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Your motorcycle’s tires are some of the most important parts of your bike. These are the only thing connecting you and your motorcycle to the pavement, and they play a huge role in how your bike will handle and perform.
Keeping up with tire maintenance and changing them when they become to worn or too old is an important part of overall motorcycle maintenance and safety.
Not all tires are created equally, and you’re probably going to find that some work better for your particular motorcycle or on the roads and conditions you ride in.
How Long Do Motorcycle Tires Last?
The quick answer: motorcycles are designed to last for about 5 years. Keep reading to learn more about when to replace your tires.
The exact time you’ll need to replace your tires depends on a variety of factors, including:
- The type of tire and the brand.
- How often you ride.
- The tire pressure.
- Weather conditions and temperatures.
- Road conditions.
- How you ride (speed, cornering, braking, etc.)
However, there are some universal rules you can use to help determine if it’s time for some new rubber.
Learn how to change your tires here.
How Old Can Motorcycle Tires be and Still be Safe?
Different tire manufacturers will have slightly different guidelines, but as a rule of thumb, motorcycle tires typically last for up to 5 to 6 years.
After this point the tires will likely start showing signs of wear and damage as the rubber in the tire begins to break down.
You can check when your tire was manufactured by looking at the 4-digit code on the sidewall. This will include the week and year of production.
The date code on a motorcycle tire will typically be written as the number week and the year the tire was produced. So a tire that reads 2020 will have been produced in the twentieth week of 2020.
How Many Miles do Motorcycle Tires Last?
Front and rear tires wear down at different rates as you ride.
On average, front tires will last about 3,700 miles or so.
Rear tires will typically need to be replaced after about 1,800 miles.
How to Know When to Replace your Motorcycle Tires
You should replace your motorcycle tires if:
- They are about 5 years old.
- The front tire has about 3,700 miles or the rear has about 1,800 miles.
- The tread is less than 1/32″ to 2/32″ deep.
- There are any cracks or rips in the tire.
- There are any punctures in the tire.
- There are bulges or bubbles in the tire.
- The tire does not maintain its pressure.
- The bike feels like it is handling poorly.
Keep Your Motorcycle Tires Safe for as Long as Possible
Your tires are an important part of your bike. They’re the only thing connecting you and your bike to the road, and will have a tremendous effect on handling and performance.
You can help your tires last as long as possible by:
- Inspecting your tires before every ride.
- Checking and maintaining the proper PSI.
- Riding on good roads.
- Storing your bike in a temperature controlled garage out of direct sunlight.
How Much are Motorcycle Tires?
The price of motorcycle tires varies depending on the tread, the style, and the manufacture.
Some tires are certainly better than others, and the best tires for you are really going to depend on your specific motorcycle and the type of riding you do.
On average, motorcycle tires are typically going to cost anywhere from about $75 to $350.