Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, understanding and maintaining your motorcycle’s tyre pressure is crucial for a safe and enjoyable ride. It’s not just about having a smoother ride—keeping your tyres properly inflated impacts your bike's performance, fuel efficiency, and safety.
In this beginner's guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about checking and adjusting your motorcycle's tyre pressure.
The Importance of Correct Tyre Pressure
Motorcycle tyre pressure is more than just a number; it's a key factor in your bike's overall performance and safety. Correct tyre pressure ensures that your motorcycle handles as designed, providing optimal traction, stability, and braking performance.
Why Does Tyre Pressure Matter?
Proper tyre pressure is crucial for your motorcycle's performance, safety, and the longevity of your tyres. Underinflated or overinflated tyres can significantly impact your bike's handling, fuel efficiency, and overall ride quality.
- Underinflated Tyres: These can lead to excessive tyre wear, overheating, and increased risk of punctures. They may also affect your bike's steering and braking performance.
- Overinflated Tyres: These can result in reduced traction, especially in wet or slippery conditions. They may also cause premature wear to the centre of the tyre.
How to Check Tyre Pressure
Checking your motorcycle tyre pressure might seem intimidating at first, but it’s a simple process that you can master with a few basic tools and a bit of practice.
Tools You'll Need
- Tyre Pressure Gauge: A reliable gauge is essential for accurate measurements. Avoid using gauges that are damaged or inaccurate.
- Portable Air Compressor: This is useful for inflating your tyres to the correct pressure.
Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Tyre Pressure
- Warm Up Your Tyres: Ride your motorcycle for a few miles to ensure the tyres are at their operating temperature. Cold tyres will have a different pressure reading than warm tyres.
- Park on a Level Surface: Ensure your motorcycle is parked on a stable, level surface to avoid inaccurate readings.
- Remove the Valve Caps: Carefully unscrew the valve caps from both tyres.
- Check the Pressure: Place the tyre pressure gauge onto the valve stem and press firmly. The gauge will display the current pressure.
- Compare to the Recommended Pressure: Refer to your motorcycle's owner's manual or the tyre sidewall for the recommended tyre pressure. This information is usually expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or bars.
- Adjust the Pressure: If the pressure is below the recommended level, use a portable air compressor to inflate the tyre to the correct pressure. If the pressure is above the recommended level, release air using the valve stem until you reach the desired pressure.
- Reinstall the Valve Caps: Once you've adjusted the pressure, securely reinstall the valve caps to prevent air leakage.
Understanding Recommended Tyre Pressure
Not all motorcycles require the same tyre pressure. The recommended pressure can vary based on your bike's make and model, as well as how you use it.
Different Motorcycle Types
- Sport Bikes: These typically require higher tyre pressures for better performance and handling at high speeds.
- Cruisers: These generally have lower pressure requirements, providing a smoother ride on long journeys.
- Off-Road Bikes: These need varying pressures depending on the terrain. Softer terrains like sand require lower pressures than harder terrains like packed dirt.
Usage Scenarios
- Solo Riding: When you're riding solo, follow the standard recommended tyre pressure for your motorcycle.
- With Passengers or Heavy Loads: When carrying extra weight, you might need to increase the tyre pressure slightly to compensate.
Effects of Underinflated and Overinflated Tyres
Both underinflated and overinflated tyres can cause a host of issues, ranging from minor inconveniences to serious safety hazards.
Underinflated Tyres
- Handling Issues: Poorly inflated tyres can make your bike feel sluggish and hard to steer.
- Increased Wear: They wear out faster, especially on the edges. You can read more about extending the lifespan of your motorcycle tyres in a recent post.
- Fuel Efficiency: Lower pressure increases rolling resistance, which can decrease your fuel mileage.
Overinflated Tyres
- Reduced Grip: Overinflated tyres have less contact with the road, reducing grip.
- Premature Wear: They tend to wear out in the centre more quickly.
- Harsher Ride: Higher pressure results in a less comfortable, bumpier ride.
Tips for Maintaining Optimal Tyre Pressure
Maintaining the right tyre pressure isn’t a one-time task; it requires regular checks and adjustments.
When to Check Your Tyre Pressure
- Regular Checks: Make it a habit to check your tyre pressure at least once a month.
- Before Long Rides: Always check before embarking on long trips.
- Temperature Changes: Check more frequently if there have been significant changes in temperature.
Adjusting Tyre Pressure
- Daily Use: Maintain the manufacturer-recommended pressure for best performance.
- Heavy Loads: Increase pressure slightly when carrying passengers or extra cargo.
- Off-Road Conditions: Adjust pressure based on the terrain to ensure better grip and handling.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure you're getting the most out of your tyre maintenance efforts.
Relying on Visual Checks
Just because a tyre looks fine doesn’t mean it’s properly inflated. Always use a pressure gauge for accurate readings.
Ignoring Temperature Effects
Remember, tyre pressure increases with temperature. Always check and adjust pressures when tyres are cool for the most accurate readings.
Using Inaccurate Gauges
Cheap or old gauges can give incorrect readings. Invest in a reliable, high-quality pressure gauge.
Popular Motorcycle Tyre Gauges at MR MOTO
At MR MOTO, we stock a wide range of motorcycle tyre gauges here in NZ from leading brands so you can be sure you are getting accurate readings. Here are some of our most popular models:
Conclusion
Keeping your motorcycle tyres at the correct pressure is essential for safety, performance, and longevity. By consistently monitoring and adjusting your tyre pressure, you’ll enjoy better handling, improved fuel efficiency, and a smoother ride. Regular checks are a small price to pay for the significant benefits they bring. And remember, a well-maintained bike isn't just about performance; it's about ensuring every ride is as safe and enjoyable as possible.
Not sure which is the best motorcycle tyre pressure gauge for you? We have a wide range at MR MOTO so be sure to check out our collection or get in touch with the team who will be more than happy to advise you based on your ride and your usage.