What Do the Readings on Your Motorcycle Tires Represent?

You probably bought a motorcycle and found a lot of numbers written on the tires but you have no idea what they mean. All these numbers represent some information regarding the motorcycle. Some represent measurements and ratings of the tire while others denote the expiry date of the motorcycle tires. Without knowledge, you may not know which number represents what.

Let's look at some of the most important numbers on the tire and what they stand for.

For example, if the tire on your bike reads, 180/45ZR-18 M/C, the following information goes on to explain what each letter or number represents;

80- The Width of the Tire

In this case, the first numbers are 1- 8- 0. Always, the second number represents the width of the motorcycle tire. Therefore, the number 80 is the represents the width of the tire. Width is the distance measured from one sidewall to the extreme point on the opposite sidewall. The width size differs from one touring motorcycle tire to the other.

45- Aspect ratio

The aspect ratio appears after the width in any of these three numbering systems; Metric, Low Profile Inch and Alpha. The aspect ratio is represented by the number that appears immediately after the forward slash (/). Aspect ratio is the cross-sectional profile that indicates the height to width ratio as a percentage. In this case, the aspect ratio45means that the tire's height is 45% of its width. It also varies from one tire to the other.

R- TireConstruction

The Tire construction is always indicated after the speed rating using a letter. It can either be represented using B which means Belted orR which means Radial. This happens because; different tire companies have different ways of tire construction. For example, the tire construction from Harley motorcycle tires is totally different from any other tire.

Z- Speed rating

Speed rating means the maximum speed that the touring motorcycle tire can be used at while carrying a certain amount of load using a certain tire pressure. It is indicated by a letter (J-Z) that comes immediately after the aspect ratio. In some tires, it might be shown immediately after the width readings. The tire pressure and the maximum loads that can be supported are indicated on the tire sidewalls. A Z speed rating means that the maximum speed in KPH is anything above 240. Z rated tires do not have a speed limit which they can reach.

17- Rim Diameter

Next is the rim diameter. The rim diameter is the center distance from one tire sidewall to the opposite sidewall. It is the diameter of the circular open part formed by the tire where the rim fits. It is indicated immediately after the Tire construction. A hyphen comes first and the rim diameter follows. In this case, 17 is the rim diameter.

All these readings on the tire are useful during the purchase of new tires or rims. They help you to buy exactly similar tires to the previous ones that will be suitable for your touring motorcycle. Consider them the next time you replace your touring motorcycle tires. Be safe!

J Mary is an online automotive article writer specializing on Motorcycle tires and Exhausts. More information about her work on Harley Motorcycle Tires

Are Your Motorcycle Tires Treading Well?

Tires! Tires are a vital component on your tire. They are the sole contact with the road. It is, therefore, extremely important for your own safety to inspect your tires before heading out on the road. There are several ways to check the safety of your tire and it could mean the difference between life and death. Let us look at how to ensure that your motorcycle tires are roadworthy.

First, check for any type of puncture on your tire. Sharp-ended objects lodged in your tire like nails, screws, bits of glass or other foreign objects lodged in your tires could lead to a blowout or a flat. If you have tubeless tires, if the seam is airtight or air is escaping. Check if there and cuts or cracks on your tire. Be thorough. This could help you avoid preventive accidents.

Second, check the pressure of the tire. You can use a tire gauge to check the pressure of your tire. You do not have to do this before every ride. Under/Over inflated tires can lead to poor handling, uneven or excessive wear, and poor performance so it is important to check at least once a week. The best time to check your pressure is when your tires are cold before you start riding because when you start riding tires generate heat building up the pressure in your tires. Make sure the inflation is to the proper level to ensure you have a smooth ride and maintain your balance on the road. Proper pressure also allows your motorcycle cycle to have a better performance. In contrast, having low air pressures may cause the tire to separate and it may even cause some blowouts.

