Much like automobile tires, motorcycle tires wear at different speeds. You may be wondering, "How long do motorcycle tires last?" With routine motorcycle service, the front tire on a sport motorcycle can last for about 3,700 miles, while the rear tire can last for around 1,800 miles. Once the tires reach those mileage markers, a tire change is recommended. Read on to learn more about motorcycle tire life expectancy, along with how to get the most out of your bike's tires with routine service and repairs!
Keeping your tires in good shape is the key to getting the highest mileage possible from them. Follow these tips to keep your tires healthier for longer:
One or both of your tires may need to be replaced if you notice any of the following red flags:
Whether you need tire repair or replacement, Erico Motorsports near Aurora can assist! Here, you'll find motorcycle tires for sale, along with experienced service technicians who can diagnose and resolve any tire issues.
Contact our service center to learn more about our services or to get more tire care tips, such as how to properly change a tire.
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When I was a child, everything that was "Adult" excited me! I remember pretending my lunchbox was my attache like my Father would carry to and from work and that my desk at school was a desk in an office that I was president of! When I got my first bicycle, I had arrived! I.
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As a rule of thumb, you can get about 3,000-15,000 on a motorcycle tire with average use. On the other hand, you can destroy a set of sport motorcycle tires in even less than 100 miles on a track day! This means how many miles a motorcycle tire lasts depends on a variety of factors such as the quality of the tires, your riding style, performance of the bike, road conditions, and so on.
If you want to learn more about these factors and figure out how to get the most from your tires this post is for you.
Without further ado let’s drill into the details and consider the main factors that play in role in the lifespan of a motorcycle tire!
How many miles can you get on a motorcycle tire? We get this question all the time and the answer is “It depends.
” There are so many factors that affect the lifespan of a motorcycle tire, but the most important ones are as follows:
Let’s take a closer look at each!
Quality of the TiresWhen it comes to the available miles on a motorcycle tire, the rule of thumb is that the higher the performance of the tire, the fewer miles it will get.
This is why touring tires last much longer than special motorcycle racing tires.
However, keeping safety in mind it’s highly recommended that you always use good quality, higher performance tires on your motorcycle even if you don’t have an aggressive riding style.
Tires keep you on the road, so they need to heat up as fast as possible and provide the best possible grip.
Other major factors that heavily affects the lifespan of motorcycle tires are the type, the weight, and the performance of the motorcycle.
As you might assume, the higher performance engine your motorcycle has the fewer miles you can expect to get on its tires. Additionally, the heavier your motorcycle is and/or if it routinely pulls a trailer will also shorten the lifespan of your tires.
Therefore, high-performance street bikes can wear out their tires faster than any other type of 2-wheeler. The tires on these motorcycles typically last last about 1,500-7,000 miles.
In contrast, the tires on lighter touring bikes should last about 10,000-15,000 miles.
Your Riding HabitsWould you like to get the most out of your motorcycle tires? Then you should be lighter on the throttle!
It’s commonplace in the biker’s world that the more aggressive your riding style, the fewer miles you can expect to get on your tires.
That’s why you can ruin a set of sport tires on a single track day. On the other hand, with reasonable usage, you could ride on the same tires for an entire season!
What’s more, with some burnouts you can virtually destroy your tires in minutes. Yes, contrary to popular belief burnouts are bad for your motorcycle as they can damage it in many ways!
If you do a lot of starts and stops, you can also wear the tires out much faster. Long highway miles are always much easier on tires.
This is why tires last much longer on the smaller commuting bikes compared to their high-performance siblings designed for adrenalin rushes.
Road and Weather ConditionsWe can’t forget to mention the weather and road conditions.
In a warmer climate you can expect higher road temperatures, which heats up the tires, resulting in a shorter tire lifespan. However, warmer tires also offer a better grip. As they say, “something for something.
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The surface of the road also plays a big role in this picture. Grooved concrete and chip seal roads are prone to eating motorcycle tires much faster since they have such a rough surface.
