As a first-timer on the track the tire wear patterns you may see on your tires won't concern you much like me on my first track day, but the experienced rider knows otherwise.
There are many different tire wear patterns, and some can be a signal that there is something wrong with your motorcycle which could be very dangerous.
That's why I've made this guide to take you from the basics to the advanced on everything you need to know about tire wear patterns on the track and by the end of the article you will know how to diagnose a tire wear pattern, how to avoid them, the specific solutions for specific types of tire wear patterns and more.
Contents
Understanding your Motorcycle Tires
The tread is the outermost layer of rubber that comes in contact with the road surface. It provides grip, traction, and stability for your bike.
The tread also has grooves or sipes that help to disperse water and improve wet performance. The tread pattern can vary depending on the type of tire and the intended use. For example, racing tires have fewer grooves and more rubber for maximum grip, while touring tires have more grooves and less rubber for longer durability.
The carcass is the inner layer of fabric or steel cords that gives the tire its shape and strength. It supports the load of the bike and absorbs shocks and impacts from the road. The carcass also determines the stiffness or flexibility of the tire, which affects its handling and responsiveness. A stiffer carcass offers more stability and feedback, while a softer carcass offers more comfort and grip.
The sidewall is the part of the tire that connects the tread to the rim. It protects the carcass from damage and provides information about the tire's size, type, brand and specifications. The sidewall also influences the ride quality and cornering ability of the tire. A taller sidewall offers more cushioning and lean angle, while a shorter sidewall offers more precision and agility.
The Science Behind Tire Wear
I promise not to bore you with science but understanding the science behind tire wear will help you immensely by giving you a deeper understanding and thus you can make smarter decisions.
Friction: When you ride your bike on the track, your tires are constantly rubbing against the asphalt, creating friction. Friction generates heat, which softens the rubber and makes it wear faster. Friction also depends on the texture and condition of the track surface, and the type and compound of the tire. Some tires are designed to have more or less friction, depending on the intended use and performance.
Heat: When you ride your bike on the track, your tires are exposed to heat from several sources: friction, braking, acceleration, and ambient temperature. Too much heat can cause the rubber to overheat and lose grip, leading to sliding, spinning, and excessive wear. Too little heat can cause the rubber to harden and crack, reducing traction and stability.
Load: When you ride your bike on the track, your tires are supporting the weight of your bike and yourself, as well as the forces generated by acceleration, braking, cornering, and bumps. More load means more contact area and pressure, which means more friction and heat, which means more wear. Less load means less contact area and pressure, which means less friction and heat, but also less grip and control.
Tire pressure: Higher tire pressure means less rolling resistance, which means less friction and heat, but also less contact area and grip. Lower tire pressure means more rolling resistance, which means more friction and heat, but also more contact area and grip.
Tire pressure also changes with temperature: as the tire gets hotter, the air inside expands and increases the pressure; as the tire gets colder, the air inside contracts and decreases the pressure.
Types of Tire Wear Patterns and Their Causes
Cold Tear
Cold tear is a type of tire wear pattern that occurs when the tire is overinflated and the contact patch on the ground is too small. This causes the surface of the tire to heat up quickly and unevenly, while the carcass of the tire stays below the optimal temperature. As a result, the surface rubber is ripped off the tire, leaving deep and irregular tears that can be felt with a fingernail.
Cold tears can affect the performance of your motorcycle on the racetrack by reducing the grip, traction, and stability of your tires. It can also increase the risk of punctures, blowouts, and accidents.
To prevent cold tears, you need to check your tire pressures before every session and adjust them according to the manufacturer's recommendations, the track conditions, and your riding style. You may also benefit from using tire warmers to bring your tires up to temperature before hitting the track.
Hot Tear
Hot tear is a type of tire wear pattern that occurs when the tire is underinflated. This causes the contact patch (the area of the tire that touches the ground) to be too large, which makes the tire overheat.
When the tire overheats, the surface rubber melts and is thrown off by the centrifugal force of the spinning tire. This leaves shallow and spread out tears on the tire surface that look like arcs pointing to the center of the tire.
