How to Size Motorcycle Tires

How to Size Motorcycle Tires
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See those numbers on the sides of your tires? They tell the complete story of that rubber, including its dimensions, abilities, date of manufacture, and more. But decoding tires can be a frustrating experience. Lemmy's not too fond of the current system, but he understands it, so get up to speed on reading tires. Next time you're due for replacements, you'll decipher your sidewall in no time.

[@RevZilla]

Want more info on tires, or just more of the hottest topics in the motorcycle community? Check out the latest and greatest in moto at Common Tread: rvz.la/2DPN7TH

[@tylersmith1029]

Welcome to tire sizing, where the units are made up and the practicality doesn't matter! I used to work in a tire shop, so I feel your pain on trying to explain this to people. Too often you get that blank stare, sometimes you even see some electrical smoke coming out of the ears!

[@BikesBoatsBivouacs]

When it comes to tires, since I only have two tires I always put on factory recommended tires. Good information and I learned something. Nice job!

[@twouppers4541]

Dang Lemmy, you loosing weight. Awesome 👍

[@Roy_Godiksen]

Seriously, who decided to use every measurement unit in the world at once to measure motorcycle tires? That's just dumb.

[@NoWayJose.50]

Because of America's stupid imperial system

[@sagarpawar6967]

What a short simple way to explain! Great 👍🏻

[@drjones694]

Wow I'm still confused but getting so much closer to understanding going to honestly watch this again 4 or 5 times until in syncs in but great video thanks you keep the great content coming

[@PhilnewDUKE]

But what about weight load on tire? In instruction is 76h but most tires has 73h. How about that? Im wandering...

[@habanadj]

At the beginning of this video I was saying to me: I do know what those numbers means , the truth I don't know nothing about tires numbers

[@wmrider_adventures]

Looking great, Starting to look like aquaman lol. Great info!!!

[@chestergranger2786]

It surprised me at the dealer and a major motorcycle gear chain I was told the B and ZR were speed rating not radial and bias belted indicators thanks for clearing that up

[@MalikBartholomew]

Ok... To make sure I'm understanding this correctly... The first number is the tire width, the third number is the wheel size, and the second number is "the percentage of the tire width that the sidewall height is"... So in the example you gave (130/90)... .9x130=117. So the actual sidewall height of that tire would be 117mm, correct?

[@RevZilla]

You got it. Confusing at first, but once you get it it makes sense. MM Width / Percentage Height - Rim Inches.

[@LangitJiwa]

Thanls for sharing!

[@ryonadcock]

I liked the video and it was a good review, but Lemmy kept saying, "It is a dumb measuring system." Often what we believe as, "dumb" is really done for a very good reason. I don't have any wisdom on why manufacturers use the measuring scale they do, but I would love to hear a good answer instead of it just being, "Dumb". I often wonder if you were able to talk with tire manufacturers they would say, "We specifically use this measuring system because of..." I have just come to the understanding that if something really is, "Dumb" some, if not all, will change the system. Why? Because most of the time, "Dumb" stuff simply does not last. It often gets replaced by, "Smart or Well Thought Out" stuff. Just my two cents!

[@philippday9195]

I completely agree with you on this... It's not a "Dumb" system... at least no worse than any other industrial nomenclature... I suspect it has much to do with the abundance of widths available between all applications from automotive to motorcycle to heavy/commercial... I actually really like the system because it's simple to compare a single aspect of a tire at the same time... i.e. comparing just the radius(hight) or just the width when trying to get a "perfect" fitment... just my 2 cents

[@ryonadcock]

@@philippday9195 Yah, I think most people would agree that standard way of defining tires is pretty good. In all honesty, it has information that most people find very important such manufacture date, size, ratings, etc. I don't hear many people complain much about the first and last number of a standard tire such as a 120/90/16. It is the middle number or aspect ratio that most people get confused about. I think manufacturers need a little fudge room within their manufacturing process and therefor do a percentage more than an exact number. Using the example above, this allows the manufacturers to say that the height is approximately 90% of the 120 mm width. I think we are up to about 6 cents worth, but I love the discussion!

[@Mytwistedvoices]

Can you cover standard to metric conversions and what to look out for? Classic bike enthusiast

[@hamad1979]

Hello .. is it ok to change tire height of the tire like from 55 to 60 for S1000RR 2020 with no problem going to track day ?

[@xc_4x4]

Thats why I love mud tires, it's all in inches well for the most part. 37"x13.50" R18 is what I'm running and im pretty sure all of you can understand that

[@jeffcoats724]

Thank you

[@ralphaelalfaro6023]

Great presentation. Learned what I needed to learn but I'm slow so if you could slow it down, just a bit.

[@smaad7]

Thx ☺️ A LOT I was close to a huge Mistake I’m ordering new tires on Amazon and thought 120/70 12 is the same as 130/70 12 but according to you no Since my scooter is a Vespa and the rear tire is at 1mm from the suspension and the exhaust imagine if I’ve chosen the 130 Thx 🙏🏾

[@CoachSteve4u]

Thank you Lemmy! Very helpful. Wacky but I understand now.

