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Motorcycle Tyre Information
Please Note: This information is only a guide. If you’re in doubt, always follow your motorcycle and tyre manufacturer’s specific fitment recommendations.
Running in a New Tyre
A new tyre needs at least 50 miles to bed in and reach optimal performance. Riding aggressively in the first few miles—or worse, throwing the bike into corners—can be dangerous due to low initial grip.
Reading the Sidewall Specification
All essential tyre specs are moulded on the sidewall. For example:
BT45F 110/80‑17 57HBT45: manufacturer code
F: front tyre
110: width in mm
80: aspect ratio
17: rim diameter in inches
57: load‑index (see table)
H: speed rating (see table)
Load Index Table
| Index | Load (kg) |
|---|---|
| 62 | 265 |
| 72 | 355 |
| 82 | 475 |
Speed Rating Table
| Rating | Max Speed (km/h) | mph |
|---|---|---|
| F | 80 | 50 |
| G | 90 | 56 |
| J | 110 | 69 |
| L | 120 | 75 |
| M | 130 | 81 |
| N | 140 | 87 |
| P | 150 | 93 |
| Q | 160 | 100 |
| R | 170 | 106 |
| S | 180 | 112 |
| T | 190 | 119 |
| U | 200 | 125 |
| H | 210 | 131 |
| V | 240 | 150 |
| Z | >240 | >150 |
E‑Mark (E4)
All tyres sold in the EEC must bear a type-approval mark beginning with “E4,” confirming compliance with European safety standards.
Mixing Radial and Ply/Belt Tyres
While you can use radial tyres or ply/belt tyres, you should never mix radial front and ply back. Always follow manufacturer recommendations regarding tyre combinations. In some countries, it’s even illegal to use different tyre brands front and rear.
Need for Sufficient Clearance
Make sure there’s enough space between the tyre and any motorcycle part (e.g., mudguard). As tyres heat up and spin, they expand slightly under centrifugal force.
Directional Tyres
Directional tyres are molded with an arrow on the sidewall. Fit them so they rotate in the indicated direction for best water displacement and handling.
Size Conversion Table
| Metric | Inch |
|---|---|
| 80/90 | 2.75 (3.00) |
| 90/90 | 3.00 (3.25, 3.60) |
| 100/90 | 3.25 (3.50, 3.60) |
| 110/90 | 3.50 (3.75, 4.10) |
| 120/90 | 4.00 (4.25, 4.25/85, 4.60) |
| 130/90 | 4.50 (5.00, 5.10) |
| 140/90 | 5.50 |
Values in brackets are theoretically possible, but not recommended.
Maintenance & Safety Warnings
- New tyres have very poor grip for the first few miles—ride gently until they bed in.
- Check monthly: tyre pressure, valves, debris, cracks, bulges.
- Use tread-wear indicators located between grooves to monitor depth.
- Check the DOT code: e.g., "1519" means week 15 of 2019. Tyres made before 2000 use 3-digit codes and are generally due for replacement.
- If you notice uneven wear or signs of aging/perishing, have the tyre assessed or replaced.