What Causes the Rear Wheel of a Motorcycle to Overheat?

[Nigel]

There are several reasons why the rear wheel of a motorcycle may overheat: 1. Prolonged braking: Whether the rear wheel uses drum brakes or disc brakes, prolonged braking can cause the rear wheel to overheat. This is especially true for drum brake systems, which have poorer heat dissipation and are more prone to this issue. 2. Riding with the brakes engaged: Riding with the brakes partially engaged is equivalent to riding while constantly applying the brakes. This condition can easily cause the wheel to overheat, primarily due to brake system malfunctions or improper adjustments. 3. Bearing damage: The rear wheel rotates smoothly mainly because of the bearings inside the hub. However, if these bearings lack lubrication, they may experience increased resistance or damage during operation, causing the hub temperature to exceed design standards. 4. Tire overheating: If the tire pressure is insufficient, the excessive deformation during operation can lead to overheating. This issue is related to the tire itself and has little to do with the mechanical structure of the wheel.