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When Should You Replace Your Motorcycle’s Tires?

Nov. 25 2021 Maintenance By Biggs Harley-Davidson®

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Over time and with regular use, your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle’s tires will eventually wear out. Though you can perform minor repairs on your tires and get your bike back on the road, major issues like uneven tread pattern or aging mean you need to replace them as soon as possible.

However, knowing when to change out your tires can be challenging. That’s why we have created this guide to help you figure out the perfect time to do it. Read on to learn more, and for more information, visit Biggs Harley-Davidson. We’re in San Marcos, CA, and happy to welcome our friends from San Diego and Oceanside.

Factors That Affect Your Bike’s Tire Wear

Various conditions can influence the rate of tire wear, including:

  • Your riding style.
  • Your riding frequency.
  • How well or frequently you maintain your tires.
  • The set-up of your suspension.
  • The air pressure in them.
  • Weather conditions.
  • Storage conditions.
  • The weight of your motorcycle, any passengers, and any cargo.

Each of these factors will affect how frequently you will need to replace your tires. So, ensure you maintain them well so they can continue performing for longer than you first expected.

The Signs That Hint Your Tires Need Replacement

As you may know, your motorcycle’s tires keep you safe by helping maintain traction on the road. That’s why you must pay close attention to any signs that indicate that your motorcycle tires are incurring wear and need replacement. Some of these indicators are:

  • Your grip level is becoming weaker, and your bike’s tires are turning out to be wobbly.
  • They have lost their original shape and now have flattened sections.
  • The tread depth is low, or your tires have become bald.

Preventive Maintenance Checks

Replacing bad tires is essential. However, it can be an expensive and time-consuming task, especially if you have to visit a service department to get this done. That’s why you’ll want to maintain your tires in tip-top shape and extend their lifespan. Proactive inspection of your bike’s tires will help you identify any problems well in time, so you can repair or replace them before you leave home.

Some of the preventive maintenance checks you’ll want to perform on your motorcycle’s tires include examining their general state, inspecting their tread depth, and looking for cracks in their sidewalls. Also, you’ll want to check the tire pressure every two weeks or so and the wheel balance every six months.

Situations When You Must Replace Your Motorcycle’s Tires

Even after diligently performing the maintenance checks, your tires may get damaged or worn out beyond repair. That’s when you’ll want to change them before you bring your bike on the road. Some of these situations include:

  • You are near the tread wear limit of your tires.
  • The interior chamber of your tire has incurred irreparable damage.
  • Your tire has an uneven pattern of wear.
  • Oils or corrosive substances have damaged your tires.
  • Your tires are more than five years old.

If you’re unable to determine whether you should go in for a replacement, let our professional experts help you. Our team at Biggs Harley-Davidson can address your concerns and help you replace your tires safely and efficiently. To connect with our staff, swing by our dealership in San Marcos, CA. We are proud to serve those from San Diego and Oceanside, so stop in today.