How to Pick the Best Tyre Material for Your Bike

The best motorcycle tyres are not necessarily the shiniest or the most expensive. You’ve got to think about what you’re using your bike for and the conditions you’ll be riding in. Is it mostly dry, or are you tackling wet and slippery roads? Are you all about high speeds, or do you need something built for durability?

Motorcycle manufacturers put a lot of thought into the tyres they put on your ride, but they may not always match your desired riding experience. Compound types, tread patterns, radial vs. bias-ply – there’s plenty to consider. Just remember, the right tyre choice isn’t just about performance; it’s also about safety. The experts at Tyreman M/C are always here to make sure you pick the best option for your bike and your ride.

Always remember that sticking to the manufacturer’s recommended tyre specifications is important. These specs are designed to match your bike’s performance and ensure safety, and deviating from them with a different size or type might affect things like handling and stability.

Tubeless and tube tyres

If your bike has spoked wheels, tube tyres are the way to go. Spoked wheels don’t create an airtight seal, making tubeless options impractical. If your bike has alloy wheels, you can opt for tubeless tyres, which are preferred because they offer better traction, are easier to repair in case of a puncture, and generally provide a smoother ride.

Radial vs. bias ply tyres

Radial tyres are known for their flexibility, making them ideal for high-speed riding and cornering. They dissipate heat effectively and provide a better contact patch for those who lean into corners aggressively. Bias ply tyres offer durability and are typically used in more rugged conditions, albeit not as well suited to high speeds.

Tread patterns

Block pattern or knobby tyres dig into loose gravel and mud for off-road adventures. On the road, a moderate tread works well, and for track days or dry conditions, opt for minimal tread and a soft, sticky rubber tyre material for grip.

Sidewalls

For aggressive riding and cornering, look for tyres with stiff sidewalls that provide a round contact patch. If you prefer a more relaxed ride, softer sidewalls with a flatter contact patch will give a more comfortable experience. 

• It’s crucial that your front and rear tyres match. Riding with one new tyre and one old one can lead to unstable handling
• Ensure you follow the directional arrows on the sidewalls, which indicate the correct rotation direction. Mixing radial tyres with bias tyres is a no-go as it can severely impact your bike’s performance.
• Once you’ve installed new tyres, have them balanced. Unbalanced tyres will likely cause uneven wear and affect your bike’s handling, making your ride less safe.
• If you’re getting new tyres, replace the tube as well. Using an old tube in a new tyre can lead to failure due to thinning or wear.
• Tyres come with specific load-carrying capacities, crucial for ensuring your bike can handle the weight you plan to carry. Check the owner’s manual or the sidewall of the tyre for this information.

• Dual Sport/ADV/All-Terrain Tyres

Versatile tyres designed for a mix of on-road and off-road riding with a tread pattern that includes larger knobs and deeper grooves. These offer good traction on loose surfaces and are ideal for riders who frequently switch between highway and rugged trails.

• Touring/Cruiser Tyres 

The fat tyre bike option is built for heavy motorcycles and cruisers, and designed for comfort and long mileage. They feature a stiff sidewall to support heavy loads and offer good traction in wet weather. Perfect for long-distance rides!

• Sport/Super Sport/Hyper-Sport/Performance Tyres 

All about high performance, grip and precise handling. These tyres are for agility, speed, and improved cornering and braking.

• Sport-Touring Tyres

Combining features of sport and touring, this option is excellent for traction and longevity. They offer a balanced ride with a harder center for stability and softer edges for better grip while cornering, ideal for sport-touring motorcycles.

• Off-Road Tyres

Best for loose and uneven terrain, these provide maximum grip and have reinforced sidewalls to resist punctures. Perfect for serious off-roading, they can handle mud, dirt, and gravel with ease.

• Street Tyres

Ideal for everyday riding, street tyres offer durability and a reliable grip on wet surfaces. They are made from harder rubber compounds for longer wear and are suited for casual riding rather than aggressive cornering.

The team at Tyreman M/C understand that selecting the right tyres can be daunting considering how many options are available. We’re here to make the process as straightforward as possible. We’ll help you find the tyres that best suit your bike and riding style via a premium service experience that includes top brands like Shinko, Continental, Pirelli, Michelin, and more. 

High-quality tyres from trusted manufacturers and on-site fitting services with state-of-the-art tyre fitting equipment guarantee precise balancing and fitting without any damage to your wheels. Let Tyreman M/C improve your ride with the right tyre choices today.

Frequently Asked Question

What are motorcycle tyres made of?

Motorcycle tyres are primarily made from rubber and can also include various other components, such as steel belts or fabric layers and chemical additives to improve the rubber’s resistance to wear, heat, and weather conditions.

Which tyre wears out fastest on a motorcycle?

The rear tyre typically wears out faster than the front tyre as it takes most of the weight and pressure, especially during acceleration and braking. The rear tyre also handles the majority of the power transmitted from the engine, leading to increased friction and wear and supports the bike’s full weight. All of this contributes to faster degradation compared to the front tyre.