What Are Chicken Strips on Motorcycle Tires and How to Get Rid of Them

Chicken strips on motorcycle tires are a common occurrence that many riders will encounter at some point. But what exactly causes these smooth, unworn sections along the edges of the tires? And should you be concerned about having chicken strips? This article will explain what chicken strips are, what causes them, whether they really matter, and tips for removing chicken strips if desired

What Are Chicken Strips?

Chicken strips refer to the smooth, unworn sections of rubber that run along the outer edges of a motorcycle tire. This unworn rubber forms because that part of the tire does not regularly touch the road when riding normally.

On brand new tires chicken strips start out as small protrusions of extra rubber along the outer edges. This is completely normal on new, unused tires. However as the rest of the tire tread wears down from regular riding, these unworn protrusions can remain as “chicken strips” if the bike is not significantly leaned over in turns.

The name “chicken strips” comes from the notion that a rider who does not lean their bike very far over in turns is too “chicken” to use the full edge of their tires. However, as we’ll discuss later, there are many factors that cause chicken strips besides just lean angle.

What Causes Chicken Strips?

While many associate chicken strips with not leaning over enough in corners, there are actually many potential causes:

• New or Nearly New Tires: Brand new tires will always have chicken strips until they are worn in. It takes time for the outer edges to wear down.

• Riding Style: Yes, chicken strips can form if a rider does not significantly lean their bike over in turns. But even experienced, aggressive riders may have some chicken strips on the street.

• Bike Design: Some bikes, like cruisers, are not designed to lean very far. Pipes, heel guards, or bags may scrape before the edge of the tire touches.

• Road Conditions: Perfectly smooth, grippy tarmac allows more lean than rough roads. Chicken strips are common for riders in areas with poor road conditions.

• Suspension Settings: A bike not set up for aggressive riding can limit lean angle and cause chicken strips.

• Tire Profile: Wider tires and rounded profiles limit how far you can safely lean before running out of tire.

So while riding style plays a role, many other variables impact chicken strip formation. Experienced street riders with new tires may have strips. Racers with worn tires may not. Judging skill by chicken strips alone is misguided.

Do Chicken Strips Matter?

For most riders, chicken strips are not really something worth worrying about. They are simply a cosmetic issue on street tires with no real performance impact. Some dedicated performance riders may desire the used look of a strip-free rear tire, but for many riders chicken strips are inevitable and unimportant.

The risks involved with aggressively scrubbing chicken strips on public roads rarely outweigh the benefits. Removing chicken strips does not inherently make you a better, faster rider. Focusing on skills like vision, lines, and corner speed offer much more benefit than tire aesthetics.

How to Remove Chicken Strips

If you do wish to remove chicken strips, here are some methods:

• Increase Cornering Lean: Focusing on smooth cornering technique and maximizing safe lean angle can help wear chicken strips over time. But results will vary dramatically depending on bike design and conditions.

• Track Days: Aggressive cornering possible on a closed course quickly grinds chicken strips away. But don’t override your skills just for the sake of the tires.

• Off-Road Riding: Dirt, gravel, and sand abrasively remove chicken strips. But this can accelerate wear in the center of the tire.

• Manual Removal: Some riders sand or cut chicken strips off by hand. But this permanently damages the tire and should generally be avoided.

The risks of removing chicken strips on public roads are high. Riders are better off improving skills rather than forcing overly aggressive street cornering just to abrade tire edges. If chicken strip removal is important, closed course environments are by far the best option.

While the macho “chicken” stigma persists in some circles, chicken strips themselves are largely inevitable and unimportant for many riders. This normal wear pattern has more to do with bike design and conditions than rider skill. Pushing dangerously hard on public roads to remove chicken strips is generally not recommended. But for those who desire the strip-free look, track days and off-road riding offer safer alternatives. By understanding the many factors that cause chicken strips, riders can avoid unnecessary risks and focus on developing skills that actually improve performance and safety.