A: There are two reasons to take it easy on new motorcycle tires. The first is that the tire’s rubber surface will be a bit smooth—whether or not the manufacturer has used a “mold release” chemical in its manufacture—and needs to be “scuffed in” for maximum grip.

Grip is achieved when the tire’s rubber surface interlocks at the microscopic level with the protrusions and pores of the road. This interlocking will become more effective after some use. Normal, non-aggressive cornering, braking and accelerating for the first 100 miles or so should do the trick.

The second reason is that the new tire, even after it is scuffed in, will behave differently than the worn tire it replaced.

The shape of the new tire’s cross-section is more round than a worn tire, which likely has flattened out over time in the central tread area. This center wear happens so gradually over thousands of miles that you likely won’t notice how sluggish (relatively speaking) your bike’s handling has become until your first ride with new tires.

The fresh tires may respond much more quickly to cornering input, and during your first rides you will have to readjust to this “restored” feeling.

Tires perform their best when correctly inflated and operated at their proper roadway temperature. After initial break-in, and as part of your pre-ride inspection, check inflation pressure and surface condition and give your tires a few minutes of mild riding to warm them.

As a side note, the interlocking concept explains why reductions in tire elasticity (whether from age, over-inflation or cold) can reduce traction. Similarly, a seemingly innocuous painted line on the road can reduce traction by smoothing out natural irregularities in the road surface.

Please see the Motorcycle Industry Council Tire Guide, available for free download at
msf-usa.org/library.aspx, for more technical information and tips for getting the most out of your tires.