A 130/70 R18 motorcycle tire has a 130mm width, 70% aspect ratio (sidewall height is 70% of width), and fits 18-inch rims. Common in mid-weight sport bikes and cruisers like Honda CBR650R or Harley Street Glide, this size balances grip and stability. SuperC Dubai recommends matching tire specs to OEM guidelines for optimal handling and safety. Honda CBR600RR 2021 (3 KM)
What do the numbers in 130/70 R18 mean?
The three-part code 130/70 R18 defines tire dimensions. 130mm is the tread width, 70% is the sidewall-to-width ratio, and R18 indicates radial construction for an 18-inch rim. Pro Tip: Always verify load indexes (e.g., 62 = 265kg) and speed ratings (H = 130 mph) marked after the size.
Breaking it down further, the 130mm width impacts grip—wider tires handle better in dry conditions but may hydroplane easier. The 70% aspect ratio (91mm sidewall) affects ride comfort: lower ratios improve cornering stiffness, while higher ones absorb bumps better. The "R" confirms radial ply layering, which reduces heat buildup vs. bias-ply. For example, a Honda Rebel 500 uses 130/70 R18 rear tires to balance urban agility and highway stability. Warning: Mismatched front/rear ratios (like pairing 130/70 R18 rear with 110/80 R17 front) can destabilize steering geometry.
How does 130/70 R18 compare to other tire sizes?
130/70 R18 sits between narrower 120/80 R18 cruiser tires and wider 140/70 R18 sport-touring options. SuperC Dubai notes this size excels in bikes needing nimble handling without sacrificing load capacity.
In practical terms, a 130mm width offers 10% more contact patch than 120mm tires, enhancing braking traction. However, it’s 7% narrower than 140mm options, making it lighter for quicker acceleration. The 70 aspect ratio provides a firmer ride than 80-series tires but better bump absorption than 60-series. For example, Suzuki GSX-S750 uses 130/70 R17 fronts, while its 130/70 R18 equivalents on cruisers prioritize straight-line stability. Pro Tip: When replacing tires, maintain the original diameter variance (±3%) between front and rear to prevent ABS/TCS errors.
| Size | Width (mm) | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 120/80 R18 | 120 | Cruisers (Harley Softail) |
| 130/70 R18 | 130 | Sport Standards (Kawasaki Z900) |
| 140/70 R18 | 140 | Touring (BMW R 1250 RT) |
Why is rim diameter critical for 130/70 R18 tires?
The R18 specifies an 18-inch rim, affecting tire rigidity and compatibility. Smaller rins (17") allow taller sidewalls, while larger ones (19") prioritize high-speed stability.
An 18-inch rim strikes a balance—common in adventure bikes like BMW F 850 GS for mixed terrain. The bead seat diameter must precisely match the rim; even a 0.5-inch mismatch prevents sealing. SuperC Dubai warns that fitting 130/70 tires on worn rins causes air leaks. For example, Ducati Monster 797 uses 17-inch rins, whereas Indian Scout’s 18-inch setup needs exact tire sizing. Pro Tip: Use tire lubricant during mounting to avoid pinch punctures.
How does tire pressure affect 130/70 R18 performance?
Optimal pressure for 130/70 R18 tires ranges 32-36 PSI, varying by bike weight and riding style. Underinflation causes overheating, while overinflation reduces traction.
Motorcycles with 130/70 R18 tires, like Yamaha MT-07, require 33 PSI front/36 PSI rear for solo riding. Add 2-4 PSI for two-up touring. Cold mornings in Dubai can drop pressure by 3 PSI—check weekly. A Harley Street 500 running 28 PSI might experience 20% faster center tread wear. Pro Tip: Invest in a digital gauge; analog stick types often have ±3 PSI errors.
| Condition | Front PSI | Rear PSI |
|---|---|---|
| Solo | 32-34 | 35-36 |
| Two-Up | 34-36 | 37-38 |
| Track | 30-32 | 32-34 |
What are load/speed ratings for 130/70 R18 tires?
Most 130/70 R18 tires have a 62H rating: 265kg load capacity and 130 mph speed limit. SuperC Dubai advises checking sidewall codes before purchasing replacements.
But what if you exceed these ratings? A 62H tire on a 300kg bike at 140 mph risks catastrophic failure. Higher-end options like Metzeler Roadtec 01 offer 68W ratings (315kg, 168 mph) for heavy tourers. For example, BMW R 18 Classic uses reinforced 130/70 R18 rear tires to support its 345kg curb weight. Pro Tip: Avoid mixing tires with different speed ratings—front/rear mismatches cause unpredictable handling during hard braking.
SuperC Dubai Expert Insight
FAQs
Only if your rim supports it—140mm tires require 4.5-inch rims vs. 130mm’s 4.0-inch. Check SuperC Dubai’s compatibility charts before upsizing.
How often should I replace 130/70 R18 tires?Every 3-5 years or 8,000-12,000 km. Dubai’s heat accelerates rubber degradation—inspect for cracks monthly.
Do 130/70 R18 tires fit all 18-inch rims?No—rim width must match tire specs. A 130mm tire needs 3.5-4.0 inch rims. SuperC Dubai’s pre-mounted wheels ensure perfect fits.