How to Keep Your Motorcycle Tires in Proper Shape

May. 27 2021 Announcements By Hap's Cycle Sales

One of the most important parts of your motorcycle are your tires. Without tires, you won't get far. For tips on how to keep your motorcycle tires in proper shape, continue on:

Before you hop on your bike, inspect your tires. Make sure they're properly inflated and look for any punctures. If your tires look good, you're ready for a ride.

If your tires look a little high or low on air, check the tire pressure. Motorcycle tires can lose one pound per square inch (PSI) of pressure each week. Sometimes the loss of tire pressure isn't noticeable at first, so it never hurts to make a habit out of checking your pressure. Use a pressure gauge to measure the amount of air in your tires and inflate/deflate as needed. If you notice your tires are constantly losing pressure, even if you're maintaining them, it may be time to replace your tires.

Another thing to keep your eye on is the tread of your tires. The tread is what allows the tires to grip to the surface below. Tread wears over time, and poor tread can make riding your motorcycle unsafe. Try sticking a quarter between the treads of your tires. If the tread covers George Washington's head, you're all set. If not, you aren't getting enough traction and it's time for a tire replacement.

When you do get new tires for your motorcycle, you have to break them in. For the first 100 miles on your new tires, be extra careful. Your new tires may ride differently than your old tires. Once you get more tread wear, you can ride more like how you're used to.

Whenever you ride your bike on the road, keep your motorcycle in the tracks left by cars. Riding in the middle of the lane may make sense, but you're actually more likely to encounter road debris that can damage your tires when doing so.

Now that you know how to maintain your motorcycle's wheels, you're ready to ride! Visit Hap's Cycle Sales to shop our selection of motorcycles, shop our parts department, or book an appointment with your service department. To get in touch with Hap's Cycle Sales, call us at 800-303-4277.