When to Replace Your Motorcycle Tires?

This is a question that requires multiple answers. However, there are general guidelines to help you know when it must be done. And Roseville Motorsports has rounded up the top signs that indicate when you need to swap your old tires for newer ones.

We’d love for you to stop by our store in Rocklin, CA, so our team of experts can offer you more advice on everything related to motorcycles, and even show you some models for sale. We also proudly serve all riders from Roseville and Sacramento.

Wear Bars

Look out for wear bars. These are small, raised bumps sitting at the bottom of the tread grooves. On a new tire, its wear bars will be fully recessed in the tread grooves with plenty of rubber between it and the tire surface. If the tire surface is level with any of the wear bars, you probably only have a few inches of tread left and your bike can be compromised through instability, loss of grip, flat tires, or even blow-outs, so they must be replaced.

Metal Cords

Depending on the type of tires your motorcycle has, looking for wear bars may not be possible. Some tires are slicker with a thread that doesn’t cross over the center of the tire surface. If this is your case, then inspect your tire’s pattern. An obvious indication will be signs of metal cords showing through the rubber. In extreme cases, the rubber may wear through completely showing visible metal cords on the surface of the tire or even throwing sparks while riding. You definitely need to replace your tire if you start seeing sparks.

Obvious Damage

Thankfully, punctures, cracks, and cuts are easier to detect when examining your tires and will normally be a good indication that they need to be replaced. Damages to the surface of the rubber alter the integrity and safety of your tire and can lead to flats and even blow-outs in a worst-case scenario. Don’t let minor cuts or cracks pass your inspection so easily. They may seem insignificant, but it is better to be cautious and replace your tires to minimize further damages and make riding dangerous.

Uneven Wear

While your tires may still have ample tread depth, if they begin to wear unevenly, you will notice a change in the bike’s handling while riding. You may start to notice that transitioning from one side to the other when turning may not be as smooth as it once was. These are all signs that your tires are wearing unevenly and need to be replaced.

Of course, these are just some of the common indicators that tell you when to replace your motorcycle’s tires. For the rest of the list, come to have a chat with one of our knowledgeable team members at Roseville Motorsports. We are your local and trusted motorcycle dealer in Rocklin, CA, serving all those from Roseville and Sacramento, too. Visit us today!