What Is Motorcycle Tire Tread Depth?
A motorcycle tire's tread depth measures how worn the tire is. It is the vertical distance from the top of the tread to the base of its grooves.
As your tires wear down with use, the rubber erodes, reducing performance, particularly on wet roads. For safety, Canadian regulations set a minimum tread depth requirement. If your tire’s tread depth falls below this limit, it becomes unsafe to ride.
Where Should You Measure Your Tire’s Tread Depth?
Michelin motorcycle tires include wear indicators—smooth sections within the tread grooves—that appear when the remaining tread depth is 0.8mm (1/32 inch).
In Canada, the legal tread depth limit generally aligns with 1/32 inch, but it’s important to check provincial regulations, as they may vary. Both the centre and shoulder wear must meet the legal requirements. If the tread is below the legal or technical wear limit at any point, the tire must be replaced.
Tread Depth for New Tires
Some motorcycle tires, like those designed for track use but also approved for road use, may have a shallow tread depth when new.
How to Check Your Tire’s Tread Depth
Tire wear indicators are built directly into the tire's design, inside the treads. These indicators provide a clear sign of how worn your tire is. If the tread is worn down close to these indicators, it’s time to replace the tire.
How Do I Find the Wear Indicators on the Tire?
Wear indicators are located in the hollows of the tire treads. Since they can sometimes be tricky to spot, manufacturers often include small markings to guide you.
For example, Michelin tires feature small Michelin Man symbols on the rubber. These symbols help identify where the wear indicators are located.
Steps to Find Tire Wear Indicators:
Look for the Michelin Man symbol on the tire.
Find the nearest wear indicator in the main tread grooves.
Other tire brands may use a "TWI" (Tread Wear Indicator) marking instead.
What’s the Legal Requirement?
All tire manufacturers include wear indicators in their tires with a height of 0.8 mm (1/32 inch). However, it’s important to note that this value is indicative—it helps you identify when the tread is approaching the legal limit and when it’s time to replace your tires.
It’s your responsibility to ensure that your tires never wear below this legal limit.
The Risks of Driving on Worn Tires
Driving with tread below the legal limit not only violates the law but also puts your safety at serious risk. Once your tires reach this point, their performance declines significantly.
For example, in rainy conditions, worn tires struggle to channel water effectively, increasing the risk of hydroplaning or losing control. If the tread wears away entirely, the tire’s structural integrity can deteriorate, potentially leading to dangerous failures.
Michelin does not recommend using tires beyond the wear indicator.
When Should You Check the Wear Level of Your Tires?
We recommend checking your tire wear level whenever you check your tire pressure—ideally every two weeks.
What Causes Tire Wear?
It’s important to distinguish between normal tire wear, which occurs over time through regular driving, and premature wear, which may require you to replace your tires sooner than expected.
Premature wear can often be avoided by taking proper care of your tires. For example:
- Incorrect tire pressure: Over-inflation causes excessive wear in the centre of the tire, while under-inflation leads to wear on the shoulders. Check your tire pressure monthly and adjust it to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Driving habits: Aggressive driving, improper alignments, or worn suspension components can lead to uneven or premature wear.
- Transmission issues: Mechanical problems can also affect tire wear.
If you notice uneven or excessive wear, consult your local tire dealer for an inspection.
