The seven ways of knowing when to replace motorcycle tires are:The sidewall is cracked from dry rotThe tire is worn out across the middle of the tire tread from a lot of useThe tire is worn out unevenly from under inflationThe tires are over seven to ten years oldThe tires have a bulge in the sidewall from impact or defectMore items

When should I replace my motorcycle tires?

When To Replace Motorcycle Tiresa) Tread Depth. To ensure that you don’t guess the expected lifespan of your motorcycle tires,manufacturers often add wear bar running across the tire tread.b) Age. As a general rule,the lifespan of your motorcycle tires should not go over and beyond five years. …c) Cracking. …d) Punctures and Cuts. …e) Loss of Pressure. …f) Odd Feeling. …g) Inflation. …

How much does it cost to change a motorcycle tire?

There are many services that mechanics generally provide, and we will look at all of them. Typically, changing tires on a motorcycle cost anywhere between $20 and 125$. In the carry-in service where you bring in your motorcycle’s wheels, the cost range is $25 to $50.

What is the best motorcycle tire changer?

The Best Motorcycle Tire ChangerWanheyao Motorcycle Bike Tire Change Kit. A set of three tire lever spoons that are perfect for motorcycle wheels and come in a handy case. …No-Mar Motorcycle Tire Changer. This is a tire changer tool with a difference! …Pit Posse Motorcycle Tire Changing. …

What not to wear when riding a motorcycle?

What to Wear on a MotorcycleGreat gear for a safe,stylish ride. Big thrills come with big risks sometimes. …Wear: pants and a jacket. Although the day may be hot,wear long pants and a jacket anyway. …Don’t wear: a dress or skirt. Oh,the potential road rash. …Wear: the right helmet. …Don’t wear: head-to-toe dark clothing. …Wear: motorcycle boots. …Wear: gloves. …

Is it OK to mix tire brands on a motorcycle?

The tire manufacturers say definitely not, but many riders think this is just a tactic to boost sales.

Why do motorcycle tires have rubber?

This is done to help the rear tire wear more slowly and withstand more abuse from acceleration.

Why do racers use tire warmers?

This is part of the reason racers and track day riders use tire warmers. Not only to keep the tire warm and grippy but to reduce the number of heat cycles that the tire will have to endure. This is also why it’s a good idea to try to replace your tires and sets.

What does it mean when a tire starts making weird patterns?

When the rubber starts making these weird patterns, that means the metal chords are just about to wear through. It’s worth noting that a tire does not wear at the same rate throughout its life. As the rubber becomes thinner, the tire wears faster. Like car tires, motorcycle tires have wear bars.

Why does my bike tire lose grip?

Heat increases the rate of oxidization, so if your bike lives in a hot garage, or you live in a hot environment, your tire will lose its grip more rapidly because the heat accelerates the rate of decomposition of the rubber.

What is the most important component of keeping us from landing on our heads?

Tires are one of the most critical components keeping us from landing on our heads. Many factors contribute to a tire being worn out, including the most obvious. This is an extreme example of a tire being flat worn out.

What does 2714 mean on a tire?

If the number is “2714” that means the tire was manufactured in the 27th week of 2014. If the number is “0516” that means the tire was manufactured in the fifth week of 2016.

What does the Michelin Man sign on the side of the tire mean?

2. The legal tread wear limit has been reached. A Michelin Man symbol on the upper side of your tires means that they feature a tread wear indicator. Similar to little bumps, these can be found at the bottom of the main grooves.

How to tell if a tire is worn?

Worn tires can ruin your vehicle’s performance and even endanger you or your loved ones. It is recommended that you do a weekly inspection to check: 1 The state of the tires 2 The depth of the treads 3 Any damage due to impacts or any sign of unusual wear.

How to choose tires for a car?