Third, always check your tire treads regularly because it is vital to the overall safety of your motorcycle. If you have worn out tires, you will have a longer stopping distance therefore your bike will not be effective during emergency stops. They also have low or zero wet traction. The recommended tread depth of tires is 32 seconds of an inch means, below this means you should be heading to the shops to get a new one.

Fourth, rims play a very important role in keeping the tires for a long period of time. It keeps the shape more intact. If you are having a spoke rim, it is important that you tighten them correctly to prevent any damage. Use a professional to tighten them up for you since they are more skilled on securely tightening them plus they have the proper equipment to do so. If your rims are solid, this may cause your tire to dent and wear faster and even cause them to wobble along the way.

Taking care of your motorcycle tires is very important. Keep them free from any kind of problem that could possibly cause a much greater problem in the future. Check the tires regularly to ensure that you will be riding longer with a good motorcycle tire.

Arline W is a motorcycle expert affiliated with 4wheelonline.com, one of the country's leading retailers of Michelin and Shinko motorcycle tires, which include Dual Sport tires, Dirt Bike tires, Street Bike tires and Scooter tires. For more information contact them on 813-769-2451 or visit them along 6605 North Nebraska Avenue.

Motorcycle Tires - How to Care for Them

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Have you checked your motorcycle tires lately? If not, you might want to do so immediately. Did you know that majority of fatal accidents that occur are caused by tires that are not in good condition? To avoid being a hazard to yourself and other people, you should keep your motorcycle tires in top notch condition. Below are some tips to help you maintain them.

Importance of Good Motorcycle Tires

Whereas there are many reasons for maintaining your tires, the most important is safety. As a rider, you are the body of the motorcycle; therefore you are likely to be hurt immensely in case of an accident. Having good motorcycle tires will prevent some minor accidents caused by lack of proper tire maintenance.

There are several ways to tell if your tire is in good condition or not:

1) Lack of wet traction (Hydroplaning)

2) Wobbly ride especially on high speed

3) Constant slipping

Maintenance Tips

If you ride primarily on highways and freeways where there is little cornering, most of the tread wear is going to occur in the middle of the tire. If you ride on curvy roads, then the tread wear will be distributed evenly over the surface of the motorcycle tire. However, it is vital to check the surface of the entire tire regardless of what types of roads you typically ride on in order to properly identify their condition.

Ideal tire inflation

When looking at the tire inflation, we want to keep the inflation to the recommended level. Over/under inflation is as dangerous as riding on a flat tire. Over/Under inflation results in warps, either inward or outward; this makes it impossible to balance on the road. Another thing is you risk having a blown-out tire. Under-inflated tires tend to heat up; therefore, they are a time bomb in transit, so to speak.

One thing you can do to increase their life is by always keeping the recommended amount of air in them. There are marking on the side of the tire which shows the required amount of air. Having the right amount of inflation can help reduce wear and tear. It also ensures that you enjoy the optimal use of that tire.

Ideal Tread Depth

There are several ways to tell if you are about to go shopping for new tires. One, if the depth of your tire tread is 2mm deep or less. Insert the Lincoln penny in the groove of your tire, if the head is visible then it is 2mm and below. The other way to check your tread is check for the "TWI" marking on the tire. Check the tread depth on all sides of the tire as some tires may have extended wear and tear on only certain parts.

So, now that your motorcycles have been parked safely in the garage, remember to use these valuable tips. Check your tires before embarking on your next ride because who knows who else might be hurt as a result of your negligence.

Arline W is a motorcycle expert affiliated with 4wheelonline.com, one of the country's leading retailers of Michelin and Shinko motorcycle tires, which include Dual Sport tires, Dirt Bike tires, Street Bike tires and Scooter tires. For more information contact them on 813-769-2451 or visit them along 6605 North Nebraska Avenue.

How Easy Is It To Maintain Your Tires?

