What do the numbers mean on motorcycle tire sizes?

The first number (180) is the width of the tire in millimeters. The second number (70) is the aspect ratio, which is the height of the sidewall. The height is 70% of the width or 126mm high. The third number (16) is the rim size.

How does tire size affect motorcycle handling?

By making the back tire wider, you simply increase the surface area that comes into contact with the road. This translates to more traction which means enhanced grip and handling. The wider tires also dramatically reduce cases of slippage when riding on wet, rainy conditions.

What does the H stand for on a motorcycle tire?

The H speed index means the tire is rated at a maximum of 130 mph. Load and speed index maximums are very important for you to consider when purchasing tires. The higher the load number, the more weight the tire can handle.

What does 55 W mean on motorcycle tires?

This means that the tire’s measurement from inside the bead (which sits inside the wheel rim holding the tire within it) to the top of the tire is 55% of the tire’s width. In this example, 55% of 180 millimeters is 99 millimeters or 3.9 inches.

What does HB mean on motorcycle tires?

On some tires after, after the aspect ratio there may be a letter “R” or “B”. This is identifying the manner in which the tire was constructed, radial, bias belted, or standard bias/cross ply. Obviously, “R” stands for radial and the “B” stands for bias-belted.

Are wider motorcycle tires safer?

The size of your tires is all about preference and riding style. Having wider tires means that you will be sacrificing handling. Also, wider tires could be harmful to your bike if your bike doesn’t have the right dimensions to hold the size. On the other hand, wider tires equal a smoother, more powerful ride.

Do wider tires ride better motorcycle?

Having a wide rear tire helps to prevent slippage in wet, rainy conditions. Wide tires provide a smoother ride. They are more capable of absorbing the bumps on the road. Wider tires are great because they provide help with power transfer and help handle stronger motorcycle engines.

Are Fat tire motorcycles harder to ride?

Disadvantages of Fat Tires Your bike will not handle as well with fat tires as it will with standard tires. The flat shape of wide tires makes it more difficult to lean and turn corners while riding your bike.