Motorcycle tires are more important to motorcycles than automotive tires are to cars and trucks for the simple reason that there are half as many wheels involved. The wheel/tire combination helps with suspension and locomotion, just as with a car, but the gyroscopic effect also keeps the motorbike upright. These tires also have to do all this work on a much narrower contact patch than a car tire.

Replacing tires are best left to you the professional. Be well-prepared to give the best advice and selection when helping your customers replace or upgrade their tires once the old set wears down. Three opportunities to provide assistance include:

1. Installing new motorcycle tires;

2. Providing specialty tires for a custom look; and

3. Helping with emergency tire repair or replacement.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Stock a virtual warehouse with wholesale motorcycle tires

Since manufacturers' dimensions, rubber compounds and tread patterns vary so widely, show your customers they can trust you by providing expertise in selling the right tires for their motorcycle. Manufacturers' research and development provide the easiest upgrade to handling and comfort for your customers' rides. Buy motorcycle tires online, so you can keep a wide variety of tires at your fingertips without committing your physical space to all that rubber.

I recommend: Motorcycle Accessory Warehouse carries major brands of road bike tire such as Dunlop, Michelin and Metzeler. MotoSport lets you search for off-road motorcycle tires by brand or tire size to narrow the selection to what fits your customers’ bike and riding style best.

Install motorcycle tires that provide instant customization

One of the most effective ways your customers can obtain a custom look for their ride is to install oversized rear tire kits that can cover the tire, the wheel even the fender to ensure everything fits together properly on the first try. Or, dress up your customers' bikes with color motorcycle tires: blue, green, yellow, red, orange, silver or even camouflage.

I recommend: Desser Tire and Rubber produces the only color tires on the market: Innova ATV and off road motorcycle tires, and Tomahawk road and race tires. MeanCycles.com distributes oversize motorcycle tire kits from 210 mm to 280 mm.

Offer motorcycle tire tools for motorcycle tire repair

Rolling on two wheels makes a flat tire even more dangerous. Offering quick, effective repair and replacement even on the road can convert drive-bys into loyal customers.

I recommend: Wikco.com markets a manual motorcycle tire changer compact enough to work with a fixed hitch on the back of a truck or SUV–perfect for pit crews or chase vehicles on race day, or if you have a booth at a rally event. They also sell wheel balancers and accessories for the tire changer to work on ATVs and motorcycles with shaft drive. Stop & Go International offers on-the-road tire repair kits to limp a bike to the nearest shop–preferably yours.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Take advantage of online distributors with quick-ship options to hold inventory for you, letting you stock up on a wider variety motorcycle tires and accessories. Then while your customer's bike is in your shop you can demonstrate those other products on their bike: upgraded wheel/tire combinations, brakes and fork/shock suspension systems.

There are many types and brands of tires for motorcycle owners to choose from. The choices you make affect the quality and safety of your riding experience.

The tire you choose depends on many factors, including your riding style, where you plan on riding, and how often. You should never select a tire simply for its look or popularity. If you end up choosing a tire that does not correspond to your riding skill, you may be taking a huge risk. Here are things to remember when purchasing motorcycle tires:

1. When purchasing online, make sure the return policy works for you. After forking out for expensive tires, you don’t want to lose out because the tires don’t fit, or are older than you thought.

2. Never buy motorcycle tires that are more than 6 years old. Tires have "born on" dates, so make sure you choose a fresh set. Consider the length of time a tire sits out, gassing in a warehouse and then a retail store.

3. The better a tire's traction, the worse its mileage. When picking tires for your motorcycle, be aware of this trade-off. Rubber has great traction, but isn't durable. With a firmer rubber compound, the opposite is true.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy motorcycle tires to match your personal riding style

Some tires have a softer sidewall, which results in a smoother ride. Harder sidewalls make for a stiffer ride- you can feel every bump and hole in the road- which some riders prefer. Additionally, if you plan on carrying heavy luggage, there are harder tires available that allow for heavier loads. Race compound tires have very little tread and should be reserved for the track.

I recommend: Accessories International offers some of the lowest prices on the Internet. They're also willing to beat competitor pricing. Motorcycle Superstore offers a complete selection of wholesale motorcycle tires for all riding styles, including color motorcycle tires.

Make safety your top priority when purchasing new motorcycle tires

Only you know what you are capable of as a rider, so don't be tempted to purchase a tire that doesn't match your bike or your skill level. Fat back tires may look cool, but purchasing one that's too big for your bike's rim may pinch or flatten the tire profile. This could compromise the tire's ability. Go the safe route and follow the manufacturer's recommendations when picking a tire.

I recommend: Dunlop, Metzel, and Bridgestone are popular motorcycle tire brands, and all offer a fitment guide to help you find the perfect tires for your bike and riding style.

Call stores in your area before you buy motorcycle tires online

Understand what method of mounting your shop will perform. Mounting off the bike means the shop mounts the tires onto rims that you bring in. Mounting on the bike means you bring the bike in and the shop does everything. Most shops say they won't install motorcycle tires if you buy them online; but many will, rather than lose a customer altogether. Although they won't warranty the tire, they will warranty the labor.

I recommend: You can find a dealer to mount your tires by searching motorcycle websites such as Suzuki, Honda, and BMW. Just look for their dealer locater and enter your zip code for a listing of dealers in your area.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While increased pressure in a tire provides less traction and decreases wear, decreased pressure is just as bad. Both compromise the stability of your motorcycle tires, so it's best to meet the manufacturer's guidelines regarding tire pressure.