Tires determine the kind of ride you will have, hence are the most vital part of a motorcycle. Being the only contact with the road, you need to take proper care of them for a smooth and safe performance of the motorcycle. Check the air pressure on a regular basis, as well as foreign bodies that may be dwelling in the tire. Check for wear and tear and always keep a record of the mileage done by your tires.

Factors to look out for:

Tire Pressure: Proper tire inflation is vital in order to optimize on its overall performance. The recommended tires inflation is indicated on the sidewall of the tire. Do not inflate your tire beyond this mark. Always check your tire pressure whenever the temperatures drop.

Tread wear:The easiest way to tell if your tire is worn off or not is by using the penny test. Insert a Lincoln penny into the grooves with the head of Lincoln inside the grooves. If the head is visible completely, then your tires are worn out to the recommended level and you should be thinking of replacing them. You can also use the tread wear indicators denoted by "TWI", on the sidewall. Check for tread wear on all the sides of the tire, to ensure even tear and wear. Uneven tear and wear results in bumpy rides and you may even cause an accident due to lack of balance.

Traction:Traction is the grip of your tire on the surface. Tread patterns determine if your tire has a good grip or not. Some tires do not have an all-season traction hence you might need different tires for different seasons. If you find that you are slipping on dirt roads or during wet seasons, you need to check the tread pattern. Consult your dealer on the best applicable tread pattern depending on the surface on which you ride. Speed and amount of water on the road can also depreciate your wet traction; therefore always slow down when riding on a wet surface.

Tubes/rims:Always replace tubes whenever you replace your tire. Check on instructions on how to replace a tube tire to avoid poking holes on the tube while replacing the tire. Tubeless tires are easier to check for damages. Start with the rim; check whether it is sealed shut. Next, scrutinize the valve stem for cracks and dried out rubber. In case you have a dented rim; replace the tire as well since it has sustained internal damage to the sidewall.

Motorcycle tires, as opposed to their car counterparts, operate in tougher and severe conditions. Due to these factors, they are more expensive which is why it is of utmost importance to maintain your tire in order to enjoy its optimal performance. While cleaning, avoid applying any type of tire dressing to the sidewall or the tread area because tire dressings are very slippery. Stick to the recommended type for your bike. It is also important to align and balance your wheels after replacing one or both tires.

Arline W is a motorcycle expert affiliated with 4wheelonline.com, one of the country's leading retailers of Shinko motorcycle tires. For more information contact them on 813-769-2451 or visit them along 6605 North Nebraska Avenue.

Why You Should Use Winter Motorcycle Tires During Winter

Now that the winter has hit hard and cold, some riders may opt to store their motorcycles safely in their garages till the next riding season. However, there are those die-hard fans that will battle the biting cold to be atop of their bikes. Regardless of the type of bike you are using (Ural sidecar rig or a three wheeler); consider the below-mentioned factors when riding in winter:

· Right helmet (that emits heat in case of an accident to avoid swelling of the head)

· Safety clothes (to keep you warm)

· Good lighting

· Good quality engine and finally

· Winter tires! Your tires should give you a combination of good feel, good grip and longevity.

What to check for when shopping for winter tires

Standard tires have good dry traction; however the same can not be said of their wet traction. Tires, whether manufactured by the same manufacturer or not, differ greatly in their tread patterns and their rubber compounds because each is made for a different riding surface. Street bike tires have different tread patterns and contact patch compared to dirt bike tires. Similarly, summer tires can not be used during winter because their wet traction is not as good as that of winter tires hence end up being very slippery.

Winter tires have wider grooves and narrow slits at the edges of the tread area to get as much water from their contact patch as possible. Another notable difference is that winter tires are made of material that remains soft and maintains a good grip well below zero degrees Celsius. The standard tires, however, are made of rubber compounds that stiffen as the temperature drops hence their grip starts to reduce below seven degrees Celsius.

What kind of tires to you use

There are a number of winter motorcycle tires available in the market from notable brands. The brand you choose for your motorcycle depends on your preference. Here are the few brands available currently:

1) Winter Shinko Motorcycle Tires - These have a considerable good grip and last long.

