How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Tire Size for Your Bike
Choosing the right motorcycle tire size is one of the most important steps when maintaining, upgrading, or customizing your motorcycle. The right tire affects how your motorcycle handles, accelerates, brakes, and feels on the road.
Whether you're riding a daily commuter, building a café racer, creating a scrambler, or working on a classic custom motorcycle, understanding your tire size can help you make a more informed decision before purchasing a new set of tires.
At Red Indian Customs, we believe choosing motorcycle parts should start with understanding what your motorcycle actually needs. Before choosing a new tire based only on appearance or tread design, learn how to read the numbers on your existing tire and check the recommended specifications for your motorcycle.
Quick Answer: The correct motorcycle tire size is the size recommended for your motorcycle and wheel configuration. Check your tire sidewall, owner's manual, and manufacturer specifications before purchasing. A marking such as 110/70-12 indicates approximately 110 mm nominal tire width, a 70% aspect ratio, and compatibility with a 12-inch wheel.
What Do Motorcycle Tire Sizes Mean?
Motorcycle tire sizes are usually printed on the sidewall of the tire. You may see a format such as:
110/70-12
Each part of this marking provides important information about the tire.
| Tire marking | What it means |
|---|---|
| 110 | Nominal tire width in millimeters |
| 70 | Aspect ratio |
| 12 | Wheel diameter in inches |
Understanding these numbers can help you compare tire options and avoid choosing a size that is incompatible with your motorcycle or wheel.
What Does 110/70-12 Mean?
The marking 110/70-12 can be broken down into three main measurements: tire width, aspect ratio, and wheel diameter.
110 — Tire Width
The first number represents the tire's nominal width in millimeters.
In 110/70-12, the 110 indicates a nominal tire width of approximately 110 millimeters.
Tire width can influence the appearance and handling characteristics of a motorcycle. However, wider does not automatically mean better. The correct tire width should be compatible with your motorcycle, wheel, and manufacturer's specifications.
70 — Aspect Ratio
The second number represents the tire's aspect ratio.
In 110/70-12, the 70 means the sidewall height is approximately 70% of the tire's nominal width.
The aspect ratio affects the overall profile of the tire and can influence the motorcycle's handling characteristics, ride feel, and appearance.
12 — Wheel Diameter
The final number represents the diameter of the wheel that the tire is designed to fit.
In 110/70-12, the 12 means the tire is designed for a 12-inch wheel.
The wheel diameter is particularly important because the tire must match the correct wheel diameter.
How to Find the Correct Tire Size for Your Motorcycle
Before buying a motorcycle tire, there are several places where you can check the recommended tire size.
1. Check Your Existing Tire
Look at the sidewall of your current tire.
You may find a marking similar to:
110/70-12
or another combination of numbers and letters.
Record the complete tire marking instead of looking only at the width. Other information on the sidewall can also help identify the tire type and specifications.
2. Check Your Motorcycle's Owner's Manual
Your motorcycle owner's manual is one of the best places to confirm the manufacturer's recommended tire specifications.
The manual may provide recommended front and rear tire sizes along with additional specifications.
If you are replacing the original tires, use the manufacturer's recommended specifications as your starting point.
3. Check the Motorcycle Manufacturer's Specifications
If you don't have the owner's manual, check reliable manufacturer documentation for your specific motorcycle model and year.
This is particularly important when buying tires for a motorcycle that has not been modified.
4. Check the Wheel Size
The tire must be compatible with the wheel diameter and appropriate wheel width.
A tire should not be selected based solely on whether it physically appears to fit.
The correct combination depends on the motorcycle, wheel, tire specifications, and intended use.
5. Ask a Qualified Motorcycle Professional
If you're unsure about compatibility, consult a qualified motorcycle technician or tire professional before purchasing.
This becomes even more important when your motorcycle has modified wheels, suspension, fenders, swingarms, or other components.
Can You Use a Different Motorcycle Tire Size?
Sometimes riders consider changing from the original tire size to a wider, narrower, taller, or shorter tire.
However, changing tire size is not simply a matter of choosing a tire that looks better.
A different tire size can affect:
- Overall tire diameter
- Motorcycle geometry
- Clearance
- Handling
- Steering response
- Speedometer readings
- Fender and swingarm clearance
- Wheel compatibility
For custom motorcycles, these considerations become even more important.
If you are modifying your motorcycle, make sure the new tire is appropriate for the wheel and motorcycle setup. Always check clearances and manufacturer or professional recommendations before making a significant change from the original specification.
A larger tire is not automatically an upgrade. The right tire is the one that properly matches your motorcycle, wheel, and intended use.