[@jamesmccleary6640]

Thanks bro

[@dondonruiz7330]

Thanks bro👍

[@Sonny-pr8xf]

Great thanks Bro. 👍

[@ryangotsch3670]

Thanks!! Good intel

[@cecily7584]

New to the moto community & I’m just now trying to learn about tires as my Kawasaki needs new ones.. & I agree with it being a monumentally dumb way of labeling tires😂 Makes no fucken sense. Thanks for sharing the video!!

[@submissions72]

Welcome! What bike is that kawa?

[@cory4220]

Bro mine legitly says 2012 and I felt like you were literally referring to me 😂😂😂 time for new tires for sure!!!

[@cory4220]

Nope it's 2812 but still not good! 😂😅

[@Adamfitz93]

Struggling to find tires for my 08 Yamaha xv250…. Can either get the front or the back and not the other. If it is in a set, they’re sold out and the reviews are terrible.

[@veetwotls]

Cheg Chin C755 HT 3.25/3.50 x 21 i use on my 2 x Yamaha YZ465H's , Honda XR630 , KTM 690 , 950 & 1290 but no longer made im down to my last tire i had , desperately trying to find a equivalent tire There long wearing excellent in hard ground & deep sand with the wide print , there almost double the width to a Motoz tractionator desert 90/100 x 21

[@kevinhoney1385]

Thankx brother that helped much.

[@alaskanuni]

The simple fact we need to find a tutorial to read the tire sizes makes it dumb. Thank you. Ya'll are the American standard of motorcycle vids, Fortnine is the Canadian Standard. ;)

[@Swokpmund]

A question here.. Just ordered a 130/90 17 for my rear tire.. and realized it should be a 130/90 16.. Will it fit? Thank you for the video.

[@davidfinch9431]

Thanks for the info!!!

[@trekkydelirium-vroom5821]

Hi Rezvilla, i know you know a lot about tires. So ive got a technical question for you : could i install a 160/60R17 rear tire on my Tiger 900 instead of the 150/70R17 stock OEM tire without any issues (handling, speedometer, odometer, braking...) because of tire different sizes ? Why, simply because i’ve got a brand new 160/60R17 rear tire (previous bike) in my garage. Maybe i should just try to sell it. Could i please have your opinion; thanks.

[@trekkydelirium-vroom5821]

I will sell it & stick with stock tires recommended sizes.

[@Pal.Cockrum]

Saying this system is dumb is like saying the metric system is dumb because you don’t understand how to count. It makes perfect sense once you know it.

[@scottyscragg5352]

It's dumb because it's a combination of metric and imperial. Like saying i'm 6'15mm tall. Even dumber when you consider that rim widths are measured in inches while tire widths are in mm.

[@Pal.Cockrum]

Scotty Scragg it’s not the same, in saying 6’15mm you’ve combined two systems to define one measurement.

[@scottyscragg5352]

@@Pal.Cockrum Ok, so if you're not sympathetic to hyperbole then imagine a box. Would you consider it dumb to give the height in inches the width in mm and the depth as a percentage of the height? I would.

[@oso_nomada]

Awesome information Lemmy!🤘🏾

[@itsJaeTeal]

Thats was extremely helpful,

[@hashimkhan4892]

Made my research easier, nice video!

[@kalltdalfred]

Need more content from you guys!

[@blakemartin2991]

What is the fattest tire i can put on a 21x3" wheel

[@johnbennett7247]

Good vid bro

[@phantazzor]

what full inches writing mines are 4.00 - 17

[@RevZilla]

4.00 x 17 roughly translates to 110/90-17 for standard tire measurements

[@g2fproduction617]

I got a 14x7inch rim would a 180 80 14 fit ?

[@FaizanShaikh-rj5fs]

If i chand bike tyre ASPECT RATIO than what's the affect on bike MILAGE, CHAIN SPROCKET and SPEEDOMETER.

[@zanisbordo2651]

Hi! I've seen many people discussing going up a size, but I can't seem to find info on going down. I'm struggling to find a good rear tyre for my Yamaha SR125, and I'm wondering if instead of 100/90-16 it would be ok use 100/80-16?

[@samueljjackson60]

Hey Lenny, Great videos I have been watching and a lot of education. I have Honda cb350 highness with front tyres 100/90r19 & 130/70r18. Do you think by changing the rear tyre to 140/70r18 or 150/70r18 would have any sort of negative affects on the motorcycle.

[@zacherysmith2667]

The numbers Mason! What do they mean?

[@MaingDabs1022]

thanks

[@lingkheyshing]

I am buying the tires for my R3 140 to 170 . should I buy rims also or just the tire would fit on the old 140 rims . plz reply me

[@Km15DJ]

Thanks aquaman.

[@p1studio803]

Trying to decide if i should stuff a 190/55 tyre in my cbr650r , oem is 180/55 hmmm searching everywhere for pros and cons

[@RevZilla]

Don't do it, it makes the handling worse on a small, agile bike like the CBR650R. -DrewZilla

[@cprn.]

Saved for later. Because damn.

[@jbell1166]

Can I use a 110 90 18 if my bike manual says 110 80 18?? Will the speedo just be slightly affected?

