The concept of ‘value for money’ is definitely something that’s personal – what you might see as great a great buy may cause the next person to turn up their nose.
It’s exactly the same when it comes to motorcycle tyres too – your needs as a rider will see you get better value for money from one particular tyre, while for another person with the exact same bike, that tyre may not be a suitable option!
In the previous issue of RiDE Magazine, Michelin’s 2-Wheel Technical Manager Tony Charlton had some top tips to help you get better value from your next set of motorcycle tyres:
1. Ask Yourself What You Really Need
Value isn’t about finding the cheapest price you can, it’s about finding the right tyre for your bike and riding needs. You may own a sportsbike, but if the main use is dual-carriageway commuting to work, you’ll be best served by a versatile sport touring tyre which offers better mileage, wet grip and cold weather performance. If you only use the bike for Sunday afternoon blasts and the odd track day, then a more focused hypersport tyre would no doubt be a better fit.
2. Remember That Best Value May Not Mean Cheapest
Buying a cheaper tyre, with a less familiar brand name on the sidewall may help to save you a few pounds, but always consider the one moment when you really need to rely on your tyres’ performance – when that idiot pulls out in front of you!
3. Tyre Mileage Is Purely Personal
Two riders, with identical bikes and tyres, will almost always get a different number of miles from a pair of tyres. A steady rider may get 10,000 miles from a rear, while someone who rides hard may get 4,000. Value can only be equated to what a tyre does for you, which is why manufacturers never give mileage guarantees. Perhaps more important is how a tyre performs once it is half worn. Having to discard a rear tyre because it has flattened off and spoilt your ride is a big frustration, so finding a tyre that continues to perform throughout its life until properly worn out will give value for money in the long run.
4. Don’t Forget The Basics
It may seem obvious, but it cannot be stressed enough that you should be running the correct tyre pressures if you want them to last. Also, if you’re a multi-bike owner with one particular machine in the garage that isn’t used much, the tyre compound will harden over time. Rubber likes to be used and kept malleable, so go for a ride!
Our very own Bryn Phillips also contributed to RiDE’s recent Smart Buys feature, and you can check out what he had to say here.
Find out more about the full Michelin range here.
