Yes, incorrect suspension settings can contribute to premature or uneven tyre wear.
Suspension that is too soft can allow excessive movement, causing the tyre to overwork and overheat. Suspension that is too stiff can reduce the tyre’s ability to maintain consistent contact with the road, leading to irregular wear patterns and reduced grip.
Common signs of suspension-related tyre wear include cupping, scalloping, tearing, or excessive wear on one side of the tyre. These issues are often mistaken for tyre defects when the underlying cause is suspension setup.
This is most common on front tyres for road riders and rear tyres for track riders. We do see some riders reporting that their rear tyre has worn badly on one side during a trackday. This is usually the right handle side of the tyre for a track ridden in a clockwise direction and is almost always due to a rider leaning on their traction control, which causes excess force and heat build up on a section of the tyre, usually an inch or two from the edge of the tyre, where the bike is being driven out of a corner.
Incorrect sag, damping, or preload settings can also affect how weight is transferred during braking and acceleration, placing additional stress on certain areas of the tyre.
Ensuring suspension is set correctly for your weight, riding style, and typical load helps protect your tyres and improves overall handling and safety. If you are unsure, professional setup advice can be worthwhile both in terms of ride comfort, safety and also enjoyment.
Leave a Reply