Tyres play a crucial role in a scooter's ride quality, handling, and performance. Smaller tyres will give you a rough, bouncy ride, while bigger tyres have good stability and are comfortable, especially on India's infamous potholed roads. With a variety of scooter tyre sizes available, choosing the right one can get overwhelming.
This blog will explore different scooter tyre sizes and how they affect your ride.
Various Scooter Tyre Size in India
The right tyre size can significantly improve your riding experience. In India, various scooter tyre sizes are available, and understanding how to read size names is key to making the correct choice for your vehicle.
Tyre sizes are usually marked with three numbers embossed/printed on the tyre sidewall.
For example, 90/100-10:
- The first number (90) indicates the scooter's tyre width in millimetres (read as 90mm).
- The second number (100) is the height of the tyre sidewall as a percentage of its width (read as 100%).
- The third number (10) is the width of the tyre rim in inches (read as 10").
Here are the seven most common tyre sizes available for scooters in India:
1. 90/100-10 Tyres
The 90/100-10 size is popular for city commuting, offering a good blend of grip and comfort. The Honda Activa and TVS Jupiter use this size and offer smooth riding over potholes and rough surfaces. Its wider profile enhances stability at higher speeds, sharp turns, and even sudden braking.
2. 90/90-12 Tyres
The 90/90-12 tyre size is more performance-oriented and comparatively expensive. You'll find this size in scooters like the Honda Dio and Grazia. Its slightly larger diameter allows for better acceleration and maintains a comfortable ride. This size is preferred because it provides a stable grip in different weather conditions and ensures safety on rainy days. The tubeless version is easy to repair and has less chance of sudden punctures.
3. 90/90-10 Tyres
The 90/90-10 tyre size has a good balance of width/height, giving it good traction without sacrificing ride. This tyre is quite popular among scooters like TVS Scooty Pep+ and Hero Pleasure. The grooves on this tyre are designed for water removal and perform well on slippery roads. Besides being lightweight, this scooter tyre size ensures better fuel efficiency, hence it is popular among commuters.
4. 100/80-10 Tyres
The 100/80-10 tyre size is for scooters needing extra grip and stability. This tyre size is common in models like the TVS NTORQ, and it improves performance on both wet and dry surfaces. A wider profile makes for more contact with the road, which converts to better handling and cornering stability. Its sporty design also wins over young riders who want an aggressive look without compromising on safety.
5. 110/70-12 Tyres
The 110/70-12 tyre size is very popular among modern scooters, including the Yamaha Fascino and Ray ZR. Combining a wider footprint with a lower profile provides better grip during high-speed cornering. These tyres give a better cornering performance while providing a comfortable ride over long distances. Rolling resistance is also reduced, improving fuel efficiency, which is an essential factor for daily commuters.
6. 120/70-10 Tyres
You will find 120/70-10 tyre sizes in models like the Vespa SXL and VXL. The larger 120/70-10 tyre boasts better grip and handling characteristics, which is ideal for city riding and highway cruising. The larger contact patch gives better stability through turns, while the low profile maintains responsive steering feedback. They perform well in all weather conditions and are versatile enough to handle diverse riding environments across India.
7. 3.50-10 Tyres
The classical 3.50-10 tyre size has been around for ages and is still relevant because of its compatibility with many older scooter models. Less common on newer scooters, it is still in use in models like the Bajaj Chetak. This tyre size has reasonable traction and comfort but may not match the levels of more modern sizes. It's inexpensive for those wanting to keep an older scooter running without spending much money.
Conclusion
Choosing the right scooter tyre size is more than just fitting a tyre; it is about enhancing your riding experience. The right tyre can provide better safety, stability, comfort, and fuel efficiency, making your scooter experience much more enjoyable and less worrisome. However, protecting your two-wheeler with a comprehensive bike insurance policy is equally important. A good policy can cover damages to your scooter, theft, and even medical expenses. Consider adding tyre protection to your insurance plan to ensure you're covered for unexpected tyre-related issues like punctures.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.