Do you know the size of your motorcycle tire? What do you look for when purchasing a new tire to replace the old one? Did you know that using an incorrect size may be hazardous? As a motorcycle rider, you ought to know the size of your tire.
Have you come across a code like this 150/60 ZR 17 on your wheels? This is an example of a metric size code of a Shinko motorcycle tire.
Such a code is used to express the following aspects of your wheel: · Width · Aspect Ratio · Speed Rating · Rim Diameter Width Width is measured from the outermost point of one sidewall across the tread to the outermost point of the other sidewall.
In our example above, the first number (150) indicates the width of the tires.
Width is given in millimeters; therefore our Shinko tire is 150 millimeters wide.
Larger numbers will always symbolize a larger contact patch; hence more traction and more drag but the tire will also lose traction easier.
Aspect Ratio The second number refers to the aspect ratio of the wheel and does not indicate any direct measurement.
Aspect ratio signifies the percentage ratio of the height of a tire to its width.
From our example above; the Shinko tire has a 60% aspect ratio meaning that the cross-sectional height of the tire is 60% the width of the tire; therefore the real height, in millimeters, is calculated thus: 150 multiplied by 0.
6 which is 90mm.
Speed Rating The speed rating of a wheel comes immediately after the aspect ratio, and is illustrated by a letter.
Speed rating is the maximum speed of a tire with maximum load when the maximum listed inflation pressure is used.
A speed rating reference chart can be used to check the speed rating symbolized by the given letter.
In our example above, our Shinko tire has a Z-rating meaning the tire can go for more than 149mph.
J signifies 62 mph, H signifies 186mph while Z indicates more than 149 mph.
Rim Diameter The very last number, which is in inches, expresses the rim diameter on which the tire will be mounted.
In our example above, the Shinko tire can fit in a rim with a diameter of 17 inches.
Other information Some brands will give additional information of the tire like the construction of the wheel.
Tire construction is either Belted (B) or Radial (R).
Most motorcycle tires are of Radial construction because they are more receptive and flexible hence increases overall handling and maneuvering ability.
From our example above, the marking after the speed rating indicates the construction of the wheel which is Radial (R).
Motorcycle tires are marked with "M/C" or simply "M" markings.
Additional information that may also be given is Load and speed indices.
In conclusion, our Shinko tire is of Radial construction, 150mm wide with an aspect ratio of 60%, can be mounted on to a rim of 17 inches and has an optimal speed of above 149mph.
These codes help you identify the right tire for your motorcycle, or at least a close size.
Using the right tire for your motorcycle is a precautionary measure to prevent avoidable accidents, use this information to stay safe on the road.
Have you come across a code like this 150/60 ZR 17 on your wheels? This is an example of a metric size code of a Shinko motorcycle tire.
Such a code is used to express the following aspects of your wheel: · Width · Aspect Ratio · Speed Rating · Rim Diameter Width Width is measured from the outermost point of one sidewall across the tread to the outermost point of the other sidewall.
In our example above, the first number (150) indicates the width of the tires.
Width is given in millimeters; therefore our Shinko tire is 150 millimeters wide.
Larger numbers will always symbolize a larger contact patch; hence more traction and more drag but the tire will also lose traction easier.
Aspect Ratio The second number refers to the aspect ratio of the wheel and does not indicate any direct measurement.
Aspect ratio signifies the percentage ratio of the height of a tire to its width.
From our example above; the Shinko tire has a 60% aspect ratio meaning that the cross-sectional height of the tire is 60% the width of the tire; therefore the real height, in millimeters, is calculated thus: 150 multiplied by 0.
6 which is 90mm.
Speed Rating The speed rating of a wheel comes immediately after the aspect ratio, and is illustrated by a letter.
Speed rating is the maximum speed of a tire with maximum load when the maximum listed inflation pressure is used.
A speed rating reference chart can be used to check the speed rating symbolized by the given letter.
In our example above, our Shinko tire has a Z-rating meaning the tire can go for more than 149mph.
J signifies 62 mph, H signifies 186mph while Z indicates more than 149 mph.
Rim Diameter The very last number, which is in inches, expresses the rim diameter on which the tire will be mounted.
In our example above, the Shinko tire can fit in a rim with a diameter of 17 inches.
Other information Some brands will give additional information of the tire like the construction of the wheel.
Tire construction is either Belted (B) or Radial (R).
Most motorcycle tires are of Radial construction because they are more receptive and flexible hence increases overall handling and maneuvering ability.
From our example above, the marking after the speed rating indicates the construction of the wheel which is Radial (R).
Motorcycle tires are marked with "M/C" or simply "M" markings.
Additional information that may also be given is Load and speed indices.
In conclusion, our Shinko tire is of Radial construction, 150mm wide with an aspect ratio of 60%, can be mounted on to a rim of 17 inches and has an optimal speed of above 149mph.
These codes help you identify the right tire for your motorcycle, or at least a close size.
Using the right tire for your motorcycle is a precautionary measure to prevent avoidable accidents, use this information to stay safe on the road.
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