/ Tips & Advice
How to check your motorcycle’s tire pressure
It’s way more important than you think.
If there’s one thing that’s all too commonly overlooked when it comes to motorcycles, it’s most probably tire pressure. Understandably so, given the fact that it’s just way too easy to forget about it. That, plus a quick glance at your tires can give you a deceptive impression that it, at least, isn’t deflated. However, as it would turn out, ensuring your bike has the correct tire pressure on both its front and rear tires is pretty important, as it can, at the very least, keep your bike running smoothly and efficiently, and at the most, save you from a possible crash.
Now, the optimum tire pressure varies from motorcycle to motorcycle. Additionally, your intended use of the motorcycle (i.e., if you’ll be riding with a pillion, or carrying heavy luggage), is also an added variable when it comes to determining how much air you’re going to feed your tires. That said, most, if not all motorcycle manufacturers highlight the recommended tire pressures for both front and rear tires in a multitude of conditions in great detail via the owner’s manual. Be sure to check your owner’s manual to ensure that you’re loading up your tires accordingly. With all that out of the way, let’s get into actually checking, and correcting if necessary, your motorcycle’s tire pressure.
Position the motorcycle
Checking your motorcycle’s tire pressure is one of the easiest and most basic maintenance jobs out there. As mentioned above, it can be all too easy to forget to do it. Although it’s very easy to do, it can be a literal pain in the back, especially if your motorcycle is one the heavier side of the spectrum, and has large, dual front disc brakes. That said, to make things easier, locate the tire valve on your front wheel, and position the motorcycle such that the valve is on the lowest part of the wheel, closest to the ground. Do the same process for the rear tire, once you’ve finished working on the front tire.
Have your tools handy
In order to check and correct your motorcycle’s tire pressure, you really only need 2 things. The first would be a tire pressure gauge. Now, tire pressure gauges come in all shapes and sizes, and can be as cheap as a few hundred pesos for the basic ones, to a couple grand for the high-tech digital ones. Regardless, most decent tire pressure gauges display pretty accurate information. Now, once you’ve removed your tire valve cap, it’s just a matter of securely fitting the tire pressure gauge onto the tire valve. This can be a bit tricky, especially on bikes with larger sprockets and/or disc rotors, so it’s best to do this a couple of times, just to make sure you’re getting consistent tire pressure readings.
Add or decrease air pressure
Chances are, once you’ve checked your tire pressure, you’re going to want to increase or decrease the pressure according to your preference. This brings us to the second thing you’re going to need, a pump. Now, you could get away with a simple bicycle-type floor pump for this job. However, if you’re not in the mood for a quick workout, you could splurge on an electronic tire pump, or even a workshop compressor. It would be nice if you could get a pump with a built in gauge, so as to eliminate the need for a tire pressure gauge, however, even the most basic bicycle pump could get the job done in this case.
All that being said, it’s just a matter of pumping away, or, if you have a fancy electronic pump, setting the tire pressure and pressing a button. Once you’ve hit the desired tire pressure, securely reinstall the tire valve caps. Now, there’s nothing left to do, but to take your bike for a spin.
Take it for a spin
Running the correct tire pressure on your motorcycle ensures that your motorcycle performs to the best of its abilities, and is as safe as it can be. It can sometimes be surprising as to how much the riding characteristics of a motorcycle can improve from running optimal tire pressures. A motorcycle with just the right tire pressure can corner a lot more smoothly, as opposed to the unsure feeling of an under-inflated tire. Additionally, it can save you fuel, as a higher tire pressure presents itself with less rolling resistance than an under-inflated one. Lastly, tires are developed to provide the maximum amount of traction only when inflated up to spec.
Related Articles
-
5 life-saving tools and items for motorcycle emergencies / Featured Article
Find out how you can help prepare yourself for a variety of emergencies on the road.
-
Is your motorcycle out of warranty? Be sure to check these items ASAP / Featured Article
If your motorcycle is out of warranty, it’s now your duty to make sure you stay on top of its maintenance no matter what, or run the risk of facing a hefty repair bill.
-
How to check your motorcycle’s oil level / Tips & Advice
Having the optimum amount of engine oil and ensuring it’s still in good condition is essential in keeping your motorcycle running reliably.
-
Make sure to have these 5 essentials in your DIY moto toolbox / Featured Article
Here are 5 essential tools to get you started on your journey in becoming a DIY motorcycle mechanic.
-
Never go for a ride without checking these 5 things / Tips & Advice
Motorcycle maintenance can be very complicated. Here are 5 components you must always check every time you go for a ride.
Latest Features
-
MotoCamp Riding School: MotoCircuit 101—Course Details and Information / Featured Article
MotoCamp offers a basic course in track riding and provides good insights for beginner riders looking to gain their legs at speed.
-
5 seemingly minor modifications that can change the way your bike rides / Featured Article
Here are 5 easy upgrades you can make to your motorcycle if you want to get the most performance out of it.
-
Here are some gift ideas for your motorcycle-riding friends and family / Featured Article
Struggling to think of gift ideas for your motorcyclist friends and family? Read on to get some inspiration this gift-giving season.