How to Identify Worn Motorcycle Tyres
20 January 2026 MSCV Editorial
Tyres are your only contact with the road. Recognising wear early improves safety and performance.
Check tread depth regularly. Most tyres have tread wear indicators (TWI) moulded into the grooves — when the tread is level with these bars, the tyre is due for replacement.
Other signs to watch: uneven wear (indicating pressure or alignment issues), cracks or perishing on the sidewall, embedded objects, and cupping or scalloping of the tread. A tyre that has aged beyond roughly five years from the manufacture date (DOT code) should be inspected even if tread remains.
Maintain correct tyre pressure as specified by your motorcycle manufacturer — under- or over-inflation accelerates wear and affects handling.
Safety Notes
Never ride on a tyre below the minimum legal tread depth. If in doubt, have the tyre inspected by a qualified technician.
© MSCV Alliance — MSCV Editorial credit. This article is general guidance and not a substitute for professional inspection or your motorcycle manufacturer's recommendations.
