If you're just starting out in motorcycling, you may be thinking mostly about learning to shift gears, getting your turns in and the thrill of those first rides. Logical. But there is one thing every motorcyclist should always be keen on: tire pressure.
Too soft? Then you lose grip and your tires wear faster. Too hard? Then your bike feels stiff and you have less contact with the road. Not ideal if you want a relaxed or sporty ride.
That's why it's smart to know how much bar your tires need, how often you check it, and when it's best to measure it. This way you will not only get more out of your bike, but also ride more safely and comfortably.
The optimal pressure for your motorcycle
There is no one standard tire pressure that applies to every motorcycle. The correct value depends on the type of motorcycle you ride, the type of tires you have and how heavily loaded you are. Still, there are guidelines.
On average, 2.3 bar for the front tire and 2.7 bar for the rear tire are usually right. But those are really just averages. The correct pressure for your bike can be found in the instruction booklet or on a sticker, for example on the swingarm or near the steering head.
The type of bike also matters. A sports bike often requires different values than a touring machine or an allroad. And do you ride with a duo or luggage? Then you can increase the tire pressure for extra stability.
Importantly, don't just think "more air is better." With too much pressure, your bike feels nervous and you lose grip in the corners. With too low pressure, on the other hand, your tires become too soft, wear out faster and your bike doesn't handle as tightly.
So make sure you know what your bike manufacturer recommends and adjust your tire pressure accordingly. That way you ride comfortably, stay in control and your tires last longer.
Want to do your own maintenance? Read the article on maintaining your own motorcycle.
How often do you check your motorcycle tire pressure?
More often than you think. Motorcycle tires react immediately to pressure differences, and you'll notice it immediately while riding. Check your tire pressure at least once every two weeks. Going on a longer ride? Then always check beforehand. Do you ride a lot or daily? Then weekly checks are smart. It's also wise to measure when there are big differences in temperature, such as after a cold night or on a hot summer day.
A quick check prevents surprises on the road. Especially if you have little experience, it's nice to ride with confidence. The sooner you make a habit of checking tire pressure, the better your bike feels and the easier it is to recognize deviations.
When is the best time to measure your tire pressure?
It is best to measure tire pressure when the tires are cold. So before you ride, and preferably after the bike has been stationary for a few hours. Once you are on the road, the tires warm up and the pressure rises. If you measure after a ride, the pressure may seem right, while it is actually too low when cold.
Still stand at a gas station after driving? Then wait a while or fill up a little less than the advice indicates. This will prevent you from ending up driving with tires that are too hard. But it's still best to measure the pressure before you get on. A digital tire pressure gauge is handy and often more accurate than the equipment at the gas station. You can use it at home, or take it with you if you're on the road a lot.
If you measure at the right time, you can be sure that your pressure is correct and you can ride with peace of mind. Are your tires in need of replacement? Then check out the step-by-step plan in the article Changing Tires? Here's how to do it.
