If you’re new to riding motorcycles, you’re probably excited to get out on the road. But before you start riding, you need to make sure your bike is in perfect working condition — safety should always be a priority when riding a motorcycle.
And perhaps one of the most important part of a bike is its tires. Tires are responsible for keeping the bike firm on the road, even in wet conditions. So what should you consider when choosing motorcycle tires?
Types of tires
There are a few different types of tires, and motorcyclists should know the differences when outfitting their ride.
If you have a cruiser or a touring bike and want a smooth and relaxed ride, you’re going to want cruiser tires. These tires are heavy duty so they can handle the weight of bigger bikes. And because cruisers tend to get a lot of mileage, these tires are constructed in a way that makes them last longer.
If you have more of a sport bike, you’re going to need sport tires. These tires are designed to provide maximum grip to allow for high speeds and tight turns. Additionally, these tires are more versatile because sport bikes can be driven on varying surfaces.
After that, there are off-road tires. Like the name says, these tires are constructed to be used on dirt, rock, and other non-pavement surfaces. Off-road tires come in different sizes and tread because there are different types of dirt tracks people ride off-road bikes on. It’s important to consider the terrain when choosing off-road tires.
Choosing the right size
Along with the type of tire, riders also need to choose the right size of tire. Unfortunately, choosing the right tire size isn’t always easy — it’s important to focus on clearance when choosing tires. When a tire is on a bike, it should be thin enough that it doesn’t rub a chain or any other parts and small enough that it won’t change speedometer reads.
While motorcyclists may want wider tires to provide more traction, tires that are too wide can actually make it harder to steer the bike. Many motorcycle manufacturers and motorcycle parts retailers can recommend the best motorcycle tires for a specific bike.
How much tread do you need?
Tread is one of the most important elements of a tire, and it can be a big indicator when a tire needs to be replaced too. The tread of a tire is crucial in keeping the tires safely on the road. Without a safe amount of tread, riders risk slipping and sliding on the road as well as a possible blowout.
Certain tires have different amounts of tread depending on the type of tire. But no matter the type, all tires should have a good amount of tread if they’re being drove on.
Understanding tire construction
Tires can be constructed in two main ways: bias-ply and radial. The bias-play method involves plies being built upon each other in a criss-cross pattern, which results in a stiff sidewall. These tires are great for heavier bikes.
The radial construction method involves plies being wrapped around the sidewall, creating thinner tires. These tires are good for bikes that will be traveling at fast speeds.
There are a lot of important factors to consider when choosing motorcycle tires. From type of tire to amount of tread, the selection of tires available to today’s motorcyclists is vast. In the end, it’s always best to trust a professional retailer to give a good tire recommendation.
