the true cost of tires

[j3gq_imp]

Do we care about cost when it comes to our beloved CB/s. Probably not. But it struck me when I added 1 + 1, and figured how motocycle tires (as a specialty market) compare to car tires (none S.U.V, or high speed, or trucks).
What are the factors ?
- changing a tire is much more work, in part. in the back,
- tires are relatively expensive,
- and they don't last as long,
- and any reasonable rider will not take risks w.r.t. wear and age, while this is less a factor for cars.

My rough guess for cost per mile ? One set of m/c tires is are at least 6 times more expensive (all factors included the fact that cars have 4 wheels is accounted for) than in cars.

Nothing new here, I suppose, but I'd like to hear your thoughts.

[LongRanger_imp]

I think the 6x factor is simply a function of limited mileage. My car and bike tires cost about the same but my car tires last 4-6x longer. I also have less tolerance for worn tires on my bike than I do on my car, so they get replaced before they appear worn. I’m okay if my car tires are squared off or cupped, but not on my bike!

[Houtman_imp]

There are two places where you need the best rubber you can find : on your bike and on your .......

[Phadreus_imp]

Heh, heh...my Grandpa said to me one time when I complained about how expensive the tires were to replace on my motorcycle, "You think the cost to replace tires was expensive, how much money will you spend in medical bills and motorcycle repairs when you go down because of old, shotty tires." Always thought the was a great perspective to keep in mind.

There are two places where you need the best rubber you can find : on your bike and on your .......

[the Ferret]

Yea it's a shame that motorcycle tires cost so much and last such a short time, even for those that do not ride aggressively. Guess that's why a lot of touring and sport touring motorcyclists adapt car tires to their bikes. Not going to go into the merits of why or why not that is a good idea (on some websites it's akin to starting an oil thread) but needless to say it wouldn't be an issue if motorcycle were designed to go at least 25,000 or 30,000 miles.

Then again at the rate the vast majority motorcyclists ride, their standard motorcyle tires will last 2 1/2 to 3 seasons of riding..

From google:
In fact, the average annual mileage for a motorcycle is around 3,000 miles.

If motorcycle tires WERE designed to go 25,000 miles the sidewalls would dry rot before running out of tread.

But for those of us who ride 15,000-20,000 or more miles per season, tires are a major expense. Often requiring the purchase and mounting of a several sets of tires per season.

I would say very few crashes involve worn out tires or even bad new tires. Lack of experience/skill upkeep has to be the number one cause of motorcycle accidents, not tires.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Yeah, almost worn through the wear indicator on the rear. Maybe time to change it out.

[Charlie Bravo_imp]

I never keep track of what things for the bike costs. I ride for fun, not transportation, and you can't quantify fun. Same thing when I had my sailboat; never total up what it costs per year to keep the boat, because that leads to BOAT FOR SALE ads. The only thing that matters is; Does it still put a grin on your face? I sold my last boat because I wasn't using it enough to justify the cost, and regretted it ever since. I am in the market for another boat.

[Gone in 60]

18 minute commute on a motorcycle and I don't complain about traffic.
45 minute commute in a car and I am hoarse from screaming.

I'll pay extra for tires.

[j3gq_imp]

18 minute commute on a motorcycle and I don't complain about traffic.
45 minute commute in a car and I am hoarse from screaming.

I'll pay extra for tires.

How much I can relate to this ...

[Sparky80_imp]

so.... what are good tires for this bike? 18's be weird sizes