How to select a motorcycle tyre with speed rating

Replacing your motorcycles stock tyres can be confusing especially if your stock tyres are not available or expensive or if you are seeking new options.

Shot en route to Leh

Stock tyres are the tried and tested options. Here are some points to keep in mind while changing your tyres.

Speed rating : The speed rating code represents the highest speed at which a tire can support the load specified by its load index, following the manufacturer's specified usage conditions.

 For example the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 comes with stock Pirelli Phantom H rated tyres for front and back when I bought the bike in 2019. That means they can comfortably and safely go on speeds up to 210 kmph.

 Source: dunlop.eu 

Here you can find the speed rating of tyres as they follow a standard pattern 

From Michelin: “This code, when present, appears after the size marking. The code comprises three characters: two numbers and a letter, for example, 67H.

 

Rear tyre with H-rating

 Front tyre with P-rating

 

 

  Changing the Interceptor tyres 

I opted for an H- rated MRF Zapper for the rear and P rated front tyre. Typically the indian roads rarely allow you to ride consistently at speeds over 150, besides the risks.  If you want to go faster you can always take it to the race track ;)

 

And the wash

And we are ready to roll ! 

Cheers
BT

Tyre replacement at DA MODS (Iffco chowk, Gurgaon) - Prompt service!