All About Motorcycle Tires: 9 Essential Safety Tips

Summer has arrived, and most people in the United States can't wait to jump on their two-wheelers at the first sign of favorable riding weather. However, regardless of what type of motorcycle you ride, tires are essential to performance and safety. A worn-out motorcycle tire is a great risk and is usually the reason behind most road accidents.

The best way to ensure that your motorcycle performance, handling, and safety remain optimal is to pay close attention to the tires. Here are a few motorcycle tire safety tips to help minimize the risk of tire failure that can lead to an accident.

Choose the correct type of tires for your motorcycle

Choosing tires different from those recommended for your bike isn't a good idea. After all, every motorcycle model has specific tire sizes, types, and shapes. For instance, sports bikes have sticky tires that grip the corners, while off-road bikes have knobbies that bite into the ground. On the other hand, cruisers have stiff tires to handle heavier loads.

Always look for motorcycle tires that offer the best quality and ensure they meet the manufacturer's requirements. Keep in mind that using the right tire is essential for your motorcycle's stability. Contrarily, not using the right tires can compromise your bike's handling and stability, which can lead to a motorcycle accident.

Ensure proper tire pressure

Tire pressure is likely to reduce when your bike sits idle for a long time or is exposed to temperature fluctuations. Therefore, it's essential to check your tire pressure before every ride, and they should be cold for at least 3 hours from your last ride. Checking your tires before every ride will also help you notice unusual wear, chunking knobs, or whether your wheels have other damage.

If the pressure is low, use compressed air to inflate both tires to the required PSI. If the tires are over-inflated due to hot weather or the cargo you are hauling, use the Schrader valve to bleed them and re-check with a tire gauge.

Different motorcycles require varying tire pressure to ensure optimal performance. Your motorcycle's user manual will show the optimal tire pressure, and it's recommended that you maintain this at all times.

Check out for scalloping or cupping

Scalloping, also known as cupping, is when a tire has uneven wear, often caused by the wheel gripping the road as you make turns. This issue can be increased by suspension wear, under-inflated tires, hard braking, over-acceleration, hard turning, or unbalanced tires. While this is unavoidable, keeping an eye on these problems can reduce tire scalloping or cupping.

Apart from replacing your tires, there is little you can do to fix worn tread caused by scalloping. However, you can prevent the issue from getting worse if you catch it early. Having a mechanic check worn suspension, shocks, and wheel alignment can also help reduce the chance of cupping.

Change your tires on time

Motorcycle tires don't last forever and are only good for about six years from the date they were manufactured. You can find the date your bike tires were made on the sidewall of the tires.

The serial number starts with the "DOT" letters and ends with a four-digit code. The first two numbers of the code represent the week of the year the tire was manufactured, while the second pair represents the year. For instance, a date code of 1413 means the tire was produced in the 14th week of 2013, meaning it's now over six years old and should be replaced. How long your motorcycle tires will last can also depend on the environment and usage conditions, the purpose of the tire, the type of rubber, and more.

As you would expect, bike tires wear out from usage, and they also lose their grip as they age, even when they aren't putting down miles. When you notice that your tires aren't gripping the road properly, play it safe and have them replaced. A tire that cannot offer a solid grip can lead to a serious accident, especially in wet conditions.

Keep your bike tires aligned and balanced

It is not just the cars that require tire rotation and wheel alignment; motorcycle wheels also need to go through this service, especially after the tires are changed. Wheel alignment may also be necessary if the motorcycle has fallen to the ground or you have had an accident.

There are two balancing methods in the case of alloy motorcycle wheels: static and dynamic. Static balancing is conducted using a single set of wheel weights mounted in the center of a wheel. Conversely, dynamic balancing uses a pair of weights. Static wheel balancing is the most used by motorcyclists as it's cheaper and guarantees longer tire life.

Wash your motorcycle tires regularly

Washing your motorcycle tires on a regular basis is essential, especially after long road trips. Built-up dirt and mud can take a great toll on your tires, and if not properly washed, you increase the risk of skidding on the road because of all the accumulated grime and dirt.

Get a bucket of water and add some soft detergent or motorcycle cleaner to the water. Take a sponge or soft brush and apply the solution to the tires, working in small sections at a time. Focus keenly on areas with visible grime and dirt. Once every part of the tires is cleaned, rinse off with clean water, removing every trace of the cleaner left behind. Avoid using cleaning products with chemicals that can weaken the tires over time when cleaning your motorcycle tires.

Don't neglect repairs

Do not postpone the repair or replacement of your motorcycle tires if you notice an issue like a nail, a cut, or an uneven tear in your bike tires. Instead, avoid further riding and fix the issue as soon as possible.

Riding on worn-out tires can ruin your motorcycle's performance and endanger your safety and that of your passenger. In addition, cuts and gashes, especially those that cause layers of rubber to peel off and reveal the inner ply, can drastically compromise the structural integrity of your motorcycle tires.

With that said, it's recommended that you inspect your tires once a month and after taking a long motorcycle road trip to check for any wear patterns, cuts, cracks, and deformations. Always look for a qualified mechanic to change your bike tires to avoid unnecessary issues and expenses. After all, these people have the tools required to complete this job reliably and safely.

Park your motorcycle on a flat surface if possible

Knowing where to park your bike is essential. Most riders ignore this, but parking in the wrong place can lead to serious issues. For instance, an uneven parking surface with muddy ground, thick gravel, or sharp rocks can reduce the lifespan of your motorcycle tires.

Furthermore, a greasy surface with split solvents or oil is also not suitable for parking your bike since these elements can wear out the tires. Therefore, always park your motorcycle on a flat surface free from any debris or substance that could damage the tires.

Practice good riding habits

Your riding habits and style also significantly impact the lifespan of your motorcycle tires. For instance, taking hard corners, overspeeding, and aggressive braking can cause premature tire wear, which may lead to a need for tire replacement sooner. On the other hand, maintaining good, safe riding habits can extend the life of your motorcycle tires and keep them in good condition for an extended time.

Summing it up

Keeping your motorcycle tires in good condition can ensure they are safe for riding, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Follow these guidelines, and you will be sure to enjoy a smoother ride and contribute to the longevity and safety of your motorcycle.

However, maintaining your motorcycle tires isn't the only precautionary measure. Purchasing motorcycle insurance is another preventative measure for securing your finances. Furthermore, as with auto insurance, motorcycle insurance is mandatory in nearly every state.