Motorcycle tires may seem difficult to de-code at first.  Here is a simple guide to unlocking the information on the sidewall of you motorcycle tires. 

You will see a series of numbers on your sidewall ... i.e. 130/90HB-16.  What these numbers stand for is the tire width, aspect ratio, speed rating, construction type and rim diameter. We can break this down for you.

130/90HB-16

The 130 stands for 130mm of tread width. The 90 stands for the aspect ratio (sidewall height) which is a percentage, so for a 130/90 the aspect ratio/sidewall is 90% of the tread width or 117mm.

The next number (speed rating) determines what speed, that this tire is designed to be safely operated.   In this example, the H speed rating means that tire has a maximum speed rating of 130 MPH. (More on letter designation at the end of newspost.)

This doesn’t mean it is ok to break the speed limit, it simply means the manufacturer has certified that tire to be capable of those speeds. 

It is important to note that speed ratings only apply to tires that have not been damaged, altered, under-inflated or overloaded. Additionally, most tire manufacturers maintain that a tire that has been cut or punctured no longer retains the tire manufacturer's original speed rating, even after being repaired because the tire manufacturer can't control the quality of the repair.

The Next letter designation stands for the construction of the tire itself.  In this example, the B stands for Bias construction, meaning the tire is a bias ply, not a radial.  You will see an R in this place if the tire is of radial construction.

Last but not least is the rim diameter.  You couldn’t very well stretch a 16 tire on a 18 inch rim, so it’s important to you to know what size rim your dealing with when replacing tires.  We cannot recommend a tire size or speed rating less than what the factory equipped your bike with, please don’t ask.  However we will get you the best  prices, on the best motorcycle tire brands for you motorcycle.

More on letter designations for tires...

L 75 mph 120 km/h 
M 81 mph 130 km/h 
N 87 mph 140km/h 
P 93 mph 150 km/h 
Q 99 mph 160 km/h 
R 106 mph 170 km/h 
S 112 mph 180 km/h 
T 118 mph 190 km/h 
U 124 mph 200 km/h 
H 130 mph 210 km/h 
V 149 mph 240 km/h 
W 168 mph 270 km/h 
Y 186 mph 300 km/h 

Have the right tire for your application! More info at www.sabrewindrider.com

SABRE