Don't Get It Wrong! Here's How to Read Motorcycle Tire Sizes for Beginners

Understanding how to read motorcycle tire sizes is an important thing for every motorcycle owner. Tire size affects driving comfort, stability, and the performance of the motorcycle itself. In the market, there are various types of tires with different sizes, and knowing how to read them will make it easier for you to choose the right tire for your motorcycle.

In this article, we will discuss how to read motorcycle tire sizes clearly and easily understood, as well as factors to consider when changing motorcycle tires.

Motorcycle tire sizes are usually written on the side of the tire in the form of numbers and letters, such as 80/90-17 or 120/70-17. Each part of this size has a certain meaning related to the width, profile, and diameter of the tire. Understanding the meaning of motorcycle tire sizes will help you choose the tire that suits your motorcycle and driving style.

For more details, here is an explanation of how to read motorcycle tire sizes based on the format commonly used:

1. Tire Width (Example: 80 or 120)

The first number indicates the width of the motorcycle tire in millimeters. For example, if the tire size is 80/90-17, the number 80 means that the tire width is 80 mm. Similarly, in the size 120/70-17, the number 120 means that the tire width is 120 mm. Tire width is important because it affects tire grip on the road, driving comfort, and motor stability.

2. Tire Aspect or Profile Ratio (Example: 90 or 70)

The second number, which is located after the slash mark (/) indicates the aspect ratio or tire profile. This ratio is a comparison between the height of the tire side and the width of the tire. For example, if the tire size is 80/90, the number 90 indicates that the tire height is 90% of the tire width, i.e. 90% of 80 mm, which means that the tire height is 72 mm.

The smaller this ratio, the lower the tire profile, which usually results in more stable performance on the highway but less comfort because it is harder. On the other hand, a higher aspect ratio provides more comfort when driving, but slightly reduces stability at high speeds.

3. Wheel Diameter (Example: 17)

After the minus sign (-), the last number indicates the diameter of the motorcycle wheel rim that matches the tire. In the size 80/90-17, the number 17 means that the tire is suitable for a wheel rim with a diameter of 17 inches. The diameter of the wheel rim is very important because if the tire diameter does not match the wheel rim diameter, then the tire will not fit and affect the comfort and safety of driving.

4. Load and Speed Index (Example: 54S)

Some motorcycle tires also list load index and speed index on the side of the tire. The load index indicates the ability of the tire to withstand the load of the motorcycle, while the speed index indicates the maximum safe speed limit for the tire.

For example, if it says 54S, the number 54 indicates the maximum load that the tire can bear, while the letter S indicates the maximum speed limit of the tire, which is 180 km/h.

Knowing how to read motorcycle tire sizes is very important to ensure you choose the right tire according to your motorcycle specifications and driving style. Choosing the wrong tire size can affect your driving comfort, stability, and safety on the road.

In addition, the right tire size also plays a role in extending tire life, improving fuel efficiency, and maintaining the performance of the motorcycle suspension. Tires that are larger or smaller than the standard size of the motorcycle can affect the weight distribution of the motorcycle and change the performance of braking and acceleration.

After understanding how to read the size of motorcycle tires, the next step is to choose the right tire for your motorcycle. Here are some tips in choosing motorcycle tires:

1. Check the Motor Specifications

Before buying tires, be sure to check your motorcycle specifications. Each motorcycle has a tire size recommended by the manufacturer. You can find this information in the motorcycle manual or on the side of your motorcycle wheel.

2. Choose the Tire Type According to Driving Style

- Ban untuk motor sport biasanya memiliki profil rendah untuk meningkatkan kestabilan di kecepatan tinggi. Sementara itu, ban untuk motor bebek atau skuter biasanya memiliki profil yang lebih tinggi untuk kenyamanan berkendara di jalan perkotaan.

3. Pay Attention to the Condition of the Road Often Passed

Choose a tire that matches the conditions of the road you often drive on. If you often drive on slippery or wet roads, choose a tire with a deeper tread design to increase traction. Conversely, if you often drive on dry and smooth roads, a tire with fewer grooves is enough.

4. Check the Load and Speed Index

Understanding how to read motorcycle tire size is an important skill for motorcycle owners. By knowing how to read tire size, you can choose the right tire according to your needs and road conditions. Be sure to always choose tires that match your motorcycle specifications to stay comfortable and safe while driving. Don't hesitate to consult a technician if you are still confused in choosing the right tire size. In addition, you also need to know the Limits of Motorcycle Tire Size Replacement Tolerance

So after knowing how to read motorcycle tire size, check out other interesting news at VOI.ID, it's time to revolutionize the news!