The significance of tires in the overall performance of a road-going vehicle cannot be overstated. Acting as the sole point of contact with the road during rides, tires play a role akin to that of shoes for motorcycles. Just as shoes wear out over time with regular use, motorcycle tires undergo a similar process of deterioration. Even if you have no intention of changing the make and model, several factors may prompt the replacement of your two-wheeler’s tires.
- Tread Wear: Assess the tread on your motorcycle’s tires. As you accumulate miles, the tread depth gradually diminishes, signaling wear. Different tire varieties exhibit varying tread wear patterns, and some may feature built-in indicators. Once the tread wear surpasses the recommended depth or crosses the indicator mark, it’s time to consider investing in a new set of tires.
- Bulges: Occasional bulges may develop on a tire due to factors such as high temperatures, improper tire pressure, rough road conditions, or subpar tire quality. Identifying even the slightest bulge on any tire of your motorcycle should prompt immediate replacement, irrespective of the tread’s apparent condition. Bulges pose the risk of cracking or bursting, which could lead to serious accidents.
- Cracks: Periods of inactivity in extreme weather conditions can cause tires, especially those on motorcycles rarely used, to develop cracks. These cracks compromise the integrity of the tire and may result in a burst. Unfortunately, cracks are irreparable, necessitating the replacement of the tire to ensure safety.
- Damaged Sidewall: Any damage to the sidewall of a tire, even the slightest cut, is often irreparable, particularly for tubeless tires. Given the critical role of sidewalls in a tire’s structural integrity, it is advisable to opt for replacement if any sidewall damage is detected, prioritizing safety over attempts at repair.
Choosing Between Tube and Tubeless Tires for Your Motorcycle:
The selection between tube and tubeless tires for your motorcycle is often influenced by the type of wheels your bike is equipped with. If your motorcycle features spoked wheels, opting for tube tires is recommended. This is due to the rarity and costliness of spoked wheels that allow for tubeless tires. The inherent nature of spoked wheels makes them incapable of being airtight, preventing the seamless adoption of tubeless tires. Conversely, if your motorcycle is equipped with alloy wheels, tubeless tires become a viable and advantageous choice.
Here are some key considerations when deciding between tube and tubeless tires:
- Spoked Wheels and Tube Tires: Spoked wheels lack the airtight sealing required for tubeless tires. Consequently, motorcycles with spoked wheels are better suited for tube tires. While tube tires are compatible with spoked wheels, the transition to tubeless tires is impractical due to the inherent design limitations.
- Alloy Wheels and Tubeless Tires: Motorcycles featuring alloy wheels offer the flexibility to choose tubeless tires. Tubeless tires are constructed with advanced technology, providing several advantages over tube tires. These advantages include superior build quality, enhanced traction, ease of repair in the event of a puncture, and a general preference for tubeless options.
Ultimately, the choice between tube and tubeless tires depends on your motorcycle’s wheel configuration. While tube tires are a suitable option for spoked wheels, the benefits of tubeless tires, especially with alloy wheels, make them a popular and practical choice for modern riders.
Tyre Markings:
Every motorcycle tyre is adorned with alphanumeric markings that encapsulate crucial information in a concise format. Understanding how to interpret these markings is essential for making informed decisions about your motorcycle tyres. Let’s break down a typical example, such as the marking “190 / 70 R17.”
- Tyre Width: The initial two or three digits (190 in this case) signify the section width in millimeters. This measurement spans from the widest points of the sidewalls, not the contact patch, with the tyre inflated to its specified pressure. In our example, a width of 190 mm is indicated, denoted by the digits preceding the forward slash “/.”
- Aspect Ratio or Profile: The following number (70 in this case) represents the aspect ratio, which signifies the height of the tyre’s sidewall. This ratio is typically expressed as a percentage of the tyre’s section width. For instance, an aspect ratio of 70 means that the sidewall height is 70% or less of the nominal sectional width.
- Tyre Construction: Sometimes an alphabet follows the aspect ratio, indicating the tyre’s construction type. “B” stands for Bias belt or bias ply construction, while “R” denotes radial tyres. In our example, the “R” confirms that the tyre is of radial construction.
- Diameter: The number immediately following the tyre construction alphabet (17 in this case) specifies the diameter of the wheel for which the tyre is intended. Here, the tyre is designed for 17-inch wheels.
Manufacturer Recommendations for Motorcycle Tyres:
Should you find yourself dissatisfied with the original set of tyres on your motorcycle, the option to choose a different set is certainly available. The market offers a variety of pricier tyres equipped with enhanced grip or tailored features to better meet your specific requirements. However, a crucial guideline must be kept in mind: replace your tyres with those recommended in the motorcycle’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications.
The rationale behind this recommendation is rooted in the manufacturer’s understanding of what tyre size best complements the motorcycle’s performance. Opting for tyres that deviate from the specified range, whether larger or smaller, is generally discouraged. By sticking to the OEM-recommended specifications, you ensure that the chosen tyres are in harmony with the design and intended capabilities of your motorcycle. This practice promotes optimal safety, handling, and overall performance, aligning with the manufacturer’s insights into the ideal tyre dimensions for your specific bike model.