Cold tire warm up
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: PA
Cold tire warm up
Still summer here, but I've been wondering at what temperature does cold tire warmup become something to be concerned about? Temps are starting to hit the 50s now in the mornings.
I have a Sportster 1200, it's about 1.5 miles of 25mph out of my community to the main road, which is 45mph. I don't ride aggressively, but the country roads are curvy here.
I have a Sportster 1200, it's about 1.5 miles of 25mph out of my community to the main road, which is 45mph. I don't ride aggressively, but the country roads are curvy here.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 687
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From: Maryland
I've never known intentional cold tire warm up to be necessary on street bikes ridden at 'normal' speeds on good, properly inflated tires. I road raced (AMA/CCS and WERA) for 10 years and rode hard on the street for many more. Unless you're trying to ride racetrack speeds and racetrack lean angles, a good tire shouldn't need any intentional warm up to provide good traction on good surfaces. Make sure they're in good shape, no more than 3 years old (IMO) and inflated to the right pressure if you want the best traction. That said, if you feel the need to warm your tires, do it by accelerating and braking in the first mile or two to create friction and heat. The weaving back and forth that racers do is not to warm the tires, it's to scrub the crap off the tires that's picked up during a sight-in lap.
And if you want to take it another step further, consider softer compound tires...but remember they'll wear faster. A softer compound will stick better but wear faster; harder compound will last longer but not stick quite as well. But again, most of this isn't that critical or even noticeable if you ride 'normally' on the street. The new harder compound, higher mileage tires from major manufacturers still provide great street traction for the average rider. And the soft compound tires are a waste if you're not pushing hard. I wouldn't worry about tire warm up unless you're planning to push hard on a really cold day. Ride safe, Fish.
And if you want to take it another step further, consider softer compound tires...but remember they'll wear faster. A softer compound will stick better but wear faster; harder compound will last longer but not stick quite as well. But again, most of this isn't that critical or even noticeable if you ride 'normally' on the street. The new harder compound, higher mileage tires from major manufacturers still provide great street traction for the average rider. And the soft compound tires are a waste if you're not pushing hard. I wouldn't worry about tire warm up unless you're planning to push hard on a really cold day. Ride safe, Fish.
Last edited by Wheels24; Sep 2, 2015 at 09:45 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Nonya, BS
No need to warm up the tires on a harley. Your bike will hit it's limit long before the tires. It's not a crotch rocket trying to carve twisties with a knee dragging. It's a hog, you will scrape pipes, pegs or floor boards long before your tires loose traction because they weren't warm.
Outstanding HDF Member
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From: Home
No need to warm up the tires on a harley. Your bike will hit it's limit long before the tires. It's not a crotch rocket trying to carve twisties with a knee dragging. It's a hog, you will scrape pipes, pegs or floor boards long before your tires loose traction because they weren't warm.
Depends on the brand and type of tire, not the name on the tank, that determines how long the tires need to be warmed up.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Minnesota
The big factor in spring and fall is proper tire inflation. Now don't panic,you don't have to inflate and/or deflate your tires several times each day because the temp swing is 30° in a given day,, but tires should be inflated "cold" to your desired pressure.
The air inside a tire has a different volume when it's 80° vs 50°,, that volume of air is what the tire pressure is all about.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 103
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From: RI
I remember my sportbike days where the difference was huge between tire models and temperature where you could break traction on demand when tires are cold in the middle of the summer and in the fall almost un-drivable until warm (Not race tires). I Don't think it matters much on most HD tires as the bikes just don't have the power or capability to test the tires which is why in the HD world, a tire recommendations focus on mileage where with metrics, traction and capability tend to define the tire recommendations.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
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From: USA
Tires have an optimum operating temperature range.
Grip increases once a tire is warmed into that range.
I do not know the heat range for Harley OEM Dunlops or Michelins.
Typically the range is attained through air pressure adjustments and measuring the heat with the use of a pyrometer tool.
I'd also agree if you are riding sanely...no need for concern...just ride and enjoy.
Grip increases once a tire is warmed into that range.
I do not know the heat range for Harley OEM Dunlops or Michelins.
Typically the range is attained through air pressure adjustments and measuring the heat with the use of a pyrometer tool.
I'd also agree if you are riding sanely...no need for concern...just ride and enjoy.