2) Trelleborg has two types:

i. Army Specials - They are great; the rubber stays soft even when the temperature gets really low, but do not last too long.

ii. Kenda - They have a good compromise between traction and longevity.

3) Bridgestone TW 301/302 - They tend to be slippery.

4) Metzeler Karoo - They are of standard quality.

5) Pirelli MT21s - They are of standard quality.

6) Dunlop D606 - They are of standard quality.

Michelin Tires have two types of winter tires, Alpin and Pilot Alpin, but they are designed for cars only. Snow chains may work just fine, in absence of winter motorcycle tires.

We are all aware that slippery roads require more grip therefore good tires are essential for winter riding. To optimize the road performance of your bike, it is important to buy tires that are designed specifically for winter weather to prevent your bike from slipping. It is also important to check tire pressure as under inflated tires can affect your bikes handling significantly.

Arline W is a motorcycle expert affiliated with 4wheelonline.com, one of the country's leading retailers of Shinko motorcycle tires. For more information contact them on 813-769-2451 or visit them along 6605 North Nebraska Avenue.

What You Need to Know About Rubber Compound on Motorcycle Tires

Tires provide traction between the motorcycle and the road while providing cushion that absorbs shock. Materials used to manufacture modern pneumatic tires include synthetic rubber, natural rubber, fabric and wire, carbon black and other chemical compounds.

Rubber used for your tires is a complex blend of up to 200 chemicals, both natural and synthetic rubbers. Carbon black as a filler and a host of other ingredients like sulfur to harden the rubber and anti-oxidants to prevent damage from UV light. Silica is used as a filler to enhance tire grip during wet weather. It also contributes to improved performance during such times.

Synthetic rubber is any type of artificial material with the mechanical property that can undergo much more elastic deformation under stress than other materials but still return to its previous size without permanent deformation.

Natural rubber consists of suitable polymers of the organic compound isoprene with impurities of other organic compounds plus water. The rubber is harvested mainly in form of latex; a sticky, milky colloid drawn off by making incisions into the bark of a tree and collecting the fluid vessels. The latex is then refined into rubber ready for commercial processing. Natural rubber has a large stretch ratio, high resilience and is extremely waterproof.

Tread pattern is the part in contact with the road. This depends on the profile of the tire and the rubber compound you chose is based on the use of your tire. Tire manufacturers use different compounds depending on the intended use of the tire. For instance, street motorcycle tires which use harder rubber compound get better gas mileage but at the same time they don't stick to the road. The softer the rubber compound, the "grippier" a tire is, though you give up gas mileage.

For off-Road tires, the grip depends on where you ride. There is a tire compound best suited for your needs; from soft compounds for hard terrain to hard compound for digging up that spongy loam. Your off-road performance will be directly affected by the type of rubber you use and also the difference in tread patterns and lug depth.

Softer compounds are designed to give an edge in grip while harder compounds are designed to give longer tread life and cooler running mostly for long-haul driving. Manufacturers such as Pirelli Motorcycle Tires produce several different compounds to create a whole range of compounds for consumers. Some use different compounds within a single tire like using a softer compound at the tires edges and a bit harder compound in the center. This design promotes remarkably high grip when leaning over and yet the tire still wears slowly in the center.

To get more performance and mileage from your tires a rider needs to use multiple compounds in the tread. The center of the tire doesn't need much grip that the sides since the motorcycle is upright when the contact patch is in the middle. At the same time, the shoulder of the tire needs more grip, because this is where the contact patch is during hard cornering. The idea is to use a harder compound in the middle of the tire and a softer one in the edges and then you get increased mileage as well as incredible cornering grip.

Charity Kadzo is a professional article writer. Working for 4wheelonline.com, a company that deals with wheels and motorcycle tires among other. For more information on 4wheelonline go to Pirelli Motorcycle Tires