Why pressure matters so much
An underinflated tyre deforms more, heats up and wears out faster. The motorcycle steers worse into corners, the steering is heavier and in extreme cases the tyre can fail. An overinflated tyre, on the other hand, has a smaller contact patch, worse grip, and the motorcycle is unsettled over bumps.
Where to find the correct value
The prescribed pressure is in the owner's manual and, on many models, also on a label on the motorcycle. It often differs for riding solo and for riding with a passenger or luggage. The value written on the tyre sidewall is the maximum pressure, not the recommended one.
How to measure pressure correctly
- Measure on cold tyres, ideally in the morning or after the bike has been standing for a while.
- Use your own quality gauge – gauges at petrol stations are often inaccurate.
- After measuring, put the valve cap back on; it protects the valve from dirt.
- Check the pressure roughly every two weeks and always before a longer trip.
Tread depth
The legal minimum tread depth is more of a limit than a recommendation. For safe riding, especially in the rain, it is sensible to replace tyres sooner. Most tyres have wear indicators – small ridges in the tread grooves. When the tread is level with them, the tyre should be replaced.
What else to look at
- Age: the sidewall carries a four-digit code, for example 2324 means week 23 of year 2024. Rubber ages even when the bike is not ridden.
- Cracks and bulges: fine cracks on the sidewalls or a bulging spot are a reason for immediate replacement.
- Uneven wear: a squared-off profile in the middle comes from long riding on straight roads; irregular wear can point to a problem with the shock absorbers or pressure.
- Foreign objects: do not pull out a nail or shard pressed into the tread while riding; ride carefully to a workshop.
Replacing tyres
Ideally replace tyres in pairs, or at least with the same type front and rear. You will find the correct size and the load and speed index in the registration document. At Royal Enfield GARAGE we replace the tyres, balance the wheels and also check the bearings and brakes.
