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Tire Sizing and Motorcycle Wheel Alignment

All you need to know about sizing your motorcycle tires and aligning the wheels is included here. You can never know too much about healthy motorcycle wheel maintenance.

What is important about motorcycle wheel alignment?
Motorcycle wheels need to be in alignment to make cornering smooth and predictable. Also, motorcycle tires get worn less if the wheels are aligned. When one end is pulling toward one side a lot the motorcycle tire span is drastically reduced. Also, traveling in a straight line will bring you better mileage and speed.

Most new motorcycles have their ends more or less permanently aligned so rider's rarely have to do it. However the market is still flooded with older motorcycle's that require wheel alignment.

Prior to engaging in motorcycle wheel alignment be certain that all the motorcycle parts are in good condition.

With your conventional chain-drive motorcycle, you can change the back wheel's position through the adjusters. Align the wheel and chain with the marks on the swingarm. If your rear axle is aligned at 3 1/2 notches, for example, make sure to adjust the other side in the same manner.

Use the straight lining technique to test your motorcycle wheel alignment. A string or other straight edge is placed on the floor so that its slightly longer than the motorcycle. Prop your bike up as vertically as possible next to the string. You can wrap the string around the front wheel and connect it under the bike so that it lines up as straight as possible.

Accuracy isn't that critical when it comes to motorcycle wheel alignment. If you find that it is really difficult to align your motorcycle wheels, check the frame. Perhaps your bike was designed to be slightly offset.

**Tire Sizing Tips**

What is important about motorcycle tire sizing?

Motorcycle tire sizing is important when choosing new tires. Probably what you've done in the past was memorize the label on the existing tires to choose a compatible new tire within budget. But is that the right move when you have no clue what the label means?

A typical tire label reads something like "P185/60R 14 105 S." In this code there is a wealth of information. However, it doesn't offer any advantage if you don't know what it means. On your next trip to the automotive department you can use this information to make the right decisions.

So we've got the tire code: P185/60R 14 105 S. The first letter indicates what type of vehicle the tire is intended for:

P = Passenger

LT= light truck

T= temporary

The letter is immediately followed by the width of the tire in millimeters. ( ex. 185 mm )

On the flip side of the slash lies the aspect ratio. Roughly translated it means the percentage of the tire width. Smaller aspect ratios, wider tires in relation to height. Performance motorcycle tires will have lower aspect ratios. Wider tires hug the ground and supply lateral support during the force of a curve.



The next letter represents the tire's type of construction:

R = radial (most common type.)
D= diagonal bias (older tires)
B= bias belted (older tires)


The number sequence that follows determines the diameter of tire that will fit the motorcycle wheel's rim.

The next sequence of numbers is tire language for the maximum load the tire will bear going at the maximum speed before catastrophe occurs. Might want to keep those load and speed ratings in mind.

The maximum speed rating index is as follows:

S= maximum 122 mph (180 kph
H= maximum 130 mph (210 kph)
V= maximum 150 mph ( 240 kph)
W= maximum 168 mph ( 270 kph)
Y= maximum 186 mph ( 300 kph)

Keep in mind that at high speeds the motorcycle tires can get very hot. Extreme heat may cause the tread to separate from the belts. If you plan to build a rocket car you might want to try a tire with a Z speed symbol.

So what kind of motorcycle tires do you have if it has speed symbols of "S" and aspect ratio of 70 or lower?

According to the motorcycle tire industry, you have high performance motorcycle tires!

Aside from wheel alignment and tire sizing, other factors affect the reliability of your motorcycle. It is always important to consider motorcycle wheel alignment and tire sizing, but before you buy a new tire check out its tread and mileage warranty. A rough ride happens without proper tires on aligned motorcycle wheels.

Motorcycle Techniques That Save Lives!