As you know, tires play an important part in bike safety, as they represent the point of contact with the road.
“If a bike is not stored properly over the winter months then its tyres can become illegal,” explains Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe. “However, staying the right side of the law shouldn’t be the only consideration as rubber deterioration can lead to a drop in pressure and cracking amongst other things which can compromise safety. So, carrying out a full tyre ‘health check’ is vital to avoid becoming another road casualty statistic.”
Top tips for motorcycle tire safety by TyreSafe are listed below:
1. Check your tyre pressures from cold at least once a week using an accurate gauge
2. Inflate tyres to the level recommended in the manufacturer's handbook
3. Inspect tyres for cuts, bulges, uneven wear or objects embedded into the tread pattern and replace if necessary
4. Use dust caps to keep dirt away from the valve core and to act as a secondary air seal
5. If your rims are cracked or bent they should be replaced immediately
6. Check that your tread depth is not below the legal minimum of 1mm (for bikes over 50cc)
7. Replace old or damaged valve stems
8. Select the correct type of tyre for your machine and riding style
9. Check that both tyres fitted to the bike are made by the same manufacturer and have the same tread pattern
10. Make sure that your tyre has been fitted the right way round by checking the directional arrows on the sidewall
11. When replacing tube type tyres always use a new inner tube
12. Make sure your tyre/wheel assembly is balanced correctly
13. Keep oil and grease off your tyres using detergent if necessary
14. If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre condition take your bike to an approved fitting centre and speak to the experts.
Google News