READING A SIDEWALL

   



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

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TIRE SIZE
Various tire size designations have been introduced during the last years as follows: Conventional tire 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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TIRE CONSTRUCTION
The term "tire construction" differs between the various structure assemblies:
Bias tires
Bias tires – also called "conventional tires" are designated by a dash in the size designation,
e.g.: 3.50 - 19, 23/4 - 17, 3.25 - 21
Bias-belted construction
Bias tires reinforced with a diagonal belt construction, also called bias-belted tires, 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 tires called "Radials" have code letter "R" in the tire 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 tire together with the corresponding maximum cold inflation pressure in psi. In the tire service description in accordance with the new tire 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 tires 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 tire 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 tires suitable for speeds above 210 km/h (130 mph) the actual max. speed is indicated in the technical data part .

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

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ADDITIONAL MARKS
The markings on the sidewall of the tires have to appear due to legal descriptions of various countries. Tire 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 tire marks.

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OTHER MARKINGS
1. Metzeler = Brand name
2. E3 = code identifying the country where the tire has been homologated
3. 75R-xzy = ECE homologation code
4. Max. load … = specification of the max permitted load on the tire at the specified inflated pressure in cold conditions
5. DOT = Department Of Transportation. This indicates that the tire 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 tire 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 tire, 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 tire section height and nominal width. This is not indicated when the section width is expressed in inches
13. ZR = code identifying tire 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 tires 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 tire doesn't need a tube. Please consult the "safety" section regarding the use of tubes in tubeless tires
19. Made in Germany = indicates where the tire has been produced
20. Arrow = The arrow indicates the rotation direction of the tire accordingly to it's fitted position (front or rear). In the case of a rear scooter tire fitted on the front wheel, the tire has to be fitted reverse to the rotating direction indicated on the sidewall. Fitment of M/C front tires on the rear wheel as well rear M/C tires on the front wheel is never permitted.

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