DETERMINE YOUR PRESSURE
CHECKING TYRE PRESSURE
WORKSHOP
Gone are the days of having to work on our bikes just to keep them running , thankfully . But this has led to the loss of that intimate relationship that used to bond us with our machines . As bikes have become more complex our engagement with them on a mechanical level has diminished . Having less of those simple tasks means new riders are less inclined to be hands on and ‘ give it a go ’. That ’ s a shame because working on your bike
Maximise your bike ’ s grip and tyre life by checking tyre pressures .
can be still very satisfying . There ’ s nothing quite like the sense of achievement from getting your bike set-up and working well . And no matter how advanced your bike is , there are still a number of jobs that need doing . Tyre pressures are the most obvious . Getting the best out of your tyres is a simple , yet important , job . Whether road or dirt , motorcycle tyres are
designed to work at their best within a relatively small pressure range . With the tyre deforming every wheel revolution , the extent of that distortion effects the footprint where the rubber meets the road . And the tyre ’ s foot print affects the feel of the steering , grip , tyre life and even the fuel consumption . Let ’ s look at this simple job and see what ’ s involved .
DETERMINE YOUR PRESSURE
Your tyre fitter should be able to advise on the correct tyre pressures . Think about what kind of riding you do ; commuting , sport , touring , two up , with luggage ? Ask them what pressures they advise for your particular riding type ? Write it down for future reference . You can also look in your owner ’ s manual for recommended pressures and some bikes have the pressures printed on a sticker on the swingarm for solo and pillion riding .
CHECKING TYRE PRESSURE
If you ’ ve had new tyres fitted , ask what pressures they have put in your tyres . Then get your gauge and compare it . They may differ but since the shop that fits your tyres ‘ should ’ have a more accurate gauge , use the pressure that your gauge reads as a datum . For example , if your gauge is a little out , it doesn ’ t matter , just note what it says and set it to that each time ( e . g . if the shop set the rear at 36psi and the front at 32 but your gauge reads 34 for the rear and 30 for the front , that ’ s what to set it to for that particular gauge ).
KIWI RIDER 69