It is important to know the width, height and diameter of the wheels on a motorcycle
When changing the wheels of a motorcycle for others as well as taking into account their life cycle, it must be taken into account that these new tires may have different measures. It is then when one can ask oneself, how can you check if they are adequate and how is it possible to read those dimensions ? And it is that if you look at the wheel of your motorcycle you will see that there are different nomenclatures and numbers .
HOW TO READ THOSE MEASUREMENTS?
When reading the dimensions of the tires of a two-wheeled vehicle, one will distinguish the following legends relative to the measurements of the same. Thus, in the upper part the abbreviation TL is indicated to indicate tubeless tires (tubeless) and an arrow on the side for the rear or direction of rotation of the rear tire (and increasingly, also on the front) .
For its part, the lower area of the wheel explains everything related to the width of the nominal section of the tire expressed in millimeters, its height with respect to the same section (indicated in percentage), as well as the diameter between the beads of the tire. the wheel measured in inches (each is equal to 2.54 centimeters). Next we find a figure, which is the load index, and its side a letter, which is the speed index.
Although this set of numbers may be a bit confusing to understand at first, the truth is that finding the right tire for each motorcycle or scooter is simple. This example is enough: if one reads on the wheels of his motorcycle this legend 120/70 - 12 51 S this means that the width is 120 m m, the height / width ratio is 70% (that is, the height of the flank is 70% of the width , which in this case is 120 mm, so the height in this case is 58 mm); and the 12 would indicate the inches ( diameter of the rim as explained before), while the 51 would be the load index (51 corresponds to a maximum load of 195 kilos) and the S the speed index allowed by that wheel (S corresponds to a maximum speed of 180 km / h).
To make it even less complicated, in most houses that sell tires there is a wide variety of wheel models that, in addition, are adjusted to each type of motorcycle, such as a trail motorcycle, an electric motorcycle, a sport motorcycle. touring, a motocross, rally or scooter. (NdR: however, these types of indications do not indicate the main technical characteristics of the tire but are commercial nomenclatures to indicate whether a tire is softer, harder, intermediate or appropriate for a certain terrain).
EQUIVALENT TIRES
This same information is also reflected in the technical sheet of the motorcycle and it is essential to know in advance. In addition, thanks to this it is known if there is any possibility of fitting other tires that are equivalent and that can meet certain "homologation" margins.
Of course, before fitting these tires it is important to stop to check if they meet certain important requirements. For example, that the load capacity index is equal to or greater than the minimum indicated for the approval of this type, that the speed category is equal to or greater than that explained above, that the mounting rim profile is that corresponding to that wheel and that the outer diameter is equal and with a tolerance of plus minus 3%.
Also, you may like:
1. When to change the motorcycle chain
0 Comments