Motorcycle Tire Sizes Explained: A Complete Buyer Guide

How to Read Motorcycle Tire Sizes

A common motorcycle tire size is:

110/80-17

The numbers describe the main dimensions of the tyre.

What Does 110 Mean?

The first number represents the approximate tire width in millimeters.

For 110/80-17:

110 = 110 mm tire width

What Does 80 Mean?

The second number represents the aspect ratio.

It indicates the sidewall height as a percentage of the tire width.

For 110/80-17:

110 × 80% = 88 mm

The approximate sidewall height is therefore 88 mm.

What Does 17 Mean?

The final number represents the wheel rim diameter in inches.

For 110/80-17:

17 = 17-inch rim diameter

Therefore, 110/80-17 can generally be understood as a motorcycle tyre with approximately 110 mm width, an 80% aspect ratio and a 17-inch rim.

Always confirm the manufacturer's specifications and the motorcycle manufacturer's recommended tire size before installation.

Common Motorcycle Tire Sizes

Different motorcycles and markets use different tire dimensions.

Some common motorcycle tire and tyre sizes include:

2.50-17

Commonly used on smaller motorcycles and commuter applications.

2.75-18

A widely used size for commuter and utility motorcycles in many markets.

3.00-17

Used across various motorcycle applications depending on the motorcycle model and manufacturer requirements.

90/90-17

A common metric motorcycle tire size for street and commuter motorcycles.

110/80-17

Often found on motorcycles requiring a wider road-oriented tire.

120/90-18

Used for various motorcycle and off-road applications depending on the specific tread and construction.

140/80-18

A larger rear tire size commonly found in Enduro, off-road and adventure motorcycle applications.

90/100-21

A common front tire size for many off-road and Enduro motorcycles.

The correct tire size depends on the motorcycle model, wheel specifications, load requirements and intended riding conditions.

Inch Size vs. Metric Motorcycle Tire Size

Motorcycle tires and tyres can use different sizing systems.

Inch Sizes

Examples include:

These sizes are widely used on commuter, utility and traditional motorcycle applications.

Metric Sizes

Examples include:

Metric sizing provides information about tire width and aspect ratio in addition to rim diameter.

These two sizing systems should not be considered automatically interchangeable. Always check the motorcycle manufacturer's recommended specifications and the tire manufacturer's fitment information.

What Is the Difference Between Tube Type and Tubeless Motorcycle Tires?

One of the most common questions from motorcycle tire buyers is:

What is the difference between tube type and tubeless tyres?

Tube Type Motorcycle Tires

Tube type tires are designed to be used with an inner tube.

They are widely used on motorcycles with compatible spoked or traditional wheel configurations.

Advantages may include:

Wide application compatibility
Easy replacement of the inner tube
Suitable for many traditional motorcycle models
Flexible maintenance options

Tubeless Motorcycle Tires

Tubeless tires are designed to hold air without a separate inner tube when installed on a compatible tubeless wheel.

Advantages may include:

Convenient maintenance
No separate inner tube required
Suitable for compatible modern wheel systems
Practical for many road motorcycle applications

The tire construction must always match the wheel and motorcycle requirements.

How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Tire Size

Choosing motorcycle tires should not be based on size alone.

Buyers should consider several factors.

1. Motorcycle Model

Different motorcycle models require different front and rear tire dimensions.

Always check the original equipment specification or the motorcycle manufacturer's recommended size.

2. Front or Rear Position

The front and rear tires can have different sizes and tread designs.

For example:

90/100-21 may be used as a front off-road motorcycle tire, while 140/80-18 may be used as a rear tire on certain Enduro or adventure motorcycles.

3. Riding Conditions

The correct motorcycle tyre should match the intended application.

Common riding environments include:

City roads
Highways
Rural roads
Gravel roads
Off-road trails
Mud
Sand
Mixed terrain

4. Load Requirements

Motorcycle tires must be suitable for the motorcycle's load requirements.

