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MotoGP tire sizes for 2016?

5 points · submitted Jun 2016 by u/obious

I know of the switch to R17s from the old 16.5 rims, but I've looked all over and failed to find the rest of the tire size specifications. Anyone know?

Edit: Thanks guys for looking into this. The more I research this, the more it seems that Michelin significantly varies tire geometry from track to track. We tend to hear a lot about different tire compounds they are experimenting with, but nobody ever talks about how tire geometry changes between tracks. This all just raises more questions...

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l_e_o_n_ 6 points · Jun 2016 · :Yamaha: Yamaha

you can download the pdfs here (you need acrobat reader 9), and you'll find all the rims certified by the FIM.

All 17", with these sizes: * 3.75" - 3.875" - 4.0" for the front * 6" - 6.25" for the rear

Actually, I learned something: i did not know they had different front sizes.

Ameerkat123 3 points · Jun 2016 · :46Rossi2: Valentino Rossi

Not as well versed with tyre sizes and how they affect everything on the dimensional spec level. Can anyone help me out here?

obious [OP] 10 points · Jun 2016

Tire sizing on a motorcycle, like a car, comes in 3 numbers. Take 190/65 R17; that means the tire is 190 mm wide, the height of the tire from the rim is 65% of 190 mm, and the rim size is 17 inches. Yes, this insane tire specification is a metric measurement, a unit-less ratio, and a US standard length. It's insane, but this is what we all use.

Now, there is a bit more to it when it comes to motorcycle tires, specifically sport bike tires. The above dimensions do not describe the tire profile. In other words, if a tire profile had a distinct "U" shape it would still have the exact same measurements as one with a "V" shape. There is no standard designation of tire profile that I know of.

I'm fuzzing a bit, but road bikes and especially cruisers generally have a "U" shaped tire, while race bikes have a more distinct V shape. The reasoning behind this is two fold:

  • Race bikes are generally either going straight or are in nearly maximum lean. By having a sharper profile, the contact patch is maximized at extreme lean angles.
  • A narrow sharper tire turns in much better, and the maximum grip bite point is more distinct. I personally love the way a tall tire feels. It just "drops" into a turn, is very precise, and communicates grip better. The downside is you'll have a more angst-y bike that tends to wiggle under breaking and acceleration.

I hope that answered your question.

Ameerkat123 3 points · Jun 2016 · :46Rossi2: Valentino Rossi

Brilliant thank you!

SellMeSomeSleep 2 points · Jun 2016 · :MotoGP: MotoGP

The best I can find at the moment is from the Bridgestone days circa 2010, a forum post with a legit (but now dead) looking link:
F: 125/60 R16.5
R: 190/65 R16.5
source:
http://motomatters.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1093
 
The maximum rim widths currently are 4" front and 6.25" rear from the FIM regs.

powder1 1 points · Jul 2016 · :Maverick: Maverick Vinales

Nice bigger front.