Motorcycle Tires – The Ultimate Guide

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This is a comprehensive buying guide on motorcycle tires. So if you’re struggling to purchase the right tire for your motorcycle, this article is for you.

We’ve covered almost everything about the motorcycle tires, their types, top brands, codings written on a tire, their key features, fitment for different motorcycle models, and so on. Stick with us till the end of the article, and get to know enough about tires to pick the best one for your bike.

Let’s get started

What Are The Different Types Of Motorcycle Tires?

Below are some types of motorcycle tires that you can pick from to your motorcycle type. There are many types out there. We’ve covered some of them.

Cruiser Tires

These tires are made from hard compounds that make them heavier than other motorcycle tires. They don’t wear that fast as lightweight tires do. They perform for a longer time. Most motorcycles like Harley-Davidsons and Indian motorcycles have cruiser tires. You can check your bike’s manual for the type of tires it needs.

Off-road Tires

As the name says, these tires are best for off-roading. They feature a deep tread design so that you can have quick braking on muds, dirt, gravel, and desert, etc. You can ride with these tires on-road as well. The tread design they have gives you maximum traction off-road.

Touring

Most touring tires have bias-ply tire construction which gives better traction and soft riding. Touring tires also have a hard compound in their structure like the cruiser tires which ensure strong gripping. They perform in all weather conditions – wet and dry.

Key Features Of Motorcycle Tires

When you want to purchase the best motorcycle tires, you need to check the key feature given below in the tire you want to buy so that you end up choosing the right tires.

Maximum Mileage

High mileage tires do not wear for thousands of miles. They have a hard compound structure that prevents them from wearing even with the high friction between tires and the road surfaces. So Make sure to choose the tires that last longer.

Tread Design

Tires have different tread designs. This is the part of a tire that touches the road surface. They help speed down your motorcycle as they’re directly in contact with the surfaces. The grooves on the tire surface allow water to evacuate which reduces slipping. They’re also handy in increasing the friction and traction for maximum control.

Size

Not each tire is fit for every motorcycle model. They have a fitment list. You should see if your motorcycle model comes in the list of the tires. You can find that by consulting your manual as well. And some tires manufacturers also let you know about their fitment. In general, they have a wide fitment list. Most tires work for different motorcycles.

You can find the best tires for Harley-Davidsons in the article below.

The Best Motorcycle Tires for Harley Davidson

Tire Construction

Tires have two types of construction, radial, and bias-ply. In the radial tire construction, the steel belts have a 90-degree angle with the central tire groove, enhancing the traction. They perform well in all weather conditions.

On the flip side, the steel belts in the bias ply have a 45 degrees angle that ensures soft riding. They have less durability than radial tires.

Decoding The Coding On Motorcycle Tires

Below is a quick overview of the codes written on a tire. There are around 15 codes, which are explained number-wise below.

1. The first number shows the width of a tire, mostly in millimeters. Some are written in inches.
2. It shows the height of a tire sidewall. It’s written as a ratio between the tire height and its width.
3. The third code says the tire construction. R means radial, minus sign (-) means bias-ply tire construction.
4. This gives the rim diameter of a tire.
5. It shows vehicle specification – motorcycle, car, or SUV.
6. The sixth code on tires shows its load capacity.
7. The number says what’s the speed limit of the tire.
8. Tire types like tubeless or with-tube can be found here.
9. The next sign shows the tire directions – clockwise or counterclockwise.
10. The number of layers of rubber of a tire is hosted here.
11. Next, you will find other details about a tire. Its manufacturing date, etc.
12. It shows tread wearing.
13. The brand name and trademark are written on the 13th number.
14. The tread pattern.
15. The place of the tire birth is written at the end.

For a more detailed explanation of the codes, click the article below.

The Best Motorcycle tires for Harley Davidsons

Basic Tire Terms

Tread

Tread is the topmost part of a tire that touches the ground. It should be made of a hard compound to withstand high temperatures. It has channels called grooves that allow water to evacuate from the surface.

Sidewall

The thread and bead are connected via the sidewall of a tire. They transfer load to the tire surfaces. They also should be hard and stiff for better turning and handling your motorcycle. The second code on a tire shows its sidewall height.

Carcass

The tread covers the carcass part of a tire. It’s located under the tread. It is the part of a tire that hosts the tire construction. Bias-ply or radial construction can be found at the layers of the tires.

Bead

They transfer load from rims to the tires. It is a steel wire covered by rubber.

What Are The Top Brands For Motorcycle Tires?

There are many motorcycle brands in the market. All of them have pros and drawbacks. None of them is perfect. Some of the top brands for motorcycle tires are Pirelli, Continental, Bridgestone, and Metzeler.

How Much Are New Motorcycle Tires?

Motorcycle tires vary in price. They are available from under 150 dollars to 200+. If you’re looking for a pair of motorcycle tires, they will cost around 200 dollars. A single tire could be found for under 150 dollars. The price varies from brand to brand. Mostly it lies in this range.

When To Change Tires On A Motorcycle?

