Know your tyres

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masterofinsanity
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Know your tyres

Post by masterofinsanity »

READING A SIDEWALL (c) http://www.metzelermoto.co.uk



MOTORCYCLE TYRE SERVICE DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
TYRE SIZE
TYRE CONSTRUCTION
LOAD CAPACITY
SPEED INDEX
TYRE SPEED CATEGORY
ADDITIONAL MARKS
OTHER MARKINGS


MOTORCYCLE TYRE SERVICE DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE:
180/55 ZR 17 M/C (73W) TL
180: tyre section nominal width [mm]
55: tyre aspect ratio [%]
ZR: tyre construction type
17: rim diameter [inches]
M/C: tyre for motorcycle only
73: load index code
W: speed index code
TL: tubeless tyre

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TYRE SIZE
Various tyre size designations have been introduced during the last years as follows: Conventional tyre designation
e.g.:
2.75 - 17, 3.50 - 18, 4.00 H 18
4.00 - 18 64 H, 3.25 - 19 54 V
Millimetric designation
e.g.: 110/90 - 18, 130/80 - 18, 110/90 – 19

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TYRE CONSTRUCTION
The term "tyre construction" differs between the various structure assemblies:
Bias tyres
Bias tyres – also called "conventional tyres" are designated by a dash in the size designation,
e.g.: 3.50 - 19, 23/4 - 17, 3.25 - 21
Bias-belted construction
Bias tyres reinforced with a diagonal belt construction, also called bias-belted tyres, are designated by the letter "B" in their size designation,
e.g.: 140/80 VB 17, 150/80 VB 16 V250
Radial-belted construction
These tyres called "Radials" have code letter "R" in the tyre designation,
e.g.: 140/80 R 17 69 H. 160/60 ZR 18
Please refer to the "Construction" section for more detailed informations regarding the different structures.

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LOAD CAPACITY
The maximum load in lbs is written on every METZELER street tyre together with the corresponding maximum cold inflation pressure in psi. In the tyre service description in accordance with the new tyre designation the maximum Please refer to the conversion table in the "Riding Safety" section for translation of load index to real kg-load/lbs-load. Some tyres show in the service description the additional markings "reinf." which is equivalent to "6 PR" or "Load Range C" and indicates a reinforced structure for an increased load capacity. This higher load is already contained in the maximum load inscription. For higher than indicated load capacities in the case of reduced speed consult METZELER.

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SPEED INDEX

The max. permitted speed for a tyre is indicated by a specific speed index-code (Please refer to the "Riding safety" section for conversion of speed index-code into real km/h or mph). For tyres suitable for speeds above 210 km/h (130 mph) the actual max. speed is indicated in the technical data part .

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TYRE SPEED CATEGORY
The notion "speed category" differentiates the tyres for motor-cycles according to their maximum permissible speed.

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ADDITIONAL MARKS
The markings on the sidewall of the tyres have to appear due to legal descriptions of various countries. Tyre data in English language, e.g. load in lbs, inflation pressure in psi apply only to countries where legal prescriptions as per DOT-standard are in force. Please refer to the complete marking explanation (refer to "Other markings" section) for a more detailed overview of the different tyre marks.

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OTHER MARKINGS
1. Metzeler = Brand name
2. E3 = code identifying the country where the tyre has been homologated
3. 75R-xzy = ECE homologation code
4. Max. load … = specification of the max permitted load on the tyre at the specified inflated pressure in cold conditions
5. DOT = Department Of Transportation. This indicates that the tyre conforms the regulations issued by the transportations dept's in USA and Canada
6. 3403 = the first 2 numbers identify the week (34 th ) and the last 2 the year (2003) in which the tyre was produced
7. Tread: = specification of the number of plies used for carcass and belt and the correspondent material used
8. Roadtec Z6 = Product line name
9. A = special version code. This letter identifies a special construction of the tyre, dedicated to a specific bike
10. Steel radial = Specification of construction typology
11. 180 = nominal section width in mm
12. 55 = aspect ratio: this percentage value identifies the ratio between tyre section height and nominal width. This is not indicated when the section width is expressed in inches
13. ZR = code identifying tyre construction technology ("-": bias, "B": bias-belted, "R":radial)
14. 17 = nominal rim diameter size expressed in inches
15. M/C = Motorcycle in abbreviated form. Needed to differentiate motorcycle tyres and rims from those designed for other vehicles.
16. 73 = load index code identifying the max permitted load. Please refer to conversion table for values in kg / lbs
17. W = speed index code identifying the max permitted speed. Please refer to conversion table for values in km/h – mph
18. TL = Tubeless. This tyre doesn't need a tube. Please consult the "safety" section regarding the use of tubes in tubeless tyres
19. Made in Germany = indicates where the tyre has been produced
20. Arrow = The arrow indicates the rotation direction of the tyre accordingly to its fitting position (front or rear). In case a rear tyre is fitted on a front wheel, the tyre has to be fitted reverse to the rotating direction indicated on the sidewall. Fitment of front tyres on rear wheel is not permitted.
Don't forget people there is more to the zxr400 than this forum... check out www.zxrworld.co.uk also.
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