Choosing the Right Motorcycle Tires
A motorcycle consists of several components that come together to provide you with quality performance. Tires play a key role in this process and they have a significant impact on your riding experience. For example, your tires directly affect your ability to safely navigate turns, changes in speed, and make long-distance trips comfortable.
St. Charles Harley-Davidson wants to make sure that you’re fully aware of how your tires work, how to choose the right motorcycle tires and ways to take proper care of them. We have put together a brief guide to help you get started. For all your motorcycle needs, make sure to stop by our location in St. Charles, Missouri, where we proudly serve all those in St. Louis.
How a Tire is Constructed
A tire is made up of a few important components, which gives them the strength to support a motorcycle weighing upwards of 500 lbs. with the cushioning ability to allow for a smooth ride. The tread grips the road so that your bike has traction as it rides. The sidewall is the side of the tire relating to the height and aspect ratio of the tire, which provides support and handling. The bead is the edge of the tire that grips the rim and the valve stem controls inflation. The carcass is the tire’s body and encompasses the remainder of the tire.
Choosing the Correct Tire Type and Size
It can get a bit overwhelming when you realize just how many types of motorcycles are available. The result of all these options is several types of tires, too. You’ll have to decide among different sizes, features, constructions, and so on. The good news is that it’s usually pretty easy to find the right option for your motorcycle.
If you choose a specialized bike, then you’ll be faced with quite a bit of tire options. If you have plans to tear up the dirt roads in addition to the pavement, then you’ll want to consider dual-sport tires. This type of tire is designed to take on off-road trails made of sand or gravel. If you’ll be riding your bike quite often then you might want commuter tires, which boost your gas mileage. For top speeds, you should look into superbike tires. These come with an improved grip and acceleration to keep you safe while you’re riding fast. There are plenty of tire options available that are specifically tailored to boost each unique riding experience.
Check your motorcycle manufacturer’s recommendation before you start shopping for tires. This will tell you what size and type will work best with your specific model. From there, you can branch out and make an informed decision. It also helps to discuss your options with a tire expert, especially if you are considering deviating from the manufacturer’s recommendation. It’s always beneficial to talk to someone who is an expert in tires.
How to Know It’s Time for a Tire Replacement
You'll need to replace your tires once the tread gets worn down too much. This happens naturally as you ride around town and your owner's manual will let you know at what point the tread is low enough that it needs to be replaced. You will also need to change out your tires if they get damaged and cannot be fixed. You never want to ride around on compromised tires! Finally, replace the tires once they hit ten years old.
Tire Maintenance
You can buy the best tires on the market but they simply won’t stay that way if they’re not properly cared for. The life of your tire will last a lot longer with regular maintenance. Putting in a little bit of work here and there is going to save a lot of money in the long run. Washing your tires regularly is a good place to start. If you don’t wash your tires, the caked-on dirt and debris can eventually lead to long-term damage. Always wash your tires after long rides, too.
The next step is to maintain proper inflation, which helps optimize the distribution of forces on the tread such as vehicle load and braking. You’ll have better fuel economy, a more comfortable ride, and less wear on the treat. Consult your owner’s manual to determine the right amount of pressure for your tires. Then, use a tire gauge to measure your tires. For the most accurate reading, do this in the morning when the tire is cold.
Last but not least, you should take the time to routinely examine your tread. As you ride your motorcycle, the tread wears down. Over time, the tread can wear down so much that can become a safety issue. Your bike won’t be able to grip the road properly and this can be hazardous during accelerating, turning, and stopping. If you notice the tread on one tire is more worn down than the other, it could indicate improper wheel inflation or poor wheel alignment.
We hope you found this motorcycle tire buying guide useful! If you have any questions or you need a motorcycle service, get in touch with us at St. Charles Harley-Davidson. Our expert staff will be happy to help you with whatever you need, so stop by today! You’ll find us in St. Charles, MO, and we welcome all our patrons coming from St. Peters.