Motorcycle Tyre Construction Types Explained

Diagonal tyres have the longest tradition and are most spread in the market. The carcass of a diagonal tyre is composed of two or more textile cord layers (rayon, nylon, polyester), which are crossed at certain angles. Diagonal tyres are the right choice for smaller motorcycles with a lower cubic capacity, scooters and older motorcycles whose chassis is adapted to diagonal tyres.

Bias belted tyres are actually diagonal tyres with a reinforced diagonal belt under the tread surface. These tyres are designated with the B letter (diagonal belted tyres), e.g. 130/90B15. These tyres are ideal for higher cubic capacity motorcycles whose chassis is not adapted to radial tyres and demand for stronger tyres.

Radial tyres have a carcass with a cord layer placed at a 90°angle in driving direction. To stabilize the tyre tread surface, the reinforcement cord belts are placed over the carcass. Radial tyres are the right choice for motorcycles with higher cubic capacity since they have to transmit strong forces onto the road, which develop at accelerating, braking and cornering. Radial tyres have many benefits, the most important one being the ability to reach high speeds. Due to a centrifugal force, the temperature in the tyre increases, which can damage the tyre, aggravate the road grip and increase tread wear. The radial construction eliminated almost all disadvantages of diagonal tyres. The behavior of a tyre in limiting conditions is better predictable.

Steel cord-reinforced radial tyres have additional steel cord placed under the tread surface. The final result is a more rigid carcass which delivers optimum riding performance as the tyre wears and also through its entyre lifetime.