Tire temperature is particularly important for motorcycle tires

The Challenge of Optimal Tire Pressure

The manufacturer's recommended tire pressure doesn't always guarantee optimal tire temperature. Measurements on winding country roads have shown temperatures of around 45 degrees Celsius at the front and 55 degrees Celsius at the rear tire - too low for a tire pressure of around 2.0 bar.

"The grip of a tire is like the sole of a shoe. On smooth ice, even the best shoe offers little grip. The same applies to a cold tire on a wet road. Only at the right temperature can the tire develop its full grip and carry us safely through traffic. If it gets too hot, however, it can 'melt' and lose its grip."

Factors affecting tire grip:

• Tire profile: The tread pattern of a tire also affects grip, especially on wet or snowy roads.
• Tire pressure: Too low or too high tire pressure can negatively affect grip and shorten tire life.
• Riding style: The rider's riding style also plays a role. Sudden steering movements or hard acceleration and braking can reduce grip.
• Optimal operating temperature: The optimal operating temperature of a motorcycle tire is a crucial factor for its performance and safety. This specific temperature range, in which the rubber compound achieves its maximum elasticity and grip, varies depending on the tire construction and intended use. While sports tires often require higher temperatures to reach their full potential, touring tires are generally ready for use at lower temperatures.

MOTORRAD magazine recommends for spirited road use on sports bikes up to about 215 kilograms fully fueled: 2.3 bar front and 2.3 to 2.5 bar rear. However, for long motorway journeys, the manufacturer's specifications should always be adhered to, as this can otherwise increase wear and tear and possibly lead to blisters on the tread rubber.

If the high tire temperature (about 55 degrees Celsius at the front and 70 to 80 degrees Celsius at the rear) and thus the pressure increase is not reached with racing tires, the tires may feel unwieldy and with poor steering precision when using the tire pressure set for the race track. Only pure racing tires with a stiff carcass construction are designed for a pressure of 1.8 to 2.0 bar, while road tires are designed for 2.3 to 2.9 bar due to the higher load capacity required.

To have the right tire temperature from the start of the race, which is a prerequisite for perfect grip and thus optimal lap times, all racers use tire warmers. In addition, preheated tires wear out considerably slower and more evenly. The magazine PS tested the tire warmers of the most common manufacturers in issue 5/2004.

Summary

The text discusses the importance of optimal tire temperature for motorcycle safety and performance. It explores various factors that influence tire grip, including tire pressure, profile, and riding style. The text also highlights the differences in optimal temperature between different types of tires, such as sports tires and touring tires. Additionally, it emphasizes the role of tire warmers in achieving optimal tire temperature for racing.

SHIPPING OF RACING / SLICK TYRES AT THE WINTER TIME - LOW TEMPERATURES