Motorcycle tyres greatly influence the
functionality and longevity of a motorcycle. Thus, it is vital to choose good
tyres. There are various factors that contribute to the greatness of a
motorcycle tyre.
The rolling resistance
is a vital factor to consider when choosing a motorcycle tyre. It determines
the grip of the tyres when they roll on different surfaces, whether rough or
smooth.
Consider slippage
The deformation of
surfaces and the slippage affect the rolling resistance and have to be taken
into account when constructing the tyres. This means using materials that will
provide adequate grip for the surfaces intended for use. Rubber is a great
component in tyre making. Usually soft rubber provides greater grip than hard
rubber.
Chemical components
The chemical components
in a tyre also contribute to grip. This is because tyres are made to achieve
maximum grip at certain temperatures. When temperatures are lowered, the grip
lessens. Soft tyres take relatively longer to increase in temperature than hard
tyres. However, acceleration, bends and brakes all work to effect temperature
change. Weather patterns also affect grip. Some tyres offer good grip on wet
surfaces while others only do so in dry surfaces. A good motorcycle tyre is
thus the one that can offer considerable grip on various surfaces and in all
types of weather conditions.
Tyre pressure
Tyre pressure impacts on the grip
and longevity of motorcycle tyres. Manufactures normally recommend the tyre
pressures for the different types of tyres. Lower pressures add to the grip of
tyres on uneven surfaces. They ensure the tyres generate more heat thus
enabling them to increase their contact patch. However, lower pressure also has
its negative impacts. It works to lower the life span of tyres.
When you use motorcycle
tyres with low pressures, you will find that they wear out unevenly. This means
you need newer tyres more frequently than if you had used higher pressures. The
danger of uneven tyres is also well known as it may cause accidents. A wise
move is to become proactive in your pressure control. This means you actively
vary the pressures depending on the surfaces, climate and temperatures. Thus,
you will attain tyres that work well and are well protected from wearing out.
Carrying capability
Different tyres have
different carrying capabilities. It is thus vital to first determine the amount
of load the motorcycle tyres can carry before making a purchase. The weight of
the riders, luggage carried and equipment determines the weight load. It is
important to ensure the total weight does not exceed the load capacity of the
tyres. You can find out the load capacity by searching through the
manufacturer’s manual or by viewing the tyre sidewall.
However, caution must be
taken as some motorcycles can be overloaded despite the capacity shown by
manufacturers. Overload may lead to accidents due to sudden tyre failure.
Trailers and sidecars contribute to the stress on motorcycle tyres and should
only be added when recommended. A good motorcycle tyre is able to carry the
load intended without putting undue stress on the tyres.
Tyre speed
Tyre speed makes the
difference between a bad motorcycle and a good motorcycle. Most motorcycle
owners prefer high speeds for their different uses. Riders must ensure that
they do not exceed specified tyre speeds in order to avoid tyre failure.
Numerous manufacturers’ rate tyre speeds but this is usually done in controlled
environments. Your motorcycle’s performance on the other hand does not occur in
ideal conditions but occur in diverse conditions.
Factors like load,
pressure, condition of the motorcycle and driving capabilities all affect tyre
speed. Ratings on tyres that have undergone repairs should thus not be taken
into account. Do not look at the ratings alone but also at the time frame in
which the rating is sustained. This means you would want to ensure you can
achieve the same speed at different time intervals. You may decide to choose a
tyre rating above what you may be in need of to ensure you achieve the maximum
speed.
Cornering force
The cornering force of motorcycle tyres is especially
important when it comes to navigating bends and corners. It is generated
adequately by the tire slip and determines the relaxation length. A good tyre
achieves great cornering force to enable the rider make twists, turn corners,
and make breaks without difficulty.
Cornering force depends
largely on the material and tread of the tyres. The purpose of the tyres
determines the tread. Aggressive riders usually spend a large amount of their
riding negotiating corners thus require better traction. Deeper treads are
needed for tyres used on off roads as they need better cornering force and
grip.
Tubed or tubeless?
Another factor
contributing to the usefulness of motorcycle tyres is whether it is tubed or tubeless.
The determining factors are construction, tyre type and nature of riding to be
done. Tubeless tyres are rarely suited to adverse conditions. This is because
they tend to lose their shape and they cannot seal properly against the rim.
However, they do repair easily in case of a puncture and they achieve high
speeds.
Tubed tyres are made for
rough roads and different conditions. Their spokes are hardier and last longer.
But their speeds are rated lesser than tubeless tyres due to their increased
danger of sudden punctures. Also the tyres can come off the rim, a problem not
associated with tubeless tyres.
Longevity
One cannot discuss
qualities of a good motorcycle tyre without mentioning longevity. Whatever the
purpose, use and type of motorcycle, you want one that has lasting motorcycle
tyres. Of course the riding, materials and conditions all affect longevity.
Thus, you should be able to take into account such factors when deciding on the
best tyres for your use. Hard rubber tends to outlast soft rubber in terms of
motorcycle tyres longevity.
It is important to note
that while some of the factors sound very good when looked at alone, it is the
combination of factors that is useful when it comes to finding a good
motorcycle tyre. Thus, tyre pressure, load, material, longevity and tyre
ratings should all be studied together in order to choose a good motorcycle
tyre.
Author Bio:
Janis Hobbs is a
fun-loving motorcycle enthusiast from Sydney, Australia.