1. The first Step In Motorcycle Tyre Maintenance should always be to check regularly for wear and tear.
Good Motorcycle Tyre Maintenance is paramount in safe Motorcycle riding. A bike should NEVER be ridden with unsafe tyres.
The first step towards ensuring your safety is to identify tyres that may pose a risk and avoid using them. Make it a habit to regularly scan your motorcycle tyres for these primary indicators of wear and tear:
- It is essential to check that the legal minimum tread depth limit is still available. All Motorcycle tyres have a thread depth indicator in the groove. The rule of thumb would be a minimum of 1.6mm tread depth to ride safely.
- Always check for any significant tearing that may be present on your tyre.
- Are your tyres slightly discoloured? If your tyres have a blue/green tint, this can mean that they may have overheated, which is common after track days. If you spot this, then it’s time for new tyres.
- Check tyre pressures regularly for safety and handling. If pressures drop, this indicates a puncture or other external damage. Even a tiny puncture can cause a slow leak, which can be potentially dangerous.
- Ensure that the tyres are even and there are no bulging areas.
2. Correct Motorcycle Tyre Pressure is not only vital; it is a safety factor
We recommend checking and refilling the air in your bike’s tyres on a regular basis or before every ride, depending on bike usage, not just before long trips. When dealing with tyre pressure, you should consider the bike’s weight, the load (such as passengers or luggage), and the different pressures required for the front and rear tyres.
3. Go easy on new Motorbike Tyres.
Motorcycle Tyre manufacturers use release agents to separate newly formed tyres from their moulds. This process leaves a glossy finish that needs to be removed by riding the bike gently for approximately 100 km (known as scrubbing in). Some bike shops will wipe tyres with a tyre buff to speed up the process.
We once had a customer who wrote his bike off about 100 metres down the road from our workshop directly after he had picked it up with its brand-new tyres!
We had warned him to be careful and go more carefully for a few days, but he got excited and sped off. Thank goodness he was ok, but his bike was not!
Brand-new tyres should ALWAYS be ridden on extra carefully and at a slower speed until they are broken in. Riding at least 100 km is recommended to break in your tyres properly. After that, it is important to inspect your tyres and check the pressure.
4. As part of your Motorcycle Maintenance checks - Look for unevenly worn tyres.
Uneven wear on tyres is usually caused by the tyre gripping the road as you make turns. Some uneven wear is unavoidable, but factors such as incorrectly inflated or poorly balanced tyres, poor suspension, and extended highway/freeway riding can worsen this.
If you notice uneven wear on your tyres, get an experienced mechanic to do some Maintenance Checks on your bike,
5. Have your Motorcycle Tyres Professionally installed.
Trust professional mechanics, like the experts at MK1 Motorcycles, for Motorcycle Tyre installation and balancing. Properly balanced Tyres contribute to improved performance, reduced wear, and enhanced safety on the road.
A professional will use the proper installation technique and select the right pressure and tyre type for your Motorcycle and particular riding habits. It is always the best option to leave it to the experts for true peace of mind and a safe bike set-up usually saving $$ in the long run.
6. Gentle Cleaning Practice for Motorcycle Tyres.
SOAP AND WATER ARE THE BEST WAYS TO GENTLY WASH YOUR MOTORBIKE , INCLUDING THE TYRES.
Keeping your Motorcycle tyres clean is important, but using the right cleaning products is equally essential. When cleaning/washing your Motorbike wash the tyres using a mild soap and warm water solution.Vinegar can also be a safe and effective option.
Harsh chemicals can weaken the Tyres over time, compromising performance and safety.
Do not be tempted to use bleach whatever you do (no matter how dirty the bike tyres).
ANOTHER IMPORTANT POINT is not to use tyre shine on your tyres, even on the tyre wall as it can leach into the tyre and make it slippery and dangerous.
Regular, gentle cleaning removes dirt and preserves tyre integrity. Be sure to clean motorbike tyres regularly, particularly after long road trips.
7. Store Motorbike Tyres (Motorbikes) out of the weather when not in use.
It’s important to know that temperature changes, sunlight exposure, and other weather-related factors can speed up tyre deterioration. To keep your Motorbike in the best possible condition, store it in a garage away from the elements. Proper storage safeguards tyres from environmental damage.
If you need to store your bike for a long time, ensure it is placed on a stand so the wheels do not rest on the ground.
Remember, taking care of your bike while it is not in use is just as crucial as the care you take when riding it. By doing so, you can increase your bike’s performance and safety levels.
8. Do not delay repairs; it could end up costing you more money and even jeopardize your safety.
Avoid riding on damaged Tyres, and have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Continuing to ride with a damaged tyre can be extremely risky, even if it is just around the corner, especially if you are planning a long-distance trip.
Additionally, over time, your tyres will inevitably lose their grip. When you notice your tyres not gripping the road properly, play it safe and replace them. A tyre that cannot provide a strong grip can lead to serious accidents, especially in wet conditions.
Although repairs and replacements do not always come at the right time for our pockets, they are necessary to ensure your safety and the longevity of your bike.
If you ignore the issue, you could cause more damage to your motorbike, leading to more extensive repairs.
Replace worn-out Motorcycle Tyres to maintain optimal safety and performance standards and legality. If you are unsure, consult Tyre experts, like MK1 Motorcycles, for guidance on checking the safety level of your existing tyres and selecting the new Tyres for your bike if required. We want you to be safe on the road.
About MK1 Motorcycles
At MK1 Motorcycles, we are passionate about motorcycles and committed to providing top-notch service to riders in Carrum Downs, Melbourne, and beyond. With over two decades of experience, our family-owned workshop offers comprehensive Motorcycle Service, Repair, and Roadworthy Inspections for a wide range of road and dirt bikes and quads and scooters.
Our team of dedicated professionals strives for excellence in every aspect of our work, from diagnosing issues to fitting and supplying tyres. We take pride in our integrity, expertise, and authenticity, ensuring every customer receives the highest service and care.
For all your motorcycle needs, trust MK1 Motorcycles to deliver reliable solutions and exceptional customer service. Visit our About Us page to learn more about our journey and commitment to excellence in motorcycle servicing and repairs.
