How to Choose Replacement Motorcycle Tires
- 1). Check the tires you have on your bike and consult your owner's manual. The manual will specify the type of tire you should use on your motorcycle. This normally includes a number such as "130/90 16." The first number (130) refers to the tire's width in millimeters. The tire's aspect ratio, or how high the tire is in relation to the width, is represented by the number "90," meaning the tire is 90 percent as high as it is wide, or about 117 mm (about 4.6 inches). The last number (16) is the tire's rim diameter. It will fit 16-inch rims. You'll need to buy replacement tires within, or at least near, the manufacturer's recommendations.
- 2). Write down the number of hours and the types of riding you do. If you commute to work daily on the freeway, and that comprises the majority of your time on your bike, you'll be shopping for a different type of tire than if you spend most of your time on a racetrack or on gravel roads. Consider tread size and pattern, weather specifications, traction versus mileage and construction types within your manufacturer's guidelines---radial, bias or belted bias.
- 3). Visit tire dealers and online motorcycle tire sites. Unless you have an unusual motorcycle or exceedingly specific needs, you'll find that most manufacturers provide a tire within your needs range. Remember that the rear tires on most motorcycles are a different size---usually in width---than the front tires. Also ask about warranties and mileage guarantees.
- 4). Consider aesthetics and cost. Within the specification guidelines and needs that you have, you'll have some wiggle room for choosing a set of tires that you like to look at and that you can afford.
- 5). Buy your tires from a dealer or online. As far as saving money by purchasing tires online, remember that you'll have to mount and balance the tires yourself, or visit a garage and pay to have those services completed. According to Sound Dealer, "Once you arrive at a dealer or shop and ask to have your Internet-bought tires mounted, you'll most likely be paying the hourly shop rate to have the mounting done, which negates your online savings. In addition, any reputable shop would decline honoring the manufacturer warranty and won't sell you their own warranty if they have one internally. The only thing they're selling you is shop time."
