It’s May once again, and you know what that means… Motorcycle Safety Month! That time of the year when we all pitch in to share some tips on how to make motorcycling a little bit safer. You can bet the attorneys who ride are going to do their part. Here are some things you need to know about that mysterious device that keeps you connected to the road—your tire!

Motorcycle Mysteries: Motorcycle Tires

That tire on your motorcycle is more than just a piece of rubber cushioning your machine as you motor down the highway. Many modern tires are almost as sophisticated as the motorcycle you put them on. Your motorcycle tire has specific weight and load requirements crafted specifically for your style of riding. That means, if you have a sport touring motorcycle, you shouldn’t put a tire rated for a supersport or a dirtbike on your motorcycle.

Another thing you may not have known, the construction of your tire also determines how well your tire handles a load. For instance, if you have a radial tire—which has belting that runs straight across under the tread—then you can expect your tire to be stiffer and more responsive. If your tire is constructed bias-ply, then it will have a softer ride, and it will handle heavier loads. But be warned, you shouldn’t put two tires with different constructions on the same bike unless it came than way from the factory.

The last thing you should know about motorcycle tires is that they don’t last forever, and we aren’t just talking about tire wear. The compounds that make up motorcycle tires break down over time, and being exposed to elements like heat, water and ozone deteriorate these compounds even faster. Most manufacturers recommend replacing your tires after six years. Otherwise they could crack, stiffen and lose their ability to grip the road.

Brought to you by the Metier Law Firm—Remember to ride safe this Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month!