Check your tyre pressure
It is essential to check your tyre pressure every two weeks when the tyres are cold (i.e. a tyre that has not run for at least two hours or has run for less than 3 km at a reduced speed). Ensure that you make adjustments if you take the pressure after riding, i.e. with “hot” tyres. In this instance, refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Never deflate a hot tyre
- Don’t forget to replace the valve caps after your checks are complete
- Tyres filled with nitrogen must still be checked regularly
- Stick to the tyre pressures recommended by the manufacturer
These recommendations are applicable for tyres used on the road. There are additional recommendations for use on the racetrack and more generally for any race.
Tyre wear and tear
A tyre’s final mileage may depend on various factors:
Some of these are within the control of the motorcyclist: tyre pressure, load, vehicle speed, riding style (braking and accelerating).
Others are not and would mean changing the kind of riding you’re doing:
- Road use: road curviness, surface type
- Off-road use: Kind of terrain (sand, gravel, mud…), ambient temperature
A single factor on its own may only have a small impact on a tyre’s mileage; however, if many factors come together there will be much more wear and tear.
The tyre treads are what make up most of the tyre’s grip on the road. As they become worn down, they lose their ability to drain away water. It is therefore important to ride more slowly on wet surfaces.
Consider checking your tyres regularly for wear.
How to check tyre wear?
You should always check for wear at several points on the tyre.
Checks can be carried out with a depth gauge or using the tread wear indicators moulded into the tread (with a symbol visible from the side where present). If the legal or technical limit has been reached, the tyre should be disposed of and replaced.
When and how to check your tyres?
Tyres should be checked regularly to pick up any unusual wear and potential damage.
Follow the below steps in order:
- Tread: Look for any foreign objects, cuts, localised damage or unusual wear
- Sides: Look for impact damage (pavement, potholes, …), cuts, cracks or unusual deformities
- Area around the rim / bead chafer: Look for marks made by scrapes or damage to the rim.
All fissures, cuts and visible deformations in the tyre tread, the sides, or the area where the tyre meets the wheel should be examined in detail (internally/externally) by a tyre professional. The same applies for any deterioration of the rim.
Under no circumstances should you re-mount tyres that show damage such as a deformed or visible bead, rubber or layers becoming unstuck, damage by oily or corrosive substances, marbling or abrasions to the inner rubber as a result of riding with insufficient tyre pressure.
During each vehicle inspection, check that the valve dustcaps are in a satisfactory state. If in doubt, replace them.