Motorcycle Tire Markings
Tire Markings (Part 1)
Tire markings are not applied randomly. As a rule, there are industry rules and reasons why they must be applied. Applied means they carry information for the user, and that information must be interpreted in a single, correct way. There are motorcycle tire markings that fundamentally distinguish them from passenger car tires. Today, we'll discuss some of them and why you should pay attention to them first.
Size.
The size on a motorcycle tire is indicated in the same way as on a passenger car tire. The first digit indicates the tire's profile width, and the second digit indicates the profile height. However, there are important differences. We're used to seeing the "R" designation on the sidewall of a tire. On motorcycle tires, this designation is also present, but if you see a "-" or "D" designation, it means the tire has a diagonal carcass, and if there's a "B" designation, it means the tire has a diagonal carcass with a steel breaker, which is relatively rare in motorcycle tires.
110/70 R17
120/90 –17
160/70 B17
"M/C" Marking
This marking indicates that the tire is designed for motorcycle use. Despite seeming obvious at first glance, it's intended to prevent these tires from being installed on passenger cars. For motorcycle tires with a rim diameter of 16 inches or more, this marking is mandatory.
"R" or "F" Position Designation
Since, in the motorcycle segment, the front tire can often significantly differ from the rear tire in terms of construction and direction of rotation, the marking indicating the position is always present. The "R" (REAR) designation indicates installation on the rear wheel of a motorcycle, or "F" (FRONT) indicates installation on the front wheel of a motorcycle.
Pirelli Diablo Rosso III 110/70 R17 54W R
Pirelli Diablo Rosso III 190/55 R17 75W F
"TT", "TL", or "TT/TL" Tube Installation
In analogy with the standard marking on passenger car tires, in motorcycles, the TT marking means the tire requires a tube, and TL means it can be used without a tube. If you see a dual "TT/TL" marking, it means the tire is designed for either option, with or without a tube.