When buying tires for a motorcycle, vehicle owners can determine the correct tire size by matching up the speed rating to the bike type. It does no good to have racing tires installed on a cruising motorcycle and vice versa. The same goes for the load rating of a tire, with more powerful and heavier motorcycles requiring a larger load rating. Riders must also remember the different tire numbers, largely dependent on the tire designation used, including metric, inch, or alphanumeric, as each different designation reads differently. Before buying tires, make sure to read over the different tire measuring systems, learn how to convert between the three tire measurement systems, and take a look at popular brands of motorcycle tires. And, as with all things to do with vehicle components, research any unanswered questions online or ask a motorcycle tire specialist. Motorcycle tires come in a variety of sizes and types. The most common types of tires are sport, cruising, off-road, and racing tires.

The following sections detail the tire size printed on the side of a motorcycle tire, including section width, the speed rating, rim width, and other criteria. How this information is presented mostly depends on the type of measuring system used. The most common tire size number types are listed below. The most common of the tire size designations, known as the metric measurement, begins with the section width. The table below contains the five parts of a metric tire number. The tires width in millimeters, measured in a straight line from one edge of the tire's tread to the other edge The ratio between the tire's width and its height; the higher the aspect ratio, the taller the tire will be Measured in inches, the measurement from the inside lip of the rim on one side to the inside lip of the rim on the other side Each tire type is specified with a specific load rating; the higher the number, the more weight the tire can safely bear The speed rating indicates the maximum speed for that specific tire

When buying tires, make sure that the tire size fits the rim. Otherwise, the tire can have a blowout, as tire too large for a rim will not create a seal with the rim. Used for stock and very basic tire sizes, the inch system of motorcycle tire numbering does not see common use. The following section contains the four designations and how they are ordered in an inch tire number. Measured in millimeters, the section width is measured in a straight line starting from one edge of the tire's tread and extending to the other edgemotorcycle gear osborne park Signification of the maximum operating speed of the tiremikes motorcycle shop rockford The measurement, in inches, from one rim lip to the other on a wheelv star 650 for sale perth

Also referred to as the ply rating; this number indicates the number of plies, or layers, that make up the tire's wall While this numbering system does not see much use, it is one of the easier to understand. The inch system is akin to the car tire measurement system. Largely phased out by metric tire numbers, alphanumeric codes are uncommon on today's tires. The following section contains the five parts of an alphanumeric tire number. The first letter on all alphanumeric tire numbers for motorcycles is "M," which stands for motorcyclegood starter motorcycle 500cc Width code associated with the alphanumeric system of tire numberingmotorcycle shop in brookfield wi The ratio of the height to the width of the tire; motorcycle salvage yards el paso

tires with a larger aspect ratio are taller Measured from the inside lip of the rim on one side to the inside lip of the rim on the other side; Load range determines how much weight a tire can safely carry before it fails The alphanumeric motorcycle tire numbering system is a British invention that has been replaced by the newer metric tire numbering system, though the inch measuring system also sometimes sees use. With all the different numbering systems in use, motorcycle owners can easily get confused as to what one number or letter used in one numbering system means in another. motorcycle helmets in belfastThe sections below cross reference measurements from one motorcycle tire numbering system with the others to help shoppers make important distinctions between the three systems most commonly used. Motorcycle front tires impart control to the bike rider, so make sure to place the correctly sized tire on the front rim.

The following table gives the tire size conversions across all three numbering systems. Shoppers should watch for wear on their motorcycle front tires, and be especially watchful for cupping. Once a motorcycle tire has suffered sufficient wear, make sure to replace it to prevent bike damage or rider injury. Motorcycle rear tires provide balance and stability to a motorcycle, particularly when braking, as the rear brakes are meant to stabilize a bike during a stop, with most of the braking force coming from the front brakes. The following table defines the conversions between the three numbering systems. Rear tires are often bigger in the size of the tread than motorcycle front tires. This helps provide balance and stability, especially while stopped. Motorcycle tires are rated for a certain speed when they are designed. This is the maximum speed they should be driven at while on the road. Driving faster than the maximum rated speed can lead to tire failure, bike damage, and possible injury or death.

The following chart gives motorcycle tire speed ratings. The above speeds signify tires at the proper air pressure and in optimum riding conditions. Riders should take care when traveling in adverse conditions. Also, observe all posted speed limits when riding a motorcycle. A motorcycle's tire load is the amount of weight that the tire can bear when traveling on the road. Surpassing these limits can lead to tire failure, which can ultimately result in damage to the bike and injury to the rider. The following table lists a sampling of the tire load index and the corresponding weight limit in both kilograms and pounds. It is important when reading the load index rating that riders understand the difference between kilograms and pounds. Also, when buying tires keep the weight of the motorcycle foremost in mind, as a heavier bike requires higher rated tires. Check out the following list for popular brands of motorcycle tires, including Dunlop, Michelin, and IRC, among many others.

After finding the type of motorcycle tire you want to purchase, go online and visit eBay for a wide selection to choose from. First, conduct a product search by using the Search box found on any eBay page. Just enter keywords, such as "Harley Davidson motorcycle tire" or "cruiser motorcycle tire," for example. This brings up a list of motorcycle tires available for sale. You can narrow the list down by clicking on the Categories options, including Parts & Accessories and Motorcycle Parts. Another useful tip includes visiting eBay's Search Tips page for more advice on searching for motorcycle tires with keywords or even shopping eBay Stores. Shoppers can also check the eBay Tire Center for more information. The shopping experience on eBay is simple and secure. Just remember to read through the product listings before bidding or making a Best Offer. Take notice of the purchase price, delivery charges, special product conditions, and any other specifications that interest you. For buyers with questions that aren't on the listing page, just click the Ask a Question link on the seller's listing page.