Motorcycle Tyres Guide
Buying the right tyres for your motorcycle is important so
you can get the best value. Tyres are among the four most expensive items of a
motorcycle after engine, fuel and brakes. Motorcycle tyre prices vary depending
on what type of terrain you need them for, your expected mileage, the load
they'll be carrying and how much protection they need to offer against
punctures.
To know what to look for in a tyre, you need to read up on
its specs and features before buying one. This guide will help you out with
some information on how to select the right tyres for your cycle. It will also
provide guidance on how to maintain them, store them and fit them correctly
without any hassle.
What you should know about motorcycle tyres
Motorcycle tyres are available in different types of
construction, tread patterns, rubber compounds and sizes. They are classified
by the terrain they are intended for - for example, dirt bikes have tougher
tyres than sports bikes which have less need for grip because of their slower
speed.
The tyre's load-bearing capacity (how much weight it can
carry) and its ability to protect against punctures (by using Kevlar or steel
belts) will also affect its price.
How to select the right tyres
There are many factors that need to be considered before
selecting the right tyres for your motorcycle. Some of these factors include
the type, tread pattern, load capacity, mileage and terrain.
The first thing you need to know is what type of tyre you
need. Tyres come in various styles, but all have their own unique features
which depend on the rider's needs. And they're not just divided into two
categories - touring or sports. Some tyres are designed to be
used for racing, off-road riding and cruiser motorcycles among others. The most
typical types include:
- Semi-slick tyres - These are great for twisty roads with lots of corners. They offer maximum grip on the tarmac and give riders confidence when cornering at high speeds.
- Radial tyres - Radial tyres provide excellent handling because they have a circular cross-section that makes them strong enough to handle heavy loads while preventing irregular wear patterns. They're also lightweight, versatile and affordable for riders who don’t need a bike to go off-road often.
- Tubeless tyres - These are an excellent choice if you want long-lasting tyres because they don't use tubes or inner tubes like traditional tires do. They won't leak air as easily as regular tires do either so they last longer without having to be refilled with air very often.
Tyre care and storage
Tyres always come with a manufacturer’s warranty and
typically last for around three years or 30,000 miles. When your tyres wear
out, don't just buy the first set of tyres you see. Buying a cheap set of new
tyres can be bad for your bike and can make tyre changes difficult. Here are
some pointers on what to do when replacing your motorcycle tyres:
- Examine the tread carefully for any cuts or signs of wear
and tear
- Make sure it matches the size of your vehicle as some
manufacturers produce different sizes
- Ensure it has the same load rating as the original tyre
- Check that it is suitable for your riding style and
surface conditions
- Ask if they come with a matching rim guard
- Ensure that the tyre fits securely onto your rim. One
easy way to do this is by using a tyre pressure gauge and checking that the
pressure inside matches what is written on the side of the tyre.
Fitting the tyres on the bike
The first thing you need to do is measure the diameter of
your wheel. Once you have the measurement, make sure that it matches the
size of the tyre you are looking for. If it doesn't match, don't worry because most
manufacturers make tyres in different sizes to fit different bikes.
When purchasing tyres for motorcycles, check its sidewall to
see if it has a speed rating. The higher the speed rating on the sidewall, the
better grip and stability your bike will have at higher speeds.
There are two types of motorcycle tyre treads: car or
car-style treads and motorcycle-specific treads. Car-style treads are designed
to be used on tarmac roads while motorcycle-specific treads are designed for
off-road use only.
If you are looking for tyres for your bike, there are plenty
of options available to choose from so you must know what type
of tyre will work best for your motorcycle before purchasing one.
Now you know all about motorcycle tyres, you can ride in
confidence.