Motorcycle Tire Care

High speeds, long rides, and tight turns make your motorcycle into the symbol of freedom and excitement it is. Among the parts you need to worry about to keep your rides safe and fun are the tires. To help you avoid lower fuel efficiency, skidding, blowouts, and other accidents, we here at Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County have put together some tire maintenance tips. If you want to know more, contact our store in Westminster, California, today!

Inspections

You’ll want to check up on your tires regularly to make sure you notice if and when any problems develop. Start by looking them over thoroughly and search for bumps, bubbles, or cracks in the rubber. Also look for any stuck-on debris buildup or dirt.

Tire Pressure

One of the major things to check during inspections is your tire pressure. Use a tire pressure gauge and make sure the psi you measure is at or near the manufacturer’s recommendations in your owner’s manual. Incorrect pressure can impact fuel efficiency, cause faster wear and tear, and even blowouts. 

Tread Level

Your tire tread is what keeps you on the road, and having the right amount of tread is vital for acceleration, deceleration, and turns. It wears down naturally over time, so check it regularly to make sure it’s still at the depth recommended in your owner’s manual. Pay special attention if one tire’s tread is wearing down faster than the other, since this may indicate a much more serious maintenance issue. If they wear down at different rates, take your bike in for servicing immediately.

Preventative Maintenance

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so avoid breakdowns and accidents entirely by taking regular care of your tires with a few easy steps. One of the easiest methods here is to simply keep your tires clean. If you find any dirt or other buildup, gravel, and other debris sticking to your tires, simply grab a powerful hose and rinse them off to avoid damage over time.

Weight Distribution

Your motorcycle and its tires are tough, but there’s a limit to the weight they can carry. Loading up too much extra gear and accessories can put excess pressure on your tires. This will wear them down faster, and it can lead to blowouts if you end up hitting unexpected obstacles or debris on the road.

Storage

Even the nicest weather can harm your tires. Sunlight can harden and crack the rubber walls of your tires, and rapidly changing temperatures and humidity are also a problem. Springtime is known for being changeable, so try to store your motorcycle in a cool, dry place with shelter from the sky. 

We hope these tips help keep you safe and at the speeds you need! If you have questions, or if you’re on the market for a new motorcycle, contact us at Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County. We proudly serve Los Angeles and Orange County, California—let us serve you today!