ISO 18164:2026
(Main)Motorcycle tyres rolling resistance measurement methods — Single point test
- Abstract
This document specifies methods for measuring rolling resistance, under controlled laboratory conditions, for new pneumatic tyres designed primarily for use on motorcycles. The relationship between values obtained and the fuel economy of the vehicle is undetermined, and such values are not intended to be used to indicate levels of performance or quality. This document applies to motorcycle tyres.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 16-Aug-2026
- Technical Committee
- ISO/TC 31 - Tyres, rims and valves
- Drafting Committee
- ISO/TC 31/WG 6 - Rolling resistance (highway tyres)
- Current Stage
- 6060 - International Standard published
- Start Date
- 17-Aug-2026
- Due Date
- 30-Aug-2027
- Completion Date
- 17-Aug-2026
ISO 18164:2026 is an International Standard from ISO for measuring the rolling resistance of new pneumatic tyres designed primarily for motorcycles under controlled laboratory conditions. It specifies a single-point test and the way to measure, correct and report rolling resistance for motorcycle tyres. The values are not intended to indicate fuel economy, performance or quality.
What does ISO 18164:2026 specify?
ISO 18164:2026 specifies laboratory methods for measuring rolling resistance on motorcycle tyres. It applies to new pneumatic tyres designed primarily for use on motorcycles, and it keeps the focus on test measurement rather than on vehicle fuel economy or tyre quality claims.
The document is organized into clauses for scope, normative references, terms and definitions, test methods, equipment, test conditions, procedure, data interpretation and data analysis. Annex A gives informative methods for determining moment of inertia for the deceleration method, Annex B gives normative equipment tolerances, and Annex C gives an informative example of machine drift evaluation.
| Annex | What it covers |
|---|---|
| A | Informative methods and practical examples for measuring the moment of inertia of the drum and tyre assembly for the deceleration method |
| B | Normative test equipment tolerances, including rims, alignment, accuracy, surface roughness and spindle bearing friction checks |
| C | Informative example of machine drift evaluation using moving averages and control tyres |
What are the key requirements of ISO 18164:2026?
ISO 18164:2026 is built around one laboratory test sequence: choose a permitted measurement method, run the tyre at the specified conditions, subtract parasitic losses, and report rolling resistance and rolling resistance coefficient. In practice, the standard is mainly about keeping the test machine, test environment and data reduction consistent enough that different laboratories can compare results.
Measurement method and test machine
Clause 4 gives four alternative methods: force at the tyre spindle, torque at the drum axis, power at the drum axis, and deceleration of the drum-tyre assembly. The tester chooses one method, but each result is converted to a force at the tyre/drum interface. That matters because different machines can read different physical quantities, yet the final reported quantity must be comparable.
Clause 5 requires a cylindrical drum with a diameter of at least 1.5 m, with a reference drum diameter of 1.7 m. The drum surface may be smooth steel or textured, and the width must exceed the tyre tread width. Annex B also sets the test rim, run-out, alignment and instrumentation tolerances. These controls matter because small setup errors can change the measured rolling resistance.
Test conditions
Clause 5.4 sets 25 °C as the reference ambient temperature measured at the tyre rotational axis, and Clause 9.2 gives a temperature correction when tests cannot be run at that temperature. Clause 6 uses a capped-air test condition, meaning the inflated tyre is tested after pressure build-up in the tyre. Table 1 sets a single test speed based on the tyre load index, and Table 2 sets the standard test load and inflation pressure for motorcycle tyres. In practice, the lab must use the right speed-load-pressure combination for the tyre being tested.
Clause 6.5 adds deceleration-method limits for time increments and speed variation. That keeps the time-based method stable enough for usable inertia and loss calculations.
Procedure and parasitic losses
Clause 7 requires thermal conditioning, pressure adjustment, warm-up, measurement and recording, and one of three parasitic-loss measurements. The tyre is first conditioned until thermal equilibrium, then inflated to test pressure and verified after adjustment, then run until a steady-state value is reached. For laboratories, this means the tyre is not measured immediately after mounting - it must be stabilized first.
Clause 7.6 allows parasitic losses to be measured by skim test reading, machine reading or the deceleration method. Clause 7.7 says the sequence is run once if the measurement standard deviation is not greater than the sigma m criterion; otherwise the process is repeated n times and the result is averaged. That is the standard’s repeatability gate for noisy machines.