Choose your tires in accordance with legal requirements and the kind of equipment recommended for your vehicle. For optimal performance, use tires with the same tread pattern for the front and back. Tires that have different designs, treads and wear patterns might affect the vehicle’s balance and stability. Never fit a vehicle with one radial tire and one non-radial tire unless specified by the manufacturer.

Why do tires wear out?

It can also occur as a result of incorrect tire pressure.

Why do you need to change your tires?

Six reasons to change your tires. 1. The tire has a puncture. Tires are durable and designed to withstand impacts, but they sometimes puncture. If you get a flat tire, it should be replaced by a professional mechanic. 2.

Why are tires so hard to predict?

3. Tires show signs of aging. It is difficult to predict a tire’s lifespan because it bears no relation to its manufacturing date. Tires that have never been used, or have only been used infrequently, may still show signs of aging.

Do you need to change tires before changing Michelin tires?

Michelin strongly advises you to change your tires before reaching this point. Past this point, there is no guarantee that your tires will keep you safe or deliver grip and performance, particularly on wet surfaces. 3. Tires show signs of aging.

How to tell if a tire is worn out?

The easiest way to tell your tires are worn out is by looking for wear bars. These are small, raised bumps sitting at the bottom of the tread grooves. If you are having trouble finding the wear bars, have a look on the side-wall of the tire for a △ (triangle) or “ TWI ” molded into the rubber. These are tire wear indicators and by following a direct line from that marking across the tire surface to the other sidewall, you should find wear bars in the tread grooves somewhere along that line.

What does it mean when your bike tires are scalping?

Alternatively, if you live in an area with lots of bends , you may see your front tire wear unevenly on one side more than the other , this is commonly known as “scalping”. While your tires may have ample tread depth, if they begin to wear unevenly you will notice a change in the bike’s handling while riding.

What does the number 0116 mean on a tire?

The last four numbers will indicate the month and year the tire was manufactured. For example, 0116 means the tire came off the production line in January 2016.

How much tread do you have left on a bike tire?

If the tire surface is level with any of the wear bars, you only have about 1/32 inch left of tread and your tires should be replaced. At this point of wear, your bike can be compromised through instability, loss of grip, flat tires, or even blow-outs.

Why do tires have metal cords?

Metal cords are used to hold the carcass and structure of the tire together. As the tire wears, the rubber protecting the metal cords gets thinner and their shape or pattern can start to show through the surface of the tire. In extreme cases, the rubber may wear through completely showing visible metal cords on the surface of the tire or even throwing sparks while riding. Sparks are bad. You definitely need to replace your tire if you start seeing sparks.

Why do tires come with a round surface?

Tires fresh off the production line will come with a perfectly round surface or profile so that when used they have a smooth ride and consistent handling. Over time, the tire profile can wear unevenly depending on your riding style and the roads you most commonly ride.

What is wear bar?

Equally important, in many countries, wear bars are also an indicator that you are legally required to replace your tire (check your local jurisdiction for road safety requirements).

How to tell if motorcycle tires are worn?

Another sign of wear is cracking. When the rubber is dried out and begins rotting, it will appear as cracks on the surface. This is more common in hot, dry climates and it can be a major safety concern, causing dangerous tire blowouts while you are riding. If you see cracking , you should replace the motorcycle tires as soon as you can.

How to know when to replace motorcycle tires?

To know when to replace the motorcycle tires, simply put a penny head-first into one of the tread grooves on the tire. Provided that the tread covers Abraham Lincoln’s head, it is not too shallow. In the United States, the acceptable tread depth is usually 2/32 of an inch. If you insert the penny and see Lincoln’s head or face, you need to replace the motorcycle tires as soon as possible.

Why is it so hard to generalize tire timelines?

These issues create not only uneven wear but also accelerated wear. Motorcycle maintenance is necessary for extending the life of your tires, which explains why it is hard to generalize tire timelines—each set of circumstances has a different impact.

What is the most visible area of a tire?

The most visible area of the tire is its tread pattern. Located around the exterior of the tire, the textured pattern that sits on top of the tire carcass can tell you a lot about how many miles your tires have left.

