Tips & Solutions
🧩 1️⃣ Understanding tyre sizes
Motorcycle tyres are labelled like this example:
90/80–17 (tubeless)
Each number/letter means something important:
| Label Part | Meaning | Example (90/80–17) |
|---|---|---|
| 90 | Tyre width in mm | 90 mm |
| 80 | Aspect ratio (height = 80 % of width) | 72 mm high |
| 17 | Rim diameter in inches | Fits 17-inch wheel |
| T/L or T/T | Tubeless / Tube type | Tubeless |
| F / R | Front / Rear specific tyre | Depends on marking |
Example
Front: 90/80–17 (narrower, better steering)
Rear: 120/70–17 (wider, better grip & stability)
📘 Always check your motorcycle’s swingarm or user manual for the recommended size range.
⚙️ 2️⃣ Types of motorcycle tyres
| Type | Features | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Bias-ply | Strong sidewalls, flexible tread | Small to mid-cc commuters, touring |
| Radial | Better heat dissipation, grip at high speed | 200 cc+ sports/touring bikes |
| Tubeless (TL) | Less chance of sudden deflation, easier repair | Modern bikes (most 120–250 cc) |
| Tube-type (TT) | Used with spoked rims | Older bikes, off-road models |
| Dual-purpose / semi-knobby | Mixed on/off-road tread | ADV / scrambler bikes |
For Malaysian commuters (Y15ZR, FZ150i, CBR150R, etc.), tubeless (TL) or tube-type(TT) tyres are ideal.
🛞 3️⃣ Tyre compound & tread pattern
| Compound | Grip | Lifespan | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft | Excellent | Short | For cornering, wet grip |
| Medium | Balanced | Moderate | Ideal for daily riding |
| Hard | Lower | Long | For long-distance / fleet use |
| Tread Design | Function |
|---|---|
| Sporty slick / semi-slick | Maximum road contact, great for dry grip |
| Rain grooves | Channels water, prevents hydroplaning |
| Block / knobby | For off-road, mud, loose gravel |
🔧 4️⃣ Tyre pressure tips (very important!)
Always measure when tyres are cold.
Typical pressure range (check manual to confirm):
| Bike Type | Front (psi) | Rear (psi) |
|---|---|---|
| 120–150 cc commuter | 28–30 | 32–36 |
| 200–250 cc sport / touring | 30–32 | 34–38 |
| With pillion / heavy load | Add +2 psi to rear |
Too low = poor handling, higher fuel use, heat buildup.
Too high = less grip, bumpy ride.
🧰 5️⃣ Maintenance & safety checks
✅ Inspect tread depth — legal minimum: 1 mm, recommended to change around 2 mm remaining.
✅ Check sidewalls — look for cracks, bulges, punctures.
✅ Rotate or change both tyres together if wear is uneven.
✅ Avoid mixing radial and bias tyres on the same bike.
✅ Balance and align after replacement.
✅ Don’t use old tyres — rubber hardens after ~5 years (check DOT week/year code, e.g. 3522 = week 35, 2022).
🧴 Bonus tip — tyre care
Avoid kerosene or harsh cleaners on sidewalls.
Store away from sunlight or heat when not riding.
Ride at least weekly to prevent flat-spotting.
After washing, dry tyres fully before riding to prevent slipping.
Choose suitable Tyres for your motorcycle
Need help choosing the right tyres? Visit our Motorcycyle tyres products or Contact Us to discover the best combination. Kindly ask us for the details. We always ready to serve you.
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