Hot tear can affect the performance of your motorcycle on the racetrack by reducing the grip, traction and stability of your tires. It can also increase the risk of punctures, blowouts and accidents.
To prevent hot tear, you should check your tire pressure regularly and adjust it according to the manufacturer's recommendations and the track conditions. You should also monitor your tire temperature and use a tire warmer if needed .
Suspension related Tear
Suspension related tear is a type of tire wear pattern that occurs when the suspension system of the motorcycle is not set properly.
This can cause the tire to bounce or vibrate excessively on the road surface, creating uneven patches of wear on the tread. Suspension-related tear can affect the performance of the motorcycle by reducing the grip, traction, and stability of the tire.
Some of the common causes of suspension tear are:
- Worn or damaged shock absorbers, springs, or bushings
- misalignment
- Incorrect tire pressure or size
- Road conditions such as bumps, potholes or debris
To prevent suspension-related tear, you should regularly inspect and maintain your suspension system, check and adjust your tire pressure and alignment, and balance your wheels. You should also choose the right tire size and type for your motorcycle.
Geometry tear
Geometry tear is a type of tire wear pattern that occurs when there is too much weight on the front wheel of the motorcycle.
This can happen when the front suspension is too soft and the rear suspension is too hard, causing the bike to push or stall across the ground instead of rolling smoothly.
This results in a tear that follows the circumference of the tire, about halfway between the middle and the edge. Geometry tear can affect the performance of the motorcycle by reducing the grip and stability of the front tire.
To prevent geometry tear, you need to adjust your suspension settings to balance the weight distribution between the front and rear wheels. You can also check your tire pressure and make sure it is within the recommended range for your tire model and track conditions. By doing so, you can extend the life of your tires and enjoy a safer and more enjoyable ride on the racetrack.
Blue Green Tint on the Tire
Not exactly a tire wear pattern but it still scares riders seeing it for the first time. What is it? The blue or green tint is the result of the oils in the rubber coming to the surface due to high temperatures and friction. These oils help keep the tire soft and grippy, but they also indicate that the tire is working hard and maybe reaching its limit.
The causes of the blue or green tint can vary depending on several factors, such as tire pressure, suspension settings, riding style, and track conditions. In general, a blue or green tint means that the tire is getting very hot and may be losing some of its performance. This can happen if the tire is overinflated, underinflated, or if the suspension is not properly adjusted for the rider's weight and preference. A tire that is too hard or too soft for the track can also cause excessive heat and wear.
The effects of the blue or green tint on the performance of the motorcycle are not necessarily negative, but they do require some attention and monitoring. A tire that is too hot may lose some of its grip and traction, which can affect cornering, braking, and acceleration. A tire that is too cold may not have enough grip and traction, which can also affect cornering, braking, and acceleration. The optimal temperature range for a tire depends on the type and brand of the tire, but generally speaking, it should be around 80 to 100 degrees Celsius.
To prevent or reduce the blue or green tint on your tires, you should check your tire pressure before and after each session and adjust it according to the manufacturer's recommendations. You should also check your suspension settings and make sure they are suitable for your weight, riding style, and track conditions.
How to Diagnose Tire Wear Patterns
1. Inspect your tires after each session on the track. Look for signs of uneven wear. These can indicate problems with your suspension, alignment, or tire pressure.
2. Compare the wear on the left and right sides of your tires. If one side is more worn than the other, it means you are leaning more toward that side or taking more turns in that direction. You may need to adjust your riding style or balance your bike better.
3. Check the wear on the center and the edges of your tires. If the center is more worn than the edges, it means you are braking too hard or accelerating too fast. You may need to be smoother with your throttle and brake control. If the edges are more worn than the center, it means you are cornering too aggressively or using too much lean angle. You may need to reduce your speed or use a less lean angle.
4. Look for signs of overheating, such as blisters, cracks, or melted rubber. These can indicate that your tire pressure is too low, your tire compound is too soft, or your track temperature is too high. You may need to increase your tire pressure, switch to a harder compound, or cool down your tires between sessions.