Tire Maintenance and StorageIf you do not want to change your tires very often, you must pay attention to their maintenance. The most
Important steps for tire maintenance are as follows:
As we’ve discussed above, many factors affect the available miles on motorcycle tires. However, it’s safe to say that you can get about 3,000-15,000 miles on a motorcycle tire depending on your riding style and the performance of your bike.
For your convenience, we at PowerSportsGuide have done the research and gathered some real-world numbers.
The chart below will help you to get some idea about how many miles you can expect on a set of tires!
Available Miles on Motorcycle Tires [Chart]| Your riding style | Small bikes and scooters | “Average” bikes | High-performance sport bikes |
| Gentle | 15,000-20,000+ | 10,000-15,000 | 5,000-10,000 |
| “Reasonable” | 10,000-15,000 | 5,000-10,000 | 3,000-5,000 |
| Aggressive | 5,000-10,000 | 3,000-5,000 | 1,000-3,000 |
Again, these are pretty average numbers based on the experience of many riders.
Keep in mind that you can get more or fewer miles from the tires on your bike under various circumstances.
For example, DOT race motorcycle tires can be destroyed in less than 100 miles, but with gentle riding you can expect more than 15,000+ miles on a lighter touring bike.
It’s also good to know that the tire on the rear wheel always wears out much faster compared to the front wheel tire. It’s not uncommon to get twice as many miles on the front tire as on the rear.
Instead of a specific number of miles, motorcycle tires should be replaced before they wear down to the legal wear limit, or if they show signs of aging or other types of damage.
Are you wondering how long motorcycle tires last? Keep reading!
How long do motorcycle tires last? This is another common question of many riders, and with good reason.
As a rule of thumb, motorcycle tires last about five years since rubber ages over time. This is why the majority of tire manufacturers recommend replacing both tires after five years.
If you use the same set of tires for more than five years (which is against the manufacturers’ recommendation!) best practice is that you have them inspected by a professional every year.
A general rule is to never use a motorcycle tire for more than ten years, even if it hasn’t reached its limit and appears to be in a good condition.
If you are lucky, you can even get 15,000-20,000 miles on a motorcycle tire, but you can completely destroy it on a single track day or with some burnouts.
This is because how long motorcycle tires last depends on many different factors such as the type and quality of the tire, your riding style, the weight and performance of your bike, and the road and weather conditions.
What’s more, besides the condition of the tire its age is also very important.
Since rubber is prone to aging, manufacturers advise not to use a motorcycle tire any longer than 5 years. (But if you do, make sure that you have the tires inspected each year by a mechanic and don’t use them for more than 10 years.)
As a final word, don’t forget to frequently check and maintain the recommended tire pressure to get the most out of them!
References:
https://www.bikebandit.com/blog/how-long-should-motorcycle-tires-last
https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/do-motorcycle-tires-have-shelf-life/
https://www.michelinman.com/howLongTireLast.html
In the "Want to Know" section #Want to Know we publish information about tires.
Riding safety depends on choosing the right tires, regularly inspecting them, checking their pressure, and replacing them on time.
***Inspection and maintenance***
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Proper air pressure is essential for proper tire performance and service life. Under-inflating or over-inflating can result in poor braking performance, steering difficulties, internal damage due to excessive deflection, and rim separation. Pumping can reduce the contact area with the road (and therefore the braking force) and the harsh response to road bumps. nine0011 .
Tire pressure checks should be performed with cold tires (at least three hours from last ride), as part of your MANDATORY COMPLETE INSPECTION PRIOR TO LONG TRAVEL (FRTA) and periodically at least once a week.
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Refer to the Owner's Manual or the label on the frame of your motorcycle for the correct pressure for your motorcycle. There may be two sets of tire pressure recommendations (as well as suspension settings): for riding without a passenger and with a passenger and/or cargo. Do not exceed the maximum pressure indicated on the tire sidewall.
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Never overload the motorcycle as this may damage the tires (See load limit calculator below).
