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Reading tire sizes 101

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Old Oct 1, 2010 | 07:49 AM
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Default Reading tire sizes 101
I know how to read tire sizes for cars and trucks, but I'm a little stuck on motorcycle tires. Could someone help?
My ultra has a front NW130/80B17 55 H
I know 130 is width, 80 is % of width which is profile ht,, 17 is wheel size.
I was wondering if H is speed rating?
Is NW referring to black wall?
What does 'B' and 55 refer to?

Also wondering if shopping for a replacement wheel other than wheel size (17") what other perimeters do you need to match?
Thanks.
 
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Old Oct 1, 2010 | 10:41 AM
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Originally Posted by dlrshort
I know how to read tire sizes for cars and trucks, but I'm a little stuck on motorcycle tires. Could someone help?
My ultra has a front NW130/80B17 55 H
I know 130 is width, 80 is % of width which is profile ht,, 17 is wheel size.
I was wondering if H is speed rating?
Is NW referring to black wall?
What does 'B' and 55 refer to?

Also wondering if shopping for a replacement wheel other than wheel size (17") what other perimeters do you need to match?
Thanks.
"H"speed rating up to 130 MPH
"NW" Narrow Whitewall
"B" Bias ply
"55" load rating 481 lbs

Hope it helps
 
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Old Oct 1, 2010 | 01:55 PM
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Thanks,

Could you tell me how you would choose a wheel size? Does it only need to be based on wheel diameter?
 
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Old Oct 1, 2010 | 02:15 PM
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Originally Posted by dlrshort
Thanks,

Could you tell me how you would choose a wheel size? Does it only need to be based on wheel diameter?

First what are you wanting to do stay with 16" wheels or go custom 18" or 21" wheels.
 
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Old Oct 1, 2010 | 06:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Two Brothers
First what are you wanting to do stay with 16" wheels or go custom 18" or 21" wheels.
I would stay with the stock.
 
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Old Oct 2, 2010 | 07:26 PM
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Originally Posted by dlrshort
I would stay with the stock.
You will not have much choice on sizes.
 
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