Motorcycle Tire Speed Ratings, Load Ratings and Tire Size Designations
| Speed Rating | Max. Design Speed (MPH) |
| J | 62 |
| K | 68 |
| L | 75 |
Full Answer
What is the load index and speed rating for tires?
30 rows · Tire Speed Rating Chart In this page you will find tire speed rating chart with maximum ...
What is the highest speed rating for a tire?
30 rows · May 25, 2021 · Speed ratings on tires are usually inscribed on the sidewall of the tire. For instance, for ...
How do you calculate tire load range?
12 rows · Tire Speed Rating Chart; Service description speed symbol Maximum speed (MPH) Size ...
What is the difference between 95T and 95h tires?
Dec 19, 2019 · The numerical value found preceding the speed rating is referred to as the tire load index. ...
What is load speed rating for tires?
The tire speed rating is the maximum speed tires can safely carry a load (the original weight of your vehicle plus whatever's in it) for a sustained amount of time in ideal conditions. The speed rating sits alongside the load index on the side of every tire.
Which is better T or H speed rating?
The “T” or “H” on tires pertain to their speed ratings. A T-rated tire can withstand top speeds of up to 118 mph (190 km/h), while an H-rated tire can support up to 130 mph (210 km/h). It is important to note these markings and stay within those speed limits.
What load rating is better E or F?
F-load range tires allow for higher carrying capacity at a higher inflation pressure compared to tires of the same size with an E-load range.
What is load and speed rating?
The load index number and speed symbol shown on a tyre correspond to the maximum load-carrying capacity of that tyre and its maximum speed capability. The load index number and speed symbol shown on a tyre correspond to the maximum load-carrying capacity of that tyre and its maximum speed capability.
Should I get H or V rated tires?
If you feel the need to drive at or above 130 mph then you should get a “V” speed rated set of tires. If you don't plan on driving that fast, then an “H” speed rated set is the better option.
What is load range H?
From a G to an H Truck tires typically come in two load ratings: G and H. Load range G is a 14-ply configuration, while load range H tires have 16 plies. The heavier-rated tire will usually add between 700 pounds and 1,000 pounds more load-bearing capacity per tire (see "How Much is Too Much," next page).
Do load range F tires ride rough?
Typically, an F rated tire will ride a bit worse than an E rated tire, but there are some exceptions. Load range refers generally to a side ply rating, while load index refers to a tire's weight rating.
Is Load Range E good for towing?
At a minimum, Load Range E tires are capable of safely supporting about 3,000 pounds. So, in the case of a dualie (six wheels), the tires collectively will provide more than sufficient grip for safely towing 18,000 pounds.
Is Load Range E better than D?
Expert Reply: Load range D has a capacity of 1,220 lbs at 65 psi, whereas load range E has a capacity of 1,520 lbs at 80 psi. Basically the only difference between the two is the weight capacity.
Is higher load rating better?
If you're thinking about up-sizing, you can switch to a tire with a higher load index, because that means your tire can safely carry more weight, but you can never go down.
How do you read a tire load rating?
The first number gives the load index for the tires when used on single axles. The second number is how much the tire can handle when used on a dual axle. For instance, if you see a 104/101 for the load index, this means the tire has an index of 104 when used by itself but only 101 when installed on a dual-tire axle.
Is a higher tyre load rating better?
The higher the load rating number, the stronger the tyre. Tyres with a higher load rating can take a greater amount of air pressure, which means they can also carry heavier loads. Take note - the maximum weight that the load rating refers to is in kilograms.
WHY IS SPEED RATING SO IMPORTANT?
The speed rating essentially reflects the ability of a tire to withstand or dissipate heat at high speeds.
IS A HIGHER SPEED RATING BETTER?
Tires with a higher speed rating usually, but not always, handle, corner and stop better, even at lower speeds (although many other factors, like t...
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU EXCEED YOUR TIRE’S SPEED RATING?
If you drive faster than the rated speed for your tires you are risking damage to the tires that could cause safety and performance problems down t...
CAN I MIX DIFFERENT SPEED RATED TIRES?
It is always best to avoid mixing tires with different characteristics, including speed rating. Tires with different speed ratings may grip and han...
The Science Behind Your Drive
Learn more about important specifications like speed rating and load index.
Speed Rating
Tire speed rating tells you the maximum service speed for a tire. A speed rating isn't, however, a recommendation to exceed speed limits, and doesn't indicate how well a tire handles or corners.
Load Index
Tire load index is an assigned number that corresponds to the maximum weight that a tire can support when properly inflated. The higher the tire's load index number, the greater its load carrying capacity.
How is a tire speed rating determined?
A tire’s speed rating is determined by putting the tire through a series of tests using a specifically designed machine. The goal is to meet or surpass the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) standards. Some tires even undergo more rigorous tests to comply with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
What does speed rating mean on tires?
What Does Tire Speed Rating Mean on Tires? The durability of a tire varies depending on the tire’s speed rating, which refers to the maximum speed a tire can safely carry the vehicle’s weight and payload in ideal conditions. Tire speed ratings come in the form of a letter that follows the load index value of the tire.
What are the different types of tires?
There are three different tire constructions, namely radial (R), bias-ply/diagonal (D), or belted (B). Radial is the most common tire construction of the three and features cord plies oriented at 90 degrees to the direction of travel. Bias-ply tires have cords that extend diagonally at 30 or 40-degree angles.
What is the difference between 65 and 17?
Using the same example above, 65 is the aspect ratio of the tire while 17 is the tire diameter (in inches). Aspect ratio, also known as the tire profile measurement, indicates the thickness of the sidewall from the rim to the outside tread of the tire. The 65 value means the tire has 65% of the section width.
What temperature do tires need to be inflated?