Data interpretation and reporting
Clause 8 explains how to calculate parasitic losses and then rolling resistance from the selected method. The document gives separate calculation paths for force, torque, power and deceleration methods, and the chosen parasitic-loss method affects what losses are included in the result. That is important because the same machine setup can include or exclude tyre, wheel, spindle, bearing and aerodynamic losses depending on the method.
Clause 9 converts rolling resistance to a rolling resistance coefficient, applies temperature correction when needed, gives a theoretical drum diameter correction for comparisons, and sets the reporting rule. Final rolling resistance coefficient results are expressed in N/kN and rounded to one decimal place.
What terms does ISO 18164:2026 define?
ISO 18164:2026 defines key terms that are central to the test and the calculations.
- rolling resistance - loss of energy, or energy consumed, per unit distance travelled; the standard notes the conventional unit as N m/m.
- rolling resistance coefficient - the ratio of rolling resistance to the load on the tyre; the document conventionally expresses it in N/kN.
- parasitic loss - energy loss not due to internal tyre losses, but due to sources such as aerodynamic loss, bearing friction and other systematic test-machine losses.
- skim test reading - a parasitic-loss measurement in which the tyre keeps rolling without slippage while the load is reduced until tyre internal loss is virtually zero.
- machine reading - a parasitic-loss measurement of the machine itself, excluding the rotating spindle bearing and aerodynamic losses.
- moment of inertia - the ratio of applied torque to angular acceleration; Annex A gives methods for measuring it for the deceleration method.
Who uses ISO 18164:2026?
ISO 18164:2026 is used by tyre test laboratories, motorcycle tyre manufacturers, and technical staff who run rolling-resistance dynamometers. Quality managers use it to set up repeatable testing, check machine drift and compare results over time. Engineers and buyers use reports based on this standard when they need comparable laboratory data for motorcycle tyres.
What changed in ISO 18164:2026 from the previous edition?
ISO 18164:2026 is the second edition and cancels and replaces ISO 18164:2005 and ISO 28580:2018. The main change is that the measuring methods for passenger car, truck and bus tyres have been removed, along with the optional test methods of the former Annex B. The document is now focused on motorcycle tyres and the single-point test.
Which standards are used with ISO 18164:2026?
ISO 18164:2026 refers to ISO 4223-1, which supplies tyre-industry definitions for pneumatic tyres used in the document. Clause 9.4 also cites ISO 80000-1:2022 for the rounding example used when reporting final results.
What does the ISO 18164:2026 document contain?
ISO 18164:2026 contains the test methods, equipment requirements, test conditions, procedure steps and calculation paths needed to measure motorcycle tyre rolling resistance. It includes a free-body diagram of the tyre-drum system, tables for test speed and test load/inflation pressure, and formulas for parasitic-loss and rolling-resistance calculations.
The annexes add practical content for laboratories. Annex A gives methods for measuring drum and tyre-assembly inertia for the deceleration method, Annex B gives tolerances and accuracy limits for rims, alignment and instrumentation, and Annex C gives an example of machine drift evaluation using moving averages and control tyres. Together, these parts support laboratory testing, data reduction and ongoing quality control.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 07-Sep-2024
- Effective Date
- 31-Aug-2024
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Frequently Asked Questions
ISO 18164:2026 is a standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Motorcycle tyres rolling resistance measurement methods — Single point test". This standard covers: This document specifies methods for measuring rolling resistance, under controlled laboratory conditions, for new pneumatic tyres designed primarily for use on motorcycles. The relationship between values obtained and the fuel economy of the vehicle is undetermined, and such values are not intended to be used to indicate levels of performance or quality. This document applies to motorcycle tyres.
This document specifies methods for measuring rolling resistance, under controlled laboratory conditions, for new pneumatic tyres designed primarily for use on motorcycles. The relationship between values obtained and the fuel economy of the vehicle is undetermined, and such values are not intended to be used to indicate levels of performance or quality. This document applies to motorcycle tyres.
