It's a generally accepted fact that motorcyclists pay more attention to things like selecting motorcycle tyres than the average motorist does when choosing tyres for their car. And perhaps this is hardly surprising when you think that motorcycle tyres have a demanding responsibility to ensure performance with safety. Indeed motorcycle tyres can significantly affect ride quality comfort, acceleration and handling - which is why in almost every case, tyre size and budgets are not the only consideration The first thing to consider when choosing motorcycle tyres therefore is that they are generally designed to match the bike so they should be chosen to suit both the type of bike and the type of riding you have in mind. This means that quite apart from finding a tyre that will handle the weight and power of your machine, you also have to choose motorcycle tyres that will suit the individual bike be that a cruiser, touring, sport, racing or even an off road bike. One key difference between motorcycle tyres and car tyres is that it is essential to choose different tyres for the front and rear of the machine. This is because rear motorcycle tyres are designed to cope with acceleration, the weight of machine and rider and the angle of lean when cornering. Motorcycle tyres designed for the front of the bike on the other hand, are intended to handle turning in and out and to take the majority of the braking effort as well as to play a part in easy riding stability. The actual compounds from which the motorcycle tyres are manufactured are also specifically chosen to suit the part they have to play. Soft tyres have more stick for example, whilst harder motorcycle tyres will last longer and cover a higher mileage. The tyre bias ply design, which varies considerably from one manufacturer to another as well as one tyre type to another, is also important in motorcycle tyres because this feature can make a significant difference to grip and stability. Finally the tread design is critical and quite different for front and rear motorcycle tyres. Front tyres for example generally feature centre grooves which aid riding stability and help to keep the bike upright for less effort on behalf of the rider as well as to ensure better wet and dry grip. Rear motorcycle tyres on the other hand give good traction over a large contact patch and at significant cornering lean angles. So for all kinds of motorcyclists, choosing the right motorcycle tyres to suit their own bike, riding style and of course their pockets, is a matter of great importance – some would even say a matter of life and death. Yet in many ways it's easier to choose today than it has ever been, thanks in no small part to the large number of online and offline specialist retailers and the technical support they offer discerning riders. So choose motorcycle tyres wisely for performance, safety and long life.
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