Do Motorcycles Have Winter Tires?
You probably won’t want to burn rubber in cold weather, but you might still want to ride to reduce withdrawal symptoms. The winter months are long, cold, and wet, so you will want to get proper tires to feed your need to ride in cold temperatures.
But you will also want the type of motorcycle tire that makes winter riding safer. To do that, motorcyclists should learn about winter tires. We give you a brief breakdown of what’s good to know about motorcycle winter tires when biking on-road or off-road in cold road conditions.
What Is the Temperature Cut-Off Point for Biking?
First off, you should wear suitable gear for winter biking. Whether you prefer a one-piece or two-piece, make sure that you are warm and protected when out on the road. You can help protect yourself by observing “All the Gear All The Time” (ATGATT) guidelines.
Next – do not ride when the temperature dips below 40 °F or 4,4 °C. Any colder than this and you face the risk of snowy conditions, slippery road surfaces, and poor visibility. But if you must drive in all winter weather conditions, prepare your motorbike with the appropriate winter tires.
Cold Weather Motorbike Tires vs. Mud and Snow Tires
Winter tires have unique tread patterns, deeper notches, and more of these ridges than summer tires. Winter tires are also made from special rubber compounds, which produce a softer, more flexible material. This material enhances the bike’s road traction in wet, snowy, and icy conditions.
Bikers can recognize the mud and snow tires by the M+S rating. Some tires also have a snowflake symbol on the tire wall.
As much as you need M+S tires for snowy, icy climate conditions, you don’t necessarily need them for cold weather. Check our quick guide below for the correct tires in cold or snowy weather conditions.
Cold Weather Tires for Winter Riding
If you are just facing wet roads, you need tires that will heat up rapidly, offer a better grip, longer lifespan, and support safer cornering.
Here are a few of our recommendations for season tires in cold weather conditions:
Bridgestone T31
Metzeler M9RR
Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE
Michelin Road 5
Pirelli Angel GT2
If you live in Saskatchewan, then you’re aware that the weather can change quickly. M+S tires may be a better bet if you live in a region where a seasonal change is that fast and you need tires with durability.
Mud and Snow (M+S) Tires
If you enjoy living on the edge or simply have no choice, then here is our selection of M+S tires. These motorcycle snow tires have different ratings to suit various weather conditions and road surfaces.
Anlas Winter Grip Plus
Avon Trekrider AV84 / AV85
Bridgestone AX41S
Continental TKC70
Continental TKC80
Dunlop Mutant Hybrid
Kenda K784 Big Block
Michelin Anakee Adventure
Michelin Anakee Wild
Metzeler Karoo Street
Get to Grips with Winter Tires the FFUN Motorcycle Way
All it takes is one call for great advice about winter tires, financing your next best buy, or joining one of our events. Contact us today online or call us at (306) 934-5390 – we’d love to hear how we can help you.
