As a rule of thumb, it costs about $20-$80 to change a motorcycle tire. If you take off the wheels and bring them into a shop you can expect to pay $20-$40 per wheel. But if you bring the whole bike into the shop be prepared to pay $40-$80 per wheel, in addition to the cost of the tires of course. Some dealerships may quote you much more, but don’t be ripped off!
If you want to learn more about motorcycle tire change costs, you are in the right place.
We at PowerSportsGuide have gathered the average prices as well as the cheapest solutions under one roof!
How much does it cost to change motorcycle tires?It’s safe to say that the cheapest way to change motorcycle tires would be if you do the work yourself. However, as you will see, this is not recommended for security reasons.
A reputable shop can not only professionally mount your tires, but they also balance the wheels with a special rebalancing machine.
Balancing the wheels is very important since only a slight weight difference can lead to vibration. That’s why it’s recommended that you get the tire change done by a professional who can rebalance the wheels along with changing the tires.
Moreover, many shops offer a discount or don’t even charge for the change if you buy the tires from them.
You can also keep your costs low if you pull the wheels off yourself and bring them into the shop. This way it will cost about $40-$80 to change a pair of motorcycle tires.
On the other hand, many riders simply prefer riding to a dealership or a local shop to get the tire change done. This is arguably the most convenient solution, but also the most expensive!
If you are also considering visiting a shop, it’s recommended that you shop around to find the best rates available. The labor costs vary widely depending on the size and location of shop.
As you may assume, you can expect the highest rates at authorized dealerships.
It’s not uncommon for dealers to quote $150-$400 to change motorcycle tires!
In contrast, small local shops are significantly cheaper, as they usually charge $80-$160 for the entire job.
It’s also good to know that replacing the tire on the front wheel is always significantly cheaper than the rear, a 50% difference in price between the two wheels is not uncommon.
However, best practice is to replace both tires at the same time!
Can I change a motorcycle tire myself? – we get this question a lot and the answer is that it depends. Although it is possible to change the tires on your motorcycle at home, in most cases this is not recommended. Why?
When it comes to motorcycles, the primary consideration should always be safety.
And improperly mounted tires can be dangerous in many ways, so it’s not worth the risk of gambling with them! Contrary to popular belief, changing tires requires skill as well as some specialized tools.
Even if you can properly mount the tires, you always risk scratching the rims or damaging the new tires.
Additionally, a professional shop not only changes the tires, but their service typically includes the balancing, lining, setting the chains tight, and a test ride as well.
Although you can do all of these tasks yourself, it still takes time and effort. It may take hours just pulling the wheels off, mounting and inflating the tires, and finally balancing and replacing the wheels.
This is why best practice is to get it done by a tire shop. Let’s see where you can find one!
It’s safe to say that the majority of tire shops can change motorcycle tires, even dedicated auto tire shops.
In most cases, it makes sense to visit a local shop rather than ride many miles to a dealership. What’s more, local shops are typically much cheaper as well! But to make sure they can handle the change it’s worth a phone call first.
Whether you can change a motorcycle tire on a car tire machine is strictly dependent on its design. While many older machines could change motorcycle tires without any issues, modern machines clamp on the rim and feature a rotating table. This means if you want to change a motorcycle tire on these machines you will likely need an adapter, which holds the wheel higher off the rotating table.
Unfortunately, many of the newest car tire machines can’t be used at all to change motorcycle tires.
This is because some manufacturers don’t provide adapters for motorcycle wheels.
If you have access to a tire machine and are considering replacing the tires yourself, make sure to have somebody close by who is familiar with using the machine.
Operating a tire machine is not rocket science, but like any other power tool it can be dangerous in many ways. Doing it wrong can damage the tire or even the surface of the rim!
If you want to change the tires on your motorcycle you have four options:
DIY tire replacement: Even if this is the cheapest way to change the tires unless you’re an experienced mechanic it’s not recommended that you do it yourself. Keep in mind that doing it wrong can damage the tires or even the rims. Keeping safety in mind, best practice is that you leave it for professionals.
Remove the wheels: Many riders prefer pulling the wheels and bring into a local shop or a dealership, so you may want to consider this solution.
This way, you can get much better rates while making sure that the tires are professionally replaced and balanced. If you bring the wheels in yourself, changing a pair of motorcycle tires typically costs $40-$80 in most tire shops.
Ride to a tire shop/dealership: The most convenient solution is arguably riding into a tire shop or a dealership to get the job done. The rates of smaller tire shops range from $40 up to $80 while dealerships can even quote $150-$400!
The rates vary widely depending on the size and the location of the shop, so it makes sense to shop around before making a decision!
Whether you ran over a nail or have just burned off your tread peeling out, getting your motorcycle tires changed isn’t the funnest activity.
