The motorcycle tire is the only connection between the vehicle and the road. The driving behavior thus depends decisively on the quality and condition of the tire. In this article, we will show you everything on when you need to change motorcycle tire. Also, how long do motorcycle tires last, how much it cost and, how to change it.
For your own safety, you should be able to recognize worn tires quickly and reliably. So that you can arrange for a replacement in good time. If you take a few tips into account here, you will make a decisive contribution to driving comfort and safety.
How long do motorcycle tires last?
How long motorcycle tires last depends on factors such as tire quality, your riding style and the type of tire. For touring tires, you can expect them to last about 14,000 km. If you use sport tires for a more dynamic driving style, you can expect durability of about 6000 km.
With a regular driving style in urban traffic, you should change motorcycle tire about every five years. These are guideline values because the actual condition of the tire on your motorcycle is always decisive for the change.
When should I change motorcycle tire?
Suppose the motorcycle is frequently parked in the sun or generally outside in all weathers. In that case, the damage is possible even earlier than after five years. So you should change your motorcycle tire as soon as possible. Typical signs of aging include a worn tread, uneven wear, noticeable discoloration and cracks in the material.
In these cases, changing motorcycle tire is important. Keep away from cheap tires, as they usually perform poorly in tests. Motorcycle tires with good grip are essential not only for high driving pleasure but also for safety. If the tread depth is too shallow, there is a risk of losing contact with the track, as traction is no longer sufficient.
Especially when the roads are wet and slippery, a crash or accident can occur. A tread depth of three millimeters is recommended for tires. Although the Highway Code states that the tread should be at least 1.6 millimeters, experts do not consider this sufficient. You can measure tread depth by pushing a dipstick into the groove of the center tread area. It indicates how much tread is present. Helmet is also important for safety, we have article on the helmet size chart and measure head for helmet correctly.
How much does it cost to change motorcycle tire?
In general, we can say that the cost of mounting motorcycle tires is $30 – $50, and the price of individual motorcycle tires is $80 – $100. So, in total, you can expect $100 – $150 as the cost of changing motorcycle tires.
If you want to be sure that the new tires are mounted properly on your motorcycle, it is a good idea to have this done by a professional. The prices for mounting motorcycle tires vary, and it depends on how expensive the new set of tires is and how much money the respective specialist charges for the mounting.
Changing motorcycle tire
You measure the tread depth by pushing a dipstick into the main groove of the center tread area. You can then read how much tread is left and whether the motorcycle tires need to be changed from the dipstick.
Can I change my own motorcycle tire?
You can change your tires yourself at any time. Only you need the appropriate wrenches to remove the tire to do this. You can also do the work professionally in an automotive workshop. The mechanics can often better assess the tire’s condition and whether a replacement is indicated. In any case, you should take the motorcycle to the workshop every five years.
How can worn tires be recognized?
Worn motorcycle tires show typical signs of age. A worn tread is, of course, the surest sign that the tire is getting on in years. If the tire shows uneven wear, this indicates mechanical problems. If a motorcycle tire has cracks in the material visible to the naked eye, you need to change it immediately.
How to read the age of the tires?
You can determine the age of your motorcycle tire by looking at the DOT number. You can find this on the side sidewall of the tire or the sales receipt. It is a four-digit number. The first two digits indicate the week of manufacture, and the last two digits indicate the year of production.
What are the costs for new tires?
When changing tires, costs are incurred for hours worked as well as for the purchase of the new tires. Assume an average total cost of between approximately $100 to $300. However, significantly more money can be invested in changing tire. Basically, you should not save on motorcycle tires.
What is the prescribed wear limit?
The assessment of tire condition is not a subjective matter. In fact, the legislator defines wear limits that you must observe in any case. If a tread is worn down to such an extent that it falls below the wear limit, the tire may no longer be used. The relevant regulations can be found in §36 StVZO (Road Traffic Licensing Regulations). According to this, a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm is stipulated. If your tire approaches this limit, you should consider replacing it.
How to change motorcycle tire?
No rider can avoid changing motorcycle tires. With every ride and during the winter break, the tire wears out and is affected by the elements. After some time, it is especially the tread that is no longer deep enough to be ridden on.
