Tires are one of the most important parts of your motorcycle, and their role in your safety cannot be underestimated. They are the only contact between your motorcycle and the road, and a bad choice or neglected maintenance can compromise your safety. At Karraz Motors, we guide you through the steps to choose, maintain and replace your motorcycle tires to ride with peace of mind.
1. How to choose the right tires for your motorcycle?
Choosing the right tires for your motorcycle is a crucial step, as they directly influence the handling, comfort and safety of your ride.
Tire size
Tire size is one of the essential criteria for ensuring good grip and optimum performance. It is usually indicated on the sidewall of the tires as: "120/70 ZR17".
- The first number (120) represents the width of the tire in millimeters.
- The second number (70) indicates the height of the tire sidewall as a percentage of its width.
- The last number (17) is the rim diameter, in inches.
Make sure the tire size you choose is compatible with your motorcycle. You can consult your motorcycle's manual or check the original tires fitted to your vehicle.
The type of tires: Road, all-terrain, or mixed
- Road tires : These tires are designed for driving on asphalt roads and offer excellent grip on dry and wet surfaces.
- All-terrain tires : Ideal for motorcycles used off-road, these tires have a more aggressive profile and are designed for traction on loose surfaces (dirt, gravel, mud).
- Mixed tires : These tires are suitable for motorcycles that are used both on and off-road. They are a good compromise between performance on asphalt and off-road capability.
Choose according to your driving style
The choice of tires also depends on your driving style. If you practice sporty driving, opt for tires that offer good grip and stability at high speeds. For daily commutes or long distances, choose tires that offer a good compromise between comfort and performance.
2. When should you replace your motorcycle tires?
Motorcycle tires have a limited lifespan, even if you don't use them frequently. Here are the main indicators that it's time to replace them:
Tread wear
Motorcycle tyres have wear indicators that allow you to easily check if they need replacing. When the groove depth reaches 1.6 mm (the legal limit), it is imperative to change your tyres. Don't take any chances, as worn tyres can compromise traction, especially in wet conditions.
The presence of cracks or deformations
Tires can crack or deform over time, especially if you have a motorcycle that is not used regularly. Check the condition of the tire sidewalls carefully. If you notice any cuts, cracks or bumps, it is time to replace them, even if the tread still appears to be in good condition.
Aging tires
Even if tires still look good, they deteriorate over time. Tires have an average lifespan of 5 to 6 years, even if they haven't been used much. Check the manufacturing date on the side of the tire (format: "DOT" followed by a series of numbers). If the tires are more than 5 years old, it is best to replace them.
3. How to maintain your motorcycle tires to extend their life?
Regular tire maintenance helps extend tire life and ensure safe driving. Here are some tips for caring for your motorcycle tires:
Maintain adequate pressure
Tire pressure is one of the most important factors in ensuring tire longevity and performance. Too little pressure can cause premature wear and poor grip, while too much pressure can make the ride less stable. Check tire pressure regularly, preferably before every ride. You can find pressure recommendations in your motorcycle's manual or on the inside of your fender.
Avoid overloading
Do not overload your motorcycle by carrying excessive loads. Overloading can cause uneven tire wear and affect their ability to maintain good grip on the road.
Inspect tires regularly
Perform regular visual inspections to check the condition of your tires. Check for foreign objects (rocks, nails, glass) that could penetrate the tread. Also, observe the wear across the width of the tire to detect wheel alignment or suspension issues.
Avoid sudden braking and violent acceleration.
Aggressive driving can accelerate tire wear. Avoid sudden braking and rapid acceleration, especially on wet or cold surfaces, to preserve the quality of your tires and ensure better grip.
4. Front or rear tires: What is their role?
The front and rear tires have different but complementary roles. The front tire is primarily responsible for the motorcycle's steering and stability, while the rear tire supports the engine's power and provides traction.
Front tire
The front tire is essential for steering control. It must provide good handling and quick response to changes in direction. A worn or poorly inflated front tire can make driving unstable, especially when cornering.
Rear tire
The rear tire must support the engine's power and provide good traction. It is therefore essential that it is in good condition to ensure maximum acceleration and stability, especially when cornering or braking hard.
5. How to mount and dismount tires?
Mounting and removing tires should be done carefully, ideally by a professional, especially if you are inexperienced. Incorrect mounting can affect your driving safety.
Use the right tools
If you decide to mount or demount the tires yourself, make sure you have the right tools, including an adjustable wrench, a tire lever, and a compressor to inflate the tires to the correct pressure.
Respect the orientation of the tire
Tires have a specific orientation. On the sidewall of the tire, you will find an arrow indicating the direction in which the tire should be mounted. Be sure to follow this orientation to ensure proper performance.
Balance the tires
After mounting your tires, it is crucial to have them balanced properly. Improper balancing can cause vibrations, uneven wear, and a loss of ride comfort.
Conclusion: Take care of your tires for safer driving
Your motorcycle's tires are essential to ensure your safety on the road. Choose them carefully, maintain them regularly and replace them as soon as they show signs of wear. Responsible driving and proper maintenance will allow you to extend their life and maximize your safety. At Karraz Motors, we offer a wide range of quality tires for all motorcycles, with expert advice to help you make the best choice. Don't wait any longer, visit our site and equip your motorcycle with the best tires available!