What Effect Do Wide Tires Have on Motorcycle Handling?

A wide rear tire means more tread on the road, making the motorcycle want to push through turns instead of go around them. This can lead to a dangerous understeer condition.

Wider front tires will have the opposite effect of a wide rear, and can make the bike more responsive in the corners (oversteer). Caution is advised, however, since a wide front tire combined with a motorcycle's short wheelbase can make for a twitchy and dangerous ride.

Some people prefer a narrower tire on both the front and back, because the tread of the tire is more pointed and handling is a little more crisp. This can, however, lead to serious instability problems at high speed.

The best solution is to go wide on both ends, since overall grip will be increased and the handling balance retained.

In general, a rim can only use tires that are ten millimeters wider or narrower than the stock tire. Exceeding this window can result in pinch flats, increased tire wear or blowouts.