This information is only a guide and if in doubt about any specific fitting please consult and follow manufacturers recommendations
A New tyre will need at least 50 miles running in before it gives it best and for the first mile or so can be lethal if thrown hard into a bend for example.
The best tyre in the world will not give it performance until it is up to temperature.
Moulded/written into the side wall of a tyre is all its specification. In short, it tells you anything that you may need to know about your tyre.
| Example | BT45F 110/80-17 57H |
| Manufacturers Code | BT45 |
| F | Front |
| 110 | Width in millimetres |
| 80 | Height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width. Aspect ratio. |
| 17 | The diameter of the inner rim in inches |
| 57 | Load Capacity of Tyre |
| H | Speed Rating |
| Index | Capacity in Kilos |
| 62 | 265 |
| 72 | 355 |
| 82 | 475 |
These initially increase in 10 KPH increments.
| Rating | KPH | 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 Plus | 150 Plus |
Any tyre sold in the EEC should have a type-approval mark and number starting with E4. This shows that it has passed the high standards of the European regulatory authorities.
Boths tyres Radial or Radial as back tyre only.
In some countries, it is illegal to run different manufacturers of tyres on
the front and rear.
Tyre manufacturer are often very specific in their recommendations for fitting
on a specific vehicle.
A tyre of the correct size and speed rating will often not be recommended
because it has not been tested on a particular motorcycle.
Vehicle manufacturers can also be very specific about their tyre
recommendations.
To state the obvious, different tyres and in different combinations suit
different riding styles, conditions, temperatures, tastes and needs.
A good clearance between the tyre and all motorcycle parts such as Guards is important as Heat and Centrifugal force will increase diameters during use.
Some tyres are made to run in only one direction and this is shown by a directional arrow moulded into the tyre wall.
| CONVERSION CHART - MOTORCYCLE TYRE SIZES (APPROXIMATION) | |
| 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 |
Please note: Values given in brackets are theoretically possible, but not recommended.
New tyre have little grip for the first few miles. Go gentle for a few miles !
EN