Help with motorbike tyres needed please

Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.

swee'pea99

Squire
I'm trying to get a new front tyre for my ancient BMW R65, but knowing absolutely nothing about such matters, I'm getting very confused. I know it's a 90/90 18, but beyond that it all gets a bit hazy. They all seem to have codes - H & ZR and god knows what else. Is there a big difference? Does it matter, as long as I get the right size? It doesn't need to be fancy or high performance...I'm a pretty agricultural rider, to say the least, and the bike itself is not exactly hot stuff. Would something like this do me? Thanks if you can help.
 

biggs682

Itching to get back on my bike's
Location
Northamptonshire
the letters are speed ratings so i would suggest same rating as oe equipment or above
 

Night Train

Maker of Things
The tyres will have a speed rating as a letter (or two letters) and a load rating as a number.
you will need to get a tyre that meets the manufacturers requirement, or better, for the tyre to be legal on the road.

Even if you ride like an elderly nun on a shopping trip, if your bike is capable of 150mph then your tyre will need to be too.

Have a look here to see what the ratings are.

The tyre you linked to has a load rating of 51 (195kg) and a speed rating of H (130mph). I have no idea if that would be correct for your bike.
Getting the same as you have will only work if what you have is correct. A good motorbike tyre shop will be able to advise.
 

Doug.

Veteran
I have a B.M.W, R 80 (early seventies) and the Maxxis tyre you are considering should be fine.
Can't remember if your "65" had tubeless tyres,if yes no problem if needing tubes just fit a tube,works o.k. with tubeless tyres.
Good luck.
Yours
Doug.

P.S.
Central wheel components (C.W.C) are very helpful and have a good range of "economy " tyres.
They have a web site.
 
OP
OP
swee'pea99

swee'pea99

Squire
Thanks Doug - much appreciated. I'll take a look at CWC. I like the word 'economy'! (Almost as much as 'Free!')
 
Top Bottom