Motorcycle Tires 101
Many people never think about their tires until one blows out on the road. For cars, that’s not too big of a deal considering you still have three other wheels to keep you steady. But motorcyclists, on the other hand, risk injury or even death by neglecting their tires. This guide will teach you about the different parts of your motorcycle tires, how to maintain them, and how best to change them. If your tires are looking a little bald, consider heading to Beach Blvd. Motorsports in Jacksonville, Florida. Our shop is just a short ride from St. Augustine, Orange Park, and St. Johns, Florida, and our experienced staff can make sure your tires are trustworthy.
The Parts of your Tire
You probably understand that your motorcycle tires are more than just a slab of rubber wrapped around your wheels, but it’s pretty easy to forget just how complex a modern tire is. Your tire is constructed of a few major components, which can vary depending on the type of tire (bias, or radial). All tires are made up of four primary parts, the tread, the carcass, the bead, and the sidewall. The Tread is the rubber outer shell of the tire that grabs the road and provides the performance you count on. The carcass is the cordage underneath the tread that gives the tire it’s structural integrity. The bead of the tire is where the tire grabs onto your motorcycle’s wheel, and the sidewall (as you might guess) is the side of your tire where much of your bike’s weight is supported. The carcass is what defines many characteristics of the tire on the road based on whether it’s radial or bias ply. Traditionally, tires have featured a bias ply design where the cords that make up the carcass are laid at an angle, however modern bikes now rely more and more on bias ply designs which feature laterally arranged cords.
Put the Right Tires on your Bike
Always fit your bike with the proper tires. Matching the appropriate sidewall height and width will help ensure a safe ride when you head out on the road. Always choose a tire that fits the specs outlined in your owner’s manual.
Maintaining Pressure
One of the most important things you can do to keep your tires (and your bike) healthy is to frequently monitor and top off your tire pressure. Over or under inflated tires will alter the handling of your bike, impact your fuel economy, and wear down the tire unevenly. Invest in a worthwhile tire pressure and make sure to check your pressure before you ride, while the tire is still cold. The more you ride, the more often you should check your tire pressure.
When do you Change your Tires
Modern tires incorporate wear bars which indicate when your tread has grown too thin to ride safely. When checking your tires, look for the wear bars to make sure that you have at least 1/16” of tread at any given point on the tire. If your tires are more than five years old, you should consider replacing them. If you want to see if you can get more life out of an older set of tires, bring your bike in and we’ll be able to check out your tread for you. Your bike’s tires should also be regularly inspected for cracking, or punctures. If you’re losing pressure consistently without signs of cracks or cuts, then you may have a worn out bead, which is leaking air.
They may not be the most interesting part of your motorcycle, but tires are certainly one of the most important elements for rider safety. Don’t risk your life on bald, cracked, or warped motorcycle tires. Beach Blvd. Motorsports has what you need to get back out on the road where a motorcycle belongs. If you live in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Orange Park, or St. Johns, Florida, stop by our shop and let us take a look at your wheels. You’ll be glad you did.