Common Visibility Tips and Motorcycle Tyre Considerations

Staying safe on two wheels takes more than skill—it requires strategy. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a daily commuter, focusing on two essential areas, visibility and motorcycle tyre wear can dramatically reduce your risk on the road. This guide outlines practical tips to help you stay seen and ride with confidence, while also keeping your tyres in peak condition for longer-lasting performance.

Unlike cars, motorcycles are smaller and often overlooked by distracted or unaware drivers. Poor visibility is one of the leading causes of motorcycle-related accidents. The good news? There are simple, effective ways to increase your presence on the road.

Boost Your Visibility with Gear and Accessories

• Wear fluorescent or reflective clothing, especially during dusk, dawn, or poor weather conditions.
  
• Choose helmets with bold colours or reflective elements to catch the eye.
  
• Add LED auxiliary lights to improve visibility from the front and rear.
  
• Stick reflective tape on your gear, panniers, and even wheel rims for added visibility at night.
  

Ride Smart to Be Seen

• Stay out of blind spots—particularly around large trucks or vans.
  
• Use daytime running lights or low beams at all times.
  
• Position yourself within a driver’s line of sight when lane-splitting or overtaking.
  
• Signal early and use lane position to create space and predictability.
  

Need help selecting high-visibility gear or lighting accessories? The experts at Tyreman M/C can guide you with recommendations tailored to your riding style and conditions.

Your tyres are your only contact with the road—so ignoring their condition can be dangerous. Over time, even well-maintained tyres degrade. Spotting signs of wear early can save you from costly repairs or accidents.

Signs of Motorcycle Tyre Wear

• Flattened centre tread from long straight-road riding.
  
• Feathered or scalloped edges from aggressive cornering.
  
• Uneven wear, which may indicate suspension or alignment problems.
  
• Visible cracking or ageing on the sidewalls.

Every modern motorcycle tyre includes a Tyre Wear Indicator (TWI)—a small raised bar located in the tread grooves. These indicators show how much usable tread remains.

When the tread is level with the TWI, your tyre no longer offers sufficient grip, especially in wet or slippery conditions. It’s time to replace the tyre immediately.

Tip: Use a tread depth gauge to measure your tyre’s wear. In Australia, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.5mm—but replacing them before reaching that limit ensures optimal safety.

Tyre lifespan depends on several factors, including compound type, road conditions, and riding style. Here’s a general guide:

• Sport tyres: ~5,000 km due to softer compounds.
  
• Touring tyres: 10,000–15,000+ km with harder, more durable rubber.
  
• Dual-purpose or off-road tyres: Varies greatly depending on terrain.
  

Even if you don’t ride often, tyres should be replaced after 5–6 years, regardless of tread. Rubber hardens with age, reducing grip and increasing the risk of cracking.

Pro tip: Check the tyre’s manufacture date using the DOT code on the sidewall. It’s a four-digit number indicating the week and year of production (e.g. “1420” = 14th week of 2020).

Don’t wait for a blowout or control issue to replace your tyres. Watch for these signs:

• Tread is flush with the tyre wear indicator.
  
• Cracks, bulges, or punctures in the sidewall.
  
• Frequent loss of pressure.
  
• Noticeable drop in grip, especially on wet roads.
  
• Vibration, pulling, or uneven handling while riding.
  

Tyres are older than 5 years, even if the tread looks fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tyre wear indicator and how do I find it?

It’s a small raised rubber bar inside the tyre groove. When your tread wears down to match this bar, it’s time to replace the tyre.

How long should tyres last if I ride casually?

On average, casual riders should expect between 8,000 and 12,000 km from their tyres—but age is just as important. Replace any tyre older than 5–6 years.

Is it okay to ride on tyres that still have tread but are old?

No. Even if the tread looks decent, aged rubber can become brittle and dangerous. Always check the manufacture date and inspect for cracks.

Motorcycle safety isn’t just about how you ride—it’s about what you ride with. Boosting your visibility and staying ahead of motorcycle tyre wear issues can make a world of difference. By understanding tyre wear indicators, knowing how long tyres should last, and making yourself more visible on the road, you’ll not only ride safer but enjoy your journey with greater peace of mind.

Ready to gear up or replace worn tyres? Visit Tyreman M/C—Australia’s motorcycle tyre experts—for trusted service, expert advice, and the best brands in the industry.