I thought I was doing okay... apparently the internet may disagree 😅

If you're new to motorcycle riding or even an experienced rider, you've probably heard the term "chicken strips" thrown around. These refer to the untreaded edges on the side of a motorcycle tire, which some riders believe indicate a lack of aggressive leaning or cornering. When someone mentioned I had "huge chicken strips," I decided to test this claim for myself by marking my tire with chalk and going for a ride to see how much of the tire was actually being used. From my experience, chicken strips don't necessarily mean you’re a cautious rider — sometimes it just depends on your riding style, local road conditions, or even the type of bike you have. For example, my Kawasaki ZX4RR is a sport bike, but I mostly use it for everyday rides rather than racing or extreme cornering, which naturally leads to more tire tread remaining on the edges. What surprised me was how much this topic ignites debate online — many riders take pride in minimal chicken strips as a sign of skill, while others argue that it’s more important to ride safely and comfortably. Personally, I think it’s a balance. Pushing your bike's limits can be thrilling and great practice, but respecting your limits and traffic conditions is equally crucial. If you're curious about testing your own chicken strips, a simple chalk mark before a ride can give you a tangible sense of how much lean angle you're using. But remember, tires wear differently depending on tire compound, inflation, and road surfaces too. Ultimately, whether you have big chicken strips or none at all, the most important thing is enjoying your ride and staying safe. So don’t let the internet verdicts pressure you — focus on what works best for your style and skills.