Discount motorcycle tires cost less than brand-new tires from a dealership, but the savings depend on where you shop and what condition the tires are in
Motorcycle tire prices vary widely based on brand, size, and where you buy. A new tire from a dealership can cost $100 to $300 per tire depending on the bike and the brand. Discount options include used tires from salvage yards or online marketplaces, budget tire brands sold at chain retailers, and sales on previous-year models from tire shops. The catch is that used tires carry unknown wear history, budget brands may not perform as well in wet conditions, and sales require you to time your purchase right.
Before you hunt for a discount, know your tire size and speed rating. You'll find this on the sidewall of your current tire or in your owner's manual — it looks like 120/70-17 or similar. The speed rating matters: a tire rated for 130 mph is not interchangeable with one rated for 100 mph, even if the size matches. Mixing ratings can make your bike unstable and void your insurance.
Key Takeaways
- Used tires from salvage yards or online sellers cost 40 to 60 percent less than new ones but come with unknown mileage and wear patterns you cannot verify.
- Budget tire brands from chain retailers like Costco or Walmart cost less upfront but may not grip as well in rain or at high lean angles.
- Tire shops often discount previous-year inventory or run seasonal sales, and calling ahead tells you whether the size you need is in stock.
- A tire with visible tread wear, cracks, or uneven wear is unsafe regardless of price and should not be installed on your bike.
- Shipping used tires online adds cost and risk, so local pickup or a tire shop that sells used inventory is usually cheaper and safer.
Used tires from salvage yards and online marketplaces
Used motorcycle tires are the cheapest option, often selling for $20 to $80 per tire depending on remaining tread depth and brand. Salvage yards pull tires from wrecked bikes and sell them as-is. Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay list tires from private sellers, shops, and resellers. The risk is that you cannot know how the previous owner rode or stored the tire, whether it was patched, or how many miles it has.
Before you buy a used tire, inspect the tread depth with a penny test: insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see the top of his head, the tread is too shallow and the tire is unsafe. Motorcycle tires typically need replacement around 2/32 of an inch of tread remaining, which is shallower than car tires. Also look for cracks in the sidewall, bulges, or uneven wear across the surface — these are signs the tire was overinflated, underinflated, or damaged and should not be used.
Shipping adds $30 to $60 per tire, so buying locally cuts your total cost. If you buy online, ask the seller for close-up photos of the tread and sidewalls before you commit. Many tire shops also stock used inventory and can inspect it for you, which costs more than a private sale but removes the guesswork.
Budget tire brands at chain retailers
Costco, Walmart, and independent tire chains carry budget motorcycle tire brands that cost 20 to 40 percent less than premium brands like Michelin or Bridgestone. Brands like Duro, Kenda, and Cheng Shin are common budget options. These tires meet safety standards and work fine for casual street riding, but they typically have softer rubber compounds that wear faster and may not grip as well in wet conditions or at high lean angles.
Budget tires are new, so you get a full warranty and known history. They are also easier to return if there is a problem. The trade-off is that you may replace them sooner than a premium tire, which can erase the initial savings over time. If you ride mostly in dry weather and do not lean hard into corners, a budget tire is a reasonable choice. If you ride in rain or push your bike hard, the extra grip of a premium tire is worth the cost.
Call the retailer before you go in to confirm they stock your size and can mount it. Many chain stores charge $15 to $30 per tire for mounting and balancing, which is cheaper than a dealership but should be factored into your total cost.
Seasonal sales and previous-year inventory at tire shops
Independent tire shops and some dealerships discount tires at the end of each season. Spring and fall are common sale periods because riders are preparing bikes for the season ahead. Shops also mark down previous-year models when new inventory arrives, sometimes offering 15 to 30 percent off. These are new tires with full warranties, so you get the safety and performance of a premium brand at a lower price.
The catch is timing: you have to buy when the sale is running, and popular sizes sell out quickly. Call local shops in your area and ask when they run sales and whether they have your size in stock. Some shops will hold a tire for a few days if you ask. Online tire retailers like Tire Rack and CycleGear also run sales throughout the year, though shipping costs and the need to find a local shop for mounting can offset the discount.
What to avoid when shopping for discount tires
Do not buy a tire based on price alone if it means compromising on safety. A tire with visible cracks, bulges, or uneven wear is not safe at any price. Do not mix tire brands or types on the same bike — using a budget tire on the rear and a premium tire on the front can create handling problems. Do not buy a tire smaller or larger than your owner's manual specifies, even if it fits the rim, because it changes your speedometer reading and can make your bike unstable.
Avoid buying tires that are more than five years old, even if they look new. Rubber degrades over time, and a tire that has been sitting in a warehouse or on a shelf for years may not perform as well as a fresher one. Check the date code on the sidewall — it is a four-digit number in an oval, like 2419, which means the 24th week of 2019. If you cannot find a date code or it is older than five years, ask the seller why.
Installation and balancing costs
Mounting and balancing a motorcycle tire typically costs $15 to $40 per tire at an independent shop, $20 to $50 at a dealership, and $10 to $25 at a chain retailer like Costco. Some shops include balancing in the mounting fee; others charge separately. If you buy used tires, factor in the cost of installation even if the tires themselves are cheap. A $40 used tire plus $30 mounting is $70 total, which may not be much cheaper than a $90 new budget tire that comes with a warranty.
Ask the shop whether they balance the tire on the rim or off the rim. On-rim balancing is faster and cheaper but less precise. Off-rim balancing takes longer but catches imbalances that on-rim balancing misses. For a motorcycle, off-rim balancing is worth the extra cost because even small imbalances cause vibration at highway speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use car tires on a motorcycle?
No. Car tires have different sidewall construction and tread patterns designed for four-wheel vehicles. A motorcycle leans into turns, and a car tire cannot handle that lean angle safely. Always use tires marked for motorcycles.
How long do discount motorcycle tires last?
Budget tires typically last 10,000 to 15,000 miles, while premium tires last 15,000 to 25,000 miles. Used tires depend entirely on their remaining tread depth and how they were stored. Check tread depth every 1,000 miles if you buy used.
What is the difference between a sport tire and a street tire?
Sport tires have softer rubber and more aggressive tread patterns for high-speed cornering and track use. Street tires are harder and last longer. If you ride casually on public roads, a street tire is fine. If you ride aggressively or on a sport bike, a sport tire grips better but wears faster.
Should I replace both tires at the same time?
It depends on wear. If one tire is worn and the other is not, you can replace just the worn one. However, if you are replacing the rear tire, many riders replace the front at the same time to avoid mixing old and new tires. Ask your mechanic whether your specific bike benefits from replacing both.
Where can I sell my old motorcycle tires?
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay accept used tire listings. Some tire shops buy used tires for resale. You can also donate them to a local charity or recycling center. Shipping is expensive, so local pickup is usually your best option.