Partly because you hate the downtime that you could be riding, but also because you never know where to take your motorcycle in and whether you’re getting a good deal.
Well, you can stop worrying.
I looked at shops around the country to find what you can expect as a reasonable cost for your motorcycle tire change and what factors can raise or lower the price.
On average, a tire change for your motorcycle will cost around $50 per tire. This can vary a lot, though, with your cheapest tire changes costing only about 20 bucks and the most expensive running upwards of $200.
Why is it such a big range? There are a number of factors that come into play.
With a car, the tires can be changed in a few minutes because it’s pretty easy to pop off the wheels.
Motorcycles are much more difficult, especially the rear wheel. The chain and brakes have to be aligned afterward as well as balanced.
If the shop does this work for you, it’ll cost more. If you take the wheels off and put them back on yourself, shops usually charge a little less.
The rear tire is a lot harder to change. If you bring your whole bike in, some shops may charge a different price for the front tire versus the rear.
Like most things, motorcycle tire changes vary in cost depending on what part of the country—or world—you live in. My favorite shop back home in Arkansas charges about $45 per tire while I found shops in San Francisco charging closer to $75 per tire.
As a general rule, your tire change will cost more if you live in an overall more expensive place. That means big cities like New York or LA or expensive states like California or Hawaii.
You can take your motorcycle to one of three types of shop for a tire change: authorized dealership, local boutique mechanic, or big chain.
An authorized dealership, one specializing in your make of motorcycle, is the most expensive option. Of course, it’s also the most secure since you know the mechanics have tons of experience with bikes just like yours.
For something simple like a tire change, I usually don’t consider this expertise to be necessary, but it’s up to you.
Local boutique mechanics are a bit cheaper than authorized dealerships and what I go with for tire changes. Even though they’re a tad pricier than chains, you can build a personal relationship with a local mechanic who will learn your bike and your personal needs. You get quality service and support the local economy.
That isn’t to say you shouldn’t consider a big chain, though. For one thing, they’ll save you money.
For example, Cycle Gear charges just $25 if you buy your tires through them. Plus, finding a chain you like means you can use them all over the state or country if you go on long rides. Many even have loyalty programs and discounts.
Usually, the type of motorcycle doesn’t make much difference when it comes to the tire change price. However, some shops do charge differently based on the type of tire: off-road versus street.
Take a look at the Cycle Gear prices I mentioned above. You’ll see that off-road tires are a little bit cheaper to change at just $20 versus street tires at $25.
Many shops, especially big chains, offer extremely discounted tire changes just to get you to buy their tires.
If you noticed from the Cycle Gear prices above, $25 is the price for a tire change if you buy the tires through them, but it doubles to $50 if you buy the tires elsewhere and bring them in.
That brings me to something else important to mention…
Keep in mind. The prices I mentioned above are for the tire change only. They don’t include the cost of the tires themselves.
Motorcycle tires usually run anywhere from $50 to $200 and depend on the size of the tire and type, whether it’s street or off-road.
Another factor is whether they’re brand new or “retreaded.” Retreaded tires are used tires that have had new tread put on them.
Retreaded tires usually cost between 30% and 50% less than new tires and can save you a lot of money. The authorities have not found them to be any less safe than new tires, but some motorcyclists are still wary of riding on “used” tires.
Well, you can change tires yourself. But unless you have all the necessary tools and some mechanic training, you probably shouldn’t.
Just for reference, the tools you’d need to change your own tire are:
And it isn’t just enough to have all these tools. You need to know how to use them and perform difficult parts of motorcycle maintenance like balancing the wheels after you change the tires. Doing it incorrectly could put you in danger.
With all this in mind, it usually makes more sense to have a professional change your tires.
Personally, I like taking my wheels off and bringing them in to my favorite local boutique mechanic, buying the tires from the same shop if I can. This gets me good service for a reasonable price.
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What is the best way to change motorcycle tires? When it comes time to change one of the motorcycle tires, it is best to do it at the same time, that is, change both the front and rear wheels at the same time.
As a general rule, a good tire should be changed after 40.000 km and cheaper ones after 10.000 km (for rear tires) and every 5.000 km (for front tires).
The clutch is probably the part of the whole motorcycle that we need to pay the most attention to, as it wears out faster than any other part, because it is part of the gearshift mechanism.
However, in general terms, we can say that the approximate life of the tire is about 40.
000 kilometers. This figure is a good frame of reference if the tires are of good quality.
A wider tire is subjected to less pressure (same force, but more surface area -> less pressure), and so the reduction in friction coefficient is less. We can say that in this case, a wider tire helps to have more grip.
