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 will usually do the trick. But those are really just averages. You can find the correct pressure for your motorcycle in the owner’s manual or on a sticker, for example on the rear swingarm or near the steering head.
The type of motorcycle also matters. A sport bike often requires different pressures than a touring bike or an all-road bike. And if you’re riding with a passenger or carrying luggage, feel free to increase the tire pressure slightly for extra stability.
It’s important not to just assume that “more air is better.” If the pressure is too high, your motorcycle will feel jumpy and you’ll lose traction in the turns. If the pressure is too low, your tires will become too soft, wear out faster, and your motorcycle won’t handle as well.
So make sure you know what your motorcycle manufacturer recommends and adjust your tire pressure accordingly. That way, you’ll ride comfortably, stay in control, and your tires will last longer.
Want to get started with maintenance yourself? Then be sure to read the article on maintaining your motorcycle yourself.
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’s best to check tire pressure when the tires are cold. So before you start riding, and preferably after the motorcycle has been parked for a few hours. Once you’re on the road, the tires warm up and the pressure rises. If you check the pressure after a ride, it might seem fine, even though it’s actually too low when the tires are cold.
If you do stop at a gas station after riding, wait a moment or inflate the tires slightly less than the recommended pressure. This prevents you from ending up riding with tires that are too hard. But it’s still best to check the pressure before you set off. 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.