Motorcycle tires have an expiration date written on their sidewalls. They usually have around 5 years of lifespan. You need to change the tires if they complete their lifespan. Some tires when completing 20K miles should be replaced. Or if you drive aggressively, the change should be done more often.

Who Makes Shinko Motorcycle Tires?

Shinko is a motorcycle tire brand, located in the USA. The Shinko group established this company back in 1946. They used to produce bicycle tires and rubbers. And now they’re manufacturing motorcycle tires as well. You can find more about this brand by clicking this link.

How Much Pressure In Motorcycle Tires?

How much pressure in a motorcycle tire can be found from its manual. It is also labeled somewhere on your motorcycle. The normal pressure for most tires is from around 30 – 40 psi. The best way is to check the manual because over or under pressure could damage the tires.

How Many Co2 Cartridges To Fill A Motorcycle Tire?

Motorcycle tires need around 1 – 2 CO2 Cartridges to fill them. The cartridge should be 16 grams. So if you want to fill your motorcycle tires with the CO2 Cartridge, you should purchase at least 2 16-grams cartridges. One or one and a half will do the job as well but having 2 is better to maintain the pressure you want.

Do Motorcycle Tires Go Bad With Age?

Yes, motorcycle tires go bad with age. They wear out as they become in contact with the road surfaces. And the friction produced between them makes the tires wear out. Especially their tread design. No matter how great quality tires you have, they will become worn out with age.

Do Motorcycle Tires Need To Be Balanced?

Yes, motorcycle tires need to be balanced. Unbalanced tires cause steering problems, bad fuel economy, tire wearing, bad handling, and so on. It is essential to balance your motorcycle tires to experience better riding and it also keeps them working longer.

How Often Should You Replace Motorcycle Tires?

You should replace your motorcycle tires every five years. Most tires have this much lifespan. Some have even more. If you drive in a way that causes more wear to it, you will need to replace them more frequently. The tires manual will tell you when you should change them.

How To Check Tread On Motorcycle Tire?

Motorcycle tires should have tread depth from 0.8 mm to 1.6 mm. This is the normal tread depth. Take a look at the tire surface and see if there is an uneven surface, a cut, bulge, or anything that has affected the tread design. If you put a penny in the groove, you’ll see the top of Lincoln’s head inside the groove. This tread is ok to go with.

How To Prevent Motorcycle Tires From Cracking?

The motorcycle tires crack when you leave them in the Sun, in hot weather, or if the air pressure is not meeting its requirement. To prevent them from cracking, you need to keep them in a place where they’re away from UV rays, Sun and put the air pressure as needed.

How To Take Motorcycle Tire Off Rim?

• Place the tire on the ground and take three tire irons.
• Insert an iron between the tire and the rim
• Then put the remaining two as well a few inches away from each other.
• Press the two irons downward and pull the third iron, in the middle, upward
• Repeat it in different positions between the tire and the rim.
• This is how to take a motorcycle tire off the rim.

What Causes A Motorcycle Tire To Blowout?

Overpressure in the tires causes them to blow out. Also, overload can cause this issue as well. So check the pressure level regularly. And don’t overload the motorcycle. The tires have load capacity which is written on the sidewall. Avoid exceeding its capacity.

What Does Zr Mean On A Motorcycle Tire?

The code ZR shows the speed limit of the motorcycle tires. It represents a 150+ MPH speed limit. Such motorcycle tires have a higher speed limit than most tires. This is a code written on the motorcycle tire sidewall.

Who Installs Motorcycle Tires?

Installing a motorcycle tire is a DIY task as well. You can change your bike tires when you have the tools available – a jack, new spare, wrenches, etc. If you haven’t done any maintenance on your motorcycle, you can go to a nearby mechanic shop or call a professional as well.

What Do Motorcycle Tire Size Numbers Mean?

The motorcycle tire size number means what is the width of the tire. It is the first code written on its sidewall. It is mostly written in millimeters. But this can be found in inches or in some letters as well. For example, a number 180 means that the tires are 180 mm wide.

How To Change A Motorcycle Tire At Home?

Here is a quick way on how to change a motorcycle tire at home

• Lift your motorcycle with a jack so the tires are above the ground.
• Remove the wheels.
• Unscrew the valve core and deflate the tire.
• Now break the bead and remove the tire off the rim.
• Then install a new tire.

Are Tubeless Motorcycle Tires Safer?

Tubeless motorcycle tires are safer. They don’t have tubes so you don’t experience tire deflation when punctured. They do the job the same as the tubed tires do. Many motorcycles out there use tubeless tires.

Are Vee Rubber Motorcycle Tires Any Good?

Vee Rubber motorcycle tires give you a great grip on both wet and dry weather conditions. They are tubeless tires and have gathered 4+ stars out of 5 on Amazon. The Vee Rubber tires deliver high-quality control for thousands of miles without any issue.

How Many Miles Are Motorcycle Tires Good For?

Motorcycle tires are good for around 20,000 miles. This can be increased if you take care of the tires. Or you will need to change them without reaching that number if you drive aggressively. Motorcycle tires have a lifespan that is written on their sidewall. Make sure to replace them after their expiration date.