What to do if you have a punctured motorcycle tire?

When you have a punctured tire, you should always use a patch or plug-patch to fix it . Cheap plugs do not require you to take the tire off the wheel, and it is important to assess the inside of the tire before you repair a puncture. Black shavings on the inside of the tire indicate that you have had significant low-pressure wear and that you need to replace the motorcycle tire altogether.

Why do bike tires wear out faster?

External factors such as weather patterns and road conditions also play a major role. If you frequently drive on smooth pavement, your tires are going to last longer than if you ride a very coarse road daily. Sport bike tires are made of softer compounds than say a sport touring or cruiser tires, so they will tend to wear out quicker in the same environment.

Why do my tires look angular?

If you notice that your tires have lost their round shape and look more angular, it is probably because they have seen many miles. In this situation, you might try re-inflating the tires to see if you notice any changes. It is possible that the tire pressure is low and causing your tires to appear misshapen.

When Is It Time To Change The Motorcycle Tires?

These small points make our ride safe and stable when they are in good condition or, on the contrary , can become dangerous if they are worn or damaged. We are going to review when to change tires and some tricks to keep them in the best possible condition and extend their life.

What happens if you hit a tire hard?

Sometimes hitting hard against a curb, pothole or any other projection that causes extreme deformation of the tire can damage its internal structure causing a bump or egg-shaped protrusion on a sidewall that is very dangerous. It can affect stability unpredictably and even burst while running.

Why do tires bubble?

Tires are often exposed to significant amounts of heat and friction for lengthy periods . Highway driving is incredibly tough on tires during the summer months and can cause bubbles in the outer wall of the tire to form. Bubbles or cracks can be a sign of more trouble to come, so the safe bet is to replace tires when these irregularities form.

What does TWI mean on tires?

Look for the acronym TWI (which means tread wear indicator) on the side of the tire and look at that height you will see some projections inside the tread grooves. We advise not to even reach the wear indicator for safety. The legal limit of 1.6 mm is insufficient in heavy rain or puddles.

How does rubber affect tire performance?

A variation in the properties of the rubber compound affects grip, and both the amount of rubber in the tire and its aging have a negative influence on its performance. The tire progressively loses performance as a function of wear, and when we exceed a specific limit, it stops gripping, although there is still gum left.

How to store tires in sunlight?

When they are exposed to direct sunlight, store your tires in a dark area or protect them with something that does not let light through. Direct sunlight dries and degrades the rubber.

How deep should tires be?

The General Vehicle Regulations indicate that tires must have a depth of at least 1.6 mm in the grooves of the tread. To verify the state, the ideal is to use a depth gauge or coin, which can be purchased in spare parts stores and workshops, having all kinds, from cards with precision measurements to digital ones (focused on a more professional use).

I. Introduction

The question is simple, yet, the answer is a bit complex. Your motorcycle tires give you traction on the road and make your ride safe. However, riding on worn-out tires is unsafe and can put you at great risk, especially on a wet road. Hence, maintaining your motorcycle tires and taking good care of them is very important.

II. When should you change your motorcycle tires and the reasons for changing?

If you go by the tire manufacturer’s guidelines, they will suggest you change your motorcycle tires after every fixed number of years, and the period can be different for front and rear tires. Normally, the rear tires wear out faster than the front tires.

III. How to take care of your motorcycle tires?

Having good and properly inflated tires on your motorcycle is very important for your safety and you must never underestimate this aspect. A worn-out motorcycle tire does not provide a good grip on the road and worn-out tires are especially risky on a wet road. For your safety, please take a note of the guidelines below:

V. Conclusion

The tires of the motorcycle connect you with the road and give traction for your safe riding. Maintaining your motorcycle tires in a good and fit condition is important for your safety.

How long does it take to change your motorcycle tires?

