Whether you ride on off road, or on, tyre choice is very important.
There are many different types of tyres available.
Here are some of the things you should considering when making your
choice. It's advisable to check with your local dealer when making choice,
better still, find a rider who has ridden the type of bike you have, and
ask, as the bike you have will be a big part of the decision.
On Road Tyres
Tube Type Tyres These are usually used on the slower and smaller
bikes, from scooters, to the older spoked wheeled motorcycles.
Tubeless Type Tyre These are normally found on the larger,
newer motorcycles. If you need to fit a new one, or have a puncture repaired,
I'd advise you get your dealer to fit these. I've tried a few times to
fit these my self, with various degrees of success, but to be quite honest,
it's too much trouble, and if you get it wrong, the consequences can be
fatal. Especially if you are riding fast. If you want to know how to do
it yourself though, check this
link, Fred know his stuff.
Coming soon...
How to change a tube type tyre and/or inner tube.
If you are commuting, or long distance touring You will be looking
for a tyre which lasts, which means using a "harder compound" and has reasonable
grip on cornering.
Riding at speed You'll be looking for a soft compound tyre,
it won't last you as long, but you'll get round the corners with a bit
more confidence.
Normal Routine Maintenance
(All type of tyres)
1. Visibly check the tire for condition, Things to be looking for
are:
| a) Any foreign object in the tyre, screw, nails, glass, anything at
all that isn't supposed to be there. remove it, and see if your tire stays
the correct pressure
.b) Tread. Make sure have enough of this when riding on public roads |
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| c) Bumps in the tire wall.
d)Perishing, this will show up as cracks in the walls or between the
treads.
Click onto photo to see more/larger photo |
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2. Check the tyre pressure
Tyres that are do not have enough perssure in them have a tend
to make cornering more difficult, and it feels like the bike is sliding
in minor instances, at worst the side wall can give way and have you off
the machine.
Too much pressure can lead to slipping too, and can lead add
to tread wear.
Size & weight of machine and rider makes a difference as
does the speed you are going to be ride at.There is usualy a plate or sticker
on the mechineto tell you which pressures to ride at, usualy different
for for the front and rear tyre. Also if you are carrying a passenger for
a long journey.
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