Tires 101: An Introduction: Difference between revisions

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Tires are a mysterious thing. Think about it: A reinforced bladder with about thirty pounds of air is all that keeps your motorcycle from rolling on its bare metal rims. That thin bit of rubber is what lets you get out there and enjoy a good ride. Obviously, it pays to know about your tires.

There are a few basic elements to consider when looking at tires. The type of tire, the size, the profile, and the aspect ratio all affect the behaviour of the tire, and thus the behaviour of the ~~bike. We'll take these elements and go through them and the effect that they can have on your~~ bike.

There are a few basic elements to consider when looking at tires. The type of tire, the size, the profile, and the aspect ratio all affect the behaviour of the tire, and thus the behaviour of the bike.

==Tire sizing==

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The aspect ratio is approximately how tall the tire is in relationship to its width. Thus, a 120/80 tire is about 96 mm tall, from the bead to the tread surface (120 x 0.8 = 96). [[Ride height and different tire sizes|See here]] for more information on tire height.

The speed rating indicates at what maximum speed the tire is considered safe for continuous use. In this instance, the V stands for speeds up to 149 mph. A table of speed ratings is listed below.

The [[Speed ratings|speed rating]] indicates at what maximum speed the tire is considered safe for continuous use. In this instance, the V stands for speeds up to 149 mph. A table of speed ratings is listed below.

The last number is the diameter of the wheel that the tire is intended for. In this case, we are talking about a 16 inch rim for the tire.

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==Buying the right size==

So, what does all this mean when it comes time to go out and buy the tire? Well, it means a lot. First of all, in many cases the tire selection may be limited by the wheels on the bike, or the age and style of the bike. An excellent example of these limitations is found when attempting to find tires for a pre-1994 EX500 or Ninja 600. Both of these bikes have relatively narrow 16 inch rims, but they are also meant to be ~~more~~ sporting motorcycles. The selection of quality rubber for these bikes is pretty limited. You will find the same thing when you go looking for tires for the Ninja 250.

So, what does all this mean when it comes time to go out and buy the tire? Well, it means a lot. First of all, in many cases the tire selection may be limited by the wheels on the bike, or the age and style of the bike. An excellent example of these limitations is found when attempting to find tires for a pre-1994 EX500 or Ninja 600. Both of these bikes have relatively narrow 16 inch rims, but they are also meant to be sporting motorcycles. The selection of quality rubber for these bikes is pretty limited. You will find the same thing when you go looking for tires for the Ninja 250.

In other cases, while the hardware may be capable of supporting a more current tire, the optimal sizes are not available. A good example of this is the 1986 VF1000R. It has a 2.75x16 front wheel and a 3.50x17 rear wheel. The fitment of rear tires is not a problem -- any of the quality 140~~, 150, or 160~~ width radials will fit nicely. The slightly narrow front, however, really works best with a bias-ply tire. As for the EX250, there are good tires available, but they're not necessarily the "perfect" size. That's where the above charts come in handy. (See also the [[What tire makes are available that fit the 250?|Tire Models Page]]).

In other cases, while the hardware may be capable of supporting a more current tire, the optimal sizes are not available. A good example of this is the 1986 VF1000R. It has a 2.75x16 front wheel and a 3.50x17 rear wheel. The fitment of rear tires is not a problem -- any of the quality 140 width radials will fit nicely. The slightly narrow front, however, really works best with a bias-ply tire. As for the EX250, there are good tires available, but they're not necessarily the "perfect" size. That's where the above charts come in handy. (See also the [[What tire makes are available that fit the 250?|Tire Models Page]]).

==Radials==

And that brings us to an important matter for tire buyers: Should I buy a radial tire? The answer is a firm "maybe". (The answer for ~~EX 250~~ owners is a firm "uhh, forget it.") To understand the difference between a radial and a bias ply tire, it helps to know a little bit about tire construction.

And that brings us to an important matter for tire buyers: Should I buy a radial tire? The answer is a firm "maybe". (The answer for EX250 owners is a firm "uhh, forget it.") To understand the difference between a radial and a bias ply tire, it helps to know a little bit about tire construction.

A tire is nothing more than a bladder for air. It is made of rubber reinforced with some sort of fiber. (Once they were reinforced with canvas; now they're reinforced with kevlar. Times have changed). The rubber keeps the air in, and the fiber keeps the tire together, in addition to imparting shape characteristics to the tire. Tires are constructed in layers, each layer consisting of fibers laid in parallel, then impregnated with rubber. The final element is the bead, which is simply a wire put around the edge of the tire to help it clamp to the rim.