When you are changing your motorcycle tires for the first time, it can literally take hours and easily turn into a week-long project. There are little mistakes that many owners can make simply due to inexperience. However, the more you do it, the better you get at doing it and the easier it gets.

Is it worth learning how to change and balance your motorcycle tires?

Many people tend to be worried and intimidated by the fact that they have to lift the motorcycle and take the front and rear axels off the motorcycle.

What is the best thing about changing your tires?

One of the best things about changing your own tires is that you will learn a new skill that may come in handy in the future.

What maintenance do you need for a motorcycle?

There are several different types of routine maintenance that you need to do if you own a motorcycle. One of which is changing your tires at the right time.

Do motorcycle tires weigh a lot?

Costs can be particularly high if you need to have the tires delivered to you since they not only take a lot of space, but motorcycle tires can weigh a lot, too, further increasing the delivery fees. Next, you have to consider that you will be using your own free time. This can be both an advantage and disadvantage.

Is it worth changing motorcycle tires?

It is worth changing your own motorcycle tires if you are interested in learning how to do it and willing to invest in the necessary tools. Learning how to change your motorcycle tires is not too hard, but it is time-consuming, so it may not be worth it for everyone. Changing your own motorcycle tires is often seen as a very intimidating task to do.

Can you change motorcycle tires by yourself?

The process is not too difficult and requires some specialized tools, some physical work, and time. Nonetheless, anyone can change and balance their own motorcycle tires.

What is the most important thing to do when you are on a motorcycle?

Checking and changing your motorcycle tires is one of the most important routine maintenance tasks a bike owner can do. Not only will it make your ride smoother, but it’ll save you from entering a dangerous situation.

How thick should a tire be?

Your tires will be at a dangerous tread level at one-eighth of an inch in thickness, and you should definitely replace your tire if it gets to one-16th of an inch in thickness.

How to check if a tire is damaged?

The first involves the tire tread’s wear and tear. Checking for it is similar to checking a car’s tire. For a bike, the process is simple. Grab a penny and put it into the tire tread. If you can see Lincoln’s head or hair, then you likely need to change your tires.

What happens if you don’t change your tires?

If you don’t change your tires, then they’ll perform poorly, especially in wet conditions. A worn tire tread will increase the time it takes for you to brake, which can lead to an accident. Another common way for a bike’s tires to get damaged is via something physical.

When you pick a new tire for your bike, do you have to break it in?

Brand-new tires will feel very different from tires that have been used. Side Car recommends you take it slow for the first few miles so you can break in your new tires.

Do new tires wear faster?

Some tires will wear faster ; others will be more dangerous in wet conditions. When you’ve picked a new tire for your bike, be sure to break it in. Brand-new tires will feel very different from tires that have been used. Side Car recommends you take it slow for the first few miles so you can break in your new tires.

Can you replace two tires at the same time?

Another instance where you may want to replace both tires at the same time is if you want to switch to a new tire brand. Different tire brands will deliver a different road feel, so if you mix and match tire brands, your handling may suffer. Buying a new motorcycle tire.

1. Your Tires Are Cupped or Scalped

Cupping, also called scalping, is the first sign that you need to replace your motorcycle tires. It’s a problem that mainly occurs with front tires, but it can affect rear tires as well.

2. Your Tire is Not Fitting Properly

Good motorcycle tires should properly fit the rims. If they do not fit, you need to replace them immediately.

3. Your Tires Are Worn Out

This is another sign that you should not continue using your motorcycle tires.

4. Your Tires Have Uneven Tread Wear

Excessive and uneven tread wear is another sign that you need to buy new tires.

6. Your Tires Are Aged

New motorbike tires are more functional than old tires. The older your motorcycle tire gets, the higher the chances of it getting damaged.

Let Us Replace Your Tires at Harley-Davidson of The Woodlands

Damaged motorcycle tires will affect your riding experience and expose you to accidents, so you should always check them for various defects like punctures and cuppings. Once you note these signs, you should invest in new motorcycle tires that will serve your needs.