Check the tread depth regularly. Tires have small wear marks in the tread grooves. When the tread wears down to the bar wear level (1/32 inch of tread remaining), the grooves wear out and the tire needs to be replaced. Some manufacturers recommend replacing tires when 2/32" or 3/32" of tread remains. Although it may seem that there is still enough tread thickness left, such tires perform poorly due to the fact that the drainage grooves have worn out and the risk of puncture due to tire thickness is increased. nine0003
For a quick check, insert a dime into the groove in the center of your tire, 2/32" is about where the emblem starts. In addition to checking tread depth, inspect the tire surface for uneven wear, cuts, foreign bodies, bulges, and sidewall cracks.
Every time you drive, the tires go through a "thermal cycle", from ambient temperature to operating temperature and cool again.
Each such cycle gradually causes the tires to harden.
Internal chemical reactions cause the tire to age and harden even if it has not been used. Tires absorb oil products from the road, which degrades the quality of rubber. Therefore, old tires need to be replaced, even if they have good treads. For the same reason, you should not buy used tires if, due to lack of experience, you cannot determine how many heat cycles they have gone through and what their age is.
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This photo shows how water is squeezed out of a tire. nine0003
Rubber performs worse when cold than when hot. Tires are designed to provide maximum traction at specific temperatures. Drive moderately for the first few kilometers to allow your tires to come to the correct operating temperature. Professional racers use electric heaters to pre-heat their tires so they achieve maximum traction.
***Tyre selection***
. nine0011 The owner's manual for your motorcycle should list the tire size, type (radial or diagonal, tube or tubeless), load and speed range, and brand of tire installed as original.
In addition, tires are divided into front and rear. Both front and rear tires must match each other in make and model. Tires must be installed in such a way that the side arrows correspond to the direction of travel.
Motorcycle dealers can recommend different makes and types of tires that best suit your motorcycle and riding style. nine0011 The tread is designed to provide a resilient connection in the middle of the wheel for longer life in straight lines, and a soft connection on the outer edges for extra traction in corners. Note also that different tread patterns can affect how your motorcycle handles. For example, some models will work in the rain, cutting puddles.
Never fit car tires on motorcycles. The car tire profile is not compatible with the motorcycle rim.
***Tire sidewall.***
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Each tire must have a serial number on the sidewall. The serial number begins with the letters "DOT" and ends with four digits of the date code (if there are only three digits, the tire was made before 2000 and should be destroyed).
The four digits indicate the week and year of
production. For example, the code "4510" in the first photo means that the tire was produced in the 45th week of 2010. The sidewall will also have a code indicating the size, load index and speed index as shown in these examples. nine0003
The first number is the nominal tread width in millimeters, 160 mm in the second photo, 120 mm in the third. The second number is the ratio (ratio of tire tread height to width), which is given as a percentage. So for 160/60, the tire height is 60 percent of the tread width, or 96mm; for the 120/80, the tire height is 80 percent of the tread width, which also happens to be 96mm. Some tires use letter or inch designations instead of millimeters, as shown in the table. nine0011 .
In the second photo, "R" stands for radial layer construction.
The third "-" means offset.
"B" would mean diagonally belted.
Next comes the rim diameter in inches: 17 in the second photo, 18 in the third.
"M/C" indicates that the tires were designed for motorcycles
The following set of characters indicates the load index and speed index. "69" and "62" indicate how much maximum load the tire can carry (see Load Index Chart below) at speed, indicated by the speed index "(W)" and "H" respectively (see speed index table). Note that in the graph, W in brackets has a different meaning than W without brackets. Also note that tires with a "W" or "(W)" speed index are identified by the "Z" in front of the brand code in the tyre. nine0003
There are tires that are legal for public roads, designed for legal speeds, and there are tires that are only for use on certain high-speed European roads.
***Mount tire***
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Tires must be replaced and balanced by a professional mechanic. Professionals have the necessary tools to prevent damage to the tire bead, which must be pressed against the edge to provide an airtight seal, and they have the equipment that can perform balancing to protect the wheel from vibration.
