Ultimate Guide to Tomos Moped Tires

Welcome to our complete blog on Tomos tires.

Whether you are a seasoned Tomos rider or just starting out with mopeds, understanding your moped tires is essential for a safe and enjoyable riding experience.

In this blog, we explore the world of Tomos tires, from reading moped tire sizes to selecting the right type of tire for your needs. We also discuss the importance of performing moped tire maintenance to ensure your safety on the road.

Read our blog for helpful insights and tips on Tomos tires, because your riding pleasure and safety is our priority!

What information can be found on a moped tire?

Tire size

The size of a moped tire is not immediately obvious at first glance. Fortunately, each moped tire indicates its size and what it is suitable for. This information is displayed in a sequence of numbers on the side of the moped tire. This sequence consists of 3 digits (width/height/rim size) or 2 digits (width/rim size).

For example: 2.25-100-16 if it has 3 digits and 2.25-16 if it has 2 digits. The "2.25" is then the width of the tire, "100" the height and "16" the rim size. This will help you identify your moped tire size and buy the right moped tire for your Tomos moped.

Tyres have 2 different sizes. Metric like 90/100/16 and inches like the example above. In metric, the first number indicates the width in millimetres, the second number is the height of the tyre, but as a percentage of the width. The third number is again the inch size of the rim.

To make the right choice, below we have a comparison table that roughly converts tyre sizes in Inch to Metric:

• 3.00 x 12 = 80/90/12
• 4.75 x 12 = 120/70/12
• 2.25 x 16 = 60/90/16
• 2.50 x 16 = 70/90/16
• 2.75 x 16 = 80/90/16 
• 2.00 x 17 = 50/90/17 
• 2.25 x 17 = 70/90/17
• 2.50 x 17 = 70/90/17
• 2.75 x 17 = 80/90/17
• 3.00 x 17 = 90/90/17

Old Tire sizes

On old tyres and in old leaflets, there are sometimes strikingly large sizes. This is because there was a different way of sizing back then. Below are the most common sizes that are sometimes described differently:

• 2.00 x 16 = 20x2.00
• 2.25 x 16 = 20x2.25
• 2.75 x 17 = 21x2.75
• 2.00 x 17 = 21x2.00
• 2.00 x 19 = 23x2.00
• 2.25 x 19 = 23x2x2.25
• 2.50 x 19 = 23x2x2.50

Want to buy a wider moped tire than the original one? This is possible, as long as the rim size remains the same. However, we recommend not going wider than tire size 2.75. If you go wider than 2.75, it will no longer fit between your front fork and swingarm. But if you decide to go for 2.75 your standard front fender will no longer fit. A Revival or Streetmate front fender will fit. And you have to get longer shocks, otherwise your rear tire will scrape against the mounting bolts at every bump.

Max weight and speed (Load Index / Speed Index)

On the moped tire you will also find the Load Index (LI) and Speed Index (SI), denoted by a number and a letter, for example 28L. While this may seem confusing, it's actually quite simple. The number and letter correspond to values in a table (see below). As an example, let's take 28L. Here the LI is "28" and the SI is "L." If you cross-reference this with the tables, you end up with 28=100kg and L=120km/h.

Date of manufacturing (DOT-code)

Each moped tire has a "DOT" code(Department of Transportation) that indicates when the moped tire was manufactured. The DOT code consists of 4 digits. The first 2 digits indicate the week of production and the last 2 digits indicate the year. For example, a code of 0223 indicates that the moped tire was produced in the second week of 2023. Generally, you should replace the moped outer tire every 5 to 6 years or every 5,000 kilometers, but this may vary depending on your driving style.

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Types of moped tires

There are different types of moped tires, but for convenience we can divide them into 3 categories: Semi-slick("Race tires"), Street and Cross. The type of moped tire is determined by two factors: the tread and the hardness of the rubber. But what exactly is the difference between race, cross and street moped tires?  

Sport tires

These moped tires have little to no tread and are relatively smooth. The lack of tread allows for more contact between the tire and the road surface. They are made of soft rubber, which gives you more grip and makes the tire hotter, resulting in better adhesion to the road. The downside is that they wear out faster and offer less grip on wet roads because of the lack of tread. In fact, some racing tires, such as slicks, have no tread at all and are intended only for dry circuits. This also makes them illegal on public roads. Semi-slicks, on the other hand, are allowed for road use.

Cross tires

On the other end of the spectrum, you have moped cross tires. These moped tires have deep tread and are made of harder rubber. They require lower tire pressure than racing tires and are ideal for off-road riding. The deeper tread provides better grip on loose surfaces. However, the handling of these moped tires on the street is different. The asphalt is much harder than sand, so the moped tires wear out faster and you can't corner well. Cross tires are typically used for motocross, such as mopedcross. You can also use them on the road if they have a certification mark.

Street tires

For normal street use, we recommend street tires. These offer an excellent trade-off between race and cross tires and are suitable for all kinds of road conditions. There are many choices, from lower-profile tires for summer to deeper-profile tires for winter. If you don't want to change between seasons, consider all-season tires. All-season tires have a slightly deeper tread that allows it to dispose of water and dirt all year round in all weather conditions.

Choose tires that fit the conditions in which you ride for optimal performance.

Tire maintenance

You don't want to slip and/or get a flat tire while driving. Therefore, it is important to properly maintain your tires and replace them when necessary. Before each ride, it is advisable to squeeze your tires and feel if they have not gone soft. The amount of pressure is determined in bar pressure. Choose a standard number of bar, with a standard tire size of 2.25-16, 2 bar. Are they not fully inflated anymore? Then inflate your tires and check for air retention. If your tires are not properly inflated you will not be able to go through corners properly which can end in a big crash. 

In addition, it is important to check the tire tread. Legally, there is no minimum tread depth for mopeds. However, we recommend riding on at least 1 mm tread depth. However, by law, tread must be present over the entire tread of a moped tire. A shallow tread can lead to skidding hazards on wet roads, as water cannot be disposed of properly. In addition, a thin tread increases the risk of a puncture when hitting bumps or sharp objects because there is less material to absorb the impact.

Another problem with old tires is the formation of cracks and deformations. The rubber of the tire dries out over time and can develop cracks. While small cracks are not necessarily the end of the world, they are a sign that it is time to replace the outer tire.

Conclusion

After reading this comprehensive information about tires for your Tomos and how to maintain them, you are now well equipped to make the right decisions for your riding experience and safety on the road. Selecting the right tires for your needs, whether they are race tires, cross tires, or street tires, is critical to getting the most out of your Tomos.

Remember that regularly servicing and keeping an eye on the condition of your tires are essential to your safety and driving enjoyment. Checking tire pressure, tire tread and any signs of wear should be a standard procedure before you hit the road. If you want to learn more about specific tire brands, models and where to find them, don't hesitate to look further on our website. We offer comprehensive information and recommendations to help you find the best tires for your Tomos. With the right tires and regular maintenance, you can hit the road safely and confidently and enjoy your Tomos ride to the fullest.

Ride safely and have fun on two wheels!