Motorcycle Tires Vs. Car Tires

There are a number of differences between motorcycle tires and car tires. These include speed ratings, the ratio of power to weight, contact of the tires with the road, and how long they last.

Considerations - Speed Ratings

Tires for motorcycles are typically rated for higher speeds, unlike tires for cars. Most motorcycles are higher performance vehicles than cars are, according to DunlopMotorcycle.com. They have a higher ratio of horsepower to vehicle weight.

Considerations - Contact Footpring

Motorcycle tires have a smaller contact footprint. This refers to how much of a tire is in contact with the ground. Because a motorcycle does not remain upright when cornering, a smaller portion of the tires must bear weight, compared to a car's tires. Also, a car's weight is distributed over four tires, while a motorcycle's weight is carried by only two tires.

Considerations - Tire Life

For all the stated reasons, motorcycle tires are subject to more wear than car tires and do not last as long. A motorcycle owner can extend the life of his tires by observing the speed limit, maintaining correct tire pressure, not exceeding load limits, and avoiding quick acceleration and hard braking.

References

• Dunlop: Info Center FAQ -- Why do motorcycle tires wear out so quickly