What are Tyres?
The only part of the bike actually touching the road — everything else depends on their grip.
Simplified animation — not to scale.
In plain English
Motorcycle tyres carry the entire weight of the bike and rider through a contact patch not much bigger than a hand, providing all the grip for accelerating, braking and leaning into corners.
“Two small palm-sized patches of rubber are all that stand between you and the road — everything else is a supporting act.”
How it works
Tread compound and pattern are engineered to balance grip, wear and water dispersal, while the tyre's profile shape affects how the bike behaves as you lean it over. Correct pressure is critical on two wheels — too low and the tyre overheats and wears unevenly, too high and grip suffers.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠Tread depth below the 1.6mm legal minimum
- ⚠Cracking in the sidewall or between tread blocks
- ⚠Uneven wear across the tyre's profile
- ⚠Bulges or visible cord — replace immediately
£60–£180
Always get a written quote. Prices vary by bike, region, and parts brand.