Safety First
Before starting your motorcycle’s engine each day, you must check that the front and rear tires are correctly filled according to the manufacturer’s specifications. The safety of the driver, passengers, cargo, and third parties is ensured when tires are properly inflated. Also contributes significantly to straight-line performance, cornering performance, and braking performance. Additionally, it extends the life of your tires. Under-inflation may accelerate tire wear and cause irreparable damage to your tires and rims. Running with tires that are overinflated reduces contact and traction with the road surface, resulting in a bumpier ride, poor wet-weather traction, and less stopping power.
Inflation Pressures
Note that tires heat up on extended journeys. The tires’ high temperature causes the tire pressure to increase. However, the tire’s air pressure will return to normal as the tires cool down. Therefore, never discharge air from a heated tire. It is only required to inject air if the tire pressure is lower than the recommended amount, particularly after a lengthy travel or a flat tire. Remember that the proper tire pressure for a heated tire is 3.5 PSI or 0.3 kg/cm2 greater than the recommended tire pressure when the tire is cold. Remember to replace the valve cover and valve core after testing the tire’s pressure to guarantee an airtight seal.
Initial Warm Up
New motorcycle tires need a break-in time to attain their full performance potential. For the first 100 kilometers, it is vital to take corners at a modest rate of speed. It is vital to run the first few kilometers at a reasonable pace each time the engine is started. This helps the tires to reach their optimal operating temperature, enhancing their grip on the road.
Tread Wear
Regularly examine your tires for wear by examining the tread band. Four to six tread wear indicators are located in the tread region of a tire and are indicated by an arrow on the sidewall. It is crucial that the tire tread maintains full contact with the road surface at all times, and as tire treads degrade, their capacity to shed water declines. Slow down on wet roads. Regularly inspect the tread wear indicators and ensure that the tread wear is uniform. Incorrect inflation pressure, overloading, and uneven mechanical modifications may produce uneven wear. Drivers must pay close attention to tire pressure, load weight, pace and riding style (braking and acceleration). Do not engage in rapid acceleration or deceleration. Uncontrollable by the driver include the curvy roads, poor road surface quality, and high road temperature. Excessive tread wear may also be caused by mechanical issues, such as a warped rim, inadequate damping, steering play, or a misaligned wheel or frame, etc.
Load Index
In addition to improper inflation, riding style, and hard terrain, severe tread wear may be caused by high load weights. Be careful to verify the load capacity index on the tire’s label.
Replacement
Prior to changing the tires, it is essential to inspect the rim’s condition. Replace with a new rim if required. Generally speaking, the original tire size of a motorbike is the tire size stated by the manufacturer. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that the original tire size of the motorbike be replaced with the tire size provided by the manufacturer. Therefore, it is strongly advised to replace the original tire with a tire of the same size, speed rating, and load index. Failure to do so may result in permanent damage to the rim or motorbike. Also, tire alignment must be performed by a professional or an experienced individual. After installing new tires, it is advisable to additionally install a new tube. Always bear in mind that the quality of your tires and tubes affects your safety.