Front and Rear Motorcycle Tires Are Not Always the Same
One common mistake is assuming that the front and rear tires should have the same size.
Many motorcycles are designed with different front and rear tire dimensions.
The front tire and rear tire perform different roles in the motorcycle's handling system, so always check the recommended specifications for each wheel.
When replacing both tires, confirm the correct size for the front and rear separately.
Choosing Motorcycle Tires for Different Builds
Motorcycle tire selection isn't only about measurements. Your motorcycle's style and intended use can also influence the type of tire you want.
Café Racer
Café racer builds often combine classic styling with a more focused road-going appearance.
When choosing tires for a café racer, consider how the tread pattern, sidewall profile, and overall tire proportions complement the motorcycle's design while remaining appropriate for the wheel and riding conditions.
Scrambler
Scrambler-style motorcycles often use more rugged-looking tread patterns.
If you're building a scrambler, look for a tire design that complements the motorcycle's intended use while ensuring that the size and specifications remain compatible with the bike.
Bobber
Bobber builds often emphasize a clean, minimalist appearance.
Tire selection can have a major visual impact on the proportions of a bobber, but appearance should always be balanced with proper fitment and intended riding conditions.
Brat Style and Classic Customs
Classic and brat-style motorcycles can use a variety of tire designs depending on the motorcycle and build.
A traditional tread pattern can complement a vintage-inspired motorcycle, while a more aggressive design can create a different visual character.
The key is to choose the tire based on both fitment and function, rather than appearance alone.
Tubeless Motorcycle Tires
Many modern motorcycles use tubeless tires, while other motorcycles use tube-type setups.
A tubeless tire is designed to form an airtight seal with a compatible wheel, while a tube-type setup uses an inner tube.
When replacing your motorcycle tire, don't assume that every tire and wheel combination is interchangeable.
Check:
- Tire type
- Wheel type
- Tire size
- Wheel diameter
- Manufacturer specifications
If you're unsure whether your motorcycle uses a tubeless or tube-type setup, check the tire markings, wheel specifications, or owner's manual.
Common Motorcycle Tire Size Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes riders should avoid when choosing new tires.
Choosing a Tire Only Because It Looks Good
A tire can look perfect on a custom motorcycle but still be unsuitable for the wheel or motorcycle.
Appearance should complement proper fitment rather than replace it.
Looking Only at the Tire Width
The first number isn't the only measurement that matters.
Always consider the complete tire size, including the aspect ratio and wheel diameter.
Ignoring the Front and Rear Specifications
Front and rear tires may use different sizes.
Always verify the recommended specification for each wheel.
Choosing a Tire Without Checking the Wheel
The tire must be compatible with the wheel it will be mounted on.
A tire that appears to fit may not be the correct match for the wheel.
Assuming Wider Means Better
A wider tire can change the motorcycle's handling and geometry.
Always verify compatibility before changing from the manufacturer's recommended size.
Forgetting About Clearance
On modified motorcycles, check the available space around the tire, including the fender, swingarm, chain, suspension, and other nearby components.
How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Tire
Before purchasing a motorcycle tire, use this simple checklist:
1. Identify your motorcycle model and year.
2. Check the manufacturer's recommended tire size.
3. Check the current tire sidewall markings.
4. Confirm the wheel diameter.
5. Check whether the setup is tubeless or tube-type.
6. Consider your motorcycle's intended use.
7. Consider the tread pattern and overall design.
8. Verify that the tire is compatible with your wheel.
9. Check clearance if your motorcycle has been modified.
10. When in doubt, consult a qualified motorcycle professional.
Taking a few minutes to verify these details can help prevent costly fitment mistakes and help you choose a tire that is appropriate for your motorcycle.
Find the Right Tire for Your Build
Once you've confirmed the correct tire size for your motorcycle, you can start looking at tread patterns, styles, and designs that match your build.
Red Indian Customs offers motorcycle tires and custom motorcycle parts for riders building café racers, bobbers, brat-style motorcycles, scramblers, trackers, and other custom-inspired bikes.
Before ordering, always confirm the tire size and specifications required for your motorcycle.
Explore our Motorcycle Tires collection and find a tire that matches your build.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right motorcycle tire isn't just about finding a tire that looks good.
The right decision starts with understanding your motorcycle, wheel, tire specifications, and intended riding conditions.
Whether you're maintaining a daily motorcycle or building a custom café racer, scrambler, bobber, or classic-inspired ride, take the time to verify the correct tire size before ordering.
Know your size. Choose your tread. Build your ride.
Red Indian Customs — Motorcycle Parts & Tires for Custom Builds.
