Modifying Motorcycle Tires Can Affect Motorcycle PerformanceBy Maina Karoki Ijohn In the World of motorbikes there are two words that are very frequent on many bike owner's lips; speed and performance. Some bike owners can go to all lengths to have their bikes modified so as to experience high performance whenever they are out for a spin or a ride. Those who do modifications by themselves have in mind two fundamental factors that can affect the performance of your bike; the size and pressure of your tire.
Reducing Pressure The technique used when pressure is involved is to decrease tire pressure which then achieves a better grip on the road. This increases more rubber on the road which in effect increases the surface area on the tire. High performance is then enhanced when the tire can handle sharp corners faster especially for race bikes that need a higher performance.
Despite the maximum grip from low pressure, a compromise of stability and feel is experienced. While low pressure achieves the ability to make quick sharp turn on those corners, it decreases the tire's ability to run on a straight line. As a result you as the bike racer will end up overheating your tires and a catastrophic situation will highly occur. The same factor will also negatively affect your ride since a high percentage of the riding period will be on a straight line.
While extra traction on the corners is an added advantage due to low pressure, proper pressure is a better option when doing lap time. With proper pressure, you find yourself doing more lap time than the tire with low pressure.
The best practice for you as a rider especially on the race track, is to invest in a pyrometer which will give you the recommended measure of temperature that your tire rubber should reach as stipulated by the manufacturer. Most manufacturers like Dunlop and Dennis Smith give an allowance of six to eight pounds of temperature on the rear tire and two to four pounds of the front tire. In addition, when your tire has proper pressure the front tire will turn quicker and with better precision.
Increasing Tire Width & DiameterWith a similarity to automobile tires, motorcycle tires are designed to have a certain size that will offer the performance desired. Tires designed for high performance motorcycles are large in size to enable the bike to accelerate and quickly turn corners. Sport bikes are commonly spotted with tires designed with features such as a large diameter and width for better track performance.
A modification of the tire's width leads to more 'rubber' (an increase in the tire's surface area) on the road and an increase of adhesion as well making the tire have a better grip. A larger width also transforms your bike's ability to stop and take corners faster.
But despite the enhanced performance, wide and large diameter tires will require stronger shock absorbers to handle bumpy effects on the road. This is due to an increase in the weight of the tire and its wheel which will need stronger shocks that will control the heavier 'bounce' that will be experienced.
Maina is an expert in Motorcycle tires about Motorcycle accessories. You can visit 4wheelonline.com to get comprehensive details about the trends and best brands in the market.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maina_Karoki_Ijohn
