Handling, 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: tyre width in millimetres and tyre height as a percentage of this 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 for this criteria
- Diameter: expressed in inches, e.g. 17 or 19
- Load index: the maximum load that the tyre can withstand
- Speed index: the maximum speed that the tyre can withstand
- M/C indicator: tyre use, 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 appear, generally associated with the trade name of the tyre. Here are some examples:
- 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!