How Many Miles Do Cruiser Motorcycle Tyres Last?

Motorcycle tyres should be replaced every 3,700 miles on the front and every 1,800 miles on the rear [1]. The rate at which your cruiser will require new tyres will depend on your usage of the motorcycle, the road surfaces, and how hard it is ridden.

Because cruisers weigh more than the average motorcycle, averaging 269 kg [2], whereas the average motorcycle weighs 195 kg, the tyre on a cruiser is likely to wear down much sooner than you'd expect from a general motorcycle, although precisely by how much is difficult to generalise.

Tyre Type

The type of tyre used on a motorcycle will affect its lifespan in various ways. It is not wise to cheap out on tyres but to spend a little more money on a pair from a brand you know and trust.

It's also important to make sure you are using the correct types of tyres. Manufacturers and tyre fitters suggest using the same make and model of tyres for the front and rear, purely because mixing tyres can be illegal. If you buy any of the following types of tyres, make sure they match the front and rear to avoid any legal issues:

Cross-ply
Bias-belt
Radial
Zero-degree radials

Load

The weight of your motorcycle dramatically increases or decreases the lifespan of your tyres. The more load or stress applied to a tyre, the faster it will wear out due to the additional work required to maintain a grip on the road surface.

Heavier loads and higher speeds can put more stress on the tyre, leading to increased wear.

Because cruiser motorcycles are heavier, you should expect to change your tyres more frequently than you would on a lighter machine, such as a light touring motorcycle or street bike.

Maintenance

Tyre maintenance is a crucial element in ensuring your tyres last longer. Checking your tyres at least once a week is a good habit to develop. You, as the rider, are solely responsible for the condition and upkeep of your tyres. Overworn or underinflated tyres pose a serious risk to yourself and other road users.

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Tyre Pressures

Operating at the correct pressure is extremely important to ensure your motorcycle handles safely. You can expect to find the recommended pressures within the motorcycle owner's manual or if you don't have the manual you should be able to find the information online. If you are installing replacement tyres, consult the tyre manufacturer for recommended pressures.

These pressures can be adjusted based on the load of your motorcycle. If you are carrying luggage or additional weight, it is your responsibility to adjust the pressure accordingly before and after your journey.

Visual inspections

Inspecting a tyre is a simple process that is extremely important. When checking a tyre, keep an eye on the tread depth, which should be no less than 1.0 mm [3], and look out for any cuts, bulges, loose rubber, or items that could have lodged themselves into the tyre.

Proper storage

How a motorcycle is stored can affect the tyre life of a cruiser. It is uncommon to store this type of motorcycle on paddock stands, meaning the wheels will be in contact with the ground at all times, thus causing the tyres to lose pressure if left for extended periods. This can exert additional pressure on the tyre's carcass and damage it.

A way to help prevent this is to store the motorcycle on a skylift to keep it off the ground. If this is not possible, parking it on a carpet can help reduce any loss of air.

Road Types

The type of road surface and condition can have a significant effect on tyre wear. Paved roads with smooth surfaces, such as asphalt, have a lower impact on tyre wear than rough, unpaved roads or roads with uneven surfaces, such as gravel or dirt.

This is because hard surfaces provide a more consistent contact patch for the tyre. Alternatively, the surface of unpaved roads can cause tyres to wear more quickly due to the increased friction and abrasiveness of the road surface.

Aggressive Riding

Aggressive riding typically involves riding at higher speeds, rapidly accelerating, hard braking, and cornering at higher speeds, all of which contribute to more stress on the tyres, thus reducing their lifespan. All of these factors increase the temperature of the tyre, which leads to the tyre having more grip on the asphalt but comes at the cost of a faster rate of tyre wear.

To maximise the lifespan of your tyres, it is important to ride safely and avoid aggressive driving habits. This includes maintaining a safe speed, avoiding sudden braking and acceleration, and being mindful of the load being carried by the vehicle.

Will My Insurance Company Pay Out If I Have An Accident On My Cruiser With Worn Out Tyres?

Simply put, worn-out tyres or tyres with less than the legally required minimum level of tread could invalidate an insurance claim and possibly void your insurance coverage. There are very specific rules for calculating minimum tread depth and riders should make themselves aware of these requirements [3]. If in doubt, consult a professional tyre fitter for expert advice.

Generally speaking, insurance policies will require you to keep your vehicle in a roadworthy condition at all times, which means that if your tyres do not reach a satisfactory level of condition and you are involved in an accident, the insurer may have the right to void your policy.

[1] -- https://www.protyre.co.uk/car-help-advice/tyre-care/how-many-miles-does-a-motorcycle-tyre-last

[2] -- https://adventurebiketroop.com/motorcycle-weight/

[3] https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspection-manual-for-motorcycles/5-wheels-tyres-and-suspension