4. Damaged rim
Top 5 scooter tires
| product | note | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michelin City Grip 2 Rear Front | 4. 60 |
| 2 | Front Bridgestone Battlax TH01 | 4.43 |
| 3 | Heidenau K58 M+S Snowtex | 4.36 |
| 4 | Dunlop TT 93GP | 4.34 |
Battery, transmission, engine and tires are the most damaged parts of a motorcycle.
That's why we are going to learn more about which wheel wears the most on a motorcycle and why, the answer is the rear wheel, but let's first see a brief introduction to understand why this wheel.
It's okay, don't worry, but you must react quickly. The moment you shift into gear, the engine moves but the rear wheel doesn't, or you're too rough on the clutch, the engine will stall and stall, stopping dead in its tracks.
To avoid this and keep your tires in good condition, here are five signs that you need new tires.
As a rule, the life of tires is about 40.000 / 10.000 km if they are of good quality. Some tires of the worst range usually have a lifespan of around 1,000,000 miles.
The limit of your motorcycle: 100.000 kilometers
Without a doubt, we could be more than satisfied if our motorcycle has traveled 100.000 kilometers in its entire life, since we are talking about a big number.
Wide tires are generally better when it comes to pure driving performance.
We pay more for more safety, especially on dry roads, sacrificing comfort and cost-effectiveness in the knowledge that there is a greater risk of hydroplaning.
How does a large tire affect? Compared to a car and engine, a larger diameter rim contributes to overall stability, creates a greater gyroscopic effect, and provides more precise steering. At the same time, this means slightly slower steering if we want a nimble car.
Unlike cars, motorcycle tires differ between front and rear. All tires have a setting arrow or a rolling direction arrow. For motorcycles, the front (FRONT) or rear (REAR) wheel is additionally indicated.
Ten years maximum
If tires have not yet been replaced after 10 years from date of manufacture, Michelin recommends replacing them with new tires as a precaution.
Even if they appear to be usable and not worn down to the tread wear indicator.
The most common cause is usually poor tire condition or insufficient tire pressure. Remember to check the pressure on cold tires.
Nearly 100% of the reasons your motorcycle pulls in any direction without you or yourself having to handle the movement is due to racing, cradles or steering bearings. This spare part ensures the mobility of our address.
If you're looking for quality tires on a very modest budget, these brands have great options for you. Among the most economical models of the Pirelli brand: Pirelli Cinturato and Pirelli Chrono; and as for Bridgestone, their Bridgestone Ecopia model is excellent.
This type of tire has a cord (which may be nylon or steel) from side to side perpendicular to the tread. Radial tires owe their name to the fact that their designs form angles of less than 90º in the direction of the imaginary wheel spokes.
This is a tire that offers a good balance between cost and benefit. The Timsun TS-659 HI GRIP tread demonstrates good ability to absorb asphalt bumps, they do not interfere with walking, are stable and comfortable.
First, the parts with the greatest mobility, such as wheel bearings, pinion and crown. Lubricating the throttle and clutch cables is also important, as it ensures smoother operation.
poorly adjusted carburetor
One of the main reasons a motorcycle loses power is that it is poorly carbureted, which means that the engine does not receive the necessary force.
In 80% of cases, this is the reason, although there may be others that we will see below.
Most damaged parts
Failure of the pump that supplies fuel from the tank to the engine, and broken or damaged seals and in the pipes of the hydraulic systems that circulate oil and other fluids, are also common motorcycle engine failures.
Thin tires provide better maneuverability for your Italic while driving, but unlike wide tires they are less stable as they have less grip. Wide.
By moving the rear wheels forward, they will wear out faster and we will have to change them earlier so that in less time we have 4 wheels of a closer age and in better condition.
Tips for caring for your motorcycle and extending its life
Shifting gears without a clutch avoids this difficulty. Limit the risks of interfering with the behavior of the motorcycle: When you make a perfect shift without a clutch (which does not take much time), everything happens without tension and effort. It's impossible to be that fast and efficient with the clutch.
Poor engine oil condition
The oil functions to lubricate and protect all internal parts of the engine by absorbing heat and has the property of making motorcycle changes smooth.
Very simply, shifts where we don't use the clutch will be much faster and we'll gain some acceleration time, especially when we're on the track.
Ten years maximum
If tires have not yet been replaced after 10 years from date of manufacture, Michelin recommends replacing them with new tires as a precaution. Even if they appear to be usable and not worn down to the tread wear indicator.
Top 10 tire brands on the market
Tires of vehicles belonging to categories M1, H1, O1 and O2 must have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm throughout their operation on public roads.
But this figure can fall below 10.000 40 km if the one who sits in the team is constantly pushing the limits of the car.
