When to Replace your Motorcyle Tires
On any vehicle, no matter how nice or expensive it might be, the tires are the only part that touch the ground. In the case of a motorcycle, the tires are the only thing separating your body from the hard, unforgiving pavement. To make matters worse, a high speed blowout on a motorcycle often results in loss of control. Even a parking lot flat is especially inconveniencing, as very few riders carry any type of spare.
As a tire wears, rubber is removed from the tires surface. Maintaining proper tire pressure keeps this type of wear to a minimum, but tire wear is inescapable. When a tire is made, it has a certain amount of tread depth. Treads are designed to displace water in a way that prevents hydroplaning as well as to maintain traction on loose and rocky surfaces. As a tire wears, this tread depth is diminished. If the tread depth of either of your motorcycle tires is less than 1 - 2 mm, it's probably time to replace it. A good way to check for this at home is with a penny. Go ahead and stick Abe Lincoln head first into your tires tread. If you can still see the very top of his head, it's time for new tires.
Diminished tread from wear is not the only culprit that ruins tires. Dry rot can occur simply by letting a bike or a set of tires sit unused for a period of time. Yep, tires wear out all by themselves, even when gathering dust. Stress and oxidation, perpetuated by heat and sunlight exposure are what causes a tire to dry rot. The most observable affects of this type of rot are cracks that appear on a tires surface, specifically the sidewalls. If a tire has cracks that you can see into, that is, any cracks larger than fine hair lines, you should replace it. Visible cracks indicate dry rot that is severe enough to weaken the integrity of the rubber in the tire. It may hold air, and appear solid in the driveway; but centrifugal force at cruising speeds could very well do it in.
When inspecting your tires for dry rot, also keep an eye out for any bulges or bubbles. A tire can bubble due to a manufacturers defect, insufficient tire pressure, or tire impact; it is a sure sign of internal tire damage. If running your hand along the sidewall of your motorcycle tires reveals any irregular contouring or bulging, you should replace the tire.
As you can see, the criteria for when it's probably time to change your motorcycle tires is pretty clear. Motorcycle tires are expensive, and every rider wants to squeeze as much life out of them as possible; but don't turn a blind eye to what your tires are telling you visually. Periodic inspection allows you to monitor what's happening inside your tires. If you notice something unusual, have it checked out. The dangers in riding a tire too long are simply too great to go unnoticed.
