How long do motorcycle tires last?

If you're thinking about buying a motorcycle, part of the responsibility that comes with owning a bike is performing routine maintenance on it throughout the year. While your motorcycle is made of numerous working parts, one of the most important features is its tires. Like all automobile tires, wear and tear occur over time, which means you'll need to replace motorcycle tires periodically. So, how long do motorcycle tires last? How do you know when it's time to change them? Stick around for more info.

Factors impacting how long motorcycle tires last

A question on all new motorcycle riders' minds is, "How long do motorcycle tires last?" Generally speaking, manufacturers state that a tire's lifespan should be no longer than six years. However, several factors influence how long motorcycle tires last, including the following:

Distance ridden

The further you ride in terms of mileage, the more wear and tear your bike's tires will have. Most riders who use their bikes more often tend to have to replace their motorcycle tires more often than those who have a riding style that is more periodic during the spring and summer seasons.

Motorcycle type

The type of motorcycle you ride can also play a role in how often you change your bike's tires. For example, touring tires tend to be manufactured using more durable rubber than sport motorcycle tires, which have a softer rubber. Because of this, race tires tend to experience tire wear and tear more quickly. Thus, they need to be replaced more often.

Road surface

Uneven road surfaces with cracks, potholes, and other hazards can damage your motorcycle tires more quickly than fresh pavement that's smooth. Hazardous road conditions, like nails and other debris, can also cause punctures and other damage that shorten the lifespan of your tires.

The load you're carrying

If you have a heavier bike and carry a passenger with you while you ride, the stress on your bike tires can lead to more frequent replacements of your rear tire than your front tire, given the extra weight.

How to check the age of your motorcycle tires

When motorcycle tires are created, manufacturers date them before they are installed on motorcycles or shipped to storefronts for sale. You can check your tire's age by searching for a tire identification number, which will be located toward the center of the tire.

The tire identification number begins with "DOT," which stands for the Department of Transportation. This is followed by a plant code and tire size. At the end of the number, you'll notice four digits. These last four digits indicate the week and year that the tire was created by manufacturers.

For example, the date on the tire may read 2021, which means the tire was created on the 20th week of the year, in 2021. When you're purchasing new tires for your bike, it's important that you pay attention to the motorcycle tire age listed on the tire itself.

Even if the tire tread looks unharmed, tires that have been stored in a manufacturer's warehouse for long periods before being put on sale can still have issues if they were stored in a hot warehouse where oxidation occurred.

Oxidization can lead to tire wear and tear on the internal components of the motorcycle tire itself, which will affect its performance and safety. So, even if you do buy a new tire with a current date, the tire may not be high-quality, leading to a shorter lifespan.

Signs it's time for a tire replacement

So, how do you know when it's time to replace your motorcycle tires? To prevent safety hazards when out on the road, pay attention to these signs:

Visible tire damage

Inspect your motorcycle tires for visible damage. Specifically, look for cracks or fractures on the sidewalls. Deep fractures in the tire tread could also indicate that the tire's performance levels are failing, prompting you to have a replacement done as soon as possible.

Worn tire tread

When the tread pattern on your bike's tires has become worn, the rain sipes will be less noticeable. This will indicate that your tire tread depth has been compromised, making your bike a safety hazard. The tread on your motorcycle tires is responsible for gripping the road surface. As the tread wears and your tires age, the ability of your tires to grip the road decreases, making it easier for your tires to blow out or for you to lose control.

Tire punctures

When the tread wears on your tires, punctures from nails and other debris on the road can create holes in your tire, leading to tire pressure issues. While a non-worn tread is easy to fix, worn treads will require a replacement.

Poor tire inflation

Your tire sidewalls will indicate the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure. Anything that exceeds or fails to meet this recommended maximum pressure will negatively affect the tire's performance levels, especially if you're carrying extra weight on your bike.

Hard braking and bike handling

Lastly, when you're on your bike, you'll notice a decline in your bike's performance levels, specifically when braking. Tires that need to be replaced will have poor handling, which indicates the tire's lifespan has come to an end.

How many miles should you get out of a motorcycle tire?

