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Motorcycle tires are an essential part to enjoy our motorcycle in complete safety. How long do motorcycle tires last? We tell you in this post.

Motorcycle tires are an essential part to enjoy our motorcycle in complete safety. It is essential to always carry them in good condition and with the correct pressure, not in vain, it is the part of the motorcycle that is in contact with the ground, whether asphalt or dirt. But when we talk about motorcycle tires, several issues come to mind: how often should we change them? How long do motorcycle tires last?

In this post we talk about everything you need to know about motorcycle tires.

How many kilometers should motorcycle tires be changed?

As we say, this is undoubtedly the big question when it comes to motorcycle tires. There are two key factors: the length of time we have been wearing the tires and wear. Generally, motorcycle tires have an average service life of 5,000-10,000 km for the rear wheel and 10,000-15,000 km for the front tire. However, this data depends on many factors, such as the type of riding, the weight carried on the motorcycle and the type of motorcycle.

On the other hand, 125 scooter type motorcycles, the most popular for cities and short trips, tend to last a little longer because they are usually lighter motorcycles, but we are still talking about 7,000 km on the rear and 12,000-15,000 km on the front wheel.

Obviously, these figures are a simple reference, since, even if we have not covered those kilometers, it is advisable to change the tires every 10 years. Why?

Change your motorcycle tires every 10 years

Although the tires may appear to be in optimal condition, after 10 years the tires no longer offer the initial grip and it is quite possible that the tires are not in good condition.

Tires lose their properties over time because the rubber they are made of dries out. (The same applies to all motorcycle parts made of these rubbery materials, such as intake nozzles, water/fuel pipes, scooter belts, etc.)...All this has another key detail: the wear of the tire tread.

When to change the tires on my motorcycle. Keys to keep in mind

Each tire has a wear indicator located in the tread grooves of the tire located in the grooves of the tire tread.. This should not be less than 0.8mm. Despite this figure, there is always the common sense of each individual. If you see that the tread of your tire is practically flat, it is time to change them, as your safety will be compromised.

We have already seen that when we reach the limit of tire wear, it is time to change the tire. However, there are other cases in which a change is also advisable.

Change the tires of your motorcycle if this happens to you.

For example, when we see unusual wear on the tire tread of the motorcycle tire. If you notice uneven wear, it is advisable to change them and, above all, to visit an authorized workshop to have your motorcycle checked.

On the other hand, if we see that there is a gradual or periodic loss of tire pressure, it is likely that we have a crack and you should check them. In these cases, perhaps with a simple repair, you will be able to continue with the same tires, but sooner rather than later, you will have to think about changing the tires of your motorcycle.

To clarify when to change the tires of your motorcycle, it should be added that if you do not use it too much and you have left your bike in a wet or cold place for a long time, it is possible that the tires have been “crystallized”. In other words, they have become excessively hardened and, as a result, have lost their ability to grip the asphalt. It is also time to change them.

Tips for extending the life of motorcycle tires

One of the most common details to keep in mind is to periodically check the level of the pressure pressure pressure level of your tires. To do so, you can read the motorcycle’s maintenance booklet.

It is advisable to check them every time we get on the bike, but we must admit that almost nobody does it. The more often you do it depending on how you use your bike, the better. Just do it a couple of times a month. Remember: your safety is at stake.

It is important to bear in mind that the tire pressure varies depending on the use we give to the motorcycle, it is not the same pressure we have in our wheels when cold than after having circulated for a while, just as it is not the same pressure in winter than in summer, since with an increase in temperatures, the pressure increases.  

Change one or two wheels. The big question

This is another big question when it comes to motorcycle tires. Can I change one wheel or should I always change both tires? This is where our common sense comes in again.

Keep in mind that the rear tire is the one that wears out the fastest, as it is the one that betrays, pushes the bike and carries more load. Depending on the case, one of the two tires may be more worn than the other or may have been damaged in a mishap. In this case, you could change one of them if both have more or less the same kilometers.

Also, the fact that the tread pattern is not the same does not necessarily affect driving, as long as both tires are similar in characteristics, are in good condition of use and have a tread pattern sufficiently marked to evacuate water in wet situations.  

And let alone if they are different types of tires: trail, road or circuit.