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
The M+S regulation remains in place for motorcycles. - For cars, winter tires that only have the M+S symbol have been in place since October 2024 and are no longer allowed to be used in winter road conditions. Only tires that have the 3PMSF symbol (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) on the side are permitted. The transition period officially ended in 2024.
