How Many Miles Should My Motorcycle Tires Get?

A motorcycle tire’s lifespan depends on many factors, but regular inspection and maintenance is the golden rule for getting the maximum miles from your rubber.

Pre-ride safety checks only take a couple of minutes. Yet, this is enough to help you identify any potential problems. Your tires are the only things between you and the road, so they also need a closer, weekly inspection and pressure check.

Wear Rate

On average, a rider will go through at least two rear tires to one front tire. The main reasons are weight distribution, power delivery, and heavy braking.

The 2-to-1 factor isn’t cast in stone for every motorcycle make and model. So here are five more reasons that affect tire wear.

• Overinflated Tire – Wear accelerated along the center of the tread. An overinflated tire takes a taller and smaller profile, making less tire do more work.
• Underinflated or Overloaded Tire – Excessive riding with an underinflated or overloaded tire will cause the shoulders of the tire to wear out faster than the center. You may also see cupping along the tire.
• Road Conditions – Certain types of asphalt are more abrasive than others which can greatly affect tire life. Crowns in the road may also cause uneven excessive wear. 
• Riding style – Aggressive acceleration, braking, and cornering can all increase the wear rate of a motorcycle tire. Some powerful hypersport motorcycles put more strain on the tire simply because they demand more grip.
• Age – As a tire ages, its rubber compounds dry out leading to more friction resulting in increased wear.

The above factors are the most common causes that impact the miles you can expect from a motorcycle tire. Routine maintenance and regular checks can play a massive part in ensuring you get the maximum miles.

Climate, road conditions, weight, power, the type of bike, and riding style will also impact your tire’s lifespan. It is vital to get the most from your tires, and to do this; it’s essential to choose the correct type. Once again, this is where advice from a professional tire dealer comes into play. 

All the above issues can impact the miles you can reasonably expect from your motorcycle tire. Moreover, uneven or accelerated tire wear is dangerous and makes tires more prone to puncture.

If in any doubt about the condition of your tires, stay safe, and consult a trained motorcycle tire professional. You can find your nearest Dunlop Pro Dealers here.