5. Consult a track mechanic or a track instructor (you can find them at any track you're at) if you are unsure about your tire wear patterns. They can help you interpret what you see and give you advice on how to improve your riding and bike setup.
Preventing and Correcting Tire Wear
Tire wear is normal but excessive and abnormal patterns discussed above aren't so here are some tips to avoid these.
Tire maintenance: Check your tires regularly for any signs of damage, such as cuts, cracks, bulges, or punctures. If you find any, replace the tire as soon as possible. Damaged tires can affect your handling, traction, and safety on the track.
Tire inflation: Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure for your motorcycle and the track conditions. Underinflated tires can cause overheating, uneven wear, and reduced grip. Overinflated tires can cause reduced contact patches, increased wear, and loss of traction. You can use a tire pressure gauge to measure the pressure before and after each session on the track.
Tire rotation: Rotate your tires regularly to balance the wear on both front and rear tires. This can help you maintain optimal performance and handling on the track. The frequency of tire rotation depends on several factors, such as your riding style, the type of tire, and the track layout. A general rule of thumb is to rotate your tires every 1,000 miles or every 4-6 track days.
Here are some possible causes and solutions for abnormal tire wear.
Improper alignment: If your wheels are not aligned properly, they can cause uneven wear on your tires. You can check the alignment by using a straight edge or a string to measure the distance between the front and rear wheels or better go to a wheel alignment garage. If they are not parallel, you may need to adjust the chain tension, the swingarm pivot, or the rear axle (if you go to a garage, they'll do it for you)
Incorrect suspension: If your suspension is too soft or too hard for your weight and riding style, it can cause excessive or uneven wear on your tires. You can adjust the preload, compression, and rebound damping of your suspension to suit your preferences and the track conditions. You can also consult a suspension specialist to get a professional setup for your motorcycle.
Aggressive braking: If you brake too hard or too late abruptly on the track, you can cause abnormal tire wear. This can reduce your braking efficiency and stability on the track. You can avoid this by using smooth and progressive braking techniques, such as trail braking.
Choosing the Right Tires for Your Riding Style
Your riding style: Are you a fast and aggressive rider who pushes the limits of your bike and tires? Or are you a smooth and consistent rider who prefers to maintain a steady pace and conserve your tires? Your riding style will determine the level of grip and durability you need from your tires, as well as the optimal tire pressure and suspension settings.
Your type of motorcycle: Different motorcycles have different weight distributions, power outputs, and geometries that affect how they interact with the tires. For example, a sportbike with a high-revving engine and a short wheelbase will put more stress on the rear tire than a touring bike with a low-revving engine and a long wheelbase. You should choose tires that are compatible with your motorcycle's specifications and performance.
Your typical riding conditions: For example, if you ride in cold or wet conditions, you may want to use softer tires that warm up faster and offer more traction in slippery situations. If you ride in hot or dry conditions, you may want to use harder tires that resist overheating and offer more stability at high speeds. You should also consider the track layout and surface quality, as some tracks may have more abrasive or bumpy surfaces that require more durable or compliant tires.
To help you choose the right tires for your riding style, you can consult the recommendations of your tire manufacturer or dealer, as well as other experienced riders who have similar bikes and preferences.
Remember that choosing the right tire is crucial in determining your performance on the track
Conclusion
Understanding your motorcycle tires and how they are worn is essential for improving your performance and safety on the racetrack. By inspecting your tires regularly, you can identify the causes and effects of different tire wear patterns, such as cold tear, hot tear, suspension-related tear, geometry tear, and blue-green tints.
You can also prevent or correct abnormal tire wear by adjusting your tire pressure, suspension settings, alignment, and riding style. Moreover, you can choose the right tires for your motorcycle, your riding style, and your typical riding conditions, to optimize your grip, traction, and stability on the track. By following these tips, you can extend the life of your tires and enjoy a more enjoyable and satisfying ride on the racetrack.
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