The numbers on your bike’s tyre are not random. Instead, they tell you its width, rim size, load limit and safe speed. Once you learn the code, reading motorcycle tire specs in Pakistan takes less than a minute. This guide explains each marking with simple examples from the CD 70 and CG 125.
Safety note: Always fit the size and type your bike maker recommends. If you are unsure, ask an authorised dealer or a trusted tyre shop before you change sizes.
Where to Find Motorcycle Tire Specs in Pakistan
First of all, the full code sits on the sidewall of every tyre, in raised letters. For example, you might see “2.50-17 4PR” or “90/90-17 49P TL”. In addition, your owner’s manual and the company’s spec sheet list the correct front and rear sizes.
Atlas Honda, for instance, publishes spec sheets for its bikes on its website. So, if the old tyre is worn smooth and you cannot read it, check the manual or the spec sheet instead.
The front and rear tyres often differ. Because the rear carries the rider, passenger and engine power, it is usually wider. Therefore, always note the bike tyre size for both wheels separately before you visit a shop.
Inch Sizes: What 2.50-17 Means
Most 70cc and 125cc bikes in Pakistan use the older inch format. In a size like 2.50-17, the first number is the tyre’s width in inches, and the second is the rim diameter in inches. So, 2.50-17 means a tyre about 2.5 inches wide that fits a 17-inch rim.
Similarly, a 3.00-17 tyre is about 3 inches wide and also fits a 17-inch rim. In short, a bigger first number means a wider tyre. However, the rim size must always match your wheel exactly.
Shopkeepers often say “two-fifty” or “three hundred” when they mean these widths. In fact, that is how most shopkeepers talk about motorcycle tire specs in Pakistan, so learn the full code yourself. Still, always read the actual numbers on the tyre, because a mistake costs you money.
Metric Sizes: What 90/90-17 Means
Meanwhile, bigger and newer bikes often use metric sizes. For instance, in 90/90-17, the first 90 is the width in millimetres. The second 90 is the aspect ratio, which means the sidewall height is 90% of the width. Finally, 17 is the rim diameter in inches.
For example, a 100/80-17 tyre is 100 mm wide, with a sidewall 80% as tall as its width. Because the width is in millimetres, a 90 mm tyre is roughly 3.5 inches wide. Therefore, do not compare inch and metric sizes number by number.
Metric tyres usually also show the load index and speed rating right after the size. As a result, they give you more information in one line. That is why metric motorcycle tire specs in Pakistan are common on newer premium bikes.
Load Index and Speed Rating in Motorcycle Tire Specs in Pakistan
Many tyres show a number and a letter after the size, such as 50P. The number is the load index, which gives the maximum weight the tyre can carry. Likewise, the letter is the speed rating, which gives the maximum safe speed.
Load index
Max load per tyre
Speed rating
Max speed
38
132 kg
J
100 km/h
41
145 kg
K
110 km/h
43
155 kg
L
120 km/h
46
170 kg
M
130 km/h
47
175 kg
N
140 km/h
50
190 kg
P
150 km/h
52
200 kg
Q
160 km/h
54
212 kg
R
170 km/h
For instance, a tyre marked 50P can carry up to 190 kg at speeds up to 150 km/h. Of course, these are tyre limits, not targets. Also, never fit a replacement with a lower load index than the original, especially if you often carry a passenger or goods.
This matters a lot on our roads, since many riders carry a family of three or heavy bags. Although the bike may feel fine, an overloaded tyre heats up and can fail. In short, respect the load index in your motorcycle tire specs in Pakistan, even on short trips.
Ply Rating, TT and TL Markings
Many local tyres show a ply rating, such as 4PR or 6PR. Basically, it indicates the strength of the tyre’s body. Generally, a higher ply rating means a stronger tyre that handles heavier loads, although it may ride a little harder.
You will also see TT or TL on many tyres. TT means tube type, so the tyre needs an inner tube. TL means tubeless, so the tyre seals directly against the rim without a tube. In other words, never fit a TT tyre without a tube. Because many riders mix up these two letters, this is one of the most important motorcycle tire specs in Pakistan to check.
Motorcycle Tire Specs in Pakistan for CD 70 and CG 125
The table below uses Atlas Honda’s own spec sheets, so it shows the correct CD 70 tyre size and CG 125 sizes. Since these are the two most common bikes on our roads, the sizes are easy to find in any market.
Bike
Front tyre
Rear tyre
Honda CD 70
2.25-17, 4PR
2.50-17, 4PR
Honda CG 125
2.50-18, 4PR (38P)
3.00-17, 6PR (50P)
Notice that the CG 125 uses an 18-inch front wheel, unlike the CD 70. Therefore, a 17-inch front tyre will not fit it.
