subject: The Difference Between Motorcycle And Car Tires [print this page] Generally tires are categorized according to their function and the type of automotive they are fitted. However, we can also differentiate them by the type of compound used, manufacturing technology, and vehicle application. Motorcycle tires therefore vary greatly from car tires. Both are manufactured using different technologies, manufactured for different purposes, different weight loads.
Motorcyclists are strongly dissuaded against mounting car tires on the rear of their big motorcycles for the reasons discussed in this article. Motorcycle and car tires differ in relation to their speed ratings, load ratings, contact patch, and life span.
Speed and load Ratings
The speed ratings of car tires are different from those of motorcycles. Typically, motorcycle tires are built for speed. This is actually the major factor when considering their performance. If you look at the speed ratings of most motorcycle tires, especially touring and street tires, have a Z-rating meaning they are built to move at a speed faster than 149mph. In contrast, car tires that have a Z-rating are built for high performance cars which include Sport Sedans, Coupes & Sports Cars.
Tires with very high speed ratings have more stability and traction thereby enhance its performance in terms of cornering, braking and acceleration. Michelin Motorcycle tires are specifically built for this purpose.
Motorcycle tires have a lower load rating compared to those of cars. This means that bike tires cannot support a large weight. Exceeding the load limit, therefore, increases wear. On the other hand, a car tire can comfortably support an overload and still maintain its lifespan due to their high power-to-weight ratio.
Contact patch
The contact patches of motorcycle tires are small. The contact patch is smaller compared to that of a car to increase its traction and balance while riding because the weight a motorcycle is distributed between two tires while that of a car is distributed amongst four wheels.
Life span
The general life span of a tire, whether its for a motorcycle or a car, is given to be six years. Tires that exceed this age are likely to burst even if they have not been in use for a long time. However, a car tire can apparently serve you for up to ten years if well maintained. However, the aging cannot be the same. Tires that have not been exposed to hash conditions will age slowly compared to those that have been in use coming in contact with chemicals, oil, gasoline and long exposure to sunlight.
Motorcycle tires, however, wear quickly compared to car tires. The maximum lifespan of Michelin motorcycle tires is six years but the real lifespan is a lot less than that; largely because of their use.
While a car tire can serve you for up to six years without giving in, its motorcycle counterpart can hardly serve you for three years. Motorcycle tires can prolong this lifespan by observing the tires optimum speed limit, optimal load limit, maintaining the right inflation, and avoiding quick acceleration and hard braking.
