Breaking In New Motorcycle and Scooter Tyres
Even tyres with Continental’s TractionSkin technology need a break-in period
Why new tyres need to be broken in
When you mount new tyres on your motorcycle or scooter, it’s tempting to hit the road and enjoy that fresh rubber feel right away. However, new tyres require a short break-in period to achieve their full performance potential and ensure maximum grip and safety.
New tyres leave the production line with a smooth, slick surface — this is completely normal. The tread must first be gently roughened by moderate use so that it can properly interlock with the road’s surface texture. This process allows the tyre’s compound to develop its designed level of traction and feedback.
🛞 In short: Maximum grip is only achieved once the surface of the tyre has been scuffed in under real riding conditions.
Continental’s TractionSkin advantage
Continental’s TractionSkin technology helps reduce the risk during the early break-in phase by providing a microscopically rougher tread surface straight from production. This means new tyres reach a usable grip level faster, helping improve rider confidence from the very first ride.
However, even with this advanced technology, a proper break-in period is still essential.
This ensures the tyre compound is conditioned evenly for long-term performance and durability, especially on high-powered motorcycles.
How to correctly break in your tyres
To make sure your new motorcycle or scooter tyres deliver the best possible grip and lifespan, follow these simple steps:
1. Take it easy for the first 150 km / 100 miles
Avoid:
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Hard acceleration or braking
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Extreme lean angles
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Prolonged high-speed riding
Instead, ride smoothly and progressively — gradually increasing lean, speed, and throttle as the tread surface develops its rough finish.
🌀 A twisty road is ideal for breaking in your tyres evenly across the tread.
2. Condition the tread compound
Gentle, consistent use during the first rides allows the polymer structure within the tread to stabilize and cross-link properly.
This chemical conditioning process is key to achieving Continental’s signature grip performance. Subjecting new tyres to extreme stress too early can damage the compound and reduce performance longevity.
3. Remove tyre labels before your first ride
Always make sure any manufacturer stickers or labels are fully removed before you set off. Riding with them attached can create slippery spots on the tyre surface and compromise safety.
4. Warm up your tyres on every ride
Even after the break-in period, always warm up your tyres gently at the start of each ride.
For the first few miles:
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Apply light braking
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Accelerate smoothly
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Use gentle cornering
This ensures the rubber reaches optimal operating temperature for safe traction.
Key takeaways
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ Break in for 150 km / 100 miles | Ride moderately and progressively | Develops surface roughness for maximum grip |
| 2️⃣ Avoid extremes | No hard braking, acceleration, or high lean angles | Prevents premature tread or compound damage |
| 3️⃣ Remove all labels | Before your first ride | Ensures consistent surface contact |
| 4️⃣ Warm up every time | Gradual braking and cornering | Maintains safe grip and tyre longevity |
Continental tyres – designed for safety, perfected by you
Continental’s TractionSkin technology gives you confidence right from the start, but the final step — the break-in — is yours.
With just a little patience and care during the first 150 km, you’ll unlock the full performance, grip, and safety your tyres were engineered to deliver.
🏍️ Continental motorcycle and scooter tyres — engineered for precision, confidence, and performance on every road.