Therefore, although the tires are designed to last between 50.000 and 50.000 km, the reality hides many important surprises.
As part of a scheduled vehicle maintenance, drivers must balance tires every 5000-10.000-12 years, whichever comes first. It is also worth balancing tires and wheels: When buying new tires.
WHAT SPEED CAN THE 125CC SCOOTER GO? The maximum speed you can drive on motorways is 120 km/h. The rules of the road also provide for a minimum speed you must drive, which is 60 kilometers per hour.
When asked how long a motorcycle will last, experts estimate that it will last between 12 and 15 years. And that it can travel about 100.000 kilometers.
Maximum load capacity = 160 kg. Maximum baggage weight = 30 kg.
What is lost in comfort is gained in safety.
In addition, the driving resistance will be lower and fuel consumption will be reduced. The pressure must be measured cold, as it rises to more than 0.5 bar when hot.
Low profile tires also provide better "touch to the car", the driver has better control of the car and can better predict its behavior. Also, the wobble is much less noticeable.
The most important advantage of a small wheel is faster acceleration. The key to fast acceleration is minimizing the weight of the external components (spokes, rims, tires…). However, when spinning, inertia comes into play.
Fluid rolling resistance increases. General characteristics are lost if the engine is not powerful. Obstacles on the road will be more difficult to overcome with a larger diameter tire.
Adding inches to the wheel diameter for wider, smaller aspect ratio tires can improve your vehicle's performance, including handling and stability.
Specifies the load capacity in kg that the tire can support at maximum inflation pressure. The higher the number, it means that our tire can carry more weight.
Top 5 scooter tires
| product | note | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michelin City Grip 2 Rear Front | 4.60 |
| 2 | Front Bridgestone Battlax TH01 | 4.43 |
| 3 | Heidenau K58 M+S Snowtex | 4.36 |
| 4 | Dunlop TT 93GP | 4.34 |
In addition to the tire structure, size and profile, tires can also be distinguished by tube type (TT) or tubeless type (TL).
Be aware that tires have an expiration date, which is usually 5 years from the date of manufacture, you can easily find this fact on one side of the tire.
The clutch is probably the part of the whole motorcycle that we need to pay the most attention to, as it wears out faster than any other part, because it is part of the gearshift mechanism.
Physical evidence of a tire, indicating that it should be replaced, is:
Properly stored, the tire will remain in optimum condition for up to 6 years after the date of manufacture, according to the manufacturer's statement and general recommendation, it can be sold and used unconditionally as a new product.
To avoid this and keep your tires in good condition, here are five signs that you need new tires.
Minimum depth of cut
2 mm or wear marks specified by the manufacturers in the area of greatest wear. 1.6 mm or wear marks specified by the manufacturer in the area of greatest wear. 2 mm or wear marks specified by the manufacturers in the area of greatest wear.
As a general rule, manufacturers indicate that good tires should be changed after 40.000 kilometers, while in practice we have seen that they need to be replaced between 15,000 and 15,000 kilometers.
Choosing tires for a motorcycle is not an easy task. Like the selection of equipment, tires should be selected based on the type of motorcycle, the nature of the ride. After determining the initial criteria, choose a rubber to find the best option available.
If you put sport tires on a sport bike, they will grip well in corners but wear out quickly.
If you put ordinary touring tires in a sportbike, you can be very surprised by the handling of your motorcycle on the track. It's a good idea to use a tire with multiple compounds - then the hard center wears less on the track and the soft sides hold up better in the corners.
Tire type selection? There are no universal answers here, but there are useful tips that can help a lot.
Tires differ in structure, rubber compound, profile or tread pattern. Others differ in appearance - for example, a white rim. All these elements determine the purpose of the tires. That's where different types of motorcycle tires come from.
Whether sporty, racing, dynamic or classic, motorcyclists enjoy driving. However, each of these categories has different characteristics, which affects the driving style and the final choice.
Each tire has a number and letter marking with information about its size and permissible speed.
An approximate marking on a motorcycle tire may contain: 150 / 70-16 68 H.
Example designation 150 / 70-16 68 H defines:
Race bikes are used on the track where the best performance and therefore the result is important. This applies to grip, stability and properties that determine the speed of acceleration.
The most common racing tires are slick (bald) or racing cut. The first are completely smooth, that is, without grooves and incisions. This solution is suitable for racing on dry pavement - due to maximum surface-to-surface contact.
However, this does not apply to ordinary streets. Likewise, riding in rainy weather with these tires would definitely be a bad idea.
Many models of racing tires can only be used on the track. They are marked with the NHS (Not For Highway Service) abbreviation, which means that they are not approved for driving on public roads.
