This is a listing of tires and their specifications available from most major manufacturers in sizes to fit the Royal Star Venture. The information was compiled to provide a one-stop comparison of what is available. All data was gathered from the manufacturer's websites and brochures. While every effort was made to insure accuracy of the data, due to the possibility of typographical errors in the source documents or here, you should verify all info with your tire dealer before ordering to insure you get what you want.

The OE tire sizes for the Royal Star Venture 1999 - 2007 are:

150/80-16 Front
150/90-15 Rear

The OE Brands and models used are the Dunlop D404 or the Bridgestone Exedra G series.

Always run a matched set of tires for best performance and safety. Mis-matched tires may have different handling characteristics which could upset the motorcycle under certain conditions. After installing new tires, allow a 100 mile break-in period to become accustomed to the feel of the new tires and to scuff them in. Check the tire pressure and condition regularly, preferably before every ride. Adjust the pressures to accomodate the load on the bike but never exceed the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall. Check and adjust air pressure while tires are cold as heat will skew the readings.

Speed Rating = The maximum speed a tire can sustain under it's recommended load capacity. The speed rating is listed on the sidewall near the tire size, next to the load index. Example:  77H

Load Index = The maximum load capacity of the tire at it's maximum inflation pressure. The load index is listed on the sidewall near the size and right next to the speed rating. Example:   77H 

Tire Sizing

What the numbers and letters in a tire's size mean.

Metric:
Using a 150/90-15 metric size as an example;
150 means that the tire is 150 millimeters wide at the tread area.
90 is the tire's aspect ratio, or height-to-width ratio measured as a percentage. In this example the height of the sidewall is 90% of the width.
15 is the rim diameter measured in inches.

Alpha-Numeric:
Using an MV85B15 as an example;
M means it is a motorcycle tire.
V is the width designation. V = 150 millimeters.
85 is the aspect ratio. Sidewall height is 85% of the width.
B means it is a bias ply belted tire.
15 is the rim diameter in inches.

Motorcycle tires are built in both bias ply and radial ply construction. The Venture and it's rims are designed and built to use bias ply tires only. Radial tires are not recommended for use on the Venture or it's rims. However, many people wonder what the differences are in the two types of tires.

Bias Ply tires are constructed with plys that run diagonally from bead to bead and alternate directions from one ply to the next. The number of plys may vary depending on the load capacity of the tire. Bias ply tires may or may not also be belted. Belted tires have an additional ply, or belt, that runs around the diameter of the tire under the tread for additional strength and stability.

Radial tires have plys that run radially, or straight across, from bead to bead. Radials also have belts that run around the diameter of the tire under the tread area to help stabilize the tread for better handling. Radial sidewalls are more flexible than bias ply tires and have much different handling characteristics. Radial tires will have an "R" in the size, usually right after the aspect ratio, that indicates it is a radial tire.

The plys are a layer of threads made from a cloth-like material such as rayon, nylon, or aramid that are bonded in rubber. Belts are usually made from a stronger material such as kevlar.

Motorcycle tires are directional!

Due to the tread design and internal construction of the tire, motorcycle tires are directional. This means they must be mounted to rotate in the proper direction while riding. The correct direction is marked on the sidewall with an arrow. Motorcycle tires are built and marked specifically to be installed on a particular axle of the bike. Do not install a rear tire on front or vise-versa. Although the tread may look the same, the internal construction of the plys are put together in a specific manner to deal with the accelleration and braking forces exerted on the tire. These forces are much different from front to rear applications. The front or rear fitment is normally marked on the sidewall of the tire near the directional arrow. Improper fitment can cause the tire to literally come apart at the seams!

Tread wear indicators are small lines or raised areas in the tread grooves. When the tread is worn down even with the indicators it is time to replace the tire. Some tires have small triangle symbols on the sidewall near the tread to show where the tread wear indicators are located.

Are your tires fresh?

All tires sold in the USA have a DOT number on the side wall. At the end of the DOT number is a 4 digit date code with the first two digits indicating the week and the last two the year the tire was manufactured. The tire in the picture below was manufactured the 27th week of 2004. Tires built before the year 2000 used a 3 digit date code with the first two digits indicating the week and the last digit the year of manufacture. Hopefully, you aren't running any tires old enough to have the 3 digit code on your bike. Depending on how they were stored, tires as little as four years old could be dry rotted enough to be considered unsafe to use. Don't risk your life trying to save a dollar. If there is any doubt about the condition of your tires, have them inspected by a professional or replace them. Remember, your tires are the only thing between you and the road.

Last update: 02:59 AM Thursday, September 27, 2012

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