Scooters are different again. For example, the United Scooty 100 uses much smaller 12-inch and 10-inch wheels, according to its listed specs. So, if you ride one of the best scooters in Pakistan, always buy tyres by the exact size printed on your own tyre. Also, the rear tyre carries more weight, so it is wider and stronger than the front.
For air pressure, the CD 70 spec sheet lists about 25 psi at the front and about 29 psi at the rear for a solo rider. When you carry a passenger, the rear figure rises to about 33 psi. For other bikes, follow the manual, and read our tyre pressure guide for checking tips.
Tube vs Tubeless: Which Is Better?
Tubeless tyres lose air slowly after a small puncture. As a result, you can often ride carefully to a shop instead of stopping on the roadside. Many riders can also fix them with a simple plug kit. Tubes, on the other hand, are cheap and easy to replace. Still, a tube puncture often leaves you with a flat tyre very quickly.
However, tubeless tyres need rims that seal, such as alloy wheels. Most spoke wheels, like those on the CD 70 and CG 125, need tubes. So, do not fit a tubeless tyre on a spoke rim unless the maker built that rim for tubeless use.
Feature
Tube type (TT)
Tubeless (TL)
Rim needed
Spoke or alloy
Alloy or sealed rim
After a puncture
Air goes out quickly
Air leaks slowly
Roadside fix
Remove wheel, patch tube
Plug from outside
Common on
CD 70, CG 125 and most 70cc bikes
Many newer and bigger bikes
Other Sidewall Markings You Should Know
Besides size and load, the sidewall carries other useful marks. For example, an arrow shows the direction of rotation, so fit the tyre the right way round. Some tyres also say “Front” or “Rear”.
TWI or a small triangle: Shows where the tread wear indicators sit.
Max load and max pressure: The highest safe limits, not the daily pressure.
Date code: On many imported tyres, a four-digit code gives the week and year of manufacture.
For example, a date code of 0125 means the first week of 2025. Since rubber hardens with age, avoid buying tyres that have sat in a shop for years. For instance, look for small cracks between the tread blocks, especially on tyres stored in the sun.
Can You Fit a Wider Tyre?
Some riders fit a slightly wider rear tyre for looks or grip. However, a wider tyre must still match your rim size and clear the frame, chain and mudguard. Otherwise, it can rub and wear out fast.
A wider tyre can also make steering feel heavier and change your speedometer reading. So, ask a dealer before you change sizes. In fact, the safest choice is usually the size the maker lists. After all, it gives the best balance of grip, comfort and fuel average. A wider tyre also costs more.
Pakistan Standards for Motorcycle Tire Specs
PSQCA, the national standards body, includes motorcycle tyres and rims on its list of compulsory items, under the ISO 4249-1 series. In other words, these products must meet Pakistan Standards before sale.
Local makers include Service Tyres, which makes tyres for motorcycles, bicycles and three-wheelers. Panther Tyres in Lahore also makes motorcycle tyres and tubes. Imported brands are also on sale in big cities. Whatever the brand, check that the size, ply rating and TT or TL marking match your bike. Overall, standard motorcycle tire specs in Pakistan make it easy to compare brands fairly.
How to Use Motorcycle Tire Specs in Pakistan When Buying
Before you go to the market, write down your exact sizes and markings. Then compare each new tyre against that list. As a result, this simple step helps you avoid the wrong size or a weak tyre.
Note the front and rear sizes from the old tyre or manual.
After that, check the load index and speed rating, where shown.
Confirm TT or TL, and buy a matching tube if needed.
Check the date code and look for cracks or old stock.
Finally, ask the shop to balance and fit it properly.
What do motorcycle tire specs in Pakistan like 2.50-17 mean?
The first number is the width in inches, and the second is the rim size in inches. So, 2.50-17 fits a 17-inch rim and is about 2.5 inches wide.
What tyre size does the Honda CD 70 use?
Atlas Honda lists 2.25-17 at the front and 2.50-17 at the rear, both 4PR. However, check your own bike’s manual too.
Is a higher ply rating always better?
Not always. A higher ply rating carries more load, but it may ride harder. Therefore, follow the rating your maker lists.
Can I put a tubeless tyre on spoke wheels?
Usually not, because most spoke rims do not seal. So, use a tube-type tyre with a tube unless the rim maker approves tubeless use.
Do motorcycle tire specs in Pakistan follow the same codes as abroad?
Yes, because the size format, load index, speed rating and TT or TL marks follow the same international system. Therefore, an imported tyre with the right size and ratings can fit your bike too.
Final Word
Reading motorcycle tire specs in Pakistan is simple once you know the code: width, rim size, load index, speed rating and tube type. Then match these to your manual, check the date code and keep the right air pressure. For the official list of standard items, see PSQCA’s compulsory items list.
