines its type of construction and the limits of its capabilities.
Let's take a concrete example with the MICHELIN Road 6:
As you can see, the sidewall of the tire shows the following dimensions:
180/55 ZR 17 then: M/C (73W)
Here is what these codes mean:
- 180 : The width of the tire, expressed in millimetres.
- 55 : The aspect ratio (the sidewall height as a proportion of the tire width).
- ZR : The "R" stands for Radial construction. A "ZR" code refers specifically to radial tires designed for high speeds.
- 17 : The bead-seat diameter of the wheel, expressed in inches (1 inch = 2.54cm).
- M/C : This code simply means that it is a tire for motorcycles.
- (73 W) : The number is the load rating of the tire and the letter following it is the speed rating. Correspondence tables show what maximum load the tire is able to bear and at what maximum speed it can be driven. In this example, 73 means that the tire can carry a load of up to 365 kg. The (W) means that it can be driven over 270 km/h.
What is the difference between radial, bias and bias belted motorcycle tires?
Radial tires
A radial tire is identified by the letter R on the tire
Radial tires provide greater comfort at high speeds as a result of their soft sidewalls which absorb the impact of imperfections on the road surface. Radial tires are needed for powerful vehicles with very rigid chassis and sporty purposes. A radial tire is identified by the letter R on the tire. (e.g: 120/70 R 15)
Bias tires
A bias tire is identified by a dash
Bias tires are able to carry a greater weight because their sidewalls are more rigid. They are suitable for vehicles travelling at moderate speeds, with small to medium-sized engines and flexible chassis.
A bias tire is identified by a dash (e.g: 120/70 - 12).
Bias belted tires
A bias belted tire is identified by the letter B on the tire
Bias-belted tires are so called because a "belt" strengthens the tire section. This reinforced version of the bias is more suitable for heavy motorcycles.
A bias belted tire is identified by the letter B on the tire (e.g: 180/65 B 16).
Now that you know the generalities, let's review the motorcycle tire sizes for specific uses.
Motorcycle tire size for road use
If you ride on the road, you are legally committed to the dimensions recommended by the manufacturer of your motorbike. These dimensions are the ones that are marked on your original tires if you have never changed them.
But as we shall see, these obligations do not apply if you ride exclusively on other types of terrain.
Motorcycle tire size for off-road use
If you only ride off-road, you are not bound by the legal requirements for road use. Therefore, it is possible to choose tire sizes according to criteria that are important for your use.
Enduro and Motocross tire sizes
For Enduro and motocross, some riders may opt for a narrower tire for better handling. Others choose a wider tire for more grip with studs.
Note that the dimensions are not the same for these two off-road disciplines. The width of motocross tires is measured at the base of the studs, whereas the width of enduro tires is measured at the widest point, i.e. the top of the studs.
To make sure you choose the right dimensions, refer to this enduro / motocross tire sizes correspondence table:
ENDURO | CROSS |
90/90-21 | 80/100-21 |
120/80-19 | 100/90-19 |
130/70-19 | 110/90-19 |
120/90-18 | 100/100-18 |
130/80-18 | 110/100-18 |
140/80-18 | 120/90-18 |
Motorcycle tire size for track use
For the track, some riders mount a wider tire at the rear in order to get more grip. The disadvantage is that this reduces the handling of the bike.
Competition tires usually carry the acronym NHS (Not for Highway Service). This indicates that these tires are not approved for road use.
What about retro motorbike tire sizes?
If you have an older motorbike, you may be having difficulty finding the right dimensions to replace your tire, as the nomenclature has changed over time. Originally in inches, the tire dimensions have now become standardised in millimetres (with the exception of the rim diameter which has remained in inches).
Fortunately, you can find compatible dimensions.
Here's how:
Motorcycle tire size compatibility
You can find the correspondence between the dimensions in inches and the dimensions in millimetres in this table:
DIMENSIONS IN MM | DIMENSIONS IN INCHES |
50/100 | 2.00 |
60/100 | 2.25 |
70/100 | 2.50 |
80/80 | 2.75 |
80/90 | 2.75 - 3.00 |
90/90 | 3.00 - 3.25 - 3.60 |
100/90 | 3.50 - 4.10 |
110/90 | 4.00 - 4.10 - 4.60 |
120/80 | 4.25 - 4.50 - 4.60 |
120/90 | 4.25 - 4.50 |
130/80 | 4.50 - 4.60 - 5.10 |
130/90 | 4.50 - 4.60 - 5.10 |
140/80 | 4.50 - 5.10 - 5.50 |
140/90 | 5.10 - 5.50 |
Also note that the alphanumeric system is still used on certain Harley Davidson and other American custom bike tires.
If you have one, you will find the corresponding dimensions in this table:
ALPHANUMERIC SIZE MARKINGS | METRIC SIZE MARKINGS |
MH90 | 80/90 |
MJ90 | 90/90 |
MM90 | 100/90 |
MN90 | 110/90 |
MP85 | 110/90 |
MR90 | 120/90 |
MT90 | 130/90 |
MU85/MU90 | 140/90 |
MV85 | 150/80 150/90 |
You now have the essential information on motorcycle tire sizes.
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