Tires are one of the most important parts of a motorcycle. They are what keep you in contact with the road. Therefore, constant servicing is essential to ensure maximum safety on roads. 

Even though constant maintenance is essential to avoid unforeseen events or scares on the asphalt, it is curious how some motorcyclists pay little attention to this element, prolonging their replacement for when they are already too damaged. 

From Rossvolt, as specialists in electric mobility, we will bring you all the information you need about motorcycle tires: their pressure, wear and when to change them, take note!

Motorcycle tire pressure

One of the most important technical characteristics of tires is their pressure level. The correct tire pressure will ensure maximum safety on the roads. 

There is a misconception that tires below the normal tire pressures provide more grip, but this is not the case. If the manufacturer’s recommendations are not adhered to, the chances are that, at some point, the tire will not keep enough tire surface on the road, and a loss of control will occur. 

Another defect caused by altered tire pressure, either over or under, is premature tire wear. When this situation occurs, some areas of the motorcycle tire rub harder on the road than others, wearing out certain parts of the tire prematurely, leading the rider to change the tire. 

If the tire pressure is too high, there is also a risk of a tire blowout. If, on the other hand, the tire pressure is too low, the rubber loses consistency, and it is easier for the sidewall to bite into a curb or the edge of a pothole, leading to a puncture. 

Tire wear 

Another factor closely related to tire pressure is tire wear. It is essential to carry out regular checks on the level of wear of motorcycle tires, as factors such as the level of use, maintenance conditions, and the type of road surface ridden can accelerate or retard tire wear. 

There are warnings on the tires which indicate that the tire should no longer be used to make it easier for the rider to know when a tire is excessively worn and needs to be changed.

That does not mean that it is necessary to wait until this point. It is highly recommended to carry out regular checks to monitor the evolution of the tire and, at the slightest doubt of excessive wear, consult an automotive specialist. 

When should motorcycle tires be changed?

There is no precise answer to the question of when to change motorcycle tires. Since, as we have seen, several factors affect when to change motorcycle tires, including rim model, motorcycle model, riding style, and so on. 

Here’s a standard simple guide to the general facts that might help you to know whether your tires need changing or not. However, if in doubt, you must consult a specialist mechanic. 

  • Wear. If the tire has less than 1.6 mm tread, it should be replaced. It should never reach the wear indicator on the tire.
  • Mileage. Low-quality tires usually last 5,000 km; high-quality tires generally reach 30,000 or 40,000 km.
  • Date of manufacture. Even if they have tread left, keeping a tire for more than 3 or 4 years is not advisable. It could have crystallized. 
  • Condition. If the tire shows discoloration, cracks on the sidewalls, bites, or appears to have crystallized, it is time to change it.  

Whether out of convenience or carelessness and laziness about going to the mechanic, tires could be overused, taking an unnecessary risk. For this reason, it is essential to carry out regular inspections to help realize whether tires need to be replaced. 

Age of motorcycle tires 

The DOT refers to an important number you should know, as it indicates both the manufacturer and the production date of the motorcycle tire. 

The date of manufacture of the tires is stamped on the sidewall of the tire immediately after the code that indicates the factory where the rubber was manufactured; DOT number. 

The DOT includes 3 groups of alphanumeric characters; the first two refer to the manufacturer and the manufacturing plant, while the third refers to the date of production. On the other hand, the first two digits of the production date indicate the week of production, while the last 2 digits refer to the year. 

Motorcycle tire fitting

Although it may seem obvious, motorcycle tires should be replaced by professionals. It is common for many people to try to do their repairs, but in this case, it is inadvisable. Among other things, you need a specific type of tool and the knowledge to use it properly. 

The workshops have a motorcycle tire machine designed for these vehicles. This machine is prepared to work with the specific diameters making the correct balancing afterward. This way, the wheel will be perfect, and vibrations and other problems during driving will be avoided, missing any kinds of unnecessary risks. 

Choose quality tire brands 

Finally, it is highly recommended to choose the best motorcycle tires. The differences between one brand and another can be very large. Therefore, it is essential to use those with extensive experience that guarantees a good quality tire, using the best materials in their manufacture and considering all the necessary quality controls. 

It is not only important to use these tires for the quality and safety they provide but also for their longevity. Cheap, poor-quality tires last a quarter of the time of the higher-priced professional tires, so if you use a calculator, not only in terms of safety, they are also more economical in the long run. 

As you can see, motorcycle tires are one of the most considerable parts when it comes to ensuring maximum safety. It is essential to have regular checks to regulate and confirm their optimal maintenance: monitoring pressure and wear to change them at the right time. 

At Rossvolt, we would like to inform you about what’s new in the industry and how to take care of your motorcycle. That’s why our blog will keep you updated with the best two-wheeled tips. Join our community!