Safety Tips for Motorcycle Tires Let’s face it — at best, most of us have a passing understanding of our motorcycle tires. We spend only enough time on them to keep riding, but we want to keep riding on them all the time. Most of us have to kind of force ourselves to check the air pressure as often as we should — and even that will go out the window as soon as most bikes start coming with tire pressure sensors. That said, here are some quick points to know about motorcycle tires – tips that will keep you safer and riding longer. Though modern motorcycle tires are manufactured to very high performance and durability standards, taking them for granted is a mistake. And assuming they are all alike or basically the same as tires for your car, is not right. Motorcycle tires are unique and absolutely critical to your safety and long-term enjoyment of your motorcycle. Here are some of the key things to know about motorcycle tires. 1. Tires that appear to be the same can be very different in terms of how they are designed to be used safely.

One of the key factors in this age of superbike performance bikes is the speed rating. This is the letter (alphabetical) code number at the end of the tire size code imprinted on the sidewall of the tire, for example: in the code 120/90B-19 60 H, the “H” means the maximum safe speed rating is 130 mph (210 km/h). Here is a table of the speed ratings:speed (mph) / (km/h) 2. The majority of motorcycle tire sizes are expressed in metric dimensions. Those dimensions and other information must be molded right into the sidewall of the tire. Using the same example above, 120/90B-19 60 H, here’s what the dimensions mean: 3. In addition to the speed rating, there is a code for the safe maximum load called the “load index.” In this example,“60” is the load index rating code, meaning the maximum load rating code means 551 pounds. Here’s a table of the DOT load index codes: 4. Each motorcycle is designed from the ground up with specific chassis specifications and suspension components that are intended to maximize handling, braking and stability with a specific type of tire in mind.

Changing from bias ply to radial tires or vice-versa may adversely affect the handling of the bike, so don’t make that kind of change without consulting a professional on it. 5. Never mix bias ply and radial tires on the same bike — as with point 4, the bike’s handling could be adversely affected. old school motorcycle speedometerI’m not sure why anybody would ever do this, but I have heard of some folks doing it — never use automotive tires on a motorcycle, even if the size seems to fit.motorcycle gear lakewood co 6. Staying with the same type and size (even if by a different manufacturer) as was specified as original equipment (OE) for your bike is the easiest way to assure consistent performance.motorcycle dealers in perrysburg ohio

Going with wider tires to try to increase cornering performance, for example, may cause interference between the tire and suspension or driveline components. 7. Racing tires, while designed for high stress, high performance applications, don’t necessarily make good street tires. motorcycle sidecar tire wearThis is because they are designed to function best at the higher tread operating temperatures than will occur in normal street riding.bmw motorcycles salem va Also, high-adhesion racing slicks lacking rain grooves of normal street tires may perform poorly in wet riding conditions.amazon youth motorcycle helmets 8. Consider tread pattern in selecting tires because the tread pattern, the size and positioning of rain grooves affects how well the tires perform under the diverse road conditions encountered out on the road.motorcycle helmets glasgow

Monitor the condition of your tires carefully. Bulges in the sidewall or tread most likely indicate a ply separation inside the tire and a catastrophic tire failure could be the result. External damage such as cuts or cracking in the tread or sidewall should be checked out; while so-called “dry cracking” in the rubber of the sidewall may not indicate deeper tire damage, a split in the rubber down to the cord in one spot may indicate impact damage inside the tire. Check the rim for deformation or cracking if this type of damage is present. 10. The old saying is that “the tire doesn’t carry the load—the air does.” The point there being that maintaining proper tire inflation is crucial to proper performance, tire service life and safety. Under-inflated tires overheat, are more prone to blow-outs, sidewall failure and premature wear. Similarly, over-inflated tires may fail prematurely and wear improperly. Whatever you ride and wherever you ride, tires are the thing hooking you up to the ground, so take good care of them. 

Check your motorcycle tires before every ride, and be careful out there! All content on Total Motorcycle is copyright protected and actively monitored by DMCA Motorcycle is family owned and operated By Riders, For Riders, 250 Million readers for over 16 years. You are here: Home --- Motorcycle Maintenance Guide --- Tire/Tyre Maintenance Guide --- Page 1 Motorcycle Tire/Tyre Maintenance tips to keep your motorcycle The only thing between the hard unforgiving pavement and you is your tires. Best that you know, understand, respect and learn how to treat them well. Tip: Keep a low pressure tire gauge (0psi - 80psi) in your bike tool bagTry to remember to check your tire pressure everytime you fill Keep your tires correctly inflated. A tire that is very under-inflated generates a lot of heat which can lead to a blow out. Tires that run too hot also wearThe most common motorcycle breakdown is for tire damage. Purchase a pencil-type tyre gauge and use it regularly until you instinctively

'know' what your tyres feel like correctly inflated. Use of the gauge and visual inspections must become second nature. Replace your tires sooner rather than later. If tread depth is 1-2mm it is time to replace your tires. Take a tip from the mad sportbikers and the canyon racers - they never skimp on their tyres as they are often all that stands between them and the pearly gates. Dry Rotting- or "cracking." Usually means that the tires are old and/or the bike has not been in covered storage. may be ok, but basically if there is excessive dry rotting, you should get Tire Care and Tyre Tips Tires on motorcycles, like any vehicle, play a vital role in the performance, handling and safety of the bike. Many times we tend to ignore the necessary maintenance needed to keep the tires safe. With motorcycles, there are only two small contact patches for the rider to rely on, so it is extremely important to keep the tires in top condition.

