How important is maintaining the correct tire pressure?Tire pressure is one of the most important maintenance tasks you should perform before every ride. Although the carcass and overall structure of the tire has a significant effect on the overall performance of the tire, for it to function properly you must have sufficient air pressure in the tire. We recommend that you check your air pressure before every ride, especially when carrying a load. Every 4 psi of air lost in the tire translates to approximately 60 to 70 pounds reduction in load carrying capacity. For example, if your tire pressure is 34 psi, instead of a recommended 41 psi, you would need to take 120 to 140 pounds of load off of the motorcycle. Never exceed the maximum load capacity that is stamped on the sidewall of the tire at the recommended air pressure. Another reason proper air pressure is so important, is to ensure proper handling of the motorcycle. Never over-inflate a tire, as over-inflation of a tire may reduce the contact patch.

Likewise, under-inflation generates uneven contact pressure and support. Both conditions negatively affect the handling and stability of the motorcycle.ducati for sale phoenix az When choosing replacement tires, what is the best method of selecting the right size and type of tires for my motorcycle?motorbike for sale in luton We recommend that you first consult the owner's manual for your motorcycle to find the original size of the front and rear tires. motorcycle vinyl wrap sydneyOnce you know the sizes, it is imperative that you only purchase tires of the same size recommended in the owner's manual.german motorcycle helmet non dot

What type of sidewall protectants or cleaners can I use on my tires? We recommend that you only use a mild soap solution to clean your sidewalls and whitewalls. motorcycle jacket uaeThen rinse with plain water.olx motorcycle for sale laguna Is it possible to have my tires repaired? Shinko does not recommend repairing damaged street tires. Temporary repair should not be attempted because secondary damage may occur that results in sudden tire failure or an accident. Shinko also does not recommend the use of liquid sealants, as they are a form of temporary repair that may adversely affect ply material and disguise secondary damage. Never perform an exterior repair and never use an inner tube as a way to repair a street tire. The same recommendations apply to dirt tires, except where no external damage is apparent, and a new inner tube typically repairs a deflated tire.

What is the recommended run-in for a new street tire? Shinko recommends a run-in distance of approximately 100 miles. Before then, maximum power or hard cornering should not be applied to the tires. Proper run-in allows you to familiarize yourself with the feel of the new tires or tire combination, as well as allowing the tire mold release agent applied during the manufacturing process to be worn off. Is it okay to put wider tires on my motorcycle? Wider tires should only be installed with the approval of the motorcycle or tire manufacturer. If wider tires are approved for a particular motorcycle, one size designation it is the typical permissible size increase. Be sure to consider clearance for width and diameter, the effect on stability and handling, and whether your rim is wide enough. Always allow for some tire growth, as all tires will increase in size after they have been inflated and ridden on for a few hundred miles.Tire size can be confusing. Some numbers on the sidewall are listed in metric while others are in inches.

Plus, the right size for your car, truck or trailer can differ depending on tire use and your driving habits. You can see your original equipment tire size in your owner’s manual. This is the sizing recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. If you’re interested in switching out your tires for a different look or performance need, a good place to start is to look at the codes on your existing tires’ sidewall. Then have a tire professional help you determine a tire size range that will fit your vehicle and driving goals. Here’s an explainer on what all the sidewall numbers and letters mean. P stands for passenger vehicle tire. P-class tires include cars, SUVs, crossovers, minivans and smaller pickup trucks. LT means light truck tire, designed for vehicles that are towing trailers or have ¾- and 1-ton load capacity. ST stands for Special Trailer. These tire sizes are meant for trailers, including fifth wheels and other travel trailers, boat trailers and utility trailers.

If there’s no letter before the first number, you have a metric tire most commonly referred to as European size. It’s also measured in millimeters but may have different load capacity than a P or LT tire. The aspect ratio is a percentage. It’s the height of the sidewall measured from wheel rim to top of the tread, expressed as a percentage of tire width. In other words, it’s sidewall height divided by tire width. In this example, the aspect ratio is 65, meaning the sidewall is 65 percent as high as the tire is wide. To get the sidewall height, take the tire width of 215 mm and convert it to inches (8.46). Then multiply this by .65 and you get 5.5 inches, the sidewall height in inches. R is for radial tires, the industry standard for most tires today. They have better road grip, lower rolling resistance for better gas mileage, ride comfort and durability than previous generations of tires. In a radial tire, the plies—layers of strong cords made of a blend of polyester, steel and fabric and coated with rubber—are laid perpendicular to the direction of travel.

D is for tires built with diagonal (crisscrossed) plies, called bias-constructed tires. They are also called conventional, x-ply, or cross-ply tires. Some motorcycle and trailer tires still use this internal construction. Some run-flat tires are identified with an F followed by the type of internal construction. LOAD INDEXLOAD (lbs)LOAD INDEXLOAD (lbs)LOAD INDEXLOAD (lbs) A tire size calculator is a quick way to see whether the tire size you’re considering will likely fit your car, SUV, sports car, light truck or crossover. But remember that will give you just an estimate. It’s important to stay within the sizing tolerances of your vehicle. Tires that are the wrong size could cause pull in the steering wheel, rub against the suspension or auto body, reduce clearance on hills or result in a stiffer or noisier ride than you expected. If you’re considering mounting a different tire size on your vehicle, check with a tire expert. Find out whether the tires and wheels you have your eye on are the right fit for your vehicle’s suspension, gearing and bodywork.