The Amazing Choice Of Motorcycle Wheels And Tires Available
The various choice of motorcycle wheels and tires has been developed due to the racing industry. With constant need to find more grip at high speed, and for cornering and acceleration in all weathers, the tire industries have progressed their technology. The racetracks of the world have supplied the most diverse testing grounds for this development which has then made its way down to the man in the street as with many motoring innovations.
Grip on the road is equally important as on the track. Although racing usually reaches higher speeds than normal riding, it is much safer. With tire walls and run off points on the bends, the people racing are all there for one purpose, whereas roads are littered with other motorists and possible fatal hazards. Conditions on the roads are inconsistent, the weather is unreliable and any bike needs grip to corner safely.
Some of the race tires on the market today are softer than the standard ones fitted to a motorcycle when new. Dual compound types are also available. These give predictability round the corners, and therefore more confidence in the grip. In rear wheel slides the grip is still there to some extent. This means the rider can feel where the slide is going and be confident that they can bring the bike back to the vertical as the bend straightens out.
As for sizes, most six hundred cc and one thousand cc bikes have 5.5 or 6 inch rims, on a 17 or 18 inch wheel. This means that people can fit probably a 180 or 190 width tire with a choice of profile. This limits choice but wheels are a pretty fixed standard according to make and model of bike.
The higher profile of 60 is less popular for the road bikes who have the suspension closer to the stock than a race bike. This then makes the bike ride higher and is therefore less stable. They are not impossible to work with but higher speeds make them a bit of a handful.
The 180 width combined with the lower profile 55 is good mix for the street where there are slower speeds and tighter corners. For high speeds and good grip the 190/55 is much better, however the extra width adds to the friction on the turn and makes them harder to turn fast. Personal preference here depends mainly on the use of the bike.
The softer, and sometimes dual compound mixes found in race tires will inevitably wear faster than a standard road version. They are also quite expensive, something worth considering for people who just commute. For those who ride for fun the extra expense is a very good investment. The person who rides their bike on the edge can be reassured with the extra grip these tires give.
The wide choice of motorcycle wheels and tires means that for the people who want to push the boundaries and have some fun, there is opportunity to upgrade safety. Of course all motorcycles are built with safety in mind, and for the rider who just commutes from A to B they are perfectly safe. The choice to deviate from the standard is a very personal decision.
Need a little help with your choice of motorcycle parts ? Get the ultimate low down instantly in our overview of the best motorcycle tires and wheels.
Related posts:
