Where to Check Motorcycle Tire Size?

[BrynleeMarie]

Motorcycle tire size can be found on the sidewall of the tire. Method for checking tire specifications: The tire specification is 195/65R1591V, where 195 indicates the tire width is 195mm; 65 represents the aspect ratio (the percentage of the tire's section height to its width) as 65%, meaning the tire's profile; "R" stands for RADIAL, indicating it's a radial tire; 15 denotes the rim diameter in inches; 91 is the load index; and V signifies the tire's speed rating. Location of tire specifications: Original equipment tire dimensions can be found in the owner's manual, on the left front door jamb, glove compartment door, or fuel filler cap. The tire specification information can also be located on the sidewall of the existing tire.

[MacCarlos]

The most straightforward way to determine motorcycle tire size is to look at the sidewall, where you'll find that cryptic combination of numbers and letters. For example, my street bike's tire reads '120/70 ZR17': 120 indicates the tire width in millimeters, the 70 after the slash is the aspect ratio, ZR stands for a high-speed tire, and 17 is the rim size in inches. When replacing tires, make absolutely sure these numbers match—a friend once installed the wrong size and nearly lost control in a turn. Sometimes the handlebar nameplate might have a sticker with the tire specifications, but these tend to fade from sun and weather exposure, so the sidewall remains the most reliable source. If it's truly illegible, check the owner's manual; manufacturers print the recommended specifications in black and white.

[Correia]

I've been riding motorcycles for ten years and mainly rely on feeling the tire sidewall to determine the size. Running my fingers along the outer edge, I can easily feel the raised specification markings, such as combinations like 120/70—they're unmistakable to the touch and quicker to find than with the naked eye. During routine tire pressure checks, just glance at the position of these markings; no need to squat down specifically to look. Some off-road tires have deeply engraved markings, so if they're covered in mud, just wipe them clean with a damp cloth. When buying new tires, remember to take a photo of the original tire specifications and send it to the shop. Be aware that different sizes affect handling and fuel consumption—I once tried using wider tires for a long trip, and my fuel consumption increased by a full 20%.

[OAlina]

Last week, I helped my cousin check the tires on his small scooter: Found a yellow dot on the sidewall indicating the lightest point, right next to the size marking like '3.50-10'. The largest set of numbers with a slash on the tire definitely contains the dimensions. The mechanic at the shop shared a tip: Look for the three-digit combination with a slash—that's the surefire way to spot it. On motorcycle forums, I also stumbled upon a lesser-known fact—the inner tread often hides the production code, while the size info might not be as prominent. When replacing tires, don't just focus on the numbers; the last digit represents the rim size in inches and must match. I've seen cases where wrong-sized rims couldn't secure the tire properly—way too dangerous.