Get a Grip with Motorcycle Tires
When people think of vehicles, there are certain parts that come to mind'the engine, the body, the interior. People want the fastest cars, the safest cars and the most controllable cars. However, many people never think about the tires. But the tires are the source of most of the qualities people look for in a car, motorcycle or any other vehicle. Depending on the tires, comfort can be increased, along with speed, grip and steering capabilities. For motorcycle riders especially, tires are essential to both performance and safety. A bad set of motorcycle tires can mean the difference between a fun, safe ride and a dangerous, uncomfortable ride.
Choosing the Right Pair
While motorcycle tires are complicated, one of the most important parts for motorcycles is the contact patch. The contact patch is the footprint of the tire. It is the region of the tread that actually comes in contact with the road. Consequently, it affects steering and cornering and grip, especially on adverse road conditions or off-road terrains, due to the creation of friction. The contact patch will decide which tires are better for which kinds of motorcycles, and also for which kinds of terrain and races.
Firstly, the main difference between motorcycle tires will be off-road versus street tires. Off-road motorcycle tires are the kind used on motocross bikes and dirt bikes. These motorcycles race on dirt, mud and sand, and often go off jumps. The grip on these tires is similar to the grip on trucks and BMX bikes?it sticks out, looking to grab into the dirt rather than ride on top of it. Motorcycle tires for street bikes, however, will have less of a tread, and are focused instead on how much friction should be produced.
Sport touring motorcycle tires are not used for high-cornering roads. They are designed for riding cross country, or for races on long, straight tracks. They are designed for speed, not for traction, and they can easily be affected by weather conditions. Street motorcycle tires are also not meant for aggressive turning, but they have a long life and offer a little better traction, and a little better speed. Sport street tires are designed for aggressive riders who will carve into corners. They provide good traction for high speeds, but they break down very quickly. Therefore, they are not ideal for long trips or long races. Track tires, or slick tires, are motorcycle tires designed for races specifically. They have larger contact patches when the rider leans over, and they are not recommended for the street due to their short lifespan. The triangulation of the tire means less contact patch in the center, causing the tire to develop a prominent flat spot when it is used for long periods of time on straight roadways.
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