It’s easy to determine when you need to change your motorcycle tires; the tread must still have a depth of at least 1.6 mm. Age is less important when changing motorcycle tires. However, it is generally recommended that you should not use tires for more than 10 years.
At the latest at the TÜV, you will be asked to change your motorcycle tires. Here, of course, you have the choice of whether you go to a specialist to have the motorcycle tires mounted or do it yourself. Mounting motorcycle tires yourself is easier than it sounds and is done in a few steps. You can also read keep an eye on your bike with a GPS Tracker
Change motorcycle tire follow these steps:
- Dismantle your motorcycle’s tire and deflate it via the valve by unscrewing the valve core with a valve wrench.
- Now use a tire iron or tire changer to remove the tire from the rim.
- Now coat the tire and the rim with mounting paste or soft soap. This facilitates the disassembly.
- Now lever the tire off the rim using three mounting levers and three rim protectors. Now the first side of the tire is separated from the rim. Repeat the process for the other side to completely separate the tire from the rim
Remount the motorcycle tire, proceed as follows:
- Re-surface the motorcycle rim and tire with mounting paste or soft soap.
- To mount the tire back onto the rim, place one side of the rim into the tire. And pull the other side of the tire onto the rim with the help of a mounting lever and some force.
- Now the tire is back on the rim. All you have to do is tighten the valve core again and inflate the tire until you hear a “clack” sound. Then bring the tire up to the prescribed tire pressure value.
It becomes clear that it is possible to change motorcycle tires without the help of a tire changer. However, purchasing a motorcycle tire changer will make the mounting process easier. If mounting in the manner shown above is too time-consuming for you, the purchase can therefore be quite sensible.
Mounting and balancing motorcycle tires
Balancing motorcycle tires ensures that the tire is not out of balance, which causes one side of the tire to wear faster than the other. This significantly decreases the mileage.
You should balance the motorcycle tire whenever you change a tire to ensure that there is no imbalance. An unbalanced tire can lead to high costs and driving safety and comfort losses.
Can you balance motorcycle tires yourself?
Yes, you can balance your motorcycle tires yourself. However, it is almost impossible for layman to work with the same accuracy as a workshop. Therefore, balancing by yourself is only recommended for motorcyclists who drive at moderate speed. Professional balancing in a garage is highly recommended for those who reach very high speeds on the highway with their motorcycle.
If you would like to balance your motorcycle tires yourself, check out this article discussing tire balancing. Basically, the following materials and tools are necessary for balancing motorcycle tires:
- A motorcycle lift or motorcycle stand.
- Tools for dismounting
- Motorcycle tire balancer/balancing machine
- Brake or silicone cleaner
- Adhesive tape
- Balancing weights
- A plastic spatula
Change motorcycle tire: Durability
The tires of motorcycles, just like those of cars, are subject to natural wear because they are the only and most important connection of the bike with the road. For your own safety and equally for a high level of riding comfort, it is important to be able to recognize worn tires and change them in time. In the following, everything you need to know about the durability of motorcycle tires is explained.
What is the life expectancy of motorcycle tires?
Motorcycle tires affect both the safety and performance of the motorcycle. Therefore, the right choice of tires or, if necessary, the replacement of tires is very important. The vehicle registration document provides information about which tires are approved for the bike. You can take this from various information such as the appropriate tire width, the rim diameter and speed index.
In terms of durability, a motorcycle tire reaches its expiration date no later than five to six years after the date of manufacture. The rubber of the tires is then cured. Accordingly, regardless of the tread depth, you must change them. The date of manufacture of the tires plays a very important role.
Things to know about the DOT number, the four-digit number that indicates the week and year of production: What does it mean and how to check you can find the date of manufacture of the tire?
Various factors influence the durability of motorcycle tires
- Driving style (more dynamic driving style durability about 6,000 km)
- tire pressure
- load
- Weather conditions
- speed
- Use (touring tires durability about 14,000 km and sport tires about 6,000 km)
- Storage of tires and location
Conclusion of the change motorcycle tire
Motorcycle tires are a very safety-relevant feature of the bike. The rubber hardens after five to six years of regular riding, so it is time to change the tires regardless of the tread depth, which should never be less than that. The grip decreases considerably over the years.
The DOT number helps determine the date of manufacture. How long tires last ultimately depends on various factors such as tire quality and driving style. Good tires should last an average of 8,000 to 10,000 km.
