Motorcycle Tire Buying Tips
The safety of your motorcycle is closely associated with the quality and condition of your tires because a blowout on the road can lead to a dangerous crash. You can also be in trouble if the tires don’t provide sufficient grip. So how do you ensure your motorcycle tires are the correct style for your bike? And how do you know when it’s time to replace them? This brief guide will help you navigate the world of motorcycle tires, so read on to learn more!
Types of Motorcycle Tires
Motorcycle tires come in shapes, sizes, and styles that are as diverse as the bikes on which they’re put. These tires are differentiated by the type of riding they are used for. For example, a dirt bike will have thin, knobby tires that dig into the dirt for better traction. A street bike will have more pointed tires designed to maintain traction while taking sharp turns. Many touring bikes have rounded tire cross-sections constructed from a harder rubber for better durability and fuel efficiency.
The type of tire that came on your bike straight from the factory will make the best choice for future tire purchases. It’s worth noting, however, that different brands use different rubber compounds and tread designs for different performance functions. Ask your dealership or tire shop specialist which tire options are available.
Tire Construction
Most tires have four essential parts: the sidewall, bead, radial, and tread. The sidewall is the wall of rubber on the side of the tire that gains rigidity when the tire is inflated. The tread is a patterned piece of rubber that makes contact with the road. Treads are usually less patterned for better grip and fuel efficiency on pavement and more patterned for providing grip on gravel, dirt, or other unpredictable surfaces. Inside the tire, you’ll find radials, which are steel wires or bands that give the tire strength, structure, and durability.
Knowing When to Replace Tires
If you own a car and are used to replacing your tires every three to four years, it’s important to know that motorcycle tires don’t last nearly as long. Motorcycle tires might only last 15-25% as long as a car tire. That means you can only expect to get 10,000-15,000 miles out of them before needing to replace them. For frequent riders, that will probably be about once a year.
At Desperado Harley-Davidson®, we’ve got what you need to get back out on the road where a motorcycle belongs. If you live in McAllen, TX, stop by our dealership and let us take a look at your wheels. We welcome all those coming from Edinburg.