This kind of tread pattern will also provide very unpredictable and unsafe riding conditions through straight lines and corners, and is also a symptom of a faulty suspension setup. If the left portion of your tire seems to be more worn out than the right portion of the tire, or vice versa, you’ve got a cupped or scalloped tire. In contrast to squared-off tires, cupped or scalloped tires present uneven tread wear between the left and right portions of the tire. If you’ve got a squared-off tire, it will be best to replace your set as soon as possible. Running a squared-off tire can be dangerous because of unpredictable grip when going through corners and will pose a big safety risk. If the center portion of your tire is flatter than the sides of your tire, you’ve got yourself a squared-off tire. If in case you cannot locate your tread wear indicator, the depth of the groove must not be less than about 1mm when measured against the outer surface.Ī squared-off tire can be easily identified by inspecting the tread wear of your tire, which is typically found on motorcycles that run a lot of highway miles. If your tire’s outer surface is near or at the same level as your tread wear indicator, it’s time to swap out those tires. This can be easily measured by locating your tire’s tread wear indicator on the grooves. One of the most common conditions of tire wear is when a tire is used over time such that the tire grooves are almost at the same level as the rest of the tire contact patch. Tire wear can be broken down into three main classifications: general tire wear, squared-off tires, and tire cupping or scalloping. Tires that are worn out over time can significantly reduce grip in both dry and wet conditions and will greatly reduce the amount of control a rider may have for accelerating, braking, and cornering. Related: Choosing the right tires for your dual-sport or adventure bike Worn out tires