How to Determine the Size Of Motorcycle Tires
Motorcycle tires come in many different sizes to accommodate the different needs of motorcycle owners. It is important to know what size tire your motorcycle needs. A few quick measurements and calculations can help you to figure out this measurement.
You will need a measuring tape for both millimeter and inches measurements and a calculator to complete this task.
- Measure the width of the tire. Determine the width of the widest part tire's horizontal cross section. This measurement should be done in millimeters.
- Determine cross section height. Measure the height of the cross section at the longest part. This needs to be in millimeters as well. This number is needed to figure other parts of the measurement code.
- Calculate the aspect ratio. This is done by dividing the cross section height by the cross section width and then multiplying by 100.
- Figure out the diameter of the tire. This measurement should be done in inches instead of millimeters like the measurements taken in previous steps.
- Formulate the tire's size code. The width measurement is the first number in the size code of a motorcycle tire. The second number is the aspect ratio percentage. The speed entry rating is the third number. The fourth number is the tire diameter.
- Check the tire. Most motorcycle and all other vehicle tires have the measurement listed on the sidewall. Check both sides for this measurement, or the size code that you have calculated. You can compare your code with the one on the tire.