How long will motorcycle tyres last?
If you’ve ever wondered, “How long do motorcycle tyres last?” this summary and quick guide are for you. One of the most important aspects of a motorcycle is the tyre. A well-maintained tyre guarantees durability, high performance, and a smooth ride. Aside from results, they also play an important role in ensuring the rider’s safety. However, the tyre, like all engine and rubber components, is susceptible to wear and tear.
But when exactly should one decide to replace the tyre?
The average lifespan of bike tyres is around 3 – 5 years, but this varies greatly depending on the nature of the ride, overall drive, and the frequency of outing. The average distance travelled per day also plays a significant role in deciding the lifecycle of the tyres.
We tell you the five signs that one should look out for to know if the replacement is due:
- Wear
Wear is the most common sign that hints that your tyre should no longer be in use.
For this, the tyre manufacturers put a Tyre Wear Indicator (TWI) mark on the sidewall of the tyre. This symbol includes a triangular arrow that shows the amount of wear at which a tyre can no longer be used. If the curved surface of the tyre wears down to the TWI level, it is time to replace it.
- Uneven tread wear
A tyre might not be totally worn out all of the time, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t in need of maintenance. The shape of a tyre is very important in deciding if it will be suitable for use in the future. The most common form of uneven wear is squarish wear of the tyre, which occurs when the tyre wears out from the centre of the tread.
- Cupping or Scalping of the front tyre
The cupping or scalping of the front tyre is another common cause of uneven wear.
The tyre wears out over the length of the tread in this state. This can be hazardous because it can cause handling and stability problems.
Scalping is also heavily reliant on a weak suspension setup. If you notice your motorcycle tyres being scalped from the sides, replace them as well as having your suspension tested and serviced.
- Too many punctures or cuts
If your tyre has too many punctures or cuts, it should be replaced as soon as possible because the damage can render it unfit for future use.
Riding on a tyre with a lot of cuts may result in uneven contact patchiness, which will impair your ride quality and vehicle performance.
- Age of the tyre
Even if your tyre is not worn out or has scratches, there is another aspect that decides its potential usefulness, and that is its age. Most tyre manufacturers suggest not using the tyre after five years. This is because the oils in the rubber evaporate over time, allowing the rubber to harden. Look for a four-digit number on your motorcycle’s tyre to determine the date of manufacture. The first two digits are the week number, and the last two are the year of manufacture.
Maintain sufficient tyre pressure and check it on a regular basis if you want to keep the tyres in good shape and make them last longer. Your braking habits also have an effect on the life of your tyre.
Ride Safe! Ride on Neumex!