Arguably, one of the most important parts of a motorcycle, along with the engine, is the tyres. Without the tyres, the motorcycle will literally go nowhere, regardless of whether it has a perfectly working engine and top-condition suspension.
When it comes to motorcycles, tyres have an essential role. They give the vehicle the ability to move, and they act as the only link between the vehicle and the road. So, it’s important to understand how tyres work, routine maintenance, and choosing the right ones.
Tyres have a big job when it comes to getting bikes moving. They transfer power from the engine to the road and also act as a shock absorber for any irregular road surfaces. Tyres also carry the load of the whole vehicle.
The right tyre can make a world of difference to the riding experience, too. Ideally, tyres should provide excellent grip, no matter the conditions, whether it’s on a dry or wet road. It should also meet the demands of your bike’s braking and accelerating systems, as well as be long-lasting.
In this motorcycle tyre guide, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about tyres. This includes how frequently you should service them, the telltale signs for replacement, and routine maintenance tips.
Choosing The Right Motorcycle Tyres
Choosing the right tyres makes a world of difference in almost every aspect. It can impact your bike’s handling, its performance while riding, road traction, and mileage. There are various factors to consider.
Along with ensuring the wheel is suitable for your make and model, it’s also important to think about your riding style, the purpose of the tyres, and your budget. We’ve outlined the different types of tyres based on usage below.
- If you’re looking for tyres for a motorbike that is primarily used for racing, it’s important to get track tyres. These are specifically designed for use while racing and prioritising performance.
- If you mainly ride your bike off-road, it’s important to get tyres that can keep up with nature. We recommend looking into motocross, enduro, trial, or rally tyres that can handle harsh conditions and varied terrains.
- For touring and daily riding, general motorcycle tyres do the trick. Just remember, not all tyres are made the same. Look for tyres that provide long-lasting grip and handling.
If you ever require help choosing the right tyres for your motorcycle, we recommend speaking to a professional. Let them know your make and model, as well as your riding style. They’ll be able to find you tyres that suit your vehicle and price range.
Routine Maintenance For Motorcycle Tyres
Routine maintenance is crucial for safe motorcycle riding. Negligence when it comes to maintaining and inspecting your tyres is unsafe and can lead to accidents on the road. So, we’ve compiled the best maintenance practices below.
First of all, it’s important to make a habit of regularly inspecting your tyres for wear and tear. When you stop at the petrol station or come home after a ride, check your tyres. You never know when damage will appear, and it is better to catch it before it becomes a big problem.
Along with visually inspecting the tyres for potential wear, it’s also essential to check tyre pressure at least once every two weeks. If the pressure drops irregularly, this could indicate a puncture or other external damage.
Other signs to look out for when inspecting your tyre include:
- Any odd shapes or bulges are a key indicator that you need a new tyre.
- Discolouration of the tyre, like a blue or green tint. This can indicate overheating, and it is time for a replacement.
As part of your routine tyre maintenance, always make sure that your tyres’ air pressure is set to the correct level. Not all tyres and bikes require the same level of pressure. If you’re unsure, ask a professional for help.
Keeping your tyres clean is also important as part of routine maintenance. At least once a week, regularly clean your tyres using mild soap and water. This helps prevent the buildup of any dirt and debris, which can impact and degrade the rubber over time.
Wheel Balance and Alignment
Motorcycle tyres also need to be properly balanced and aligned to ensure smooth operation. It also helps with preventing uneven wear on the tyre. Balancing should be done whenever a new tyre is installed, and every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometres after that.
If you notice that your motorcycle is excessively wobbling, vibrating, or shaking while riding, it’s a sign that you might need to bring your motorcycle in for balancing. Motorcycle tyres can also go out of alignment due to normal wear and tear or hard impacts, such as railroad tracks or potholes.
Misalignment can cause uneven wear to a tyre, damaging its integrity. In the long run, this can impact the bike’s handling, which affects safety. It’s recommended to bring your motorcycle in for alignment every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometres.
A professional alignment is also recommended if you notice your bike is pulling to one side when riding. We always recommend bringing your bike to a workshop for alignments and balancing, as it requires specialised tools and precision.
When To Replace Motorcycle Tyres
A motorbike tyre guide wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t tell you when you should replace your tyres. Motorcycle tyres aren’t designed to last forever. Eventually, they need to be replaced for safety and performance reasons. Tyres should be replaced when they show any significant wear or damage, like a puncture.
Motorcycle tyres should also be replaced if they have reached their recommended age limit. It is recommended that tyres should be replaced every 4-5 years, regardless of wear. Even if the tread of the tyre looks fine, rubber naturally degrades over time, which can impact grip and safety.
Tyres should also be replaced if the tread depth ever drops below the legal minimum (1.5mm in Australia). It’s possible to check the tread depth of your tyre using the groove indicators, or by using a 20-cent coin. Insert the coin into the tread grooves, and if you can see the platypus bill, it is time for a replacement.
Other indicators your tyres may need a replacement include:
- Uneven or cupped wear on the rubber
- Cracks or dry rot in the rubber
- Any visible damage, like punctures or cuts
Book Your Motorcycle In At Taverner Motorsports
Are you overdue for a routine service, or looking to get new tyres? Contact the Taverner Motorsports team today and request a quote. Our team is an expert in all things motorcycle tyre supplying, servicing, and fitting.
Here at Taverner Motorsports, we understand how critical it is to get the right pair of tyres for your bike. That’s why we stock a large range of well-known brands, including Metzeler, Avon, Pirelli, Shinko, Dunlop, and Michelin. We also stock hard-to-find options for vintage, custom, and racing bikes.
We pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop for all your motorcycle needs, including tyres. At Taverner Motorsports, we provide tyres, tyre repair, and replacement services. Whether you’ve popped your tyre or noticed a puncture, we’ll get you back on the road.
Our team has been in the motorcycle workshop business since 1975, and we’ve seen it all. With decades of experience, you can trust us for all your motorcycle tyre needs.