Although we opt for a top-level tire, that does not mean that it is indestructible and will last forever. In fact, there is one thing that must always be clear: the ideal is to always look for the one that is designed for our motorcycle and for the use that we are going to make of it. Because yes, competition tires have extraordinary grip… but their useful life is minimal.
So it is important to have the right tire and, furthermore, if we opt for reputable brands, things will go even better. But even so, not everything depends on the tires we opt for, and we can do many things to extend their useful life and performance (or not do so and accelerate wear), as Continental reminds us.
Check your tire pressures
One of the elements that wear out tires the most is not having the correct pressure. Whether we have a higher pressure than recommended or a lower pressure, it will negatively affect the tire. If we fall short of pressure there will be more deformation, the temperature will rise and we will accelerate wear. If, on the other hand, we overdo it, we will have less grip and the wear will not be uniform. The solution, however, is simple: check the pressure periodically.
Be soft and flow
The smoother we drive, the less demands we will have on our tires. If we make sudden accelerations we will demand all of its potential from the rear tire and if this is done regularly we will accelerate its wear. If what we do is brake hard, it will be the front tire that suffers the most and wears out first. So if we flow, anticipate and are smooth, our tires will last longer.
Tune up the suspension
Although the tires are the only part of the motorcycle that touches the ground, a suspension that works well increases safety and also reduces tire wear. For this, it is best, first, to be in good condition, otherwise we will find premature and irregular wear. Also, if we can adapt it to our weight and style we will have an extra.
It carries a load only when it needs to and keep that in mind
Although we are in an era in which “bigger is better,” the reality is that physics is still relentless and making our bike as light as possible is the best in every way, including tires. So you have to try to carry extra load.
This can happen more on motorcycles with suitcases, top cases… where we carry things just in case and yes, every kilo counts. Furthermore, if we are going to ride really loaded with luggage, passenger… we have to adapt the pressure to avoid deformation of the casing that accelerates wear.
Alternate routes
It seems like a small thing, but it is common to enter a workshop and see, without knowing the user, what use they make of the motorcycle. And if, for example, we travel on the highway regularly or on eminently straight roads, the tread will wear out much sooner than the sidewalls. If, on the other hand, we move on curved roads, the sides will wear out much sooner. So finding balance on the routes whenever possible will help us.
Eye on the asphalt
The truth is that as the roads are currently, we have to be careful, because the state of the asphalt and the type also greatly influence our tires. If the roads are broken, with potholes… cuts can occur or we can even hit the tire. So, as far as possible, you should avoid areas that are in the worst condition, although at this rate soon only the flying motorcycles will be saved.
You should also keep in mind that there are more abrasive asphalts and less abrasive asphalts. If we have the former in our area, our tires will last less.