Tests are performed inside a room that is heated to a temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
What does 65 mean on a tire?
The 65 value means the tire has 65% of the section width. Tire or wheel diameter is the overall measurement of the tire from two opposing outer tread points. The letter in between the aspect ratio and tire diameter refers to the internal construction of your tire.
Why are tires important?
Tires are essential in keeping your vehicle maneuverable on the road. They’re made of vulcanized rubber—which is rubber that has been hardened and cooked—so that they can grip the ground and provide suitable traction on various road surfaces. They typically differ in terms of vehicle, driving, and weather applications.
How to find tire speed rating?
How to find your tire’s speed rating. To find the speed rating your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends for your tires, look in your owner’s manual. The actual speed rating of the tires currently fitted on your vehicle are molded onto the sidewall of your tire at the very end of your tire’s size code, following the load index.
What is the difference between load index and speed index?
The load index is a two or three digit number, while the speed index is a single letter at the very end of the entire size code. In the example above, the load index is 97, while the speed index is V.
What factors affect the speed of a car?
The actual safe driving speed depends on many other factors, such as laws, weather and road conditions, and your car’s mechanical capabilities and condition. If a tire is old, worn down, underinflated or overloaded, the speed rating is no longer relevant.
Can you run a tire faster than the speed rating?
Running a tire at speeds higher than its rating can shorten the tire’s life and potentially lead to a tire damage which could result in an accident, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s speed rating recommendations when you are choosing tires.
Do tires with a higher speed rating wear out faster?
However, they also tend to wear out more quickly than tires with a lower rating, and they can also make for a stiffer ride.
What Is Tire Speed Rating?
A tire’s speed rating indicates the optimal speed that the tire can safely maintain over time. In short, it’s the fastest speed a tire can handle before it no longer performs as designed. The higher the speed rating, the better control and handling you’ll have at higher speeds.
Why Were Tire Speed Ratings Developed?
The speed rating system used today was developed in Europe in response to the need to control the safe performance of tires at standardized speeds. When the rating system was originally developed, the "Unlimited V" category of over 210 km/h (130 mph) was the top speed rating possible.
Where Can I Find My Tire Speed Rating?
You can find your tire speed rating in a number of places, typically in the owner’s manual, driver’s side doorjamb, glove box door, and gas tank hatch. Recent standardization has changed so all ratings except "Unlimited ZR" incorporate the speed symbol and load index as part of every tire’s service description on the tire’s sidewall.
ZR Designation
Tires having a maximum speed capability over 149 MPH may have “ZR” in the size designation. Tires with a maximum speed capability over 186 MPH are required to include “ZR” in the designation. Below are examples of tire sizes with a “ZR” speed rating.
Tire Speed Rating Chart
For tires with a maximum speed capability higher than 240 km/h (149 mph), a "ZR" may appear in the size designation. Tires with a maximum speed capability higher than 300 km/h (186 mph), require a "ZR" in the size designation. Consult the tire manufacturer for maximum speed when there is no service description.
Turn to Tires Plus for Help
Need help understanding the speed rating on tires? Our technicians have got you covered. Bring your vehicle by your local Tires Plus and we’ll help you understand your tire numbers, tire size, and more!
What does tire load index tell you?
The tire load index tells you how much weight your tire can carry , and overloading your tires is never a good idea! When you put too much weight on your tires, you can cause damage and wear them down prematurely. Even worse, you run the risk of experiencing a tire blowout.
How to determine if a tire will work?
To determine if a set of tires will work on your particular car, use the tire load index chart to see how many pounds each tire can support. Multiply that by four (since your vehicle will use four tires). As long as that number is greater than the GVWR of your vehicle, those tires should work.
What is the speed rating of a tire?
An H speed rating indicates the tire is approved for speeds up to 130 mph (210 km/h) under optimal conditions. An H speed rating is at the low end, or at the start of the performance tire speed ratings. H speed rated tires are ideal for sport and luxury coupes and sedans, but not typically considered full-fledged performance vehicles. H speed ratings are common in the grand touring all-season tire category.
What does a Y rating mean on a tire?
Y rated tires have been tested at speeds up to, and in excess of, 186 mph (300 km/h) under optimal conditions. If Y speed rating is indicated without parentheses (as normal), this means the tire is rated up to 186 mph. If the Y speed rating is indicated inside of parentheses, this means that particular tire size and specification has been tested at speeds in excess of 186 mph. A Y speed rating denotes maximum tire performance.
What is a T rating?
A T rating indicates the tire is approved for speeds up to 118 mph (190 km/h) under optimal conditions. T ratings are most associated with standard touring tires, and everyday passenger vehicles like family sedans and minivans.
How fast can a Q tire go?
Q tires are approved for speeds up to 99 mph (160 km/h) under optimal conditions. Tires toward the low end of the speed rating range often prioritize a particular function or unique performance over maximum speed rating. Some studdable and studless winter tires, for example, are Q speed rated.
What is an H speed rating?
An H speed rating is at the low end, or at the start of the performance tire speed ratings. H speed rated tires are ideal for sport and luxury coupes and sedans, but not typically considered full-fledged performance vehicles. H speed ratings are common in the grand touring all-season tire category. W.
What does a W mean on a car?
A W means the tire is approved for speeds up to 168 mph (270 km/h) under optimal conditions. W speed rated tires land firmly at the performance end of the speed rating spectrum. Ws are suitable for performance coupes and sedans, and even street driven exotic sports cars.
Motorcycle Tire Load Index Chart
See the Maxxis Tire School for current correct tire load index information.
How to Read Tire Size Labels
The load rating corresponds to the total load carrying capacity of the tire at the speed indicated by the speed symbol. The Aspect Ratio equals the height divided by the width times 100.