There are a lot of things motorcycle riders love to talk about.
Horsepower. Exhaust systems. Suspension. Helmets. Riding gear. The latest bikes. How fast a motorcycle can accelerate from zero to sixty.
But there is one part of your motorcycle that is easy to overlook—and it may be the most important part of the entire machine.
Your tires.
Think about it: the only thing keeping your motorcycle connected to the pavement is two relatively small contact patches of rubber. Everything you do—accelerating, braking, cornering, swerving to avoid an obstacle—depends on those two tires maintaining grip.
That is why buying the right tires, keeping them properly maintained, and replacing them when necessary isn't something to put off.
Don't Just Buy the Cheapest Tire
When it is time to replace your tires, it is tempting to shop entirely on price. Motorcycle tires aren't cheap, but tires aren't a good place to save money by buying whatever is cheapest.
The right tire depends on your motorcycle, your riding style, your typical weather conditions, and the kind of roads you ride.
A rider who spends most of their time commuting on dry city streets has different requirements from someone who rides aggressively through mountain roads. Look at the manufacturer's recommended tire sizes, load rating, and speed rating for your motorcycle.
Check Your Tires Before You Ride
Before a ride, take a few seconds to inspect both tires for:
- Nails, screws, or sharp debris stuck in the tread grooves
- Cuts, gouges, or cracks in the rubber compound
- Bulges or unusual deformities on the sidewall
- Signs of center flattening, cupping, or dry rot
Then check your cold tire pressure using an accurate tire gauge, matching the pressures specified by your motorcycle manufacturer.
Tires Don't Last Forever—Even If You Don't Ride Much
Rubber deteriorates over time because of heat, sunlight, oxygen, and environmental exposure. Look at the 4-digit date code on the tire sidewall to determine when the tire was manufactured. Tires older than 5 years should be replaced regardless of remaining tread depth.
Shop Verified Tires
Browse our in-stock inventory in the Performance Tires Department.
