Motorcycle tyres are world apart when compared to car tyres. They are comparatively rounder in shape while car’s tyres are flatter in geometry. This huge difference in shape is because both are built to serve a different purpose. The reason why motorcycle tyres can be said to be tricky is that motorcycles turn sideways using lateral movements while cars do not show lateral turnings. Due to this motorcycle tyres are supposed to be rounder in geometry to support this movement. Also, at the time of movement motorcycle tyres have only a limited contact patch with the ground which is a centre strip in the tyres compared to the case in cars where the full tyre surface remains in contact with the ground all the time. Motorcycle tyres need special care when compared to cars and in the article below we are going to discuss top maintenance tips you should know about your motorcycle tyres.
1. Always buy the right kind of tyre for your Motorcycle
By the ‘right tyre’ we mean always go for the specific kind of tyre which is right for you. There are a wide variety of tyres present in the market today be it for sports usage, track, touring, or simply commuting. If you are a simple home to office commuter, you should go for commuting tyres. If you love to ride fast, go for sport class tyres, while if you love going on road trips, there is nothing better than touring tyres. Matching the correct tyre type as per your usage is very logical in the long run.
Another point which should be brought to notice here is that never fit a larger/wider tyre than your wheels or engine can support. For example if you slap on a 180mm wide tyre on to the wheels designed for 160mm wide tyres, you will have to pay the consequences later on. Your mileage might get reduced, also you bike might produce wobbling at high speeds. If that was not all, a wider tyre will surely restrict the handling abilities of your motorbike.
2. Keep a close check on the tyre pressure
Every time you go for refilling your petrol tank, make sure to get the tyre pressure checked. The reason being if you are running on low pressure your tyres will worn on pretty faster than the usual. Also if you have a habit of always riding with a pillion, make sure to adjust the pressure accordingly. The rear tyre will require more than usual air pressure when there is a pillion rider at the rear seat.
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3. Do not use tyre polish
Sometime beginner riders does the momentous mistake of applying too much tyre polish on the side walls of the tyres which can prove to be a deadly mistake when taking corners. Even a thin film of polish on the tyres makes them slippery, especially when applied on the side walls. This reduces the corner taking abilities and traction of a tyre, and this take hours of continues riding to fade away. Tyre polish should be left alone for the car tyres.
4. Ensure there is not cut or damage to the tyres
Always keep a close check on the tyre for cuts or leakages. If there is a puncture, make sure to repair it on time before it gets widen and damage the tyre life. An untreated cut or puncture may destroy the tyre in a matter of days, so always be light footed when it comes to puncture repairs. Also avoid taking off-road routes which may damage the tyres permanently.
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5. Never store your bike on side stands
If you are preparing to store the motorcycle for a longer period than usual, then make sure to lift off both the ends using paddock stands. Also, inflate the tyre with more than suggested air pressure. The reason being, if bike is parked in a single position for months, tyres will automatically deflate and lose pressure, and this might create a permanent flat surface on the tyre.
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6. Know when a tyre life is done
Keep a close watch on when a tyre starts to lose grip. It will start to slip and slide more than usual. Also, keep a check on its treads by using penny gauge method which is quite helpful in checking tread depths.
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