Sports tires are suitable for racing and competition. The chemical composition is optimized in terms of acceleration, top speed, grip, effective and safe braking even in emergency situations. This type of motorcycle tire is not used for daily driving and on public roads.
Examples: Dunlop Sportmax GP Racer, Metzeler Racetec INT, Metzeler Racetec RR, Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa.
A separate class of racing tires are rain racing tires. Their task is to remove water from the contact patch, including when the motorcycle is tilted, and the maximum level of grip on wet asphalt. When driving on dry roads, such tires are subject to rapid wear, as they have a very soft composition.
Examples: Pirelli Diablo Rain, Metzeler Racetec Rain.
Touring motorcycles are large motorcycles designed for long journeys. They use special rubber compounds that affect grip and steering precision. Also available are treads that keep the tires reliable even in deteriorating conditions.
For this type of rubber, its resource is of particular importance, since it is precisely such rubber that is most often used by motorcycle travelers in their many thousands of runs around cities and countries. In addition to long routes with different quality of coverage, on which the tourist tire must be equally predictable and safe, long trips are usually associated with a large mass of transported belongings, without which the life of a motorcycle tourist becomes dull and bleak. And the tourist motorcycles themselves, in terms of their curb weight, are increasingly approaching diesel locomotives.
Road-tourist tires must withstand long runs, withstand high loads well.
At the same time, the requirements for the quality of adhesion give way to high predictability and a "motorcycle feel" that allows even an inexperienced motorcyclist to feel and stop the development of slips and drifts at an early stage. The main task is not to pass the route at the highest speed, but to reach the final destination in the safest possible mode, while maintaining control over the motorcycle in any weather.
Accordingly, the grooves for water drainage in such tires are more developed. And some models are specially optimized to maintain performance on wet roads. The resource of such tires ranges up to 20,000 km. Road touring tires are suitable for the city and travel on road and touring motorcycles. Moreover, for the latter, given their large mass, special “reinforced” versions of tires are sometimes produced.
Examples: Dunlop TT900 GT, Mitas MC50 , Metzeler Tourance Next, Metzeler Lasertec, Michelin Pilot Activ
This includes everything that has already exceeded the simple city treads, but has not grown out of the malice of the pattern to an off-road character.
Dual purpose tires designed specifically for those who love hybrid driving style. They let you ride your motorcycle to work on the weekdays and hit the trails on the weekends.
For motorcyclists who prefer different riding styles, there is nothing better than the ability to conquer roads and off-road. Whether your motorcycle is a city bike or a touring bike, with dual-purpose tires, you no longer have to choose one style of riding.
Tourist and all-terrain options are distinguished by increased endurance, as they withstand the load of not only a motorcycle with a pilot, but also a bunch of accessories and things necessary for the journey. The tread changes to a clear pattern that can equally successfully help the motorcycle on simple roads and beyond.
Such rubber is most often put on enduro-touring motorcycles, scramblers and not small-capacity dual-purpose motorcycles (soft enduro for every day).
Such a tire provides a sufficient grip patch with an asphalt surface, the grooves effectively drain water, and the checker tread provides good traction outside the asphalt (on the ground, in sand, mud, gravel).
Examples: Metzeler Tourance, Mitas E-08, Mitas E-07, Metzeler Tourance.
Rubber for off-road motorsport is divided into two main types - for motocross, enduro. For each discipline, tires are produced for both professional sports and amateur use. The latter are more versatile, and very often manufacturers position outdated rubber models for “big” sports as tires for amateur driving, which remain popular among amateurs. Cross-country tires also require a tire tow bar so that during hard acceleration or braking, the tire does not rotate on the rim and the nipple (nipple) comes off. Used mainly on front and rear wheels, but more often required on the rear wheel due to the high load on the rubber.
Rubber is made not only for a specific discipline, but also for operating conditions. Many factors are taken into account - the type of soil on the track, the characteristics of weather conditions, certain goals, for example, speed and roll, or vice versa, the maximum hook.
An important difference between off-road tires and tires for other motorcycle disciplines is that such rubber falls into the category of consumables, manufacturers recommend regularly updating a set of tires. Often at the beginning of each season, athletes are forced to change tires due to rapid wear. This is due to the fact that off-road rubber has a direct sports purpose - its task is to provide reliable grip at maximum speed while passing the track, so manufacturers think about durability and long service life last.
What is a compound?
It will not be a secret for anyone that the times of synthetic, and even more so natural rubber, are long gone.
Conventional rubber has been replaced by a compound - a synthetic alloy of various monomers and polymers, which has a much higher wear resistance and, most importantly, certain properties.
Thanks to the unique properties, manufacturers have been able to produce specialized off-road tires that correspond to a certain type of soil on the track.
