Motorcycle tires do not come with a solid expiration date. Depending on the terrain and style of riding, most motorcycle riders are not aware of how many miles a motorcycle tire can cover or how long it will last. But how many miles do motorcycle tires last? Let’s find out.
People are also afraid that their new set of tires will go bald quickly if they use them too much. However, this is not the case. While some tires can cover 3000 to 16,000 miles on average, professional tires can last up to 100 or fewer miles daily.
This means that the miles on motorcycle tires entirely depend on the quality of the tires, the riding style, road temperature, road surfaces, and other factors.
The last thing a rider wants to encounter is a blown tire, especially if they’re traveling at high speeds. However, it is essential to note that as bike tires get older, they offer less friction and resistance. Therefore, learning when the right time to replace your motorcycle tires is safer. A professional mechanic can tell you when it is time to change your tires.
This article will discuss how many miles motorcycle tires last, the factors that affect the tire quality, and how to properly care for your bike tires.
How Many Miles Do Motorcycle Tires Last?
Usually, the average motorcycle tire lasts 3500 to 25000 miles. This entirely depends on the quality of the tires, the tire types, riding habits, road conditions, and the performance of your bike. However, rear tires tend to show signs of wear twice as fast as front tires. Therefore, on average, motorcycle tires can last up to five to six years if ensured proper care.
The tire mileage also depends on the brand of the manufacturer. If you are riding a sports motorcycle, its tires can easily wear out after 100 miles on a single track day. Light touring tires can last much longer because of the light bike weight, whereas heavy performance bikes tend to wear out much faster than regular ones.
What Factors Affect the Bike Mileage on a Motorcycle?
Before learning the factors that affect the miles on motorcycle tires, let us tell you why bike tires wear out faster than car tires.
Motorcycle tires wear out quickly. If this is your first time owning a bike, you might be surprised by how fast they wear out. You will also be doubtful about why the rear tires wear out before the front ones. Here is the answer.
Motorcycles have different performance engines than cars. Their tires are softer and they have different compounds, which wear out much faster than a car. Here are some factors that affect the tire mileage of a motorcycle.
The Bike Tire Quality
The rule of thumb associated with the miles on a motorcycle tire is simple. The higher the performance engine, the lesser the mileage. This is why bikes with lightweight touring tires cover more miles than special motorcycle racing tires.
Therefore, you should choose high-quality tires for your motorbike, even for a general riding style. A high-performance tire will offer your bike a tight grip, as they heat up fast, producing more friction.
Tire Types and Motorcycle Performance
The type of motorcycle and the tires you are using make up another major factor that affects your bike tire’s mileage. As mentioned earlier, the better the performance engine of a motorcycle, the shorter its tires’ lifespan. Before buying your desired bike, check its quality, weight, and performance.
For instance, if you buy a heavy bike, you must expect its tires to wear out faster, lasting only from 1,600 to 6,000 miles. On the other hand, lightweight touring tires can increase mileage to 10,000 to 16,000 miles.
Riding Habits and Style
To make your bike tires last longer, you should use them with a lighter hand. The riding style of most bikers is typically aggressive, making the tires wear out faster than expected. However, if you use your bike moderately, the tires should last longer.
Riding aggressively can destroy your tires in minutes, causing strains and frazzles. Moreover, too many quick stops can also cause the bike tires to wear out faster. Therefore, using your bike on shorter commutes is recommended instead of riding aggressively for fun.
Weather and Road Conditions
This is also an essential factor affecting the miles on motorcycle tires. When the weather is hot, the road temperature rises, heating the tires faster and reducing their lifespan. Moreover, road conditions also affect tire mileage. For example, if the road surface is rough and uneven, it will reduce the expected tire mileage. Worn tires and wet roads can even be a deadly pairing.
What Are the Signs That Indicate Maximum Tire Mileage?
Regular visual checks for any signs of wear on your motorbike tires are essential before going for a ride. A few signs indicate that your motorcycle tires have reached their maximum mileage and that it’s time to take your bike to a professional mechanic for inspection. Here are a few red flags you should note when the bike tire has reached its maximum mileage.
Look for Cracks, Cuts, and Fractures
Inspect your tire sidewalls or treads for any cuts or cracks. This usually happens when the tire has not been replaced for a while or has been hit by a sharp object. Tire fractures typically occur if the tire is failing. Look for any flat spot in your bike’s tires to be sure.
Punctures
Tire punctures occur when your bike’s tires are pierced by a sharp object on the road. A temporary solution to fix this is to plug a thin puncture in the tire tread. However, if the tire sidewall is punctured, you must replace it.
Note How Your Motorcycle Handles
How your motorcycle handles can notify you if your bike’s tires are wearing out. For example, if the bike produces sudden sensations or vibrates on a smooth road, this indicates that the tires have reached their maximum mileage. It is time to inspect your bike or take it to a professional mechanic.
Uneven Tire Tread
Uneven wear of the tire treads is another sign that your motorcycle tires are aging. As a result, your bike tires will not rotate properly and begin to wear out in a square-like pattern.
How Can You Increase the Lifespan of Your Motorcycle Tires To Increase Their Mileage?
The mileage and lifespan of your motorcycle’s tires go hand in hand. This means if you ensure proper care of your bike and ride while keeping the right conditions in mind, the tires can last longer, giving you extra mileage.
As mentioned earlier, the average lifespan of a motorcycle tire is up to six years before the rubber begins to age. Here are some valuable tips on how you can increase the lifespan of your bike tires. However, you must remember not to use the same tires for ten years or more, even if they seem to work fine.
- Rotate your tires monthly or every time they reach 4,500 miles. By doing this, you will ensure that the tires will wear evenly, resulting in longer tire life.
- Be sure to maintain the correct tire pressure with the help of a gauge. Properly inflate your bike tires when cold.
- Do not ride your bike with heavy luggage, and do not exceed the pressure limit for the tire sidewalls.
- It is essential to perform regular visual checks on your motorbike for any signs of unusual cuts, cracks, or punctures.
- Do not ride at high speeds when the weather conditions are poor, such as heavy rain, as it might be dangerous for the bike and your safety.
- Regularly clean your motorcycle tires with a pressure washer. However, using hot water is not recommended for washing purposes.
- If you want to store your bike tires, ensure they are inflated to the right pressure and are correctly aligned. This can increase your tires’ shelf life.
Final Thoughts
So, how many miles do motorcycle tires last? If provided with proper care and the right conditions, your motorcycle tires can offer more than 3,300 to 25,000 miles on average.
It takes just a few minutes to destroy your bike tires on a single track. Therefore, the mileage on motorcycle tires entirely depends on how you maintain the tires, how you ride, and the other factors we’ve discussed
Usually, most motorcycle tire manufacturers recommend getting your bike checked by a professional mechanic once every three months to determine if the tires could be used for further riding. However, you should not use the same tires for more than ten years, even if they work fine.
