Your motorcycle's tire pressure: Essential for safety and performance
As a motorcyclist, it is crucial to pay attention to tire pressure as it not only affects the safety of your ride but also the performance of your motorcycle. In this blog we discuss what the correct tire pressure is for motorcycle tires, the risks of incorrect tire pressure and how you can properly check and adjust the tire pressure of your motorcycle. Let's get started!
What is the correct tire pressure for motorcycle tires?
The correct tire pressure is the recommended air pressure in your motorcycle's tires, as specified by the manufacturer. This information can usually be found in your motorcycle's owner's manual or on a sticker inside the fuel tank lid or seat compartment door. To provide guidance, it is generally recommended to use a pressure of 2 bar for the front tire and 2.5 bar for the rear tire.
Risks of incorrect tire pressure for your motorcycle tires
Riding with the wrong tire pressure can have serious consequences for both the safety and performance of your motorcycle. Here are the risks and disadvantages of both over-inflation and under-inflation:
- Tire pressure too high:
- Reduced road grip, especially on wet or slippery surfaces.
- An uncomfortable ride due to a stiffer suspension.
- Wear of the center of the tread, which can shorten the life of the tires.
- Reduced stability and control, especially when cornering.
- The risk of a blowout increases, especially at high speeds.
- Tire pressure too low:
- Reduced fuel efficiency and increased fuel consumption.
- Overheating of the tires, which can lead to tire damage and even a blowout.
- Faster wear of the sides of the tread.
- Reduced stability and handling, especially at high speeds.
- Reduced braking performance and longer braking distance.
Check engine tire pressure
Checking your motorcycle's tire pressure regularly is a simple but important task that will keep you safe on the road. Here's how to do it:
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Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold
The ideal time to do this is early in the morning before you start driving, or when the engine has been sitting for at least three hours.
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Use a good quality tire pressure gauge
Make sure the meter is properly calibrated.
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Find the recommended tire pressure
This information can be found in your motorcycle's owner's manual or on the sticker on the inside of the fuel tank lid or seat compartment.
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Remove the valve cap
Place the tire pressure gauge firmly on the valve.
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Read the tire pressure on the gauge .
If the tire pressure is too low, carefully inflate the tire with air. If the tire pressure is too high, carefully release some air from the tire.
- Repeat this process for all tires
Inflate motorcycle tires
Inflating motorcycle tires is simple, but it must be done correctly. Here's how to do it:
- Make sure you are in a safe place with a functioning air pump .
- Remove the valve cap and keep it in a safe place.
- Carefully inflate the tire to the recommended tire pressure as indicated in your motorcycle's owner's manual.
- Check the tire pressure again with the tire pressure gauge to ensure the correct pressure has been achieved.
- If the tire pressure is too high , carefully release some air from the tire by briefly pressing the valve.
- Place the valve cap back on the valve and repeat these steps for all tires on your motorcycle.
A safe and enjoyable motorcycle ride
Maintaining the correct tire pressure for your motorcycle tires is vital for a safe and enjoyable ride. Both too high and too low tire pressure can have serious consequences for the safety and performance of your motorcycle. By regularly checking and adjusting tire pressure according to manufacturer specifications, you can ensure optimal road grip, fuel efficiency and tire life. Follow the simple steps to check tire pressure and inflate it correctly, and you'll enjoy a smooth, safe, and enjoyable motorcycle ride!
Most suitable pump to inflate motorcycle tires to the correct pressure
The Donrox A922 is our number 1 for inflating motorcycle tires. This powerful, electric pump has convenient, pre-programmed settings. This means all you have to do is connect the pump and press Go. It stops automatically when the desired tire pressure is reached