ISO 18164:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 83.160.01 - Tyres in general; 83.160.10 - Road vehicle tyres. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ISO 18164:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ISO 28580:2018, ISO 18164:2005. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ISO 18164:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
International
Standard
ISO 18164
Second edition
Motorcycle tyres rolling resistance
2026-08
measurement methods — Single
point test
Reference number
© ISO 2026
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
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Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Test methods . 2
5 Test equipment . 2
5.1 Drum specifications .2
5.1.1 Diameter .2
5.1.2 Surface .3
5.1.3 Width .3
5.2 Test rim .3
5.3 Load, alignment, control and instrumentation accuracies .3
5.4 Thermal environment .3
5.4.1 Reference conditions .3
5.4.2 Alternative conditions .3
5.4.3 Drum surface temperature .3
6 Test conditions . 3
6.1 General .3
6.2 Test speeds .3
6.2.1 Single test speed .3
6.3 Test load .4
6.4 Test inflation pressure .4
6.5 Duration and speed .4
7 Test procedure . 4
7.1 General .4
7.2 Thermal conditioning .4
7.3 Pressure adjustment .4
7.4 Warm-up .4
7.5 Measurement and recording .4
7.6 Measurement of parasitic losses .5
7.6.1 General .5
7.6.2 Skim test reading .5
7.6.3 Machine reading .6
7.6.4 Deceleration method.6
7.7 Allowance for machines exceeding sigma m criterion .6
8 Data interpretation . 6
8.1 Calculation of parasitic losses .6
8.1.1 General .6
8.1.2 Force method at tyre spindle .7
8.1.3 Torque method at drum axis .7
8.1.4 Power method at drum axis .7
8.1.5 Deceleration method.7
8.2 Rolling resistance calculation .8
8.2.1 General .8
8.2.2 Force method at tyre spindle .8
8.2.3 Torque method at drum axis .8
8.2.4 Power method at drum axis .8
8.2.5 Deceleration method.8
9 Data analysis . 9
9.1 Rolling resistance coefficient .9
9.2 Temperature correction .9
9.3 Drum diameter correction .9
iii
9.4 Measurement result and rounding .10
Annex A (informative) Measurement methods of moment of inertia for drum and tyre
assembly — Deceleration method .11
Annex B (normative) Test equipment tolerances .16
Annex C (informative) Example for machine drift evaluation . 19
Bibliography .21
iv
Foreword
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This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 31, Tyres, rims and valves.
This second edition of ISO 18164 cancels and replaces ISO 18164:2005 and ISO 28580:2018, which have
been technically revised.
The main change is as follows:
— the measuring methods for passenger car, truck and bus tyres, and the optional test methods of the
former Annex B have been removed.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
v
International Standard ISO 18164:2026(en)
Motorcycle tyres rolling resistance measurement methods —
Single point test
1 Scope
This document specifies methods for measuring rolling resistance, under controlled laboratory conditions,
for new pneumatic tyres designed primarily for use on motorcycles. The relationship between values
obtained and the fuel economy of the vehicle is undetermined, and such values are not intended to be used to
indicate levels of performance or quality.
This document applies to motorcycle tyres.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 4223-1, Definitions of some terms used in the tyre industry — Part 1: Pneumatic tyres
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 4223-1 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
rolling resistance
F
r
loss of energy (or energy consumed) per unit of distance travelled
.
Note 1 to entry: The SI unit conventionally used for the rolling resistance is the newton metre per metre (N m/m). This
is equivalent to a drag force in newtons (N).
3.2
rolling resistance coefficient
C
r
ratio of the rolling resistance to the load on the tyre
Note 1 to entry: Rolling resistance is measured in newtons (N).
Note 2 to entry: Load on the tyre is measured in kilonewtons (kN).
Note 3 to entry: Although this quantity is dimensionless, it is conventionally expressed in N/kN.
3.4
parasitic loss
loss of energy (or energy consumed) per unit distance excluding internal tyre losses, and attributable to
aerodynamic loss of the different rotating elements of the test equipment, bearing friction and other sources
of systematic loss which can be inherent in the measurement
Note 1 to entry: Depending on the method used, the aerodynamic loss of the tyre is possibly or possibly not included
in the parasitic loss.
3.5
skim test reading
type of parasitic loss measurement, in which the tyre is kept rolling, without slippage, while reducing the
tyre load to a level at which energy loss within the tyre itself is virtually zero
3.6
machine reading
type of parasitic loss measurement, involving losses of the test machine, exclusive of losses in the rotating
spindle bearing, which carries the tyre and rim, and aerodynamic losses
3.7
moment of inertia
ratio of the torque applied to the tyre to the annular acceleration on the tyre
Note 1 to entry: See Annex A.
4 Test methods
The following are alternative measurement methods. The choice of an individual method is left to the tester.
For each method, the test measurements shall be converted to a force acting at the tyre/drum interface.
a) Force method: the reaction force measured at the tyre spindle. This measured value also includes the
bearing losses of the tyre spindle and the aerodynamic losses of the tyre and the wheel.
b) Torque method: the torque input measured at the test drum (see NOTE).
c) Power method: the measurement of the power input to the test drum (see NOTE).
d) Deceleration method: the measurement of deceleration of the test drum and tyre assembly (see NOTE).
