Motorcycle Tyre Maintenance Guide
Motorcycle Tire/Tyre Maintenance tips to keep your motorcycle at peak condition.
Last week I noticed that I was continuing to lose air preasure in my front tire. I can usually notice air preasure loss by a slight drag if on the back wheel or a swaying motion on the front and needed to repair a small leak around the stem. I also realized I lost a stem cap on the front which could have also been creating challenges. This prompted me to do some research on the subject and consequently the compiling of the following outline. I will try to do my best with other maintenance tips as to benefit both you and I on our mutual quest to ride safely in Pattaya.
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 bag at all times. Try to remember to check your tire pressure every time you fill up for gas.
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 wear out more quickly. The 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 sport bikers 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. Real "light" cracking may be ok, but basically if there is excessive dry rotting, you should get new tires.
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.
Tire Inflation
Motorcycle tire inflation and contact patch area
Under inflation may also:
-Damage the tire leading to tire failure
-Adversely affect vehicle cornering
-Reduce tire life
-Increase fuel consumption
-Fatigue cracking
Riding on tires with too much air can be dangerous. The tires are more likely to be cut, punctured, or broken by sudden impact. Serious personal injury 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 information.
Never inflate a tire unless it is secured to the motorcycle or a tire-mounting machine. Inflating an unsecured tire is dangerous. If it bursts, it could be hurled into the air with explosive force resulting in serious personal injury or death.
Valve Stems, Cores & Caps
Old or damaged valve stems and cores may cause air loss. Replace them when mounting new tires. Use caps (finger tight) on the valve stems to keep dust, dirt and moisture away from the valve.
Checking Tire Inflation
- 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." The tires are "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 (4 psi)(28 kPa) above the recommended cold inflation pressure. Recheck the inflation pressure when the tire is cold.
- Never release air from a hot tire in order to reach the recommended cold tire pressure. -Normal riding causes tires to run hotter and inflation pressure to increase. If 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 for an inspection.
- Use valve caps to keep valve cores clean, clear of debris and to help guard against air leakage.
Well, there you have it. This coming year will be a great year for Motorcycle Enthusiasts here in Pattaya with plenty of great rides and parties. Should you have something coming up that you need promoted just drop me an e-mail and I'll do my best to get it in the next month’s column. Remember our deadline is the 15th for the following month’s issue.
Wishing all of you on whatever bike you ride a safe riding year.
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