Motorcycle tires
Motorcycles are two wheeled machines that run on the principle of the Gyro. These two wheeled vehicles are generally on their own unstable if static. However once in motion and the bike starts to move in any direction, the vehicle achieves dynamic stability even at moderate speed. This is through appropriate steering geometry and gyroscopic action of the steered front wheel. Steering stability generally increases with speed, due to gyroscopic effects. An effect of this principle ensures that the motorcycle remains upright even when traveling on side slopes.
The contact of the motorcycle with the road or surface is through wheels that propel the machine forward. The wheels to help forward movement are covered with rubberized covers called Tires. These are pneumatic enclosures are used to protect and enhance the effect of wheels when they are in contact with the road. The credit for the invention of the first practical pneumatic tire generally goes to the Scot John Boyd Dunlop. He developed a pneumatic tire for his son's bicycle, in an effort to give him a smoother ride.
These pneumatic tires not only aid the motion of the bike while it runs but also are a help while braking, steering, and load support. Tires are inflated with air, which provides a flexible cushion between the vehicle and the road. This cushion ensures a smoother ride and irons out any road shock while providing a smoother and comfortable ride.These air filled tires also give a grip on the road that prevents skidding.
However, the pneumatic tire also has a more important effect of vastly reducing rolling resistance compared to a solid tire. This is because the internal air pressure acts in all directions. Thus a pneumatic tire is able to cushion lumps and bumps in the road as it rolls over them.No reaction force opposite to the direction of travel is experienced and the movement forward is smooth.. All vehicles including cars, motorcycles, trucks and bikes need tires. However their specifications are different for each class of vehicles.
Motorcycles tires are pneumatic tires and are available in a variety of sizes. They are of two types- with and without tubes. All motorcycle tires which have a tube to hold air are normal tires. Tires that do not require any air tubes are called tube less tires. One may wonder why solid rubber tires are not used. Such tires could never have a puncture. But Solid tires without any air have been tried and tested but without any success.
Motorcycles tires have a distinctive 'tread\'. This tread really refer to the rubber on the circumference of the tire which is in contact with the road. This tread gives the grip or traction to the bike. Over a period of time these treads get worn because of constant friction as the bike moves on the road. It's dangerous to drive with worn out treads. However a worn out tread on a tire can be replaced by a process called retreading.But for the retread to be successful the casing of the tire needs to be in reasonable good condition. In case the casing or sides of the tire are ruptured a retread would be a waste of money.
Tires are made of flexible elostomer material or rubber and have reinforcing wires that hold the tire to a circular shape. The air compresses as the wheel goes over bump or stone and acts as a shock absorber.
As a general principle all motorcycles have power driven chains that are coupled to the rear wheel which drives the bike forward. Thus the real force to the bike comes from the rear wheel. Hence heavier bikes have broader wheels. Thus most bikes have a wider tire on the rear, as it develops greater traction as it propels the bike forward. Motorcycles tires are mounted on a circular steel rim. The size of the rim really depends on the type and size of the tire to be fitted on it. Also the usage of the motorcycle will dictate the size of the rim and correspondingly the tire.
However remember that over a period of time as the rubber of the tire wears out than you will need to change it and replace it with a new tire.
There are various types of tires. We can summarize them as follows
Firstly we have tires that are exclusively used for higher speed. Such tires are referred to as performance tire. Such tires use a softer rubber material. Performance tires are also good for use in summer and hot conditions. Bikes used for racing will normally have these tires.
Secondly we have tires for exclusive use in winter and snow conditions. These tires have fine grooves and a tread pattern that bites into the road for a better grip.
Thirdly we have all season tires. Such tires are most common on motorcycles. These tires suit all conditions though generally their performance is less demanding than a specialist winter or other tire. A large percentage of bikes are manufactured with these tires.
Lastly we have the all terrain or mud tires. Motorcycle used for off road driving and country roads are the perfect usage of such tires. These tires have stiffer sides and greater resistance to puncture. Mud tires are thick and chunky and designed to take a firm grip while moving through mud and bogs.
Top motorcycle tire manufacturers are Dunlop, Kenda, Firestone, Metzeler, Bridgestone and Pirelli. Remember that motorcycle tires conform to the type of bike and its use. Sports bikes require softer tires and are designed for speed and performance. Touring bikes normally use all season bikes and dirt bikes use tires have stronger walls. Lastly a word about care of your tires would not be out of place. Do check the tires and keep them clean. Look for small nails and stones that may have embedded in the grooves and remove them. All tire manufacturers give the optimum air pressure required for a tire. Keep a check on it and while filling gas at a station always also get the tire pressure checked. Keep a track of the condition of your tire grooves. In case your tire is getting \'bald\' then replace the tire with a new one. Also going on a cross country drive in a tubeless tire do keep a spare tube handy. You can use it to good effect and will not be stranded on the road.
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