Checking Tire Pressure Might Be Your Most Important Motorcycle Maintenance
We've all shopped around for motorcycle tires.

Sometimes we spend countless hours comparing mail-order prices with the local shop or online retailers to search out the very best deals. But all of that time spent rifling through catalogs or searching web pages can be wasted in a few minutes by forgetting to use a simple tire gauge.

Riding on underinflated tires isn't just unsafe– it causes the tires to work harder, run hotter and wear out much faster. Too much pressure also causes excessive wear and reduces your contact patch. Here are a few motorcycle tire inflation tips we've compiled from the top manufacturers like Dunlop, Michelin, Pirelli and Metzeler.
Get a Gauge!


Tires Sources
Moto Sport
Bike Bandit
Motorcycle Superstore

Check tire pressure when cold (before riding or at least 2 hours after). Check it frequently with a good quality gauge that holds a reading, and always check it before a long trip.

Don't race on cold tires. Start each ride by going a few miles at moderate speed. This will gradually bring the tires up to their normal operating temperature.

Underinflated tires can result in imprecise cornering, higher running temperatures, irregular tread wear at the edge of the contact patch, fatigue cracking, overstressing and eventual failure of the tire carcass.

Overinflating tires does not increase load carrying capacity, but will result in a hard ride and accelerated tire wear in the center of the contact patch.

Check valve stems periodically. Loss of pressure may occur due to worn out or badly seated valve cores. Use a metal or hard plastic valve cap with an inner gasket to protect the valve core from dust, moisture and to help maintain a positive air seal.

Repeated loss of pressure may result from undetected tire damage. Visually inspect tires for punctures, cuts, abrasions, cracks, bulges, blisters or knots. If you don't see anything on the outside- dismount the tire and look inside.

Damaged tires cannot always be repaired and should be inspected by an expert. Damage caused by impacts, penetrations or continued underinflated/overloaded use is progressive and can result in sudden and complete tire failure.

Inspect your tires frequently for damage and always heed warning signs such as vibration, handling instability, rubbing or unusual tire noise while riding your motorcycle.

Hopefully these tips will help you make all that time you spent shopping for the best price on your next set of motorcycle tires worth the effort. And help you ride safer!

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