Cross, Motocross tires
Motocross is the most dynamic discipline of extreme motorsport. Athlete, equipment and, in particular, tires of a motorcycle are subjected to severe loads during the entire race. That is why cross-country tires must be hardy, reliable and aggressive.
These characteristics are reflected in the use of a hard cord (steel base) for maximum durability, an aggressive tread pattern with pronounced elements for better traction, and a special compound that is selected depending on the type of surface of a particular route.
For hard, dry ground, use tires with wide lugs (to increase bike control) and a flexible compound that enhances grip on the track. For soft, loose ground, tires with a harder compound are used. A similar type of rubber is used in freestyle motocross in order to extend the life of tires, because. rubber is strongly erased on the hard canvas of iron eps and is selected depending on the type of soil on a particular track.
The rule generally applies: the softer the jumps.
The pressure ranges from 1.5 to 3 atmospheres covering the track - the higher the pressure. But it also happens the other way around - for example, in motofreestyle, riders prefer to inflate tires to a “stone” state for maximum roll and reduce the risk of chamber breakdown in the event of a hard landing.
Examples: Mitas C-19, Mitas C-21, Mitas C-10 Country Cross, Dunlop Geomax MX12 Sand, Metzeler MC360, Pirelli Scorpion MX Extra X - enduro
Unlike motocross, enduro and hard enduro courses are littered with various obstacles such as logs, roots, loose pebbles, truck tires, river fords, and even whole rocks. To overcome such a “tin”, special tires are used that combine the advantages of cross-country rubber and trial tires.
Enduro tires use a softer, extra wide cord and a sticky, highly elastic compound that provides maximum grip on any surface.
According to the regulations of international competitions FIM, the tread pattern of enduro tires has a height limit, so enduro rubber has a less aggressive tread than cross-country tires.
In the enduro discipline, tubeless tires are more often used, filled with a special mousse or tubes system instead of air in the chambers, as is the case with motocross rubber. This solution allows you to use the minimum pressure in the tires without the risk of getting a breakdown or slipping of the tire on the rims during the race.
Examples: Mitas E-09, Mitas EF-07, Mitas XT-754
In classic motorcycles, the main goal is to get quality grip. Classic motorcycles have weaker engines and slower speeds and do not require special radial designs for high performance. These are safe tires with a simple design.
Diagonal tires are suitable for cruiser class motorcycles. Their sidewalls resist loads and impacts better, a heavily loaded motorcycle with a passenger on board is not a problem for such tires.
For powerful and fast power cruisers such as the Yamaha V-MAX II and Harley Davidson V-Rod, radial tires are more suitable. Their sidewalls are not as strong, so the height of such tires, as a rule, is much less. They are less subject to internal heating and wear during movement, especially at high speeds.
Examples: Metzeler ME888 Marathon, Michelin Commander III Cruiser.
Tires are made from synthetic rubber (a mixture of petroleum as well as chemicals such as sulfur, carbon black and silicone). They are assembled in stages, starting with the assembly of the cord and belt construction, after which the rubber is applied and molded.
In order for the trip to be as safe as possible, and the choice of tires for a motorcycle to be accurate, it is worth knowing what is hidden inside motorcycle tires.
The most important in motorcycle tire design are:
1.
Cord.
2. Board.
3. Protector.
4. Side walls.
The cord, called the carcass, is made of a very strong material whose task is to give the tire the correct shape and remove bumps or stress. The carcass of the tire consists of two or more layers of textile cord (viscose, nylon, polyester) that intersect at certain angles.
The side walls, being the thinnest element, are very resistant to deformation.
The bead is the part of the tire that connects to the wheel. It is usually steel wire heavily coated with rubber. The bead fits snugly against the wheel to prevent rotational slip of the wheel in the tire.
The tread is the part you see when you choose your tire. For the most part, slicker tires perform better on smooth, dry surfaces, while fatter tires perform better off-road.
The protector is responsible for the traction properties of the motorcycle and the removal of water, sand and other contaminants.
Sidewall - The area of a tire that connects the tread and bead. This is the part of the tire we talk about when we talk about height, profile or aspect ratio. Generally, a shorter sidewall has stiffer sidewalls that tend to flex less. For the rider, this means better handling and cornering, worse shock absorption, and a more difficult setup.
The markings can tell a lot of information, such as what maximum speed the tire should run, how much weight it can carry, direction of rotation (which is indicated by most tires), when the tire was made, tire size.
Metric tire size example: 180/70R-16.
In this case, the rim size is 16 inches in diameter.
This is the alphanumeric sequence you see. Example: MU85B16.
Tires tend to wear unevenly over the entire area most of the time. This is due to insufficient air pressure, suspension settings and tire stress. There are many things you can do to take care of your tires, but the most important thing is spinning them.