Distributors should confirm load index, speed rating and other applicable specifications before placing an order.

5. Local Market Requirements

Different countries and regions may have different popular motorcycle models, tire sizes and regulatory requirements.

For international distributors, understanding local demand is important when selecting a motorcycle tire supplier.

What Should Motorcycle Tire Importers Check Before Ordering?

For importers, wholesalers and distributors, product size is only one part of the purchasing decision.

Before ordering motorcycle tires or tyres, buyers should confirm:

Tire size
Front or rear application
Tube Type or Tubeless
Tread pattern
Load index
Speed rating
Quantity
Packaging requirements
Target market
Required certifications
OEM or private-label requirements

Providing complete specifications allows a manufacturer to recommend suitable products and prepare a more accurate quotation.

Why Product Consistency Matters for Tire Distributors

For a motorcycle tire distributor, consistent quality is especially important.

A supplier may offer a competitive price, but long-term business also depends on:

Stable product quality
Consistent specifications
Reliable production
On-time delivery
Product availability
Technical communication
After-sales support

For this reason, importers should evaluate the complete supplier capability rather than comparing tire prices alone.

OEM Motorcycle Tire Solutions

Many distributors are not only looking for standard motorcycle tires.

They may also need products manufactured under their own brand.

A professional motorcycle tire manufacturer may provide OEM and ODM services such as:

Private-label motorcycle tires
Custom branding
Sidewall logo customization
Tread pattern development
Packaging customization
Product specifications
Production support

DEJI TIRE provides OEM and ODM manufacturing support for international distributors, wholesalers and private-label brands.

Motorcycle Tires and Tyres from DEJI TIRE

DEJI TIRE is a motorcycle tire manufacturer in China providing tire and tyre solutions for international markets.

Our product range includes:

Motorcycle Tires
Motorcycle Tyres
Scooter Tires
Scooter Tyres
ATV Tires
ATV Tyres
Bicycle Tires
Bicycle Tyres
Motorcycle Inner Tubes

For distributors and importers, DEJI TIRE provides factory manufacturing, OEM and ODM support and international supply services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I read a motorcycle tire size?

A size such as 110/80-17 generally indicates approximately 110 mm tire width, an 80% aspect ratio and a 17-inch rim diameter.

What is the most common motorcycle tire size?

There is no single motorcycle tire size that is suitable for every motorcycle. Common sizes vary by motorcycle model, application and market. Examples include 2.75-18, 3.00-17, 90/90-17 and 110/80-17.

Are motorcycle tires and motorcycle tyres the same thing?

Yes. "Tire" is the standard American English spelling, while "tyre" is the British English spelling. Both refer to the same product.

What is the difference between tube type and tubeless tires?

Tube type tires require an inner tube, while tubeless tires are designed to hold air without a separate inner tube when installed on a compatible wheel.

Can motorcycle tire manufacturers provide private-label tires?

Yes. Many professional manufacturers offer OEM and private-label motorcycle tire solutions. Buyers should confirm available sizes, minimum order quantities, branding options and packaging requirements.

How can I choose a motorcycle tire supplier in China?

Compare manufacturing capability, product quality, certifications, production capacity, product range, OEM capability, export experience and customer support rather than focusing only on price.

Can DEJI TIRE provide OEM motorcycle tires?

Yes. DEJI TIRE provides OEM and ODM manufacturing support for distributors, wholesalers, importers and private-label brands.

Looking for a Motorcycle Tire Manufacturer in China?

If you are looking for a reliable motorcycle tire and tyre manufacturer in China, DEJI TIRE can provide motorcycle tire products, OEM and ODM manufacturing support and international supply solutions.

Whether you are a distributor, importer, wholesaler or private-label brand, our team can help you identify suitable tire specifications for your target market.

Send us your required tire size, quantity, target market and OEM requirements to discuss your project.