Tires 101: An Introduction: Difference between revisions
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The profile of the tire is the cross sectional shape. It is affected by several elements. The aspect ratio, wheel width, width of the tire, and the manufacturer's intentions for the tire all affect the profile. The profile in turn affects the handling. A triangular profile will cause the bike to turn in more easily, but may make it a little more prone to tucking or falling into the turn. On the other hand, a rounder profile may be a little more difficult to turn in, but might have a little more linear response to steering inputs. This is to a great extent motorcycle dependent; some bikes may like a particular tire, while others may not. | The profile of the tire is the cross sectional shape. It is affected by several elements. The aspect ratio, wheel width, width of the tire, and the manufacturer's intentions for the tire all affect the profile. The profile in turn affects the handling. A triangular profile will cause the bike to turn in more easily, but may make it a little more prone to tucking or falling into the turn. On the other hand, a rounder profile may be a little more difficult to turn in, but might have a little more linear response to steering inputs. This is to a great extent motorcycle dependent; some bikes may like a particular tire, while others may not. | ||
All in all, this means that a wider tire will tend to steer more heavily, but will also offer more traction. A larger rim will also steer slower, as will a broad, relatively flat tire. | All in all, this means that a wider tire will tend to steer more heavily, but will also offer more traction, [[About wider tires|to a point]]. A larger rim will also steer slower, as will a broad, relatively flat tire. | ||
==Buying the right size== | ==Buying the right size== | ||