Tire Size Question

So my rear tire is a 130-80-V18. What does the V mean in the tire size? I'm looking at tires and I can't find one that has a "V" in the size. Will a 130-80-18 work, or does it have to say V18? The current tire I'm running is a Metzler but I need to replace it, has cracks in it. Any recommendations or a good tire? Considering Kenda(thats what is on the front).

Fozzie wrote:

So my rear tire is a 130-80-V18. What does the V mean in the tire size? I'm looking at tires and I can't find one that has a "V" in the size. Will a 130-80-18 work, or does it have to say V18? The current tire I'm running is a Metzler but I need to replace it, has cracks in it. Any recommendations or a good tire? Considering Kenda(thats what is on the front).

V is the speed rating.Your parts dealer can help pick out the right rating for your bike.

Speed rating? Ok thanks! Thought it was more to it than that. Just getting antsy, the bike shops are closed on sundays and mondays so it'll be a few days before I can inquire about some new rubber. Thanks.

A speed rating of V means that it is rated for sustained speeds of up to 150 mph.

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All the tires are confusing me. I found a tire Iam considering but not sure if it will fit. It is a 130/80B-18 rear. It is an H rated tire but now what does the B mean? Will it fit my bike?

www.americanmototire.com/catalog/product...269&products_id=1812

theresthelink to the tire.

Ok, so I think the B stands for Bias Ply? So now my next question is will a Bias ply be ok to use? I read where it has more wear and shorter life than a radial but the price is pretty decent.Anyone using a Bias ply tire?

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you can get a killer set of avon roadriders in your sizes with the V rating delivered to your door for 200 and either get em mounted at a local shop (and balanced)for about 50 off the bike...or mount em yourself by watching some youtube motorcycle tire mounting clips.. and buying 20$ tire irons online or at a shop...i do mine and am getting smoother at it..plus i can clean the rims up and set all my adjustments myself.....almost like doing your bikes tires as a kid.....

here is a link to the am26 roadrider...another member here gave me a link to a cheaper deal on a set ....maybe they will chime in


www.shopmotorcycleonlinestore.com/search...ducts=avon+roadrider

Fozzie wrote:

Ok, so I think the B stands for Bias Ply? So now my next question is will a Bias ply be ok to use? I read where it has more wear and shorter life than a radial but the price is pretty decent.Anyone using a Bias ply tire?

Bias tires are the only type I've ever used. My bike uses tubes and as I understand it from what I've read if you run radial tires with tubes you should use special radial tubes. I certainly have nothing against radial tires, but bias tires work just fine on these bikes. I currently use and am very impressed with the Pirelli Sport Demon (see link.) Ed

Pirelli Sport Demon