IS IT DANGEROUS TO PUT CAR TIRES ON MOTORCYCLES?

Putting car tires on motorcycles is a highly-debated subject among bikers. Some riders, known as “Darksiders,” believe they are more cost-effective and less prone to wear than standard motorcycle tires. Conversely, many safety experts contend tires designed for automobiles impair performance and increase the likelihood of a crash when used on a motorcycle. Because many of our motorcycle accident lawyers are also bikers, we are familiar with the consequences of putting cost savings before safety. Read on to learn why putting car tires on motorcycles can be dangerous.

Do You Have a Case?

HOW DO CAR TIRES DIFFER FROM MOTORCYCLE TIRES?

Car tires differ considerably from tires designed specifically for motorcycles. Primarily, four car tires are intended to support an automobile weighing approximately 3,000 to 4,000 pounds, while the average bike, supported by two motorcycle tires, weighs about 300 to 500 pounds.

The most significant difference between the two is the profile. Motorcycle tires have a rounded shape and contoured profile that facilitates turning, accelerating and stopping. Car tires are basically flat with a square profile. 

Why is this important?

When you turn a corner on a motorcycle, the bike leans into the turn and the contact area of the tire changes accordingly.

In contrast, when you navigate a turn on a motorcycle equipped with car tires, the tires hold their shape so only the edge of the tire makes contact with the pavement. Sharp turns put more pressure on the edge of the car tire, increasing the likelihood of wear or failure. 

In addition, the sidewall stiffness of a motorcycle tire is better able to withstand sharp cornering than a car tire.

Another point to take into account is the fact that the majority of modern bike tires feature many rubber compounds. The tires have harder compounds in the middle to enhance tread on the highway and soft compounds at the edges to enhance grip when you lean your bike.

Additional differences include sidewall stiffness, total size, and construction. The rigidity differences can be enough to cause blowouts while on a motorcycle with car tires when the bike isn’t driven according to its equipment needs.

Most c ar tires have a single compound. They are not designed for you to learn them over. Likewise, car tires are not equipped to deal with camber forces. 

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF USING CAR TIRES ON A MOTORCYCLE?

According to most motorcycle manufacturers, tires are an essential factor in the overall design of a bike. Specific tires are selected for their ability to optimize the performance of a particular make and model. Switching tires, even from a different motorcycle style, can have a negative impact on the overall ride and affect certain functions such as turning. In turn, using the wrong tires can pose a safety risk if the biker cannot turn as sharply or accelerate as quickly when necessary.

Consequently, it follows that putting car tires on a motorcycle is a major concern for safety experts. 

Here are some of the risks associated with riding a motorcycle equipped with car tires: 

• When taking a curve, only the edge of the car tire makes contact with the road, increasing the risk of tire failure or crashing due to loss of traction
• Car tires are wider, which can result in damage to the suspension or other components
• Police can issue a ticket if it is illegal to equip motorcycles with car tires in the place you are riding
• If you are injured or your bike is damaged, an insurance company may deny a claim if a bike is modified with equipment not intended for its use
• Car tires are not as effective when making a sudden stop or sharp turn

Car tires are meant to have a squared profile which works perfectly with the vehicle’s design. Additionally, the squared shape of car tires works well under certain conditions such as rain and snow. If you attempt to drive a motorcycle outfitted with car tires, you will lose the ability to corner safely, which you would otherwise have with the appropriate set of tires.

A motorcycle is a single-track vehicle. When you take a bike through a turn, it naturally leans into that motion. Having car tires underneath you instead of ones made for what you’re riding causes the maneuvering profile to change.

DO I NEED A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER FOR A CRASH INVOLVING A MODIFIED BIKE?

Yes. It is always a good idea to call a motorcycle accident lawyer if you are injured in any type of crash. The laws surrounding these claims are extremely complicated, and determining liability and recovering damages requires the skills and resources of an experienced attorney.

One reason these cases are challenging is that motorcycles are not considered motor vehicles under Michigan law. Therefore, the rules are different for motorcycle accidents involving a car or truck than for crashes that only affect the motorcycle, such as hitting a deer or a tree. However, if a car causes a motorcycle to swerve off the road and crash, the driver may be held responsible even if the car never actually touched the bike.

Our motorcycle accident lawyers know what it takes to win a settlement that compensates the victim for direct expenses such as medical bills, future needs and intangible damages such as pain and suffering.

That’s the Bernstein Biker Advantage®.

DOES INSURANCE COVER CLAIMS FOR MOTORCYCLES WITH CAR TIRES?

Generally, no, although rules may vary according to the insurance company and the policy. Typically, modifying a vehicle with equipment that is not intended for it, such as putting automobile tires on a motorcycle, can be grounds for an insurer to deny a claim.  

To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is best to read your policy carefully and talk to your insurance agent about whether a bike with car tires is covered.

If not, many insurance companies offer special policies for customized motorcycles.  Again, to obtain the coverage you need, describe the specific modifications you have made or plan to make when you talk to an agent. Make sure you understand what is covered and what may be excluded.

Finally, when purchasing any type of insurance, it pays to get a few quotes to find the best rate. 

GET THE BERNSTEIN BIKER ADVANTAGE® TODAY

Because many of our lawyers and staff members ride, we know the pleasures and pitfalls of riding a motorcycle. We also understand how devastating a motorcycle accident can be for the biker and their loved ones. And, we understand the complexities of Michigan motorcycle law and the knotty legal issues surrounding these claims. With our vast collective experience, legal expertise and extensive resources, we know how to build a winning case and we will fight for the compensation you deserve.

Motorcycle accident laws are complicated, but finding the right motorcycle accident lawyer is simple. 

Click the button below or call 1-800-CALL-SAM today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our legal team.

Do You Have a Case?