Your motorcycle tyres are the foundation of your riding experience, affecting safety, performance, and comfort. Choosing the right tyres is essential, whether you're commuting, touring, or hitting the track. Here’s everything you need to know about selecting the perfect set for your bike.
1. Understand Your Riding Style
The type of tyres you need depends on how and where you ride:
- Commuting: Opt for all-season tyres with good tread life and grip in various weather conditions.
- Touring: Look for touring tyres with high mileage, comfort, and stability for long distances.
- Sport/Racing: Performance tyres offer exceptional grip and handling for aggressive riding styles.
- Off-Road/Adventure: Dual-sport or knobby tyres provide excellent traction on dirt, gravel, and other uneven surfaces.
2. Know Your Bike’s Specifications
Always check your motorcycle's manual for the recommended tyre size and specifications. This includes:
- Width: Measured in millimetres.
- Aspect Ratio: Height of the tyre’s sidewall as a percentage of its width.
-
Rim Diameter: The size of the wheel the tyre fits, measured in inches.
Using the wrong size can negatively impact handling and safety.
3. Understand Tyre Construction
Motorcycle tyres are either bias-ply or radial:
- Bias-Ply Tyres: Constructed for durability and better load-carrying capacity, ideal for cruisers and touring bikes.
- Radial Tyres: Offer improved cornering performance, heat dissipation, and flexibility, preferred for sport and performance bikes.
4. Check the Tread Pattern
Tread design affects traction and water displacement. Common types include:
- Street Treads: Ideal for pavement, providing grip and stability in dry and wet conditions.
- Off-Road Treads: Aggressive patterns for dirt, mud, and loose surfaces.
- Hybrid/Adventure Treads: Combine on-road performance with light off-road capability.
5. Pay Attention to Tyre Compound
The rubber compound determines grip and durability:
- Soft Compound: Offers superior grip, ideal for racing but wears out quickly.
- Hard Compound: More durable, suitable for touring and everyday use.
- Dual Compound: Combines soft and hard compounds, balancing grip and longevity.
6. Consider Seasonal Riding Needs
If you ride year-round, consider all-weather tyres that perform well in both summer and winter conditions. For colder climates, winter tyres with special compounds and tread designs are a must.
7. Evaluate Brand and Quality
Stick with reputable brands like Michelin, Pirelli, Dunlop, or Bridgestone for reliability and performance. Consider reviews, ratings, and compatibility with your bike model.
8. When to Replace Your Tyres
Signs you need a new set:
- Tread depth is below the recommended limit (generally 1.6mm for road use).
- Uneven wear or visible cracks.
- Punctures that compromise structural integrity.
Shop Motorcycle Tyres at Everest Motorcycles
At Everest Motorcycles, we stock a wide range of motorcycle tyres tailored for every riding style and bike model. From commuter bikes to off-road adventures, we have the perfect tyre to meet your needs.
Explore our collection today and ride with confidence!
