Motorcycle Tyre Safety: Give Your Tyres Some Love!

Your motorcycle tyres are the only contact between you and the road. So, when was the last time you gave them a proper check?

We mean a really thorough check.

Tyres are easy to take for granted, but their condition can make a huge difference to your motorcycle’s handling, braking and grip. A few minutes spent checking them before a ride could help you spot a problem before it becomes dangerous.

Whether you’re commuting every day, heading out for a weekend ride or planning your next big motorcycle adventure, tyre safety deserves a place on your pre-ride checklist.

Here’s what every biker should be looking for:

• Check your tyres for damage. Look for:
  • Cuts, cracks or splits in the rubber.
  • Bulges or unusual deformities.
  • Objects embedded in the tyre, such as nails or screws.
  • Signs of damage to the sidewalls.
  • Any other unusual changes to the tyre’s appearance.

If you spot a bulge, significant damage or something embedded in the tyre, don’t ignore it. Have it checked by a qualified tyre professional before riding. Some damage cannot be safely assessed from the outside, and a tyre may need replacing even if it still appears to hold pressure.

• Check your tyre tread

Your tread helps your tyres maintain contact with the road, particularly in wet conditions.

Look for excessive or uneven wear, bald patches and signs that one part of the tyre is wearing more quickly than another.

Motorcycle tyres have different tread patterns and wear characteristics, so don’t rely on a quick glance alone. Use a suitable tread-depth gauge and check the manufacturer’s guidance for your tyres.

In the UK, motorcycle tyres must meet the applicable legal tread-depth and condition requirements. The rules can vary depending on the motorcycle and tyre type. so check the requirements relevant to your bike.

And here’s a useful tip: keep an eye out for IAM Roadsmart at motorcycle events. They have distributed tyre-tread depth gauges at events, which can be a handy addition to your riding kit.

• Check your tyre pressures

Incorrect tyre pressures can affect your motorcycle’s stability, handling, tyre wear and braking performance.

Check your pressures regularly when the tyres are cold, using a reliable gauge. Follow the pressure recommendations in your motorcycle handbook or from the manufacturer.

Don’t assume the pressure printed on the tyre sidewall is the correct setting for everyday riding. That figure generally relates to the tyre’s limits, not necessarily the recommended pressure for your motorcycle.

If your pressures keep dropping. investigate the cause rather than simply topping them up and hoping for the best.

• How old are your tyres?

Tyres don’t last forever, even if they appear to have plenty of tread remaining.

Over time, rubber can deteriorate due to age, sunlight, storage conditions and general use. Older tyres may develop cracks or lose some of their original performance.

Check the tyre’s manufacturing code and consult the tyre manufacturer’s guidance on age and replacement. If you are unsure how old your tyres are, ask a qualified tyre professional to check them.

Remember, a tyre that looks fine at first glance isn’t necessarily in good condition.

Why tyre safety matters even more in autumn and winter

As the weather changes, road conditions can become less predictable.

Wet roads, cold temperatures, fallen leaves, mud and debris can all make riding more challenging. Water on the road can also conceal potholes and other hazards.

Good tyre condition and the correct pressures are essential, but they cannot eliminate every risk. Give yourself extra time and space, adjust your speed to the conditions and avoid sudden braking or acceleration where grip may be limited.

Your tyres are a vital part of your safety, but the way you ride matters too.

Make tyre checks part of your riding routine

You don’t need to be a mechanic to carry out a basic tyre check. A few minutes before setting off can help you identify obvious problems and decide whether your bike needs professional attention.

Make it a point to check:

• Condition: Are there any cuts, cracks, bulges or signs of damage?
• Tread: Is the tread wearing evenly, with no bald patches?
• Pressure: Are both tyres at the recommended pressures?
• Age: Do you know how old your tyres are, and are they still fit for use?

If something doesn’t look or feel right, don’t take the risk. Get it checked before your next ride.

For further advice and resources on tyre safety, visit Tyresafe.

Sorrymate – Bikers Helping Bikers

At Sorrymate, we know that riding is about freedom, enjoyment and being part of the motorcycle community. We also know how important it is to get home safely after every ride.

Looking after your tyres is one simple way to help protect yourself and the people riding around you.

So,  give your tyres some love before your next journey. It could make all the difference.

Ride safe. Ride smart. And remember, we’re bikers helping bikers.