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The wide choice of motorcycle wheels and tires on the market, is due to the development done for the race track. Each company aims to produce better and better grip round corners, during acceleration, at top speeds, in any conditions. The vast range of testing facilities the race tracks provide, allow technological advances in motor sport to grow, which then drain down into the market place.

The road is actually a more dangerous place than the track, with other traffic, and no run off points or safety walls, accidents can do a lot more damage to the rider. Grip is still a high safety factor as road conditions vary, the weather changes and corners can still be sharp. Some modern road bikes can be as fast as some race bikes, despite speed restrictions their owners will undoubtedly find somewhere to try them out.

Some of the race tires on the market today are softer than the standard ones fitted to a motorcycle when new. Dual compound types are also available. These give predictability round the corners, and therefore more confidence in the grip. In rear wheel slides the grip is still there to some extent. This means the rider can feel where the slide is going and be confident that they can bring the bike back to the vertical as the bend straightens out.

As for sizes, most six hundred cc and one thousand cc bikes have 5.5 or 6 inch rims, on a 17 or 18 inch wheel. This means that people can fit probably a 180 or 190 width tire with a choice of profile. This limits choice but wheels are a pretty fixed standard according to make and model of bike.

A higher profile like a 60 is not so popular. They are too deep for most road bike set ups where the stock and suspension are closer together than on race bikes, and this makes them slightly less stable. Some people can probably work with them but they will be a struggle particularly at high speeds.

The 180 width combined with the lower profile 55 is good mix for the street where there are slower speeds and tighter corners. For high speeds and good grip the 190/55 is much better, however the extra width adds to the friction on the turn and makes them harder to turn fast. Personal preference here depends mainly on the use of the bike.

Of course race tires are a lot more expensive than standard tires. Their softer compounds will also wear quicker than a standard tire, so it may not be an option for someone who commutes daily on their motorcycle. However if someone rides for fun, and likes to push their bike to the limit the extra expense is a must for the safety and reassurance it gives.

When it comes to the choice of motorcycle wheels and tires, it is really a very personal decision. All bikes are built and supplied with perfectly adequate equipment, and perfectly safe for normal use. For those people who want to push the limits and ride for fun then there is plenty of choice out there to upgrade grip and safety.

Need a little help with your choice of motorcycle parts ? Get the ultimate inside scoop now in our comprehensive guide to the best motorcycle tires and wheels.

Apr162011

Tags: automotive, autos, ecommerce, Motorcycle Parts, motorsports, recreation, safety, tires, Trucks, wheels

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