As a motorcycle rider, the most important part about riding is staying safe. There are plenty of maintenance checks you should perform on your bike before you take it out on the road, but there is one thing that is overlooked by many riders ... their tires. You might already have the right style of tire for your riding, whether it's sport, touring or dual sport, but even the best tires won’t perform properly if they aren’t maintained. Two of the most critical things to check regularly are your tire pressure and tread depth. Here are a few tips to help get you safely on the road.
Tire pressure plays a huge role in how your bike handles. If the pressure is too low, your tires can overheat, wear unevenly and feel sluggish in turns. If the pressure is too high, you can lose grip and the ride becomes harsh and less predictable. Always check your pressure before riding, while the tires are still cold. Your owner’s manual or the information sticker on your bike will give you the recommended PSI. It’s a good idea to keep a tire pressure gauge in your garage and your saddlebag for quick checks and be ready to fill the tires to the proper levels before riding.
Tread depth is equally important. As tires wear down, their ability to grip the road, especially in rain, drops dramatically. Most motorcycle tires have wear bars built into the tread. If the tread is at the same level with these bars, it’s time for a tire replacement. Riding on worn-out tires is dangerous and can lead to loss of traction, especially during sudden stops or cornering. Checking your tire tread regularly and replacing the tires when needed should be at the top of your mind.
Riders who attend track days or switch between tire types based on season or terrain should be extra diligent. Different tires perform differently depending on the temperature, road surface and bike weight. That means pressure and tread checks aren’t just occasional maintenance, they should be a habit every time you ride.
Before each ride, give your tires a quick once-over. Check the pressure, look for embedded debris like nails or glass, inspect for cracks and keep an eye on uneven wear. A few minutes of attention could prevent a serious crash or costly repair down the road.
Hupy and Abraham has always been dedicated to keeping riders safe. Whether it’s through handing out “Watch for Motorcycles” stickers, promoting awareness at local community events or representing injured riders, our team is here for you. For more motorcycle safety articles, event updates, visit hupy.com or subscribe to our motorcycle newsletter here: https://www.hupy.com/email-newsletter-sign-up-form/
If you’ve been injured in an accident, call Hupy and Abraham at 800-800-5678 or chat with us online at hupy.com. We’ve recovered billions of dollars for our clients and have spent more than 50 years fighting for motorcycle riders.