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 Tires are a mysterious thing. Think about it: A reinforced bladder with about thirty pounds of air is all that keeps your motorcycle from rolling on its bare metal rims. That thin bit of rubber is what lets you get out there and enjoy a good ride. Obviously, it pays to know about your tires.
-There are a few basic elements to consider when looking at tires. The type of tire, the size, the profile, and the aspect ratio all affect the behaviour of the tire, and thus the behaviour of the bike. We'll take these elements and go through them and the effect that they can have on your bike.
+There are a few basic elements to consider when looking at tires. The type of tire, the size, the profile, and the aspect ratio all affect the behaviour of the tire, and thus the behaviour of the bike.
 ==Tire sizing==
@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 The aspect ratio is approximately how tall the tire is in relationship to its width. Thus, a 120/80 tire is about 96 mm tall, from the bead to the tread surface (120 x 0.8 = 96). [[Ride height and different tire sizes|See here]] for more information on tire height.
-The speed rating indicates at what maximum speed the tire is considered safe for continuous use. In this instance, the V stands for speeds up to 149 mph. A table of speed ratings is listed below.
+The [[Speed ratings|speed rating]] indicates at what maximum speed the tire is considered safe for continuous use. In this instance, the V stands for speeds up to 149 mph. A table of speed ratings is listed below.
 The last number is the diameter of the wheel that the tire is intended for. In this case, we are talking about a 16 inch rim for the tire.
@@ Line 188: / Line 188: @@
 ==Buying the right size==
-So, what does all this mean when it comes time to go out and buy the tire? Well, it means a lot. First of all, in many cases the tire selection may be limited by the wheels on the bike, or the age and style of the bike. An excellent example of these limitations is found when attempting to find tires for a pre-1994 EX500 or Ninja 600. Both of these bikes have relatively narrow 16 inch rims, but they are also meant to be more sporting motorcycles. The selection of quality rubber for these bikes is pretty limited. You will find the same thing when you go looking for tires for the Ninja 250.
+So, what does all this mean when it comes time to go out and buy the tire? Well, it means a lot. First of all, in many cases the tire selection may be limited by the wheels on the bike, or the age and style of the bike. An excellent example of these limitations is found when attempting to find tires for a pre-1994 EX500 or Ninja 600. Both of these bikes have relatively narrow 16 inch rims, but they are also meant to be sporting motorcycles. The selection of quality rubber for these bikes is pretty limited. You will find the same thing when you go looking for tires for the Ninja 250.
-In other cases, while the hardware may be capable of supporting a more current tire, the optimal sizes are not available. A good example of this is the 1986 VF1000R. It has a 2.75x16 front wheel and a 3.50x17 rear wheel. The fitment of rear tires is not a problem -- any of the quality 140, 150, or 160 width radials will fit nicely. The slightly narrow front, however, really works best with a bias-ply tire. As for the EX250, there are good tires available, but they're not necessarily the "perfect" size. That's where the above charts come in handy. (See also the [[What tire makes are available that fit the 250?|Tire Models Page]]).
+In other cases, while the hardware may be capable of supporting a more current tire, the optimal sizes are not available. A good example of this is the 1986 VF1000R. It has a 2.75x16 front wheel and a 3.50x17 rear wheel. The fitment of rear tires is not a problem -- any of the quality 140 width radials will fit nicely. The slightly narrow front, however, really works best with a bias-ply tire. As for the EX250, there are good tires available, but they're not necessarily the "perfect" size. That's where the above charts come in handy. (See also the [[What tire makes are available that fit the 250?|Tire Models Page]]).
 ==Radials==
-And that brings us to an important matter for tire buyers: Should I buy a radial tire? The answer is a firm "maybe". (The answer for EX 250 owners is a firm "uhh, forget it.") To understand the difference between a radial and a bias ply tire, it helps to know a little bit about tire construction.
+And that brings us to an important matter for tire buyers: Should I buy a radial tire? The answer is a firm "maybe". (The answer for EX250 owners is a firm "uhh, forget it.") To understand the difference between a radial and a bias ply tire, it helps to know a little bit about tire construction.
 A tire is nothing more than a bladder for air. It is made of rubber reinforced with some sort of fiber. (Once they were reinforced with canvas; now they're reinforced with kevlar. Times have changed). The rubber keeps the air in, and the fiber keeps the tire together, in addition to imparting shape characteristics to the tire. Tires are constructed in layers, each layer consisting of fibers laid in parallel, then impregnated with rubber. The final element is the bead, which is simply a wire put around the edge of the tire to help it clamp to the rim.