Knowing how often to change motorcycle tires is essential to maintaining your safety on every trip and making your journeys more comfortable without unpleasant surprises.
Keeping them in good condition is essential, but how do we know when it's time to change motorcycle tires ? In this article, we'll answer the most common questions: When should I change motorcycle tires? How often should I change motorcycle wheels?
When is it time to change your motorcycle tires?
Knowing when to change your motorcycle tires can prevent accidents and ensure your bike continues to perform at its peak. There are several clear signs that your tires are at the end of their useful life.
Sign 1: The wear indicator (TWI) does not lie
The Tire Wear Indicator (TWI) is a key indicator that warns us when our motorcycle tires are no longer in optimal condition. This small marker on the sidewall of the tire is a simple, visual way to tell if wear has reached a critical level.
Key points about TWI:
- Location : The TWI is marked on the sidewall of the tire and is located along the tread.
- Tread Wear Indicator : When the tire tread reaches the TWI level, it means the tire has reached its wear limit.
- Safety Compromise : When the tread pattern reaches the TWI, the tire's grip is severely compromised, increasing the risk of skidding.
- Regular inspections : It is advisable to check your tires periodically to avoid surprises and ensure your safety on the road.
This small but important detail will help you avoid safety problems and maintain complete control over the condition of your tires.
Sign 2: Tread depth and legal limit
According to legislation, tires must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm. However, experts recommend changing tires when the tread depth reaches 2 mm to ensure good performance in rainy conditions and avoid the risk of aquaplaning.
Sign 3: Tire age has an expiration date
Even if tires don't show obvious wear, age also affects their performance. It's recommended to replace motorcycle tires every 5 to 6 years, even if the tread is still good. Over time, rubber loses flexibility and grip, which can increase the risk of accidents.
Sign 4: Visible damage that requires immediate change
Any visible damage such as cuts, bulges or cracks in the tire is a clear sign that the tire has lost its structural integrity and should be replaced immediately.
Sign 5: Uneven wear and "square" tires
Uneven tire wear, often caused by incorrect tire pressure or poor alignment , can cause tires to become square instead of rounded. This negatively affects the bike's grip and stability, especially when cornering.
Sign 6: Loss of performance and "bad feelings"
If you've noticed your motorcycle losing grip or sliding more than usual on wet roads or during maneuvers, your tires may no longer be performing properly. Loss of performance is a sign that a tire change is imminent.
Remember to carry an intercom on your motorcycle. In the event of a tire incident, it will allow you to communicate quickly and request assistance. Learn more about its legality and benefits here.
Choosing the Right Tires: Not All Tires Are Created Equal
Choosing the right tires is crucial to ensuring your motorcycle's safety and performance when changing tires. Not all tires are created equal, and your choice should be based on several factors when considering how often to change motorcycle tires.
Understanding your tire's measurements and codes
Tire codes indicate the size and specific characteristics, such as width, height, and diameter.
For example, a tire marked 120/70 R17 tells you that the tire has a width of 120 mm, an aspect ratio of 70%, and a diameter of 17 inches.
It is important to choose tires that match your motorcycle's specifications to ensure the best performance.
Types of tires according to your style and motorcycle
Choosing the right tire depends on the type of motorcycle you have and the riding conditions. Below are the main types of tires available:
- Highway tires : Ideal for everyday motorcycle use and long trips on paved roads. They offer good durability and comfort.
- Off-road tires : Designed for motorcycles used on rough or unpaved terrain. They provide excellent traction on dirt, mud, or gravel surfaces.
- Rain tires : Designed to provide greater grip in wet conditions, preventing aquaplaning and improving safety in rainy or wet conditions.
- High-performance tires : Used on sport bikes, these tires provide great grip in dry conditions and high-speed sequences, making them perfect for sport riding and circuits.
- Touring tires : These are ideal for long distances and extended trips. They offer great durability and comfort, making them suitable for touring or touring motorcycles.
Choose the right type for your riding style to get the best performance and safety from your motorcycle.
Same make and model front and rear? The eternal question
Although it's not mandatory to have the same brand or model of tire on both axles, many riders opt for uniformity to maintain consistent performance. However, if the front and rear tires have similar characteristics, this will not negatively affect the bike's performance.
How to change tires?
Changing your motorcycle tires is a task you can do yourself if you have the right tools and some experience. However, if you're unsure, it's always best to go to a specialized workshop.
The recommended option: Go to a professional workshop
The safest and quickest way to change your tires is to take your motorcycle to a specialized workshop. They have the right tools and knowledge to do the job properly.
The Do It Yourself (DIY) Challenge
If you decide to change your tires yourself, you'll need certain tools such as tire breakers, compressors, protective gloves, and a hydraulic jack. Here's a summary of the steps:
- Raise the motorcycle using the hydraulic jack.
- Remove the tires using the bead breaker.
- Fit the new tires following the mounting instructions.
- Inflate the tires to the correct pressure (approximately 3 bar).
- Balance tires to avoid vibrations while driving.
Tips after putting new tires on your motorcycle
Once you've changed your tires, it's essential to run them in properly to ensure optimal grip.
What is paraffin and why is it dangerous?
New tires have a layer of paraffin to protect the rubber during storage. This layer can make the tire slippery for the first few miles. Avoid sudden maneuvers until this layer is completely removed.
How to make a safe and effective filming
For safe running-in, drive at moderate speeds for the first 100-150 km. This will allow the tire to break in properly and achieve maximum performance.
Safety starts with your wheels
Keeping track of how often you change your motorcycle tires is essential for staying safe on the road and taking action when your motorcycle tires need replacing.
Remember that tires not only affect grip and performance, but are also vital to preventing accidents. If you don't feel comfortable changing them yourself, you can always count on a specialized workshop. Keep your wheels in good condition and enjoy your trips in complete safety!
