Advice Centre |
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Unless you are always going to replace your tyres with exactly the same make and type that were fitted by the manufacturer when the bike was new, you are going to need to know (or ask a man who does) a bit about the huge choice of tyres on sale.
The days when all you needed to know was the size and how much they cost have long gone. Modern tyres come in so many varieties with so many differing performance values even the experts have a job keeping up with it all.
Some rules are fairly general. For example
The speed rating of the tyre must match the capability of the bike i.e.
Then you have to watch how radials, bias belted and cross ply tyres are mixed. It's better to avoid mixtures if you can, but the following is law.
Of course it doesn't stop there! Bikes come in all shapes and sizes. You'll need to know what can go on your bike - and what is going to happen once that lovely new radial comes under load!
Balancing
Modern tyres are fairly well balanced right from the start (when properly fitted) but it is still advisable to have both wheels balanced to get rid of any lingering vibration. These days this can be done at the same time the tyre is fitted. There was a time when it was no good balancing a wheel until the tyre had suffered a bit or wear!
Our properly equipped motorcycle tyre fitters will have access to a balancing machine and it really is advisable to spend the extra couple of quid getting them to use it.
Running In
This is really important. The number of riders who have crashed on new tyres is legion. Tyres need to be 'run in' before they should be expected to cope with hard riding or braking. The first 50 to 100 miles is critical. Ride smooth and slow for this period and your tyres will perform at their peak for the rest of their lives.
Just ask the experts - Ride In Bike Tyres!
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