[@jfdashley9028]

Helpful info. thanks!

[@nealmanis1378]

I was distracted why one spot of ur beard is a lot longer in one spot

[@cmudrewicz]

Hey RevZilla, I have a VTX1800 with a rear tire 180/70/16… can I mount a 180/65/16?

[@Kinzlr]

When it comes to motorcycle tires that advertise their size with old school imperial measurements, They all specify the tire width and the wheel size. But they never have any measurements listed for us to have an idea on the sidewall height. Old truck tires used to have another number showing the total height of the tire. Motorcycle tires do not advertise that measurement.

[@ahole5407]

Obviously you are speaking through the filter of your insurance company 😂 "don't say anything other than use what the manufacturer says, that way the liability is on them if something happens"

[@AxxxYxxxS]

Hoooooooorah! for RevZilla! :)

[@murderout6213]

Why is the thickness measurement so hard to find out…

[@hectorsantana7564]

Your funny and very intelligent

[@hexsymbol2229]

For anyone looking at buying a classic bike or car with unknown tyres don't forget it's possible to have a 3 number age code e.g >103 this is an ancient tyre from week 10 of 1993 hopefully noone sees a tyre this old but I have seen cars running tyres this old

[@FruityLittleBoy]

Could also be 1983

[@anyone4501]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating for this informative video.👍

[@julietearjerky4278]

In terms of everyday use street/urban riding and sometimes long rides in twisties and canyons.Which is better M7 RR or Diablo Rosso 3?..Thanks

[@RevZilla]

Both are pretty similar for those circumstances, though the Metzelers do a bit better in the wet and the Pirellis in the dry. Keep in mind that Pirelli/Metzeler are sister companies. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/metzeler-sportec-m7-rr-tires *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/pirelli-diablo-rosso-iii-tires

[@qaqa84121]

There’s also tires measured in 3.00 or 2.75 and many more. What about them?

[@RenArthurCorillo]

3.0mm or 2.75 mm width?

[@bjbravo21]

No more gear reviews on revzilla channel?

[@RevZilla]

We have a bunch of new gear reviews, but they don't always show up in your notifications feed. Check 'em out below. -DrewZilla *kzbin.infovideos

[@zeplin4078]

What is the life-span of a tyre in years? I had a suppliers trying to sell me a new tyre that is almost 2 years out of manufacture

[@d3vlau]

The manufacturers says a tyre has a life span of 5 years since its production, si technically those tyres they were selling you had 3 more years of life

[@zeplin4078]

@@d3vlau Thanks for the info

[@mrturbo6732]

Hi, do you remember that video that you did 3 years ago about how to ride a motorcycle, well I have dyspraxia and I'm wondering will it be harder to ride a bike with it?

[@RevZilla]

It's certainly possible that you could find it more challenging to master the coordination and balance. It's worth investigating a beginner rider course, as they provide a bike to learn on without you having to first purchase a bike. -DrewZilla

[@mrturbo6732]

@@RevZilla thanks man, I wasn't sure ifnit would be (I'm 15M) and I've had small balancing issues before. Much appreciated drew🙏.

[@slothysi]

Thanks for the informative video. Just one question. What does it mean if the separator number is ZR ?. (i'am guessing it's a radial tyre of some sort)

[@chinmayshanbhag1567]

It is most likely referring to the speed rating of that radial tyre

[@slothysi]

@@chinmayshanbhag1567 Thanks Chinmay

[@RevZilla]

R means radial as others said. Z means that the speed rating is at least Z-rated (it could also be W or (W) rated, which are newer, higher speed ratings above Z). -DrewZilla

[@slothysi]

@@RevZilla Thanks

[@vivaldidarren]

What does m/c means?

[@galicano]

Nice

[@MBicknell]

Oh bias ply and radial.....wtf does tht mean!?

[@umairzohaib8243]

now i can understand better about my bike tyres.

[@regiltube7932]

What about 3.00-17 ??

[@zaza_grows_only6689]

I just bought that size for my rear tire for rawrr mantis x bout to put it on now looking at this video for the front tire

[@WillofNewZealand]

What is missing is your system? It's insane, I'm now refusing to buy a tyre that is sold as 20" if it's on a 14 inch rim. I say change the listing add before I buy, reprint the trye, re name the box then I shall buy else I go else where. I would be interested in your opinion on how you'd like it done. Saying it's stupid us not enough. If I get no opinion then I alone shall attend the meeting and i shall decide. I'd like a 14 inch rim to have a 14 inch tyre that says 14 on it. If it's metric then how ever many cm or mm that is. So my key points for a tyre are, Size of rim it fits on. What width is the rim. All the other guff seems fluff compared to standardization of tyre labels. So how would per it written?

[@smokemagnet]

Yes, dumb system indeed. It misses the outer diameter of the tire. How does one knows that? Thank you

[@pawlack]

Stupid? Maybe, but it brings everyone together ;)

[@dadtrap]

Agreed it is moronic. Car tires aren’t much better

[@MrDickLongview]

So can I put different tires on a 19/16 dirt bike

[@SimplySerenity007]

Thank you