When you’re shopping for dirt bike tires, you’ll notice a lot of numbers and letters. These numbers and letters are the tire’s size, and they can tell you a lot about the tire. In this blog post, we’ll explain how dirt bike tire sizes work so that you can make an informed decision when shopping for a new tire.
The anatomy of a dirt bike tire
When it comes to dirt bike tires, there are a few things you need to know in order to make sure you’re getting the right size for your bike. Here’s a quick rundown of the anatomy of a dirt bike tire:
The bead is the innermost part of the tire that sits on the rim of the wheel. The carcass is the main body of the tire that extends from the bead to the tread. The tread is the part of the tire that makes contact with the ground. The sidewall is the portion of the tire between the bead and tread.
There are a few different types of dirt bike tires available on the market, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Soft compound tires offer more grip but don’t last as long, while hard compound tires are more durable but don’t provide as much grip. Intermediate compound tires strike a balance between these two extremes.
Dirt bike tires come in a variety of sizes, which are expressed in inches. The most common sizes are 2.75-10, 3.00-10, and 3.50-10. When choosing a tire size, you’ll need to take into account both the width and height of the tire. The width is measured in millimeters (mm), while the height is known as the aspect ratio and is expressed as a percentage of width (for example, 50%).
Generally speaking, wider tires provide more traction but can be more difficult to control, while narrower tires
How to read tire markings
When looking at the sidewall of a dirt bike tire, you’ll see a series of numbers and letters. These numbers and letters are the tire markings, and they give you important information about the tire. Here’s what you need to know about reading tire markings:
The first number is the width of the tire in millimeters. The second number is the height of the sidewall, as a percentage of the width. The third number is the inner diameter of the tire in inches.
For example, a tire with markings of 110/90-19 would have a width of 110mm, a sidewall height of 90% of the width (99mm), and an inner diameter of 19 inches.
The letter after the dash denotes the type of construction used in the carcass (the body) of the tire. “R” means radial construction, while “B” means bias-ply construction. Radial tires are generally considered superior to bias-ply tires, as they provide better handling, grip, and durability.
Tire sizing systems
There are a few different ways that manufacturers size dirt bike tires. The most common is by using the International Standards Organization (ISO) method. In this system, the width of the tire is listed first, followed by the diameter of the wheel it’s meant to be used with. For example, a 70/100-19 tire would be 70mm wide and fit a 19″ wheel.
Another way to size tires is by their inner diameter (ID). This is the measurement from one side of the tire to the other, not including the tread. So, a 120/80-18 ID tire would be 120mm wide with an 18″ inner diameter.
The last way to measure a dirt bike tire is by its section height (SH). This is the height of the tire from the bead seat (where it mounts on the rim) to the top of the tread. So, a 50 SH tire would be 50mm tall from bead seat to tread.
Choosing the right size tire for your bike
When it comes to choosing the right size tire for your bike, there are a few things you need to take into account. The first is the type of bike you have. There are different-sized tires for different types of bikes. The second is the terrain you’ll be riding on. Again, different tires are better suited for different types of terrain. And finally, you need to consider your own riding style.
So, what’s the best way to go about choosing the right size tire for your bike? Here are a few tips:
- Firstly, consult your bike’s manual. It should have recommendations for tire sizes based on the make and model of your bike.
- If you’re unsure which size to go for, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and go for a slightly larger size. You can always trim down a tire that’s too big, but if you choose a tire that’s too small it won’t fit at all.
- When in doubt, ask around! Talk to other riders in your area and see what they recommend.
Tips for changing tires
- It is important to know how to change a tire on a dirt bike, in case you get a puncture when out riding.
- Here are some tips on how to change a tire on a dirt bike:
- Firstly, you will need to remove the wheel from the bike. This is usually done by loosening the axle bolts with a wrench. Once the bolts are loose, you can then pull the wheel off the bike.
- Next, use a tire lever to pry off the old tire from the rim. Start at one side of the tire and work your way around until the tire is completely off.
- To put on the new tire, start at one side of the rim and work the tire onto it. Use your hands to stretch the tire over the rim until it is seated all the way around.
- Finally, pump up the tires with an air compressor or pump before putting the wheel back on the bike and tightening up the axle bolts.
