Replacing only one tyre

[Wormwood]

My rear tyre tends to wear out much faster than the front tyre, possibly because I use engine braking a lot. I read somewhere that you should always replace both tyres at the same time. However, if one tyre wears out much faster than the other, this may not be the most economical option.

 

So my question is: do you replace both tyres at the same time, and if so/if not, why?

Edited April 18, 2011 by Wormwood

[Wayang]

yes, i replace both tires at the same time on the R6 becos i want maximum grip after a tire change for spirited riding BUT on the XR4 i only replace the tire tat was worn out becos i was only commuting on it.

[KeraKing]

its not really necessary.

i usually change both tyres together when i want to test different tyres models and sizes.

 

but if they're the same model/size then i would just change one at a time.

[QuaXum]

rule of the thumb, 2 rear 1 front. but if you just kenna ytd's toto 3mil, den its a different story all together

[Constructicon]

Tyre manufactuers recommends changing both at the same time...well, they are not average Joes earning average pay, so they can change 1 set every time.

 

For me, I probably change the 3 rear tyres for every 2 front ones.

So long as its the same brand, same model, and the tyre wear on the existing one is still very much in a safe condition.

 

Once saw a rider change his tyre with the steel belts already showing.

Unbelievable....what price, safety/ life?

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

Rear tyre on my cubkia wears really fast due to weight distribution and naturally as it is the drive wheel. Dont worry about the engine braking, it saves the pads.

 

If rear tyre is getting botak in the centre too fast, you are running it overinflated.

 

Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk

[Wayang]

engine braking may save brake pads but brake pads r cheaper to replace then engine internals

[pedro el pipit]

rule of the thumb, 2 rear 1 front. but if you just kenna ytd's toto 3mil, den its a different story all together

 

Agreeee!! 2 rear 1 front!!

[pedro el pipit]

Not forgetting to pump your tyre once a week...

[arthur_chan]

had the opposite, front wears out faster than rear.

[pedro el pipit]

had the opposite, front wears out faster than rear.

 

Wah! Got like that meh.. Rare..

[Stylo]

See the tire condition. Rear tire always wear off faster than front.

Can change one tire at a time either front or back.

[c4ble]

had the opposite, front wears out faster than rear.

 

Riding TL?

[arthur_chan]

Riding TL?

 

what is TL?

 

do u think by swerving too much will wear the thread out faster? cos i always swerve suddenly to avoid pit holes n drains, of cos in my own lane n done all the safety check.

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

Don't think swerving within lane causes significantly increased tyre wear, the wear from steering forces on a bike is relatively low.

 

If I had the front wearing out much faster than the rear I would check the tyre pressure of the front tyre and see if it is overinflated (which will cause the centre tread to go botak really fast).

 

The driving wheel (back) of both my bikes always wears out much faster than the front because of the acceleration forces and the weight distribution (as much as 70% on the back tyre). My riding style usually involves hard acceleration, gentle braking + engine braking.

 

Because the front tyre wears so slowly, if I wanted to I can skip changing both tyres every year and re-use the front tyre but Phantom tyres are really expensive if bought singly and very very cheap if bought in a set! So I always don't mind to get fresh rubber for just $40-50 more over the ala carte price of a single tyre, and enjoy the added grip from soft new tyres.

 

(Tip - always check the tyre's manufacturing date before the mechanic puts it on. Trying to ride on 5 year old tyres = accident waiting to happen).

[vietkong]

TS, it is perfectly normal for rear tyres to wear out faster than the front. It is not because you use alot of engine brake but purely cos your bike is rear-wheel driven!

 

Like what some of the other bros have mentioned, usually tyres are changed on a 2:1 ratio, which means you use 2 rear tyres before changing the front.

 

When you replace only the rear tyre, it is most advisable that you replace one of the same brand and type, but not entirely necessary. However, I must caution you that should you choose to use a different brand or type of tyre from the front, you must at least ensure that they are of the same or similar compound type, such as soft or medium soft tyres. Otherwise, you will quickly realise how unstable it is when riding on wet roads!