Motorcycle Tire Guide: Sidewall Info, Pressure, & Maintenance Tips

The myriad variables that combine to define any given ride are mind-boggling. From the rider’s talent, experience, technique and skill, to the types and quality of riding gear they utilize, to the make, model, and condition of the motorcycle they ride, to the surface and weather conditions where they ride.

But ultimately, all of that gets translated through a relatively tiny contact patch where the bike’s tire adheres to the road.

As such, it’s impossible to overstate the importance of motorcycle tires – both in terms of selecting the right tires and making sure those right tires are properly inspected and maintained.

It’s best to be armed with the knowledge needed to do so. With that in mind, here’s a quick guide to give you traction headed down that road:

Lean, Mean Leaning Machine

The contact patch is constantly evolving as you ride and corner.

A tire can only offer so much traction, and cornering, accelerating, and braking all demand traction. The further you are leaned over, the less excess traction remains to either accelerate or decelerate.

Be smooth and smart.

Similarly, while racing and street riding are very different endeavors, the same general rules apply when it comes to tires. You need to bring your tires up to temperature before pushing the limits of traction.

Under Pressure

Tires needed to be properly inflated in order to be utilized safely, provide maximum performance, and extend their lifecycle.

In order to make sure your tire pressure is at the optimal level, first do your research to determine exactly what that pressure is with the total load taken into consideration.

Once determined, check your tires’ pressure with an accurate gauge when the tires are cold (at least a few hours after a ride). Do this at least weekly as well as prior to any longer rides.

Feel the Heat

Tire pressure isn’t the only factor you need to consider when inspecting your tires regularly. You also need to inspect your tires for their tread depth, wear, weathering, cracks, bulges, and other signs of deterioration.

But it’s not quite that simple.

Tires provide grip both via mechanical and chemical means and are designed to work at specific speeds and temperatures.

Each time a tire undergoes a heat cycle it alters its chemical composition. This gradually results in a hardening of the tire and reduced grip along with the mechanical grip reduction that occurs as a result of general wear and a reduction of tread depth.

The tires’ chemical composition will also alter slowly and harden over time even without being put through heat cycles, which means older tires may need to be replaced even if without obvious visible signs of wear. Unfortunately, there is no one rule determining how old is too old, as storage conditions, exposure to sunlight, etc. all play a role.

If you are concerned that your tires may simply be too old, as always, a trusted and experienced mechanic is a rider’s best friend.

Cracking the Code

When it’s time to purchase new tires, your existing tires can point you in the right direction for selecting replacements… if you can crack the code.

The sidewall of each tire sold in the United States provides a DOT TIN number that represents the week and year of production (which may clue you in on the age question above).

They will also include a byzantine-looking code that provides additional relevant information. This code will (in most cases) be either metric or alphanumeric.

A metric code lists section width in millimeters, aspect ratio, rim diameter, load index rating, and speed symbol.

An alphanumeric code lists the motorcycle code, tire width code, aspect ratio, rim diameter, and load index rating. 

These codes will also often provide tire construction information.

This can all be quite confusing but charts that explain each detail in your specific case are easily found online, and you’re generally safe if you stick with stock tire size and either meet or exceed the preexisting speed and load rating. 

Again, here a good mechanic can prove a huge help… and also provide you with someone who can properly replace and balance your new tires.

Stay in Control with Law Tigers
Your tires are the only thing between you and the road—choosing the right ones is essential for safety and performance. But even with the best tires, accidents can still happen.

Law Tigers is a nationwide network of motorcycle accident attorneys dedicated to protecting riders like you. If you’re ever injured in a crash, we’ll fight for your rights, handle insurance companies, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Before your next ride, grab your free rider benefit kit and save 1-800-LAWTIGERS—because every rider deserves protection as strong as their grip on the road.