Breaking in New Motorcycle Tires

What Happens If You Skip the Break-In Phase?

Skipping the break-in period for new motorcycle tires can lead to accidents. Riders who accelerate too quickly or lean aggressively into turns on brand-new tires risk losing traction, causing falls.

Regardless of the tire brand, breaking in your tires allows them to reach their full potential safely and ensures maximum grip, especially on wet or uneven surfaces.

Never use abrasive products to remove the film from your tires, as this can cause permanent damage. The only way to break in your tires properly is by following a careful riding process.

Breaking in new motorcycle tires requires riding carefully and following these important precautions:

For Road Usage

Start slowly with gentle acceleration, braking, and minimal lean angles. Gradually increase your demand on the tires as you get accustomed to their performance. We recommend at least 100 km (approximately 62 mi) for this process. This applies to all our motorcycle and scooter tires.

The ideal approach is to make a trip covering this distance and ride on various road types. Why? In everyday use, such as commuting, riders often lean more to one side—especially at roundabouts—which creates an uneven wear pattern.

While it’s possible to break in tires during regular commuting, it might take a bit longer to ensure both sides of the tire are evenly worn.

For Off-Road Usage

For some off-road activities, the break-in period may be faster due to the higher friction levels on surfaces like dirt (e.g., Cross Country). However, it’s still recommended to complete at least 100 km before pushing the performance of your new tires.

For Track Usage (NHS and Road Legal Tires)

With Tire Warmers: Maintain the proper temperature and apply sufficient demand right from the start.

Without Tire Warmers: Begin slowly with gentle acceleration, braking, and low lean angles. Gradually increase demand on the tires to familiarize yourself with their performance.

For Rain Tires (NHS)

Avoid sharp acceleration, braking, and aggressive cornering. Gradually increase your pace as you get comfortable with the tire’s capabilities in wet conditions.

The ambient temperature plays a significant role in how quickly tires are broken in. Warm weather helps tires reach their optimal grip level sooner, reducing the break-in period. Conversely, colder conditions extend the process, so be prepared for a longer break-in time during the colder months common in Canada.

Maintaining the correct tire pressure, as recommended by your tire manufacturer, is essential throughout your tires' lifespan. During the break-in phase, incorrect pressure can negatively impact both short-term handling and long-term performance. Be sure to check your tire pressure regularly, especially when your tires are still new.

You may not always need to replace both tires simultaneously. For instance, if one tire is flat and irreparable while the other shows minimal wear, your dealer may suggest changing only the damaged tire.

The break-in process for a single new tire should follow the same precautions as breaking in a full set. Until the thin film coating on the new tire wears off, the break-in is incomplete. Drive cautiously and progressively as described above.

Once you've ridden 100 km, you can start to push your motorcycle’s performance. However, avoid abrupt changes in your driving style. Progress gradually until you feel fully confident in your tires’ performance.

As the French playwright Jean Racine once said, “He who wishes to travel far spares his mount.” This timeless wisdom applies just as much to your motorcycle tires today.