Two Main Motorcycle Tire Designs

Vehicles may have the sturdiest chassis, the best accessories and the most powerful engines in them. However, none of these are relevant unless the vehicle can move on solid ground. To move around from one place to another, they would need motorcycle tires.

But motorcycle tires do more than that. They provide traction, braking, steering and load support for motorcycles. Like all other tires, motorcycle tires are inflated with air. This provides a cushion between the motorcycle and the road. With this air cushion, shock and vibrations are significantly reduced, providing a comfortable ride for the person. This type of tire is called a pneumatic tire.

Most motorcycles are equipped with pneumatic tires. But some motorcycle tires are filled with a sort of gel, foam or mousse. This substance prevents tires from puncturing, especially if the tires are designed to be used in rough terrain.

Motorcycle tires come in all designs. However, these tires are subcategories of two main designs: off road and sport tires.

Off road motorcycle tires are used by motocross bikes, dirt bikes, endures, trial bikes and even four wheeled ATVs. These tires are characterized by knobby, deep treads. They are designed that way so the tires can have maximum grip over gravel, loose dirt, mud or sand. In most cases, they are thicker than sport tires. Off road touring tires, for example, are made up of very hard rubber for maximum durability.

Off road tires last longer than street tires but they are less stable on paved surfaces. Their grip on the road is less than that of sport tires at optimal operating temperatures. But at lower temperatures, however, they offer more grip. That means, these tires offer good traction when riding in cold or winter conditions.

Sport tires or performance motorcycle tires, on the other hand, have a much smoother tread pattern than off road tires. They are designed for high speed on paved surfaces.

Sport tires have a shorter lifespan than off road tires. In fact, their maximum mileage life would be 1000 miles or less. However, they provide good road grip. They are ideal for high speed, extreme angle cornering because of their amazing grip.

High operating temperature improves a sports tire's grip. In fact, in a race, the racers often raise their bike's tire's temperature before the actual race with the use of tire warmers.
Riders should often check their bike's tires. They must make sure the tread is wearing out evenly and if the tire has the right air pressure. The stability, comfort and safety of the motorcycle depend greatly on tires.