Any tire, no matter how well constructed, may fail in use as a result of punctures, impact damage, improper inflation, overloading, or other conditions resulting from use or misuse. Tire failure may create a risk of property damage, serious personal injury or death. To reduce the risk of tire failure, we strongly recommend you read and follow all safety information contained in this brochure. It is recommended that riders do a periodic inspection of their tires and have any imbedded objects removed by a qualified service person. injury or death may result from a tire failure. Many tire failures are preceded by vibration, bumps, bulges or irregular wear. If a vibration occurs while riding your motorcycle, or you notice a bump, bulge or irregular wear, have your tires and motorcycle evaluated by a qualified service person. It is not often that a properly maintained tire will "blow out" while you are riding. More commonly if air is lost, it will be gradual.

you do experience a blow out or sudden tire failure, the following information should be helpful: When the failure occurs, slowly decrease the amount of throttle, hold the handlebars firmly, and steer to maintain your lane position. Once the motorcycle has slowed and is fully under control, apply the brakesGradually pull over to the shoulder and come to a stop. Motorcycle tire inflation and contact patch area Always keep the motorcycle manufacturer's recommended air pressure in bothThis is an important requirement for tire safety and mileage. motorcycle owner’s manual will tell you the recommended cold inflationOn some motorcycles, the recommended front and rear tire pressuresThe pressures stamped on the sidewall of the tire are onlyOn some occasions, these pressures will also be the manufacturers recommended settings as well. Riding on tires with too little air pressure is dangerous. This can cause a sudden tire failure that could lead

to serious personal injury or death. -Damage the tire leading to tire failure -Adversely affect vehicle cornering Riding on tires with too much air can be dangerous. The tires are more likely to be cut, punctured, or broken by sudden impact. or death could result. Do not exceed the pressure indicated on the tire sidewall. Consult your owner’s manual for the recommended inflation and other tire Never inflate a tire unless it is secured to the motorcycle or a tire-mountingInflating an unsecured tire is dangerous. If it bursts, it could be hurled into the air with explosive force resulting in serious personal Valve Stems, Cores & Caps Old or damaged valve stems and cores may cause air loss. Use caps (finger tight) on the valve stems to keep dust, dirt and moisture away from the valve. -Check your tire air pressure at least once a week and before long trips. Be sure to use an accurate pressure gauge. -Check your air pressure when the tires are "cold."

"cold" when your motorcycle has been ridden less than a mile at moderate speed or after being stopped for three or more hours. -If you must add air when your tires are hot, add four pounds per square inch(28 kPa) above the recommended cold inflation pressure. inflation pressure when the tire is cold. -Never release air from a hot tire in order to reach the recommended cold-Normal riding causes tires to run hotter and inflation pressureIf you release air when your tires are hot, you may dangerously under inflate your tires. -If your tires lose more than two pounds per square inch (2 psi)(14 kPa) per month, the tire, the valve, or wheel may be damaged. Consult your local dealer -Use valve caps to keep valve cores clean, clear of debris and to help guard In order for your new tire(s) to provide optimum performance, tires should be ridden very cautiously for the first 100 miles in order for the tread surface to be “Scuffed-In” and work properly.

Directly after new tires are mounted, sudden acceleration, maximum braking and hard cornering must be avoided. This will allow the rider to adjust to the “Feel” and handling characteristics of the new tire and for the new tire to be “Scuffed-In” correctly in order to achieve optimum grip level. Riding your motorcycle in an overloaded condition is dangerous. causes excessive heat to build up in your tires. This can lead to sudden tire failure and serious personal injury or death while the tire is overloaded or at some later date. Consult your motorcycle owner's manual for the motorcycle load limits and proper tire inflation that applies to your motorcycle and tires. Never exceed the maximum load rating stamped on the tire sidewall of your tire or the maximum vehicle load rating, whichever is less. determine the total weight of luggage, equipment, and rider(s) to be added Never exceed the accessory restrictions and motorcycle load capacity found

in the owner's manual, or the maximum load molded on the sidewall of the tire. Pulling trailers behind your motorcycle is not recommended by Bridgestone/Firestone as trailers may contribute to motorcycle instability and overload. Riding on damaged tires is dangerous. A damaged tire can suddenly fail causingHave your tires regularly inspected by your local dealer for damage. After striking anything unusual in the roadway, ask your local dealer to demount the tire and inspect it for damage. A tire may not have visible signs of damage on the tire surface. Yet, the tire may suddenly fail without warning, a day, a week, or even months later. Inspect your tires for cuts, cracks, splits or bruises in the tread and sidewallBumps or bulges may indicate a separation within the tire body. your tire inspected by a qualified tire service person. It may be necessary to have it removed from the wheel for a complete inspection. Inspect your tires for adequate tread depth.