H vs. V

[Wanderer]

Howdy,
All set with what I want to put on for replacement tires. My question is H vs. V speed ratings. The tire I am looking at comes in both ratings. What do they do when they make the tire that changes it from a H to a V speed rating? I know I'll never need the V rating for flat out high speed running. So I want to know does what they do to increase speed rating benefit me even though I won't see those speeds. IE, stiffer side wall, compound change, etc. Or should I just buy the H rating? :-\ :question:
Later,
Norm

 

[tomatocity]

http://www.tirespeedratings.org/

http://www.weeksmotorcycle.com/tire-speed-rating.html

 

[Mike91]

It depends on the tire, so that information would be helpful, but in general, it could be any of the things you've suggested.

I think most likely you will find it is a stronger sidewall - either because of the construction or the compound. That just equates keeping it's shape better when rotating faster. There isn't an inherent benefit, but there could be, depending on how the tire manufacturer accomplishes that. There could also be a downside (more rubber / steel in the sidewall, for example, could make the tire heavier).

 

[thfraser]

One thing to keep in mind is the top speed of the S10. The H is rated to 130mph/210km/h, the V is rated to 149mpg/240km/h.

I don't think either speed rating is an issue for the S10, unless you really hop it up.

 

[Wanderer]

Hi Mike,
Thanks, that was my thought. The others missed my point. Also could it have a higher weight rating?
Later,
Norm

 

[Mike91]

I would say it is likely, but not guaranteed or not necessarily significant. Here is an example of Metzeler Tourances:
http://www.metzelermoto.com/web/catalog/moto/moto_catalogo_schedaDescription.page?categoria=/catalog/moto/enduro_street/none&vehicleType=MOTO&product_id=877487&uri=/metzeler/en_IT/browser/xml/catalog/moto/EnduroStreet_Tourance.xml&menu_item=/products/catalog/enduro_street

The two digits before the speed rating is the load index. Notice there is a general trend from P to S to H to V for the load index to increase, but I see a few exceptions.

Here is a chart of speed ratings and load indexes, just for reference:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-tires/tire-data.htm