Race Track Tire Wear Guide

Racing motorcycles go through a lot of wear and tear out on the track. Understanding how rides affect the tires on your motorcycle can help you find ways to prevent the damage or fix it. This guide will detail several common tears you might experience after a couple of long days out on the race track with your motorcycle. For more information, you can always visit our team at Desperado Harley-Davidson. Our dealership, located in McAllen, Texas, loves to answer questions. We also serve Edinburg, Texas. 

Cold Tear

A cold tear is usually a product of an overinflated motorcycle tire. There is not enough contact between the tire's surface and the ground. The result is that the surface of the tire overheats, but the inner part remains cold. You will notice deep tears shaped liked fingernails in your tire. You likely have a cold tear if you can take out a chunk from the surface.

Hot Tear

In contrast, a hot tear is a result of an underinflated motorcycle tire. Too much contact between the tire and the ground makes the tire overheat. This type of tear looks similar to a cold tear. The main difference is that the damage is more on the surface and is not as deep. You should not be able to rip a piece off with a fingernail. 

Suspension-Related Wear

Incorrect suspension settings can negatively affect how your motorcycle tires wear on the track. This wearing on your motorcycle tires does not always occur in the same way. There are some noticeable signs that your tire is experiencing suspension-related wear. A tear that does not go all the way around a tire is probably related to the suspension. It indicates that there is a problem in the specific area that is affected. Or, if you notice a raised spot on the back or leading edge of a tread, it may be suspension, too. 

Geometry Tears

There are two types of geometry tears. One happens when there is too much weight on the front. The other is caused by not having enough weight. Too much weight on the front causes large wearing to appear by the edge third. Not enough weight on the front causes a small band of uniform wearing similar to a hot tear. 

Do not let damage to your tires get you down. It is not uncommon to experience any of these tears. You can only learn how to deal with them when they occur. Check out Desperado Harley-Davidson if you want to see great deals on cycles. We have a location in McAllen, Texas. We welcome new customers from Edinburg, Texas, too.