A motorcycle’s front tire lasts about 3,700 miles with good service. The back tire can endure approximately 1,800 miles. A tire change is recommended once it reaches the mileage markers. Learn how to get the most out of bike tires with proper care, repairs, and service.
Factors that Affect the Lifespan of Motorcycle Tires
Riding style
It has a significant impact on the age of the tires. Some of the riding styles that affect the tires most are –
Aggressive riding
Hard cornering, hard braking, and accelerating quickly can affect the tires, and they can wear out fast. In addition, the damage and wear could happen on the tread and make it wear faster, as aggressive riding causes more heat and friction.
Sport riding
Under extreme race applications, the motorcycle tires could overheat and goes outside the ideal range. This causes tires to wear faster as there are some guidelines to follow, and riding “too hard” could cause damage.
Terrain
Riding on rough terrain can cause the tires to wear out faster due to increased impact and stress. However, on harsh terrain, maximum damage happens in underinflated tires.
Weather and road conditions
Sweltering weather can affect the tires by expanding them overly. This might cause wear and tear on the threads. On the other hand, cold weather can make it brittle and stiff, which can cause cracks in the tires. In addition, rains can cause hydroplaning and could decrease traction. This increases the chance of a crash due to the wear and tear of the treads.
Motorcycle tires are designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear, so it is essential to take care of them properly.
Here are some tips:
Tips for Motorcycle Tire Care
1. Don’t over-seal
Oversealing your motorcycle tire can cause it to lose air, decreasing traction and swerving. Instead, use a light sealant that will protect the tire while allowing moisture and friction from the road to reach its surface. Apply this sealant every six months or when required by your manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Make sure tread depth is correct
When you replace a motorcycle tire, ensure the new one has the same tread depth as the old one (or slightly more if specified). This allows equilibrium between wear on different tire parts and prevents excessive loading on any single section, which could eventually damage it further. Remember not to reduce tread width either; doing so may increase rolling resistance but won’t provide additional protection against punctures or blowouts at high speeds since there isn’t enough rubber left underfoot.
The wrong size or type of bike/tire combination may require wider tires than those usually recommended for street bikes because offroad motorcycles travel faster than main roads, allowing for proper drainage.
3. Properly inflate Tires
Ensure that your tires’ inflation is correct. Overinflating the tires can cause them to wear quickly, while underinflation can lead to punctures and other issues. In addition, too much air can lead to decreased grip and wear on your tire.
4. Clean the wheels
Be sure to clean your motorcycle’s wheels regularly. Clean the inside and outside of your motorcycle tire regularly using a degreaser or soap-and-water solution. This will help to remove dirt, dust, grease, and other debris from the wheel surface, which may damage the tire over time.
5. Rotate Motorcycle tires
Make sure you rotate your motorcycle tires every 3,000 miles or once every two years, whichever comes first. This will help to prevent wear and tear on the tread surface and prolong its Useful Life.
6. Quality Sealant
Use a quality sealant when installing new tires. This will help protect the rubber from moisture and abrasion damage over time.
How to extend the life of your tire
- Check the tire pressure weekly when the tire is COOL with an accurate tire-pressure gauge (this isn’t your bicycle, kicking the tire or pressing won’t work). Set the tire pressure to the recommended level listed on the sidewall or what’s recommended for your ride in your owner’s manual.
- Avoid aggressive starts and stops that increase wear, especially on the rear tire. Also, avoid extremely high speeds that increase wind resistance on the motorcycle. It causes the rear tire to work harder to maintain that speed.
- A simple rule of thumb, any riding that reduces fuel efficiency will also reduce tire life. This is why rear tires typically wear quickly when you are on an extended ride traveling at highway speeds. The additional work to propel the motorcycle against the wind, plus the elevated tire temps from high-speed riding, contribute to fast tire wear.
- Reduce tire degradation. Do not park your ride in areas where tires can be contaminated with petroleum-based (like gasoline or oil) products or exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
- Like your motorcycle, even the tires need a bath occasionally. There may not be a lot of chrome on those tires, but soap and water can help remove tire coatings that may degrade or reduce the grip on your tires.
Signs You Need to Visit a Motorcycle Tire Shop
Based on usage, bike tires usually last around 2,000-3500 miles and should be replaced when they show significant wear or damage. When inspecting your bike tires, look for bumps in the surface that indicate where the tire has been contacting the ground. Also, large bubbles on either side of the tire indicate that air is being forced out of the tube faster than it can be replaced. And finally, if you have noticed any cracks in the rubber material near one or both sides of your tire, it’s time to replace them!
The tires should be replaced when their tread width or depth decreases by over 2%. You should also replace your bike tires every 6 months to 1 year if they have a puncture or are worn down to the cord.
It’s always a good idea to check your tire pressure regularly and adjust them as needed. Tires with low air pressure can cause serious problems such as lack of traction, reduced mile radius, and accelerated wear on your wheel bearings. In addition, underinflation can increase the chances of flats. So please don’t wait until there is a noticeable deterioration in tire performance before replacing them!
