hey guys, im new to sportbikes and just picked up my first CBR last week. I was wondering how do i know if i need new tires?
Thanks

 

Welcome aboard! Post a pic and someone will tell you.

Give a little more detail too, like what bike you have and what you plan to do with it. Someone commuting back and forth to work is completely different from someone planning to hit twisties or track days

 

I have a 07 600rr, and it is not for track use until i get a little more comfortable and then i want to try it on the track. but for right now it is just for getting to school and around town and a little fun in twisty roads (once i get a little better.) I am out of town right now but i will post a pic when I get back home.

 

If you look close, you should see wear bars inside the tread grooves. If your wear bar is even with the surface of the tire, then its time to start shopping for tires. You can still some mileage out of them, but the wet weather traction is severely comprimised. Also, once the tire gets to that level, the dry grip starts go as well.

When you post up pics, make sure to post pics of your front tire too. Many people only change the rear tire as the front will usually have plenty of tread left. Problems can arise if the front tire has cupping or other odd wear patterns. Also, a front tire that has had twice the amount of heat cycles will not grip as well as a new rear. But, for commuting, you would more than likely be ok as its not something you would notice.

I always change my tires as sets. Its just a personal prefference that I wont deviate from.

 

there is a small notch inside the center treads. when the main tread wears down to the "wear mark" it is time to replace the tires.

 

Welcome from Clanton, AL