The rubber tube nipple must be replaced every time a tire is changed. New tires usually have a slippery surface. Do not overstress them for the first 200 kilometers so that the surface of the tire acquires a "scuff" and provides maximum grip. It will also give you time to adjust to them
Since a motorcycle has a single track, unlike a car, motorcycle tires are completely different from car tires. While car tires have a fairly flat profile and contact patch, motorcycle tires have a U-shaped profile and contact patch, changing size and shape as they corner. Motorcycle tires are relatively narrow, which limits their ability to grip the road. In addition, grip is shared among several forces generated by braking, cornering and accelerating. The greater the angle of inclination when turning, for example, the less braking force. The faster you accelerate, the less grip you have on the ground. There are several reasons why the adhesion between the rubber and the road can be broken: the surface of the tire has lost its elasticity, due to low temperatures, aging, rainwater, engine oil, leaves, gravel, sand, mud, etc.
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***Tire damage***
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Tire failure can occur suddenly and can cause panic even for experienced riders. You may feel a vibration or slow down depending on the cause. If a puncture occurs, keep a firm grip on the handlebars, drive straight ahead and release the throttle carefully. Avoid tilting the motorcycle or sudden braking. Applying the brake on a wheel with a bad tire can cause the tire to separate from the rim, resulting in loss of control. Luckily, crashes are rare when using tubeless tires. If a tire is punctured, it can be patched, but repair should be considered a temporary measure. Some manufacturers do not recommend repairing holes larger than ¼" in diameter for radial tires or sidewall punctures and the use of liquid sealants. Speed should not exceed 50 mph for the first 24 hours after repair and the repaired tire should never be used while driving. faster than 80 mph
Need new motorcycle tires, but don't know where to focus your attention? Our rating will help you make the right choice among the whole variety of tire models from different manufacturers, which are only increasing year by year.
We have broken down the list by bike type so that every biker can find the part and tire they want. nine0003
Top models are ranked by price/quality ratio. In the process of writing it, we were guided by the reviews of amateur bikers, professional tests, and were also guided by our own subjective opinion and many years of experience with tires.
The leader of the sports series produced by the inimitable Michelin company. I really want to find fault with them, but there seem to be no shortcomings. Amazing grip properties on both types of trails - wet and dry handling is brilliant. The motorcycle seems to merge with the highway and shows all that it is capable of. Braking is its special advantage: fast and clear, it does not cause any complaints even from the authors of the reviews. In terms of comfort and durability, the model is all at the highest level. nine0162 A wonderful tire made by French craftsmen deservedly becomes the leader in the category of motorcycle tires for sportbikes.
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Metzeler tires are perfect for a sports bike. The model perfectly reflects the title of "sports", as it clings to the asphalt track beyond praise - very subtle and confident control, effective braking. On wet and dry roads, tires show very stable behavior. The bike feels very light and agile, the biker can easily control every movement under him. nine0003
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Tires of the famous Italians Pirelli were on the third line. These tires are simply made for the dry track - the control is intuitively simple, the braking is fast, the grip does not leave the motorcycle even on tight turns. With excellent feedback, these tires provide convenience and comfort throughout the journey - and this is their main advantage. The downside can be rather mediocre properties on wet roads and problems with wear resistance. nine0003
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The German manufacturer of tires Continental, as usual, pleases fans of driving with the wind with wonderful models. This time around, it's an enduro tire with outstanding grip and durability on long-distance roads, where durability and wear resistance are essential. The name itself speaks for itself - these tires are not accustomed to losing: the tires are excellent at sharp turns with a strong slope, they work well in wet conditions, they can accelerate to 240 or even up to 270 km / h (depending on the speed index) without losing their useful properties. nine0003
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In second place was Metzeler with a sporty off-road model for handling especially difficult track sections in off-road conditions. The main advantage of tires is the balance of characteristics that allows the motorcyclist to always be ready for any trouble on the road. The tires provide precise handling and fast braking, impressive traction and are very reliable under heavy loads. nine0003
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Mitas Terra Force-R
Mitas has come up with a great sporty radial tire that can carry heavy weights and handle extreme loads. In terms of grip, the tires are quite good on wet roads, the dry road under them is less controlled, but only against the background of brilliant competitors from the first and second positions. In isolation from them, the work of the tread on a dry surface can be called a virtue at all. The model is able to withstand a lot, and wear resistance is one of its best features. It can also be praised for its smooth ride. nine0003
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Michelin Tracker
Michelin introduced the perfect tire to tackle the most unpredictable dirt tracks. According to its traction and coupling characteristics, the model was created specifically for unpaved and sandy tracks. The most important advantages of tires are fast acceleration, efficient braking, precise handling and course stability at high speeds. The motorcycle, even in the conditions of motocross, will become a true companion for the rider, who will tell the biker himself how to act in this or that situation. nine0003
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Sport tires for real motocross, unforgiving for beginners. The aggressively designed Metzeler tread provides reliable traction on dirt, sand and muddy terrain. The rubber compound helps the tire "take a hit", i.e. to absorb the effects of jumps, especially sharp turns and driving over rough terrain. Also, the model has excellent resistance to abrasive wear and is able to withstand trips even with reduced pressure. nine0003
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These tires from Pirelli are ideal for non-professional motocross, as their performance is maximally balanced for beginners who are not yet ready to face the "adult" roads.