Some tires have a specific direction of rotation to improve wet grip and optimize noise emissions.
For tires with a directional tread pattern, the direction of rotation is indicated by an arrow on the side of the tire.
To optimize tire performance, follow manufacturer's recommendations for changing front and rear tires, always turning tires in the direction indicated on the tire surface. Do not interchange front and rear tires without observing the markings as this may result in poor tire performance and loss of traction.
The front wheel on a motorcycle is usually narrower and has a less aggressive tread pattern. The front rim handles most of the bike's braking and is designed to optimize steering.
The rear tire carries most of the motorcycle's weight, as well as rider and passenger weight. The rear tire is designed to carry heavy loads and also withstand the force exerted during acceleration. They have a stronger construction than the front tires and have more aggressive tread to optimize traction.
These tires have a special marking that indicates the ideal direction of rotation.
If the motorcycle tire is mounted against the direction of rotation, it can seriously affect the handling characteristics as well as the ability to grip the road surface. Moreover, improper installation may cause an accident.
TL is a tubeless tyre. TT stands for tube type, intended for camera use.
Most motorcycles are now equipped with tubeless tires. Tube tires are used in the simplest and cheapest motorcycles, and those designed for long trips. The advantage of tube tires is the ability to continue driving even with a small breakdown and, possibly, replace a damaged tube yourself.
However, as a rule, tubular wheels are more problematic and less safe to use, because even the smallest puncture of the inner tube results in an almost instantaneous loss of pressure in the wheel. Tubeless tyres, more expensive to manufacture and require more precision in assembly, but safer - whatever gets hit usually stays in them and pressure loss is much slower.
Buying new motorcycle tires is a real challenge, especially when it comes to choosing the best option. Rubber should be chosen as scrupulously as spare parts for your steel horse. Like many other motorcycle components, tires have their own markings and codes, and so do tires. It is worth knowing the symbols that are on motorcycle tires.
An important symbol by which you can read important information for the user is a dash. A dash ("-") in the index of a motorcycle tire indicates that it is a diagonal tire. If there was a "B" in its place, then it would be a diagonal tire with a belt, and when the "R" is a radial tire. Additional markings that can be found on motorcycle tires are the letters "TT", which says that we are dealing with tires that require a tube, while "TL" (TubeLess) is a tubeless tire.
You can often find additional markings:
Rigidity designation on motorcycle tires:
Green is soft. Tires for driving on soft ground.
Yellow is medium.
Red is tough. For hard ground.
Thanks to the “DOT” marking, we can see the date of manufacture of the tires, the manufacturer and the plant in which they were made. At the end of each such description there are four numbers, for example 1819. This means that the tires were produced in the 18th week of 2019of the year. Three digits means that the tire was produced before 2000. In this case, the first two digits indicate the week, and the last digit indicates the year. The presence of the DOT marking on tires informs that this set of tires meets the standards.
Depending on the intensity of motorcycle riding, tires should be changed every two to three seasons. Want to save money on tires? There is an option to buy used tires. But how good is this, a safe idea?
Don't invest in motorcycle tires. Each driver has a different driving style and different dynamics, which means that the tires are subjected to different stresses. This affects not only the condition of the tread, but also the general condition of the rubber, which is not visible at first glance. In addition, such a kit will have to be changed faster, and instead of investments, we have a new expense.
Worn motorcycle tires often go through most of their life cycle. If a set of new tires is enough for two, three or even four seasons, then in the case of old tires, further operation due to aging processes often becomes impossible after a year.
Used motorcycle tires are dangerous! The motorcyclist risks driving safety.
After all, he does not know the technical condition of the tire and cannot accurately determine whether it was seriously damaged. Every owner of two-wheeled transport should keep this in mind every time he buys tires for a motorcycle.
It is recommended that you regularly check your motorcycle tire pressure with a pressure gauge before you ride. If the motorcycle is running, wait about 3 hours after turning off the engine. This is important because as the temperature rises, the pressure in the motorcycle tires increases, and the factory values are indicated for cold tires.
The optimal level of fuel combustion is achieved at the values recommended by the manufacturer. Low pressure in motorcycle tires leads to intensive wear of the tread. It is difficult to say unequivocally how many atmospheres should be in motorcycle tires. This information is in the vehicle owner's manual. This figure is different for each motorcycle.
By the way, it is very convenient to use a compressor instead of a pump.
Consequences of too high pressure
Excessive tire pressure on a motorcycle reduces the contact area of the tire with the road and thus the grip on the ground. This has a significant impact on security. When there is too much air in the tires, driving comfort is reduced.
