Tire speed rating

[Geezer]

I have been following discussions about Michelin's new PR3 tires, which will presumably replace the PR2s that I like for long distance riding.

According to their catalog, the PR3 is:

v-rated for speeds up to 149 mph; (W) rated for speeds of 168+ mph

I always thought that the z in zr17 meant that the tire had a speed rating of z.

Can anyone explain?

 

[SouthernCruizer]

All I can offer is that a Z rating on a motorcycle tire means it is rated at 149+ for consumer riding, and tested at over 249 mph for safety purposes,

 

[ionbeam]

Motorcycle tire rating -- Maximum Design/Test speed in MPH

J -- 62

N -- 87

P -- 94

S -- 112

H -- 130

V -- 149

Z -- 149+

Car tire rating in mph

B -- 31

C -- 37

D -- 40

E -- 43

F -- 50

G -- 56

J -- 62

K -- 68

L -- 75

M -- 81

N -- 87

P -- 94

Q -- 100

R -- 106

S -- 112

T -- 118

U -- 124

H -- 130

V -- 149

Z -- 149+

W -- 168

(W) -- 168+

Y -- 186

(Y) -- 186+

 

[Geezer]

Thanks for the information. I guess they are using W from the auto tire rating for some reason.

It is still odd to have a tire that indicates zr17 but is rated V or rather than calling it vr17. I guess it might confuse people when they are looking for a replacement and it has a different designation on it.

I'm sure any of the three ratings, V, W, or Z will be fine for the FJR.