How Much Does It Cost To Mount A Motorcycle Tire?

This will depend on the professional or service provider how much they cost. Mostly it costs around 40 – 80 dollars. The carry-in service will cost less than the ride-in service. But on average, changing a motorcycle tire costs around 50 dollars.

How Much To Get Motorcycle Tires Changed?

This will depend on the professional or service provider how much they cost. Mostly it costs around 40 – 80 dollars. The carry-in service will cost less than the ride-in service. But on average, changing a motorcycle tire costs around 50 dollars.

How Old Is Too Old For Motorcycle Tires?

If you’re using 10 or more years old motorcycle tires, they’re too old to use. You need to change the tires in around 5 years for better riding, and control. With age, motorcycle tires become worn out so you need to replace them after their lifespan. Moreover, they also have an expiration date.

How Wide Is A 130 Motorcycle Tire?

A 130 motorcycle tire if it is written on its sidewall means they are 130 mm wide. This number shows the width in millimeters. It is written in inches as well on some tires. So if the tires were 130 mm wide, you would have found the number 5 written there. This would mean 5 inches.

How Wide Is A 300 Motorcycle Tire?

A 300 motorcycle tire means they’re 300 mm. The width of a tire is mostly written in millimeters. The number shows a tire’s width in mm. Or a 300 mm means the tires are 12 inches wide.

Where Are Avon Motorcycle Tires Made?

The Avon motorcycle tires were established in 1904. They produce high-quality tires, which are made in the Melksham plant, in Asia, and in North America. The company also has some affiliate distributors across Europe.

Are New Motorcycle Tires Slippery?

New motorcycle tires are not slippering as their tread designs are new. They make a firm grip on the road that prevents any slipping. Old tires when they become worn out are slippery. They might be a little slippery as they’re made recently and the tread is smooth and slick.

How Long Are Motorcycle Tires Good For?

Motorcycle tires should not exceed their expiration date. Most tires have around 5 years of lifespan or 20,000 miles. The owner’s manual of the tires will tell you how long they’re good for. So try to not exceed that time period.

How To Check Motorcycle Tire Wear?

If you want to check your motorcycle tire wear, you can have a look at the tire surface and see what the tread condition is. Normal treads are 0.8 – 1.6 mm deep.

How wide is a 180 motorcycle tire?

It means that the tire is 180 mm wide. The number 180 shows the length of the tire in millimeters. Some motorcycle tires have this number in inches as well. If it were in inches, it would be 7.09 inches.

How wide is a 150 motorcycle tire?

How wide is a 150 motorcycle tire? Well, it is 150 mm wide. This is the first code written on a motorcycle tire sidewall, which is mostly written in millimeters. But some are in inches as well. The 150 mm is 6 inches wide motorcycle tires.

How To Tell How Old A Motorcycle Tire Is?

You can see the date of birth on the motorcycle tire sidewall. It’s usually written at the end of the code on a tire. This tells you how old the tire is. Also, make sure not to exceed its expiration date so that you have better riding and control on the bike.

How To Tell The Age Of A Motorcycle Tire?

The codes on a tire sidewall tell you everything about it. Its height, width, speed limit, and so on. You can also find its age there. The expiration date and the date of manufacturing are written on the sidewall.

Should I Replace Both Motorcycle Tires At The Same Time?

If needed, you should replace both motorcycle tires at the same time. Check whether you have a problem with one tire or both. If it is one tire rear or front, then replace that. If you have replaced both tires at the same time previously, and they have the same expiration date, then you should change both at once.

How To Put Air In Motorcycle Tires?

You can use an air pump to put air in your motorcycle tire. Park the MC, and grab a pump. Connect the flat tire’s valve core with the pump’s nozzle. If the pump is manual, make some strokes, and the tube will start filling.

Do I Need To Balance Motorcycle Tires?

Of course, you need to balance your motorcycle tires. If you ride with unbalanced tires, you will experience steering problems, bad handling, tire wearing, etc. That’s why balancing the tire is important for safe riding.

Do Motorcycle Tires Have Inner Tubes?

Yes, motorcycle tires have inner tubes if they are tubed tires. Many motorcycles have tubeless tires. So motorcycles will either have tubeless tires or tubed tires depending on the model. You can consult your motorcycle manual to see whether the tires are tubeless, or tubed.

How Many Miles Should A Motorcycle Tire Last?

Generally, motorcycle tires should last 20,000 miles. But that would not be the case with most tires as they have a different construction.

How Many Years Do Motorcycle Tire Last?

Most motorcycle tires last around 5 years. This will vary as well since different brands could use multiple components. Their quality and your riding style also decide the lifespan of a tire.

How Motorcycle Tire Sizes Work?

In order to know about the motorcycle tire size, you will need to look at the numbers written on them. The first number tells you the width of the tire. The second is about its height, and so on.

How Motorcycle Tires Are Measured?

Motorcycles tires have codes written on their sidewall. They tell you the height, width, and diameter of the tire. They’re written in mm, or inches. This way you can measure motorcycle tires and can find the right one for your motorcycle.