NOTE This measured value also includes the bearing and aerodynamic losses of the wheel, the tyre and the drum,
losses that are also to be considered.
5 Test equipment
5.1 Drum specifications
5.1.1 Diameter
The test dynamometer shall have a cylindrical flywheel (drum) with a diameter of at least 1,5 m (reference
drum diameter: 1,7 m).
The results are different for different diameters; see 9.3 for drum diameter correction for comparisons, if
necessary.
NOTE Historically, the measurement of the fore and aft (longitudinal) force on a flat surface machine has been
shown to be quite difficult since this force is very small relative to other forces being measured. If a flat surface
machine is used, care must be taken to correlate the data with the reference drum diameter in order to assure accurate
results.
5.1.2 Surface
The surface of the drum shall be smooth steel or textured and shall be kept clean. For the textured drum
surface, see B.6.
5.1.3 Width
The width of the drum test surface shall exceed the width of the test tyre tread.
5.2 Test rim
The tyre shall be mounted on a test rim, as specified in Annex B.
5.3 Load, alignment, control and instrumentation accuracies
Measurement of these parameters shall be sufficiently accurate and precise to provide the required test
data. The specific and respective values are shown in Annex B.
5.4 Thermal environment
5.4.1 Reference conditions
The reference ambient temperature, as measured on the rotational axis of the tyre, 1 m away from the plane
touching the nearest tyre sidewall, shall be 25 °C.
5.4.2 Alternative conditions
If the reference temperature cannot be obtained, the rolling resistance measurement shall be corrected to
standard temperature conditions in accordance with 9.2.
5.4.3 Drum surface temperature
Care should be taken to ensure that the temperature of the test drum surface is approximately the same as
the ambient temperature at the beginning of the test.
6 Test conditions
6.1 General
The test consists of a measurement of rolling resistance in which the tyre is inflated and the inflation
pressure is allowed to build up (i.e. “capped air”).
6.2 Test speeds
6.2.1 Single test speed
The value shall be obtained at a drum speed as shown in Table 1. Speed is in kilometres per hour.
Table 1 — Test speeds
Tyre type Motorcycle
Load index All All
Speed symbol L and below Above L
Speed 50 80
6.3 Test load
The standard test load shall be computed from the values shown in Table 2 and shall be kept within the
tolerances specified in Annex B.
Table 2 — Test loads and inflation pressures
Tyre type Motorcycle
Reinforced or
Standard load
extra load
Load
% of maximum 65 80
load capacity
Inflation pressure
200 250
kPa
6.4 Test inflation pressure
The inflation pressure shall be in accordance with those shown in Table 2 and shall be capped with the
accuracy specified in B.4.1.
6.5 Duration and speed
When the deceleration method is selected, the following requirements apply:
a) for duration, ∆t, the time increments shall not exceed 0,5 s;
b) any variation of the test drum speed shall not exceed 1 km/h.
7 Test procedure
7.1 General
The test procedure steps described below shall be followed in the sequence given.
7.2 Thermal conditioning
Place the inflated tyre in the thermal environment of the test location for the time necessary to achieve
thermal equilibrium, which is generally reached after 3 h.
7.3 Pressure adjustment
After thermal conditioning, the inflation pressure shall be adjusted to the test pressure, and verified 10 min
after the adjustment is made.
7.4 Warm-up
The tyre shall be run at constant test speed until reaching a stabilized steady-state value of rolling resistance.
Warm-up duration is 30 minutes for all nominal rim diameter codes.
7.5 Measurement and recording
The following shall be measured and recorded (see Figure 1):
a) test speed, U ;
n
b) load on the tyre normal to the drum surface, L ;
m
c) test inflation pressure:
1) initial, as defined in 6.4;
2) final, inflation;
d) the driving torque on the drive shaft, T , the tyre spindle force, F , the input power, V × A, or the
t t
deceleration of the test drum-tyre-wheel assembly, t, depending on the method;
e) distance from the tyre axle to the drum outer surface under steady-state conditions, r (see 8.1.2);
L
f) ambient temperature, t ;
amb
g) test drum radius, R;
h) rolling resistance force, F ;
r
i) test method chosen;
j) test rim (designation and material).
Key
1 tyre
2 drum
NOTE The system assumes no bearing and aerodynamic losses.
Figure 1 — Free-body diagram of tyre-drum system
7.6 Measurement of parasitic losses
7.6.1 General
Determine parasitic losses by one of the procedures given in 7.6.2 to 7.6.4.
7.6.2 Skim test reading
a) Reduce the load to ma
...