Motorcycle tyres versus car tyres – learning the difference between them is crucial, especially for a person using both. Although they both serve the same purpose, transportation, the differences are vast, so it is critical to check on your tyres in whatever condition they are in and keep track of them on a regular basis.
For those looking for motorcycle tyres online in Sri Lanka, choosing the most durable fit for your motorbike is necessary, selected according to your riding needs. The majority of people are looking to purchase bike tyres online, and usually, the product comes along with useful tips and risks of not changing your tyres often. However, many people keep questioning whether motorcycle tyres actually last longer than regular car tyres – the answer is no, they don’t.
Both bike and car tyres have distinct characteristics. Car tyres are different from bike tyres in that they are smooth and lack a sidewall that bends towards the rim end. Motorcycle tyres, on the other hand, are usually circular in form, and the construction of a motorcycle tyre is based on a lot of bike steering physics. Thus, a lot of pressure is added to motorcycle tyres, increasing speed and performance, making them wear out faster than you could imagine.
If you consider the tyre footprint of both motorcycles and cars, a car's footprint is much bigger, as there are four tires touching the pavement rather than two. It's important to remember that the entire width of a car's relatively flat tread is in contact with the road at all times. Even when cornering, a car maintains its upright position. However, for motorcycles, the tyres use 90 per cent of their surface for grip and turns, and the rest for smooth riding. The tyre surface is more likely to wear off, even though they have been produced with the best tyre design for firm friction.
Car tyres have a relatively different design compared to motorcycle tyres, which makes them last longer. They are produced with a flat surface, and do not have another sidewall that bends towards the rim end, because cars usually use the full force of their tyres while drifting. Motorcycles, in comparison, do have an extra sidewall which allows the rider to slide at an angle while drifting, controlling the speed and the contact between the rubber and the road. Due to this, a motorcycle tyre can lose its friction abilities and slip, if worn out and not replaced quickly.
Power-to-weight ratio and speed are the biggest factors to consider with car and bike tyres. Motorcycles are primarily used for speed and high performance, whereas cars are required for daily transportation, so comparing the ratio between them is critical – the speed and performance that the motorcyclist intends to impose on his tyre is relatively greater than that of car tyres, and can wear out much faster than expected.
When it comes to tyre cleaning, you're unlikely to find a motorcyclist using anything other than soap and a brush. If someone has just started riding and has used tyre polish on the side walls, he is about to learn the most important lesson of his life. Motorcycle tyres are manufactured differently than car tyres, with dissimilar dimensions and capabilities; therefore, be cautious! Using tyre polish is a solid no, unless you are asking for a death wish. The polish is meant to be applied to cars only, and using it on a motorcycle tyre will allow you to meet your creator faster than you can imagine.
What matters is that your safety is more important than anything else, so what if you have worn out tyres that you’ve just purchased a few months ago? Replace them immediately. It is rather difficult to determine the manufacturer date when early signs of ageing appear on your tyres, probably due to weather conditions, your performance and mileage for the past few days, riding style and tire pressure. Seek help from a professional if you are unsure of replacing your worn-out tyres.
Losing a motorcycle tyre can be catastrophic and puts you at the highest risk, especially during riding. Although timely tyre inspection and maintenance are important for both cars and motorcycles, it is slightly more important for the latter, and it is best to be safer than sorry.
