Grip, braking, comfort, etc. The tyres you choose affect numerous aspects of your machine's behaviour, whether on the road, the racetrack or off-roading. Therefore it is essential that you carefully choose the type that fits your needs best.
To help you, here are a few explanations that will help you decipher the information on motorcycle tyres:

• Dimensions: width of the tyre in millimetres and height of the tyre as a percentage of that width. E.g. 190/55, for a 190 mm width and 55% height
• Structure: radial (ZR or R) or diagonal (B), both tyres must be identical as far as this criteria is concerned
• Diameter: expressed in inches, eg. 17 or 19
• Load index: the maximum load that the tyre can bear
• Speed index: the maximum speed that the tyre can bear
• M/C indicator: use of the tyre, M/C for motorcycles
• With our without an inner tube: TL (tubeless) for tyres without an inner tube, TT (tubetype) with an inner tube

In some specific cases, other information may be included that is generally related to the make of the tyre. Here are some:

• A: Kawasaki
• C, F or GT: BMW specification
• E or B: Special carcass for heavy or loaded motorcycles
• G: Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha specification
• GTW: Heavy, fast and powerful Grand Touring motorcycles
• H: Honda specification
• K: Extremely fast motorcycles
• M: Suzuki tyres fitted on new bikes
• N: For Aprilia, Honda Ducati, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Triumph
• RF: Reinforced tyre
• WW: Tyre with white sidewalls

Other less important references also appear on the tyre sidewall (country in which it was made, DOT marking, etc.)
Remember to check your tyre pressure on a regular basis. It will ensure longer durability and increased performance!