How to Check Motorcycle Tyre Pressure: A Simple Guide
Got a few minutes? Checking your motorcycle tyre pressure is one of the easiest maintenance jobs you can do yourself. Here's how to check it properly and what to look for before you hit the road.
Check your tyre pressure when the tyres are cold.
Motorcycle tyre pressure should be checked regularly and according to your motorcycle manufacturer's recommendations. The easiest time to check is before you ride, when the tyres are cold. You'll need a reliable pressure gauge and, if necessary, an air compressor or pump to adjust the pressure.
What do you need?
The job is pretty simple. Get the right pressure information for your motorcycle, check the tyres when they're cold and use a proper pressure gauge rather than guessing.
Pressure Gauge
Use a reliable pressure gauge to get an accurate reading.
Cold Tyres
Check your pressure before riding rather than straight after a ride.
Correct PSI
Use the pressure recommended for your specific motorcycle.
Check Both
Front and rear tyres may have different recommended pressures.
Why Does Motorcycle Tyre Pressure Matter?
Tyre pressure affects how your motorcycle feels and handles on the road.
Incorrect pressure can affect steering, stability, braking, tyre wear and overall tyre performance.
Too little or too much pressure can also change how the tyre sits on the road.
That's why checking your tyre pressure isn't just another maintenance job to tick off the list. It's part of keeping your motorcycle performing as it should.
When Should You Check Your Tyre Pressure?
The best time to check motorcycle tyre pressure is when the tyres are cold.
Riding heats up the tyres and increases the pressure inside them. If you check immediately after a ride, the reading can be higher than the cold pressure recommended by your motorcycle manufacturer.
For most riders, checking the tyres before heading out is an easy habit to build.
If your motorcycle has been sitting for a few hours, that's generally a better time to check than straight after a long ride.
Find the Correct Tyre Pressure
Don't guess your motorcycle's recommended PSI.
The correct pressure depends on your motorcycle and its specifications.
WHERE TO CHECK
- Your motorcycle owner's manual
- The motorcycle manufacturer's recommendations
- Tyre pressure information supplied for your specific motorcycle
Your front and rear tyres may have different recommended pressures.
Two-up riding or carrying luggage may also affect the recommended pressure, depending on the motorcycle manufacturer's specifications.
TYRE CHECK / PRESSURE MATTERS
Don't Set Your
Pressure By Eye.
Giving your tyre a quick kick or looking at it isn't enough to know whether the pressure is correct.
A proper pressure gauge gives you an actual reading, which is what you need when checking motorcycle tyre pressure.
It's a small tool that can save you from guessing.
How to Check Motorcycle Tyre Pressure
The process is pretty simple. Once you have the correct pressure specification for your motorcycle, you're ready to check.
Remove the Valve Cap
Remove the valve cap from the tyre valve and keep it somewhere safe.
Attach the Gauge
Press your tyre pressure gauge firmly onto the valve to get a reading.
Compare the Reading
Compare the reading with the recommended pressure for your motorcycle.
Adjust If Needed
Add air gradually if the pressure is low, or release a small amount if it's too high. Check again after adjusting.
Once you've finished checking and adjusting the pressure, remove the gauge and securely replace the valve cap.
What Happens If Your Tyre Pressure Is Too Low?
Underinflated motorcycle tyres can affect the way your motorcycle handles.
Depending on the motorcycle, tyre and riding conditions, incorrect pressure can contribute to heavier steering, reduced stability, increased tyre wear and higher tyre temperatures.
If you regularly find that your tyre pressure is dropping, don't simply keep topping it up.
Check the tyre, valve and wheel for a possible problem.
What Happens If Your Tyre Pressure Is Too High?
Overinflation can also affect how your motorcycle feels on the road.
It can change the tyre's contact with the road and affect handling and ride comfort.
The important thing is not to assume that more pressure is better.
Stick to the pressure recommended for your motorcycle and riding conditions.
Check It
Before You Ride.
Tyre pressure is one of those jobs that's easy to put off because it only takes a few minutes.
Before a longer ride, or as part of your regular maintenance routine, give both tyres a quick check.
Correct pressure. Good tyres. Better peace of mind.
Don't Just Check the Pressure
While you're checking your PSI, take a few extra seconds to look at the tyres themselves.
QUICK TYRE CHECK
- Check tyre pressure
- Look at the tread depth
- Check for uneven wear
- Look for cracks or visible damage
- Check for nails, screws or other objects
- Inspect the valve and valve cap
- Check the overall condition of the tyre
If something doesn't look right, get it checked before riding.
Five-minute tyre check.
Check Pressure
Make sure both tyres are at the recommended pressure.
Check Tread
Look for excessive or uneven tread wear.
Check Damage
Look for cuts, cracks, punctures or objects stuck in the tyre.
Check Valves
Make sure the valve and valve cap are in good condition.
CHECK YOUR PSI. CHECK YOUR TYRES.
Knowing how to check motorcycle tyre pressure is one of the simplest maintenance jobs you can do yourself.
Check your pressures when the tyres are cold, use the manufacturer's recommended specifications and inspect the tyres while you're there.
It only takes a few minutes — and your tyres are the only thing connecting your motorcycle to the road.