When should I change my motorcycle tyres?

By Julia Freeman

Tyre health is one of the most important factors on any vehicle and because motorcycles have two, they are twice as important. Even if you hardly ride your bike, tyres age and not many remain sound beyond ten years old. In terms of wear, good quality tyres can last 50,000 miles but most will last a lot less. In our experience, damaged or degraded tyres are one of the leading causes of failed MOTs and accidents. Have them checked often.

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Why should I change my tyres?

There are plenty of good reasons to change your motorcycle tyres. Performance, safety and fuel economy all start to deteriorate well before they reach the minimum legal tread depth. Checking the tread depth regularly is important and, in our experience, overlooked by far too many riders. In the UK, the legal tread limit on motorcycles is 1mm but we strongly advise against letting them ever get that low. Tyre issues can have an adverse effect on everything from braking to handling, so it’s important to keep them in good condition for your own safety, and the safety of those around you.

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Punctures

Tyres are designed to withstand a lot of punishment from the road, but they aren't invincible. Large punctures will be immediately obvious, but slow punctures can be less so. If a tyre is gradually losing pressure, then a slow puncture might be to blame – but you won’t know if you don’t conduct a pressure check every couple of weeks. Some punctures can be repaired, others not and the tyre may need to be replaced. Damaged tyres can be unsafe whether they have a puncture or not, so always ride to a Protyre garage and let our tyre professionals take a look.

Signs of damage to watch out for

Other risk factors include warped tread rubber, marbling, or visible beads and might mean it is time to replace the tyre. Unusual wear patterns on a tyre can also be a warning about deeper-rooted problems with the motorcycle, such as worn shock absorbers, or wheel misalignment. Catching these signs early can save you a good deal of money in the long run. Since Protyre checks are free there is no good reason not to call in.

Changing with the seasons

Many sensible riders change their tyres when the weather changes, or when they are about to tour on tougher road surfaces. It may be possible to store your spare set at a local Protyre.

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We Can Help You Choose The Right Tyre


Tyres are essential for keeping your car safe and performing at its best, but with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That's where our informative articles come in – we're here to help you navigate the world of tyres and make the best choice for your specific needs.


Whether you're considering upgrading to Premium car tyres for enhanced driving dynamics, run flat car tyres for added peace of mind, or trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres, Protyre can help. Our articles have got you covered with a wide range of tyre-related topics to help you make informed decisions.

The brand you choose matters too. We offer recommendations for trusted names such as BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres. But our articles don't just focus on choosing the right tyres – we also offer practical advice for maintaining them. From simple tips like checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres inflated to the proper pressure, to more advanced topics like extending tyre life through regular rotation and balancing - we've got you covered!
Dive in and discover everything you need to know to keep your car running smoothly and safely with Protyre.

The local garage you can trust

Whether you want a premium or budget brand, Protyre only stock tyres from proven manufacturers. Budget tyres are likely to have lower mileage than top brands like Pirelli so aren’t always cheaper in the longer run. Consider the popular Pirelli Scorpion Trails for a sporty ride, even over uneven surfaces, or the sturdy Bridgestone Battlax BT which usually delivers superior mileage. Our online tyre finder will help you research the best match for your bike and riding style.
 
If your motorcycle tyres haven’t been changed for some time or are starting to show some wear it is free to have them looked at. Our tyre professionals are on hand to help. You can give us a call or pop into one of our nationwide garages where a friendly engineer will be ready to discuss your needs. To save time, book a vehicle check online.

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About the author

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By Julia Freeman
Julia is Head of Retail Marketing for Protyre and loves engaging with customers and the business as a whole to make sure Protyre is more than just a local garage.
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How do I check my motorcycle tyres tread depth and carry out tyre safety checks?
It’s important to monitor your motorcycle tyres regularly. Not only are their penalties for improperly maintained tyres, especially those that fall below the legal tread limit, but degraded or damaged tyres can be dangerous. Tread depth is especially important, as this can affect handling and braking. Fortunately, it’s easy to check your motorcycle tyre tread and it’s a good time to perform a few other safety checks while you’re at it.
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