Alternative Air Pressure Monitoring Methods for YOUR Motorcycle
Or, stated differently, how low is your tire pressure?
HEY! I know you’re busy. You’ve got this and that and all the more to do. And on top of that, you’re running late…again!
So, who has time to check air pressure? Besides, those darn valves on your motorcycle tires are a pain in the butt to access! I HATE those things! However, just to be safe, let’s try to remember to check the tire pressure tomorrow….
In the mean time, here are some ways to monitor your tire pressure without becoming inconvenienced by bending over with an air pressure gauge while near an air pump:
- Visually inspect your tires. If you can see that a tire is only partially deflated you’ll know that you can probably make it through another day.
- While riding, when you can feel a little bit of “wheel wobble,” slow down so that you are only going a civilized amount of MPH over the speed limit, and make a mental note to put air in the tires one of these days.
- Wait until someone on the road points to your tires and yells that you need air.
- Wait until you crash. The tow truck will probably have an air compressor and you can fill the tires while the bike is on its side.
Bonus: Points 1-3 all are reliable ways to result in point 4.
NOTE: The most common cause for tire failure is improper tire pressure — usually pressure that’s too low.
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY TIP: Most motorcycle tire safety experts recommend checking your tire pressure and tread condition at least once a week. Some even advise that every time you take your bike out is not too often. After all, on a bike, unlike a car, only two tires — and little else — separate you from the pavement. Therefore, it’s important to ensure your tires are roadworthy each and every time you ride.
So…when will YOU have time to check your motorcycle tire pressure?
Posted: November 16th, 2007 under Riding.
Comments: 4
Comments
Comment from Daryl Martinez
Time: November 13, 2008, 8:45 am
It’s just too easy NOT to do! I do it about every 3rd -4th day with a quality guage. I have gotten to a point where I can feel the tire and tell that I am at least close to correct pressure. That gets done daily before every ride. I then “test the test” to see how close I was with the feel test! Just do it!!!
Comment from Andy
Time: October 14, 2008, 2:41 am
Hi MC-G,
Thanks. I do check my tire pressures before every ride. I ride my bike as hard as conditions allow, and I find that tire pressure profoundly affects the handling of my motorcycle. On a good autumn day, when ambient temperature temperatures can rise and drop 30+ degrees F, tire pressures can be affected by 3 PSI. This isn’t even factoring in barometric pressure changes.
Try riding your motorcycle with tires 4 PSI overinflated, and then let out 8 PSI when you done, to simulate starting 4 PSI underinflated, and see how air pressure can change the way your motorcycle handles. You won’t notice it as it changes gradually, but the changes are still there.
Ride your motorcycle when it is at its best. Check those tires before each ride–at least!
Comment from Jerry
Time: August 30, 2008, 3:00 am
I have been using nitrogen for years in all my tires. PSI stays very constant. I check them about once a month just to make sure.
Jerry
Comment from stephen
Time: July 2, 2008, 5:42 am
MC-G, you’re absolutely right in saying that tyre pressure is of the utmost importance for motor bikers.
I make it a point to always check my tyres by”
1.visually - just looking at them before I startup
2.using my tyre pressure guage to monitor once in a while - a I dont ride daily
3.pump the tyres up to the correct pressure every once or twice per month
I hope this is good enough to ensure a safe ride. Since I’m riding a BMW R1100RT, correct pressure is important because of it’s weight.
Thanks very much for the tips/reminders.
Warm regards.
stephen
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