Tires 101: An Introduction: Difference between revisions

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So, what does all this mean when it comes time to go out and buy the tire? Well, it means a lot. First of all, in many cases the tire selection may be limited by the wheels on the bike, or the age and style of the bike. An excellent example of these limitations is found when attempting to find tires for a pre-1994 EX500 or Ninja 600. Both of these bikes have relatively narrow 16 inch rims, but they are also meant to be sporting motorcycles. The selection of quality rubber for these bikes is pretty limited. You will find the same thing when you go looking for tires for the Ninja 250.

In other cases, while the hardware may be capable of supporting a more current tire, the optimal sizes are not available. A good example of this is the 1986 VF1000R. It has a 2.75x16 front wheel and a 3.50x17 rear wheel. The fitment of rear tires is not a problem -- any of the quality 140~~, 150, or 160~~ width radials will fit nicely. The slightly narrow front, however, really works best with a bias-ply tire. As for the EX250, there are good tires available, but they're not necessarily the "perfect" size. That's where the above charts come in handy. (See also the [[What tire makes are available that fit the 250?|Tire Models Page]]).

In other cases, while the hardware may be capable of supporting a more current tire, the optimal sizes are not available. A good example of this is the 1986 VF1000R. It has a 2.75x16 front wheel and a 3.50x17 rear wheel. The fitment of rear tires is not a problem -- any of the quality 140 width radials will fit nicely. The slightly narrow front, however, really works best with a bias-ply tire. As for the EX250, there are good tires available, but they're not necessarily the "perfect" size. That's where the above charts come in handy. (See also the [[What tire makes are available that fit the 250?|Tire Models Page]]).

==Radials==

And that brings us to an important matter for tire buyers: Should I buy a radial tire? The answer is a firm "maybe". (The answer for ~~EX 250~~ owners is a firm "uhh, forget it.") To understand the difference between a radial and a bias ply tire, it helps to know a little bit about tire construction.

And that brings us to an important matter for tire buyers: Should I buy a radial tire? The answer is a firm "maybe". (The answer for EX250 owners is a firm "uhh, forget it.") To understand the difference between a radial and a bias ply tire, it helps to know a little bit about tire construction.

A tire is nothing more than a bladder for air. It is made of rubber reinforced with some sort of fiber. (Once they were reinforced with canvas; now they're reinforced with kevlar. Times have changed). The rubber keeps the air in, and the fiber keeps the tire together, in addition to imparting shape characteristics to the tire. Tires are constructed in layers, each layer consisting of fibers laid in parallel, then impregnated with rubber. The final element is the bead, which is simply a wire put around the edge of the tire to help it clamp to the rim.

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 So, what does all this mean when it comes time to go out and buy the tire? Well, it means a lot. First of all, in many cases the tire selection may be limited by the wheels on the bike, or the age and style of the bike. An excellent example of these limitations is found when attempting to find tires for a pre-1994 EX500 or Ninja 600. Both of these bikes have relatively narrow 16 inch rims, but they are also meant to be sporting motorcycles. The selection of quality rubber for these bikes is pretty limited. You will find the same thing when you go looking for tires for the Ninja 250.
-In other cases, while the hardware may be capable of supporting a more current tire, the optimal sizes are not available. A good example of this is the 1986 VF1000R. It has a 2.75x16 front wheel and a 3.50x17 rear wheel. The fitment of rear tires is not a problem -- any of the quality 140, 150, or 160 width radials will fit nicely. The slightly narrow front, however, really works best with a bias-ply tire. As for the EX250, there are good tires available, but they're not necessarily the "perfect" size. That's where the above charts come in handy. (See also the [[What tire makes are available that fit the 250?|Tire Models Page]]).
+In other cases, while the hardware may be capable of supporting a more current tire, the optimal sizes are not available. A good example of this is the 1986 VF1000R. It has a 2.75x16 front wheel and a 3.50x17 rear wheel. The fitment of rear tires is not a problem -- any of the quality 140 width radials will fit nicely. The slightly narrow front, however, really works best with a bias-ply tire. As for the EX250, there are good tires available, but they're not necessarily the "perfect" size. That's where the above charts come in handy. (See also the [[What tire makes are available that fit the 250?|Tire Models Page]]).
 ==Radials==
-And that brings us to an important matter for tire buyers: Should I buy a radial tire? The answer is a firm "maybe". (The answer for EX 250 owners is a firm "uhh, forget it.") To understand the difference between a radial and a bias ply tire, it helps to know a little bit about tire construction.
+And that brings us to an important matter for tire buyers: Should I buy a radial tire? The answer is a firm "maybe". (The answer for EX250 owners is a firm "uhh, forget it.") To understand the difference between a radial and a bias ply tire, it helps to know a little bit about tire construction.
 A tire is nothing more than a bladder for air. It is made of rubber reinforced with some sort of fiber. (Once they were reinforced with canvas; now they're reinforced with kevlar. Times have changed). The rubber keeps the air in, and the fiber keeps the tire together, in addition to imparting shape characteristics to the tire. Tires are constructed in layers, each layer consisting of fibers laid in parallel, then impregnated with rubber. The final element is the bead, which is simply a wire put around the edge of the tire to help it clamp to the rim.