How to Scrub (Break) In New Motorcycle Tyres Safely 

We’ve all been there: after thoroughly researching and placing your order, your brand-new tyres have finally arrived. You can’t wait to burn rubber and try them out on your next big adventure.

Don’t be fooled, though.

While it’s easy to let excitement take over, you must take safety into account and do the most important thing any biker should do: scrubbing in your new motorcycle tyres. 

Why New Tyres Have Less Grip

Considering the many benefits of investing in a new pair of motorbike tyres, it may come as a surprise that a brand-new tyre—fresh off the production line—has less grip than a slightly worn one.

The science behind it?

You might assume the slipperiness is due to Mould Release Agents: the tyre manufacturer's equivalent of grease in the cake tin used to help tyres pop out of their moulds. While this is true for many tyres, some premium manufacturers now use high-tech coated moulds that don't require lubricants.

However, even ‘clean’ tyres need scrubbing in. This is because:

1. Surface Smoothing: A brand-new tyre is microscopically smooth. It needs mechanical keying—the process of the road surface scuffing the rubber—to create the friction required for grip.
2. Structural Settling: A tyre is a complex mix of rubber, steel, and fabric. The first 100 miles allow these internal components to settle and ensure that the tyre performs exactly as the engineers intended.

Golden 100-Mile Rule

Now that we’ve established why you should scrub in your motorbike tyres, you’re probably wondering how long it takes to do so.

No need to wonder: the industry standard for scrubbing in, or breaking in, a tyre is roughly 100 miles (160km).

During this time, which some call the settling process, there are a few precautions you’ll have to take when riding:

• Avoid reaching maximum lean angles or applying maximum power until the 100-mile threshold is met: gentle cornering that you gradually ramp up as the miles increase is the way to go.
• With that aforementioned mould release agent, your new tyres will have longer stopping distances. As a result, you should leave extra following distance for smoother, more reliable braking until the release agent has worn away.
  
• In addition, you should be especially cautious when it’s raining. Water on top of a fresh mould release agent is a recipe for loose grip and crashing.

How To Properly Scrub In New Tyres 

Dos include:

• Do check your pressures: Always ensure they match the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Do focus on heat cycles: Let the tyres warm up through riding, then cool down completely.
• Do be progressive: Ensure you slowly increase your lean over several journeys.

Don’ts include:

• Don’t use chemicals: Never use ‘tyre shine’ or cleaners on the actual tread surface.
• Don’t use sandpaper: Some people try to ‘scuff’ tyres manually; this is uneven and unnecessary.
• Don’t ‘Full Send’: Avoid heavy acceleration or emergency-style braking for the first few days.

Don’t Just Ride Straight 

One of the most common mistakes riders make is riding in a straight line to “get the miles done.” 

That’s not enough. 

Your tyres need to be scrubbed across their entire surface, including the edges. 
This means gradually introducing lean angle in a controlled and safe way. 

Use familiar, dry roads or roundabouts to slowly work the tyre from the centre to the sides. 

Choose Tyres from Trusted Manufacturers 

• Michelin – Known for excellent all-round performance and longevity  
• Bridgestone – Strong grip and innovation across sport and touring ranges  
• Pirelli – A favourite for performance and track-inspired tyres  
• Dunlop – Trusted for durability and consistent road feedback  
• Continental – Advanced technology with a focus on safety and control  

The Finish Line

Once that oily sheen has disappeared and the rubber has a dull, matt-grey finish, you’re good to go. Your tyres are now operating at their peak performance levels, providing the safety and efficiency you bought them for.

Ready for your next set? Search for your perfect tyres by registration or size here.