Consequences of too low pressure
Too low air level causes excessive heating of the rubber. Then it becomes less resistant to damage, its structure may be deformed due to the direct impact of a large weight. This also affects the stability of the motorcycle, driving accuracy.
Low pressure tires are used on sports tracks. Warming up the tire is recommended here, as this provides better grip on the ground.
Recommended pressure:
Motorcyclists should pay special attention to new tires for their cars.
They usually have much higher requirements for traction than car drivers. The most experienced pilots know that running in new tires is necessary and affects traction during the first few hundred kilometers.
Tire manufacturers advise motorcyclists to ride carefully for at least the first 150-200 km on new tires. Motorcyclists should not brake hard, accelerate hard, or turn sharply.
A smooth ride for the first 200km allows the rider to get used to the tires and their feel, as well as getting rid of the chemicals on the rubber surface. After running in, check the tires for uneven wear.
Tires wear out over time and need to be replaced. Based on their personal riding style preferences, motorcycle tire wear will vary from rider to rider. Typically rear tires begin to flex, losing their rounded profile as the center of the tread wears faster than the sidewall. Front tires usually wear more evenly across the tread, but jagged wear, known as bowl wear, may begin to show.
Check your tires for adequate tread depth. When a tire is worn on the built-in indicators with a tread groove depth of 1/32 inch (0.8 mm) or less, or the tire cord or carcass is exposed.
Also inspect the tires for uneven wear. Wear on one side of the tread or flat spots on the tread may indicate a problem with the machine or motorcycle.
Each tire manufacturer recommends different mileage for tire replacement. On a motorcycle that mostly rides on pavement and good quality roads, you can change tires every 10,000 kilometers. A motorcycle that constantly rides off-road and is constantly exposed to severe damage, tires are changed every 4000 kilometers.
It is recommended to rotate the tires as soon as you notice a difference in wear between the front and rear wheels. But before rotating, make sure that this wear is not caused by negligence or mechanical part.
Tires in poor condition can ruin the performance of your motorcycle and even endanger your or your passenger's safety.
It is recommended to check weekly:
When your tires are worn out and become dangerous, you will feel the warning signs while riding a motorcycle. If your motorcycle starts to wobble. If your motorcycle starts to vibrate, makes a strange sound or becomes unstable, this is an indication that the sidewall of your tires is too worn or delaminate.
It is possible, but there is no guarantee that the rubber will work properly. Such activities require skilled workers to produce a tubeless rim from a spoked wheel. It's better to switch to tubeless alloys, depending on your requirements and the bike.
Tubes are not installed in tubeless tires. The disc of a tubeless wheel is not designed for the installation of cameras.
The so-called "nipple" of the camera will dangle in the place where the tubeless disc is attached, and in the end it will simply come off. A tubeless tire has less space and the installed tube will not be able to straighten out, air bubbles will appear, which will affect the balance and handling.
You can fit an old inner tube into a new tire and save money. However, for safety reasons, it is extremely important to have a suitable tube under the tire. Tubes and tires are clearly labeled for size, and the tube must be the same size as the tire, such as a 14" tube on a 14" tire.
Racing tires have a smooth tread pattern that is very efficient in motorsports. The smooth tread provides the maximum contact area with the asphalt, resulting in better traction, better braking and acceleration.
Rubber for the city must have a tread of at least 16 mm. Racing is not allowed for city driving.
Motorcycle tire manufacturers say you can't mix tires from different brands. This is not a sales tactic, tires are developed in pairs, traction and handling are determined by testing both at the same time.
Modern motorcycle tires are durable and efficient to work in all conditions. However, like any mechanical part of a motorcycle, tire life depends on external factors.
To ensure that the tire does not lose its qualities ahead of time, some steps must be taken:
Optimum air pressure maintenance:
Tire pressure control is essential to maintain tire performance and to maintain motorcycle fuel economy.
For optimum pressure follow these steps:
1. Maintain air pressure at the level recommended by the motorcycle manufacturer.
2. Check your motorcycle tire pressure at least once a week.
3. Inflate your tires in the morning as the air is cold and will expand even better.
Regularly check tire tread
Checking the tread is a common way to determine what condition a motorcycle tire is in. If the wear is above the recommended level, they must be replaced.
Avoid abrupt driving maneuvers
While driving, avoid sudden braking and rapid acceleration. It damages the engine, clutch, brakes, and tires. When braking hard, the tires slide, which burns the rubber and damages the tread. This places additional and excessive stress on motorcycle tires.
Park the motorcycle in the shade
It is not recommended to park the motorcycle in direct sunlight as hot and harmful sunlight can damage the tires. The consequence of this is the formation of cracks on the sidewalls of the tires.
Clean tires with mild soap and water
When washing your motorcycle, clean motorcycle tires with mild soap and water.
