How to choose the right motorcycle tires

Among all the mechanisms and systems that make up the manufacturing and design of a motorcycle, the selection of motorcycle tires stands out as an important point. They are the point of contact with the ground and provide the necessary stability for you to ride. Choosing the right tires is not something to take lightly, and it depends on many factors such as the type of motorcycle or the climate.

Below, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to choose the perfect tires for your motorcycle. Which models are better, their characteristics, pressure… everything you need to know.

Types of Motorcycle Tires

According to their structure, there are two types of tires: radial and diagonal. Their main difference lies in the direction of the wire layer that makes up their structure.

Regarding their performance, diagonal tires offer better grip on the ground and wear out more evenly. In contrast, diagonal tires are designed for heavier motorcycles or when carrying extra loads like a motorcycle trailer.

Tires According to the Type of Motorcycle

The most important aspect when choosing motorcycle tires is the intended use of the motorcycle itself. If you want to get the most out of your motorcycle, you must use tires adapted to it.

City Motorcycles

If you plan to use the motorcycle primarily for city riding and occasional outings, you should opt for a nimble and durable tire. The main goal is to reduce the wear rate caused by continuous use. They are also usually designed for any type of weather and for all seasons.

Sport Motorcycles

Sport motorcycles typically use a soft tire with a wide contact surface on the sides. Their main drawback is that they require more warm-up time to reach optimal performance, so initially, the grip may not be perfect.

Trail Motorcycles

For trail motorcycles, it is recommended to use mixed tires with a deep tread that provides good grip on both hard and soft terrains. Most often, these motorcycles use city tires.

Custom Motorcycles

Custom motorcycles are heavier than other models and use tires with a higher load index. They are designed to operate at a constant speed and rhythm.

Tires According to Climate

The type of climate affects road conditions and the grip the motorcycle will have. Therefore, it is important to select a tire suited to the type of climate in which you will be riding.

Dry Climate

In dry climates, both hard and soft tires can be used. On one hand, hard tires prolong the tire's lifespan but offer lower performance. On the other hand, soft tires are characterized by having better grip and great performance in low temperatures.

Rain

The biggest risk of riding in the rain is aquaplaning, which is a very slippery layer of water between the ground and the motorcycle, which can cause you to lose control of the bike. Therefore, if you are in a very rainy area, you need to pay attention to the tread pattern, which is responsible for evacuating water.

Mixed Conditions

Mixed tires are designed to offer great performance and grip regardless of the weather conditions. They are an excellent option for both cold and hot climates, withstanding temperatures from 40°C to -20°C.

We hope this guide has been helpful, and you can choose the right tires for your motorcycle more easily.