These methods are far from definitive, and a number of low-cost digital and analog tread depth measurement tools are available online. While there are several ways to measure the tread depth of your motorcycle tires, the two most reliable methods we recommend are: keep an eye on your tires, consider investing in a cost-effective tread depth tool, and mention any uneven wear to your mechanic as soon as you notice it. Tread depth has a significant impact on the performance, comfort and safety of your motorcycle. Worn tyres cause your TÜV motorcycle to fail immediately. Enough said! We recommend that you bring your bike annually for an oil change while you wait. We check your tires and give you your tread depth measurement and hardness measurement. This allows you to track the wear of your tires and better plan the replacement. Driving, which most commuters and occasional drivers do, means that steps closer to the tire wall wear out more slowly than those in the middle. The minimum legal tread depth of a motorcycle tyre is 1 mm within three-quarters of the middle of the tyre`s tread. For motorcycles over 50 cc, the remaining tread around the outer edges of the tyre shall remain visible. The tread depth is then indicated in mm on a digital or analog display. Threaded grooves give tires grip in wet conditions; Their depth is how we monitor the remaining life of a tire. Below 50cc, all grooves of the original tread should be visible – if the grooves have worn smoothly, your tire should be changed.
When wear approaches these elevated areas, which are on par with tread rubber, it`s time to change your tires. Once the tire remains under a certain tread surface, it is dangerous (and illegal) to drive. A tread depth gauge is undoubtedly the most accurate way to measure the tread depth of your tires. This handy tool is easy to use and can be found in most bike shops and online for under £10! 3. Consider the age of the tire. How far is it from 5 years old? The image below shows the imprint of the date code printed on the sidewall of the tire. You are interested in the last 4 digits 4310, which is the 43rd week of the year 2010. This tire is just over 5 years old. You can walk on a 10-year-old tire and it`s still dangerous because the rubber is hard. To get a quick idea of the hardness of the tires, stick your sticker in the rubber, it should be soft and flexible. For reference, find a bike with a new tire and stick your sticker on it.
Tread depth is measured from the deepest part of the tire grooves to the top of the tire surface. Tread depth is measured in millimeters (mm) and affects the ability of tires to divert water from the contact surface when wet. Many motorcycle tires have wear indicators that are molded into the rubber grooves of the tread. Look for one of the grooves on tires with a raised rubber segment. These groves are usually located outside the center of the tire. This raised segment indicates the manufacturer`s lowest tread to stay safe. Most manufacturers will take the position that you should replace your tires before reaching this mark. 2. Check for tire defects. The first tire has a tread, but cracks along the sidewalls (commonly known as dry rot) are a clear sign that the tire needs to be replaced. Tire number two has a worn square tread.
This tire won`t feel good when leaning against the bike in a curve. This contact area at the “corner” of this tire will be very small. Another type of uneven wear is tire number three. The bike had a good shock absorber and a faulty shock absorber. You can see what effect the bad shock absorber had on that bad tire. These 3 tires have been replaced. UK law requires a minimum tread depth of 1mm on 3/4 of the visible tread pattern on the remaining 1/4 for bikes over 50cc. As the top of the tread grooves approaches these raised rubber sections, it`s time to think about a new set of tires! Indeed, we rarely bend up to our knees in our curves and the edge steps are in direct contact with the road. If you have enough tread on your tires, you`ll stay safe and on the right side of the law. Tread depth is a vertical measurement from the top of the rubber of a tire`s tread to the bottom of its deepest grooves.
Remember: the lowest depth you find is the exact indicator of how long your tires will last. With your new knowledge and a reliable tread depth indicator, you should be ready to hit the road! Rubber in motorcycle tires is softer than rubber in car tires because it needs to be. A typical contact area between your motorcycle tire and the pavement is the size of a credit card. Hard tires are more likely to slip and slip, while soft rubber sticks to the pavement. You need that grip to stay on your bike. If the depth of the groove covers the outer strip of the part, your tires are good. The penalty for riding a motorcycle with bare tyres is a fixed fine of £100 and three points per tyre. If the offence is aggravated by the District Court, this fine can be up to £2500 per tyre and may be prohibited from driving.