Motorcycle Tire Guide

Tires are one of the most important parts of motorcycle rider safety and performance. If your engine dies, you stop moving, but if a tire goes out you might be in some serious trouble. You can avoid the problem altogether by investing time and effort into proper motorcycle tire maintenance.

Cross Country Cycles has put together this short guide to keeping your tires in operational order. And if you do need professional service, or you just want to check out our great selection of BMW and Ducati motorcycles and parts, come by our dealerships in Metuchen and South Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. We’re also proud to serve the Staten Island, New York, area. Family-owned and operated, our knowledgeable and friendly staff is ready to help you with all your motorcycle needs.

Anatomy of a Motorcycle Tire

The first step to understanding any aspect of motorcycle maintenance is how any given system works and how it’s put together. Tires have four basic parts: tread, sidewall, radial, and bead.

The tread is the part of the tire that touches the ground and provides grip that keeps your bike on the road, while the sidewall sits on either side of the tread to support and cushion the rest of the tire. Radials surround the tire’s circumference to give extra supportive strength during the tire-making process, and beads form the airtight seal necessary to inflate your tires.

Types and Sizes

Differences between tires might seem superficial, but if you take a walk through a bike shop you’ll soon discover how diverse tires can really be. Motorcycle tires come in all types of shapes and sizes for a wide variety of specialized uses. There are hard commuter tires for maximized gas mileage, knobby dual sports tires designed for increased grip on gravel and other loose ground, touring tires for durability, and superbike tires with wide tread for superior grip and acceleration.

When to Replace

When to replace tires is a complex subject, with rider opinions and manufacturer recommendations sometimes coming up with different answers. Most motorcycle tires last between 10,000 and 15,000 miles. Just keep track of your mileage after changing tires and routinely check for any damage. Cracks in the sidewall and worn out treads are clear indicators your bike is ready for some new tires. Check the specifications from the manufacturer, which should be on the tire itself or easily obtained from your local bike shop.

The regular visual inspection will save you hassle down the road, helping you save money, time, and effort. Clear damage (like punctures, gashes, and debris stuck in the thread) should be dealt with immediately. A piece of metal embedded in the rubber might not pop your tire right away, but there’s no reason to wait for that to happen, and damage to the radials can prevent you from patching the tire if it happens on the road.

Caring for New Motorcycle Tires

Tire care is all about regularity and meticulous attention. It’s not complicated, and once you know what to look for it shouldn’t take much time.

After a long ride, give your new tires a wash. This will keep extra dirt and debris out of the tread that could otherwise cause damage or uneven wear on the tires.

Proper inflation keeps even wear, increases fuel efficiency, and provides better stability, handling, and tire grip. A simple pressure gauge should go with you on any ride and will help your tires last longer.

Visual inspection and care go a long way to preventing serious issues with your motorcycle tires. For the problems, you aren’t able to fix by yourself, visit our professional service staff at Cross Country Cycle. We’re happy to help with tires, parts, and all your other motorcycle needs, keeping you safe and happy on your bike. Visit us in Metuchen, New Jersey near Bergen County, where you’ll find genuine BMW and Ducati motorcycles for sale and a whole lot more. Come in today!