The model shows many advantages, including excellent adhesion and resistance to stress. The motorcycle handles well on muddy tracks, brakes well and picks up speed even on the most neglected roads. nine0003
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Bridgestone's flagship tires offer an excellent balance between dry and wet conditions, leading the way in comfort and reliability on high speed summer surfaces. Wear resistance and strength are indicative of sport-tourer motorcycles, for which the endurance of rubber during long trips is especially appreciated.
Maneuverability, precise and fast braking, comfort and smoothness, responsiveness and understandable feedback - all this characterizes the model of Japanese tire manufacturers as the best for tourist trips. nine0003
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Michelin's
French tire has excellent dry and wet grip properties. Therefore, the bike stays on the track like a glove, even during the tightest corners with deep lean. With increasing speed, the movement remains stable, the ride is at a high level, and the steering and brake responses leave behind the most pleasant impression.
An excellent choice of tires for all lovers of long trips. nine0003
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Dunlop has created a mid-range touring tire for comfortable travel on long journeys, on wet and dry pavement and light off-road. Rubber is not afraid of aquaplaning and feels very confident at high speed. On braking and acceleration on a dry track, no strong drawdowns were noticed. Good wear resistance and a smooth ride complete the picture of well-made motorcycle tires for those who can not sit still. nine0003
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The best motorcycle tire for real road warriors was the model from Metzeler. The rubber has outstanding asphalt handling qualities: handling, braking, acceleration and wear resistance - all of which can be given a solid five. The hydroplaning resistance also means nothing but good things to say about these tires. They have a huge resource of stamina, which allows them to work all the way, no matter how long it is. nine0003
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Premium Dunlop tire delivers excellent trail control and course stability as speed increases. Wet handling is responsive, and the tread keeps the bike firmly on the track and prevents it from skidding through tight corners. The tires are durable enough to withstand overheating, minimize abrasion and give the rider a stable, smooth ride mile after mile. nine0003
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In third place is a tire from Bridgestone, which has a whole set of useful characteristics for thorough and high-quality work with an asphalt canvas.
The tread design is specifically designed to handle winding highways and resist abrasion. The compound has an excellent level of strength, it is soft enough that the rider does not experience any discomfort along the way. nine0003
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| Place in the ranking | Designation |
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The best tires for a sports bike | |
| 1 | Michelin Pilot Power 3 |
| nine0002 2 | Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE |
| 3 | Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP |
Best Enduro Tires | |
| 1 | Continental Conti Road Attack 2 |
| 2 | Metzeler MCE 6 Days Extreme |
| 3 | Mitas Terra Force-R |
The best tires for amotocross bike | |
| 1 | Michelin Tracker |
| 2 | Metzeler MC 360 Mid Soft |
| 3 | Pirelli Scorpion MX Extra X |
The best motorcycle tires for the sport touring | |
| 1 | Bridgestone Battlax Bt-023 |
| 2 | Michelin Pilot Road 4 nine0194 |
| 3 | Dunlop D214 |
Best Motorcycle Tires for Chopper/Cruiser | |
| 1 | Metzeler Cruisetec |
| 2 | Dunlop D423 | nine0181
| 3 | Bridgestone Exedra E-Max |
We hope that now you will be able to make a choice and buy a decent model.
