5 things to consider when buying new motorcycle tires
Read on to learn what to consider when buying new motorcycle tires.
Tires are one of the most important parts of your motorcycle. Often overlooked, it’s pretty terrifying to think that only this tiny patch of rubber is responsible for keeping you rubber side down and shiny side up. That said, it’s very important to ensure that your tires are always in tip top shape. After all, the condition of your tires could very well mean the difference between life and death.
Now, we’ve covered how to check your tire pressure, as well as the overall condition of your tires in another article. This time, it’s time for you to get a new set of rubber for your motorcycle. While doing so can be intimidating due to the sheer number of options available in the market, we’ll try to narrow things down for you to make it easier for you to go about buying brand new tires for your beloved steed. All that being said, here are 5 things to consider when buying new motorcycle tires.
Size
With online shopping now a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, it can be all too easy to order the wrong size of tire for your motorcycle, and inadvertently wash thousands of your hard-earned pesos down the drain. With that in mind, be sure to double, or even triple check the exact size of your motorcycle’s tires. Normally, it is acceptable to get slightly wider tires, such as, say a 160 tire for a bike that originally came with a 150 rear tire. However, make sure to thoroughly do your research, as ensuring your tires fit perfectly onto your rims is a vital element in keeping you safe on the road.
Type of riding
Just like motorcycles, tires come with various designs meant for specific types of riding. Be sure to do your research when it comes to the specific type of tire you want to get. Does a set of low treadwear semi-slick tires make sense for you if you’ll be riding your motorcycle to and from the office on a daily basis? Maybe not. Perhaps you may want to opt for more long-distance, hard-wearing sport touring tires instead. Do you plan to ride off-road? Then maybe you’d want to do some research on the best adventure and dual-sport tires currently available in the market.
Longevity
Different tires come with different treadwear ratings, which ultimately dictate just how long your tires will last. Now, treadwear ratings may vary depending on your manufacturer, however, most performance oriented tires have softer compounds which oftentimes translate to lower overall mileage. On the other hand, sport touring tires such as the Metzeler Roadtec 01, or the Pirelli Angel GT, tend to provide the best of both worlds when it comes to outright grip and longevity. However, if you will be riding on the track, or have a purpose built sportbike, then going for performance-oriented rubber may be your best bet.
Manufacturing date
It may come as a surprise to some of you, but motorcycle tires have a shelf life. It is recommended that your motorcycle tires must be no more than five years old, given the fact that rubber compounds tend to break down over time, thus drastically reducing your tires’ ability to perform under various heat and load conditions. That said, it’s very easy to check the manufacturing date of your tires by simply looking at the markings on the side wall.
Price
Unfortunately, tires can be very expensive, and not everybody has the cash to burn on top-shelf rubber. As a result, the tires most people end up buying will be a compromise of a variety of factors. Now, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as there are loads of tires in the market which offer incredible versatility and value for money. That said, be sure to allocate a budget when it comes to choosing your bike’s next set of rubber. As is the case with most things motorcycle related, prices go way up, the bigger your bike is. For instance, a set of tires for a commuter scooter can fetch anywhere from P5,000 to P12,000. On the other hand, a decent set of tires for a big bike can cost well over the P30K mark.
Related Articles
-
Here are some gift ideas for your motorcycle-riding friends and family / Featured Article
Struggling to think of gift ideas for your motorcyclist friends and family? Read on to get some inspiration this gift-giving season.
-
Chain drive, shaft drive, and belt drive—what’s the difference? / Featured Article
Whether your motorcycle has a chain drive, shaft drive, or belt drive, it’s always best to know the inner workings of your beloved machine. Today, we’ll bring you the lowdown on these three...
-
What are multi-compound tires? / Featured Article
Multi-compound tires are pretty much ubiquitous in the world of big bikes. What exactly is a multi-compound tire, and what are the benefits associated with them? Read on to find out
-
Motorcycle jackets 101: leather versus textile / Featured Article
Motorcycle riders are often faced with the decision of whether to get a leather or textile jacket. Read on to learn more about these jackets.
-
Make sure to check or replace these 6 things on a used motorcycle / Tips & Advice
Here’s a list of 6 must-check maintenance items on a used motorcycle, especially if it’s a bit higher in terms of mileage.
Latest Features
-
MotoCamp Riding School: MotoCircuit 101—Course Details and Information / Featured Article
MotoCamp offers a basic course in track riding and provides good insights for beginner riders looking to gain their legs at speed.
-
5 seemingly minor modifications that can change the way your bike rides / Featured Article
Here are 5 easy upgrades you can make to your motorcycle if you want to get the most performance out of it.
-
Here are some gift ideas for your motorcycle-riding friends and family / Featured Article
Struggling to think of gift ideas for your motorcyclist friends and family? Read on to get some inspiration this gift-giving season.