The amount of mileage you can put on your tires really depends on the type of bike you have and your riding style. That said, here's a recommendation for your motorcycle's front and back tires:

Front tire

The front tire on your motorcycle, when properly inflated and maintained, can travel around 3,000 to 15,000 kilometres before you'll experience a safety concern and need to replace it.

Rear tire

When it comes to your rear motorcycle tire, you'll want to replace it every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometres.

Generally speaking, you won't necessarily need to replace your front and rear tires at the same time, as rear tires tend to wear out much quicker than front ones do. As long as the rear-end tire doesn't have more grip than the front, your motorcycle's performance levels should be fine.

That said, we recommend sticking with the same brand and manufacturer. Because all tires are made differently, having two different types of tires installed on your bike can cause performance issues. Tires aren't cheap, so make sure you invest in good-quality ones for better handling, tire longevity, and a smoother riding experience.

How to care for your motorcycle tires

It's important to mention that routine maintenance on your motorcycle tires is essential to ensuring that you're safe while riding. Here are some maintenance tips you can use to ensure your motorcycle tires last long and remain in tip-top condition:

Regularly inspect your motorcycle tires

Before heading out on your motorcycle for a ride, also do a visual inspection of your tire. Look for any visible signs of wear and tear that may affect their performance. This will help prevent any issues while you're out and about.

Use a tire pressure gauge

Another thing to inspect before you head out on a ride is your tire pressure. Use a digital pressure gauge to get an accurate pressure reading. This will help inform you whether you need to add a bit of air or whether you're good to go as is.

Rotate your bike's tires

Another maintenance task motorcycle owners should consider is rotating their tires. As a rule of thumb, you'll want to rotate your tires 1/3 of the way into their lifespan for best results.

Store your bike properly

When you're not using your bike, it's essential that you store your bike in a secure, temperature-controlled garage. How you store your motorcycle throughout the year will naturally affect how long your tires last. For example, prolonged exposure to the sun's UV rays will age your tires. At the same time, extreme heat and cold temperatures will also damage your tires.

Conduct other routine maintenance on your motorcycle

Maintaining your motorcycle's tires and changing them from time to time isn't enough to keep your motorcycle in good condition. Beyond your tires, you'll also need to conduct routine oil changes, change the brakes, inspect and maintain the battery, change the air filter, lubricate moving parts, and ensure fluid levels are optimal at all times, among other tasks.

Note that while some maintenance on your motorcycle is easy to perform, if you are new to riding or don't feel completely confident in your ability to do tasks on your own, taking your motorcycle to a professional garage is recommended. Here are some tips you can use to find a good mechanic in your area:

Look for good reviews

There are likely a lot of mechanics in your area. Before heading out on a search, look at past reviews online from previous customers. This will give you a better idea about whether or not the business is worth approaching.

Get a quote beforehand

Before agreeing to give your motorcycle to them, ask for a quote. Quotes should be transparent and free of cost. You'll want to know exactly what you're paying for. Don't forget to compare quotes from multiple locations, so you can find the best deal available.

Ensure they are licensed

Mechanics require licenses and certifications to operate a business legally. Make sure that you have confirmation that they are able to operate and that they are in good business standing with the Better Business Bureau.

Ask about qualifications

Not all motorcycles are the same. You'll need to get confirmation that the mechanic you're thinking of partnering with is knowledgeable in the type of work that needs to be done and the make and model of your bike.

Pay attention to communication style

A good mechanic is one who is easy to talk to, transparent about their work, and someone who is willing to answer any questions or concerns you may have throughout the process.

How BrokerLink can help

At BrokerLink, we help riders find affordable car insurance. With access to numerous motorcycle insurance policies from some of Canada's top providers, our brokers are able to shop around and compare coverage options available to you.

So, whether you're looking for motorcycle insurance in Ontario or seasonal insurance in Alberta, know that our experienced brokers will do their best to find you a plan that works well with your needs and budget. We're also here to answer any questions you may have and be a free resource on all topics related to insurance, how to take care of your motorcycle the right way, and how to remain safe while you're out on the open road.

For more information, don't hesitate to take advantage of our riding safety guide to ensure you make it to where you need to go confidently and with peace of mind. You can also get a free quote using our online quote tool or contact a broker directly for more information. It's really that easy!

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