Introduction
When it comes to the motorcycle riding scene, one intriguing aspect that often draws attention is the concept of Chicken Strips. These are the unused edges of the tires on a motorcycle, and their presence can lead to discussions about a rider’s skill. It’s quite normal to see these on bikes, especially for those new to the hobby of riding.
As an avid rider, I remember my early days of riding where my tires had visible Chicken Strips. Experienced riders would often critique the look of my tires, suggesting that I wasn’t leaning enough into my turns. However, the presence of these strips is entirely expected and should not discourage new riders. Over time, as my confidence and skill improved, the Chicken Strips began to shrink, showcasing my progress in the motorcycle riding scene.
What Are Chicken Strips Motorcycle?
Chicken strips on a motorcycle refer to the untouched outer edges of the tire. These strips are more noticeable on sport bikes because the edges of the tires remain new compared to the worn center part. They are called Chicken Strips because it implies the rider is too “chicken” to lean the bike over in turns, often riding with the bike upright and straight. As a new rider, I remember seeing these strips on my tires, and understanding the term made me more conscious about improving my riding skills and gaining confidence in leaning my bike properly.
What Can Cause Chicken Strips?
Chicken Strips on a motorcycle can be influenced by various factors. The style of riding a rider has, including their speed and the suspension type, plays a role. The road surface the bike is typically on also affects whether it develops these strips. Riders who are not confident in leaning their bike into turns may have more severe Chicken Strips because their bike doesn’t get deep into a turn. Even on a new or freshly changed tire, you might notice Chicken Strips, especially when breaking in a tire and avoiding deep leans initially.
Don’t Let Anyone Get You Down.
If another rider gives you a hard time about your tires having Chicken Strips, don’t sweat it. Calling out someone’s Chicken Strips is just pointless shaming and is unfair to use against others. Just ride in a way that makes you comfortable and have fun. Determining who is a more experienced rider should never be based on the look of your tires.
How to Avoid Having Chicken Strips on Your Bike?
If you want to get rid of Chicken Strips on your bike, try to lean deep into each corner you turn into. However, if this makes you uncomfortable, don’t push it too hard. There’s no guarantee they will disappear, so just test the waters and do what you feel confident doing. Changing the speeds you are riding at and adjusting your suspension can also help, but again, there’s no guarantee. Some riders even try sanding them away, but this method is extreme and can cause permanent damage to your tires if not done carefully.
Front Tire Chicken Strips?
On a normal sport bike, Front Tire Chicken Strips are not usually judged. The only time you might see no Chicken Strips on a front tire is when the bike is being raced on a sport bike track. Generally, Chicken Strips are more noticeable on the rear tire. If the rear end of your bike is set a little higher, you’ll use more of the front tire.
Making adjustments to your bike can help achieve an ideal set up, where the edge of both tires touch the road at the same time, giving you the absolute maximum lean angle. This setup allows for better handling and performance, especially on a sport bike. In my experience, fine-tuning these adjustments not only improves your ride but also helps in reducing the Chicken Strips on both the front and rear tires.
Is it true that my chicken strips mean I’m not leaning enough?
No, don’t use Chicken Strips to determine your lean angle in a turn. The amount of rubber you scrub off your tires doesn’t necessarily indicate your skill. As a rider, focus on your comfort and safety rather than trying to eliminate Chicken Strips. I’ve found that worrying too much about them can distract from enjoying the ride and improving your technique.
Are chicken strips a sport bike thing?
Mostly. I’ve never seen Gold Wingers or dirt bikers chalking “LEAN MORE” on the edges of a slow guy’s tire. Chicken Strips are typically associated with sport bikes because riders on these bikes tend to lean more aggressively into turns. However, that doesn’t mean riders of other bikes don’t experience them. It’s just less common to see the same emphasis on lean angles and tire edges in other biking communities.
My chicken strips just bother me. How do I get rid of them?
If Chicken Strips on your tires bother you, avoid using belt sanders to remove the glossy strips. Yikes. This can damage your bikes and isn’t worth the risk. Instead, try a track day or an advanced skills course. Many fast, experienced riders on high-performance bikes don’t use all their tires on the street due to the unsafe pace required. At the track, they come back with their tires feathered to the edges. A track-based class or day of riding on the track will help you learn and reduce those strips. It’s a win-win. If your bike can go off-road, riding in sand can be a helpful trick.
You’ll never see Chicken Strips on a rear race tire, like a MotoAmerica Superbike qualifying tire, which has a useful lifespan of less than 10 miles. Every part of the surface is used. While you don’t need to be a pro racer on slicks, even an amateur at a moderate pace on a track day will wear the rear tire to the edge of the tread. This is well illustrated in a Photo by Lance Oliver.
Conclusion
Chicken Strips are almost inevitable in every rider’s life. There’s always someone inspecting everyone’s tires for chicken strips, but ignore them. As mentioned, there are a couple of things you can do to get rid of them, but never put yourself in an unwanted or dangerous situation just to eliminate a strip of rubber. They are more common than uncommon, and as you ride more, they will disappear or look more worn. Enjoy your motorcycle and happy riding!
FAQs
What are motorcycle tire chicken strips?
Chicken Strips on a motorcycle are the unused outer parts of your tires. They are more noticeable on sport bikes because the edges stay new while the center gets worn. They are called Chicken Strips because some think the rider is too chicken to lean the bike deeply into turns. These strips are common and inevitable, especially for new riders. Over time, as you ride more confidently, these strips will disappear or look more worn.
How do you get chicken strips off motorcycle tires?
To get rid of Chicken Strips on your motorcycle tires, practice leaning deeper into turns. Try a track day or an advanced skills course to improve your riding technique. Changing speeds and adjusting your suspension can also help. Some riders suggest riding in sand or off-road to wear down the unused parts of the tire. However, always prioritize safety over trying to eliminate these strips.
Why are chicken strips good?
Chicken Strips on your motorcycle tires show that you are riding safely and not pushing your bike too hard. They are common and can indicate that you are not taking unnecessary risks. For new riders, having Chicken Strips means you are gaining experience and confidence gradually. Over time, as you become more skilled, these strips will naturally disappear. So, embrace Chicken Strips as a sign of smart and safe riding.
What cut are chicken strips?
Chicken Strips on a motorcycle tire are the unused outer edges of the tire. These parts remain unworn because the rider doesn’t lean the bike deeply into turns. For new riders, having these strips shows a cautious approach to riding. Over time, as you gain more confidence and experience, these strips will start to disappear. Embrace Chicken Strips as a sign of safe and gradual learning.
