Can I fit lower speed rated motorcycle tires?

Motorcycle tyres withe the M&S mark can be used with a lower speedindex then in your vehicle handbook.

For example when you want to mount on a BMW R 1250 GS offroad tyres.

You can get specific ‘winter motorcycle tires’. These are better known as M+S rated tires. M+S stands for Mud and Snow and tyres that are M&S rated usually have a snowflake symbol on the tyre wall or they will clearly mention M+S. In countries where winter tyres are a legal requirement, motorcycles are required to have them fitted.

In the most EU countries the Speedlimit with M&S Wintertires is Q = 160 km/h

8.66 million motorcycle tires / scooter tires were sold in the tire replacement market across Europe in 2023.
This corresponds to a decrease of 11.2% compared to the previous year.

In the last quarter it fell again significantly with 24.4%, after 20.2 in Q3 - 9.6 Q2 and 2.4 Q1

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How to change & balance your own motorcycle tyres

Some videos they explain you how to change your motrcycle tyres.

In the edition nr13 06/2017, the Europes nr1 magazine "MOTORRAD"  has finally addressed the subject of the motorcycle  tyre age more extensively. Thus, two sets of Michelin Power 2CT DOT 2515 were tested, one of which was stored in a cool and dry place, the second in a direct sun in a greenhouse to make it even faster.

DOT Nummber - "Department of Transportation"  tyre age code

Conclusion: "If the storage conditions are favorable, the tires are durable for many years, but they are often much faster in use. Only in the extreme test in the rain did the performance decrease slightly. "

Tire Age vs. Safety: Inspect Tires, Not Just Dates

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The enormous problems with container shipping from the Far East or South America causes delivery problems up to the interruption of the supply chain, as is currently happening in the Suez Canal with a transverse container ship.

The tire industry is not spared from this either.

Since most motorcycle tires are not produced in Europe, there are already enormous delivery delays.

We therefore recommend all motorcyclists to get a suitable set of motorcycle tires in time, so that they can start the 2021 season without hesitation..

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Motorcycle Tires Under Extreme Load: A Look at the Physics of Grip

This text dives into the extreme stresses placed on motorcycle tires at high speeds, highlighting the impressive performance of these seemingly simple components.

Forces at Play:

• < 200 HP: The engine's immense power needs to be transferred to the road through the tire, posing a huge challenge for grip.
• < 270 km/h (168 mph): At this speed, the tire rotates 1.5 times per second and travels 4.5 km (2.8 miles) further than the front tire due to "spin" caused by slippage.
• Torque: The engine's gearing amplifies torque at the rear wheel, resulting in strong pulling force.
• 1450 Newtons: This immense force pushes the motorcycle and rider through the wind, with the tire providing the frictional force necessary for forward movement.
• 150 kg (330 lbs) Wheel Load: The motorcycle's weight rests on the tire, further increasing friction and wear.
• 4.5% Slip: At high speeds, some slippage is unavoidable, leading to heat generation and wear.
• 100 Degrees Celsius Rubber Temperature: Frictional heat can significantly raise the rubber temperature, affecting its properties and grip.
• 270 Newtons Centrifugal Force: The centrifugal force on each individual belt thread within the tire is enormous and can lead to structural damage.