The tank is full, the weather is just right for a ride. You check your map and pick a great ride with lots of corners and some straight bits…. you are ready to go!
If you have taken the time to plan a ride to enjoy then make sure you get the best out of it and check your tyres!!!!
Riders check their tyres in a variety of ways there is the LOOK method? ……yes I have tyres.
There is the kick method? …….Yes my foot bounced off, and;
There is the correct method a PRESSURE GAUGE!
When the manufacturer builds your bike they do tests to find the best pressure setting that will give you the best ride in most road conditions. This information is found in the User Manual that you get when you buy your ride and if there is none when you purchased then you should find a dealer and source the correct pressure settings for your motorcycle.
tyre pressure is one of the most missed checks
Checking tyre pressure is one of the most missed checks by a rider and it can be a very costly error. Tyre pressure is essential in correct cornering as they are the contact point between you and the road. At the same time as you check for correct tyre pressure you should also check for wear on the tyre such as cracks, worn tread, sidewall damage and uneven tyre wear.
Uneven tyre tread can make control hard on slippery surfaces or uneven roads. Remember you do not want to have a blowout on your motorcycle it can be extremely dangerous.
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Great advice! There are a lot of pressure gauges on the market, from digital (which I have) to the old school pencil gauges. Some of them are small enough to stash under your seat, or in your pack, so you can check pressure regularly. Unfortunately some of the cheaper ones can be a bit unreliable or hard to use, maybe you guys could review a few of the better ones available?
Comment by streetdaddy — Apr 27 @ 10:59 amThe stats are simple. You have one tyre on a car under pressure and that represents a 25% reduction in effective traction (forgetting that front tyres are more important) and 50% reduction on a bike (again forgetting front tyres are far more important). I am continually amazed that a rider will not make any adjustments when they carry a pillion. The liabilities are far greater when you have someone else’s life in your control yet increasing tyre pressures is not done. One day someone will be charged for contributing to the death of a pillion due to poor tyre pressure………..Not worth it
Comment by Curley — Jun 3 @ 11:20 amHaving been involved in the bike industry for some time, and having covered a few miles myself, i have found the modern tyres out there, (1999 onwards especially) prefer higher pressures than what was once deemed best for grip and preformance in general.
Comment by Craig — Jun 5 @ 4:49 pmTyre technology has accelerated in some ways beyond the ability of the bike to exploit the tyre’s full potential. I have gotten somoe extraordinary mileage from sports tyres whilst still enjoying the best grip they have to offer. Along with suspension adjustment, tyre pressure cannot be overstated as a tool for better safety as well..
Nice to see others care about their tyres as i do.
Comment by bkr50 — Jun 12 @ 5:15 pmI was given a formula for correct pressures as different brands etc behave differently on different bikes.
Tyres should be checked when cold and again when hot, your front tyre should rise in pressure 0 to 3psi and your rear tyre should rise 3 to 5psi in normal riding conditions. In rain add 2psi to your cold pressures.
I had one digital pressure gauge that was 5psi out, bought an old analogue one, right on the dime. [Comparing with two local fuel station air pumps]. So I always recommend the analogue reading ones, similar to this http://www.tribalaccessories.co.uk/img/products/pressure_gauge_front.jpg
Comment by Trozza — Jun 24 @ 10:22 pm