Yep you got it, that is a whitewall its just really dirty. I had a problem with the chain rubbing the rear tire early on and the tire just got all scuffed and oily, but it still works going on a year and a half of daily commuting. The bike seems to be running good so far with the handful of short rides I've done with the new top end. I can tell the power is gonna be there once it gets broken in, but its hard to not get on it now.