How to read two wheeler tyre code and tyre size

two wheeler tyre code
3 December 2023

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Long story short – Do not select two-wheeler tyre solely based on brand, but looking at sizing tires and how to read motorcycle tyre code is vital too. What shoes do for us is what the wheels do for the two-wheelers.

When a pre-installed two wheeler tyre is worn out, or you plan to change with a new set of tyres, there are some things that you need to look beyond the brand name. Motorcycle tyre code is all we need to look into, and this tells the entire story. Also, we need to consider customer feedback and technical inputs from the workshop technicians. If a wrong set of tyres is installed, it affects performance, stability and safety. So let us make things easier for you with pictures and simple explanations.

The picture shows the tyre markings on a real two wheeler tyre.

two wheeler tyre code

Straight to the matter. Let’s delve deep into how to read motorcycle tyre code and what you should prioritize. Mainly, there are five values that we need to look at. They are :

  1. Width of the tyre
  2. Aspect ratio (between height and width)
  3. Rim size
  4. Type of vehicle
  5. Load index
  6. Speed rating

Motorcycle tyre code deciphered

1. Width of the tyre

The first two or three digits of the tire code mention the width in millimetres with correct tyre inflation. 140 is the width in our above image.

2. Aspect Ratio

The next digits represent the height mentioned as a percentage of the tyre’s width. Lower aspect ratios (e.g., 40, 50) indicate sportier tyres with shorter sidewalls for better handling and grip. Higher aspect ratios (e.g., 60, 70) offer more comfort and stability for everyday riding.

It is 70 in our image, meaning the tire sidewall’s height is 70% of the width.

3. Type of construction (Not always present)

Found along with the rim size, which explains the construction method used for tyre manufacturing.

  • B – bias belt or bias ply construction (older design, less common)
  • D – Diagonal tyres (less common, combines bias and radial features)
  • R – Radial tyres (most common, offer better handling and comfort)

4. Type of Vehicle

M/C in above image means motorcycle.

types of two wheeler tyre construction

5. Rim size

Digits adjacent to the construction type mention rim size or wheel diameter in inches. 17 is the rim size of the tyre in the above pic.

6. Load Index

As the name mentions, it is the maximum weight the two wheeler tyre can hold or carry. In the above image, it is 66. Check below motorcycle tyre load index chart

Load Index Load in Kg
62 265
63 272
64 280
65 290
66 300
67 307
68 315
69 325
70 335
71 345
72 355
73 365
74 375
75 387

7. Speed rating

Maximum speed at which tyre can operate; check below two wheelers speed rating chart below

Code km/h
A1 5
A2 10
A3 15
A4 20
A5 25
A6 30
A7 35
A8 40
B 50
C 60
D 65
E 70
F 80
G 90
J 100
K 110
L 120
M 130
N 140
P 150
Q 160
R 170
S 180
T 190
U 200
H 210
V 240
Z over 240
W 270
(W) over 270
Y 300
(Y) over 300

8. Additional Markings

  1. Tubeless (TL) or Tube-Type (TT): Indicates whether the tyre requires a tube or not.
  2. Direction of Rotation: An arrow showing the intended direction of tyre rotation for optimal performance.
  3. Tread Wear Indicators (TWI): Small raised bars inside the tread grooves indicate the legal wear limit.
  4. Date Code: A four-digit code indicating the week and year of manufacture (e.g., “2234” means the tyre was made in the 34th week of 2022).

Factors we need to consider along with tyre markings

  1. Brand name and the tyre model’s past performance is vital to consider. For that, we need to take inputs from motorcycle technicians, customers and Google, too.
  2. Also, select which type of tyre is suited for your motorcycle, like Tube-Type (TT) or Tubeless (TL).
  3. Nowadays, most motorcycles come fitted with tubeless tyres as they have many more pros than tube tyres.
  4. If possible, check the construction type of tyres, like bias belts and diagonal or radial tyres.

  5. Rider demands and road conditions also need to be considered. For example, the speed index comes into the equation when tyres are meant for race tracks.
  6. Try to stick with tyres with the same codes recommended in the motorcycle owner’s manual to extract maximum performance.

FAQ about how to read motorcycle tyre code

What does the b mean on a motorcycle tyre?

The letter “B” on a motorcycle tyre can have two different meanings, depending on the context:

1. Bias-ply construction:
In the traditional tyre construction code, “B” stands for “bias-ply.” This refers to the tire’s internal structure, where layers of fabric cords are laid diagonally across the carcass (like a belt), offering a strong and stable construction.

2. Bias-belted construction:

Sometimes, “B” can also stand for “bias-belted” construction. This is a hybrid design that combines bias-ply and radial features.

What does 67h mean on a motorcycle tyre?

The “67H” marking on your motorcycle tire is a combination of two separate codes: the load index (67) and the speed index (H). The load index number indicates the maximum weight the tyre can safely carry at its recommended inflation pressure. The speed index letter denotes the maximum speed the tire is rated for when carrying its maximum load.

Conclusion

Most motorcycle owners need to pay more attention to the details and get fooled or lured by technicians in shops and showrooms. So, all you have to do is learn how to read motorcycle tyre code from this article and stay safe on your motorcycle. As mentioned at the beginning of the article, tyres are like shoes, so the right size matters. Last but not least, always wear a helmet and follow road rules. If you have any other doubts or queries, email us at bikeleague2017@gmail.com. We are always eager to help and assist you. Also, here are several social media platforms of Bikeleague India to raise your suspicions.