Motorcycle Tires
Many parts come together to provide quality performance when you ride your motorcycle. Tires play a key role in this process and have a significant impact on your riding experience. For example, your tires directly affect your ability to safely navigate turns, changes in speed, and even long touring trips.
Mid-State Motorsports wants to make sure you’re fully aware of how your tires work and how to properly care for them. We’ve put together a helpful guide with essential tire information.
Make sure to stop by our location in Cookeville, Tennessee near Chattanooga, Nashville, and Knoxville today! We also proudly serve all of Kentucky and Tennessee.
Tire Parts
A tire is made up of a few important components. The tread grips the road so your bike has traction as it rides. The sidewall is the side of the tire relating to the height and aspect ratio of the tire, which provides support and handling. The bead is the edge of the tire that grips the rim. The valve stem controls inflation. The carcass is the tire’s body and encompasses the remainder of the tire.
Tire Types and Sizes
When you realize just how many types of motorcycles there are, your head might start to spin. The result of all these options is several types of tires, too. You’ll have to decide among different sizes, features, constructions, and so on. The good news is that it’s usually pretty easy to find the right option for your motorcycle.
If you choose a specialized bike, then you’ll be faced with quite a bit of tire options. If you have plans to tear up the dirt roads in addition to the pavement, then you’ll want to consider dual sport tires. This type of tire is designed to take on off-road trails made of sand or gravel. If you’ll be riding your bike quite often then you might want commuter tires, which boost your gas mileage. For top speeds, you should look into superbike tires. These come with an improved grip and acceleration to keep you safe while you’re riding fast. There are plenty of tire options available that are specifically tailored to boost each unique riding experience.
Check your motorcycle manufacturer’s recommendation before you start shopping for tires. This will tell you what size and type will work best with your specific model. From there, you can branch out and make an informed decision. It also helps to discuss your options with a tire expert, especially if you are considering deviating from the manufacturer’s recommendation. It’s always beneficial to talk to someone who lives and breathes tires.
Tire Care
You can buy the best tires on the market but they simply won’t stay that way if they’re not properly cared for. The life of your tire will last a lot longer with regular maintenance. Putting in a little bit of work here and there is going to save a lot of money in the long run. Washing your tires regularly is a good place to start. If you don’t wash your tires, the caked on dirt and debris can eventually lead to long-term damage. Always wash your tires after long rides, too.
The next step is to maintain proper inflation, which helps optimize the distribution of forces on the read such as vehicle load and braking. You’ll have better fuel economy, a more comfortable ride, and less wear on the treat. Consult your owner’s manual to determine the right amount of pressure for your tires. Then, use a tire gauge to measure your tires. For the most accurate reading, do this in the morning when the tire is cold.
Lastly, you should take the time to routinely examine your tread. As you ride your motorcycle, the tread wears down. Over time, the tread can wear down so much that can become a safety issue. Your bike won’t be able to grip the road properly and this can be hazardous during accelerating, turning, and stopping. If you notice the read on one tire is more worn down than the other, it could indicate improper wheel inflation or poor wheel alignment.
Motorcycle maintenance is a serious matter and tire care is just one aspect of it. For more information or if you need maintenance, visit Mid-State Motorsports in Cookeville, Tennessee near Chattanooga, Nashville, and Knoxville today! We also proudly serve all of Kentucky and Tennessee.
