(0044) 07803137511 | smokin.slicks@btinternet.com
Smokin Slicks specialise in Motorcycle Tyre sales. Supplying Tyres, removing and refitting balanced wheels at your door taking the inconvenience out of Tyre replacement.
Tyre Inflation
Tyre pressures are often neglected due to the inconvenience of valve access on bikes with twin brake discs. We recommend replacing the traditional rubber valves to the alloy right-angled valve on tubeless rims. These allow easier access for pressure checks which are vital as correct tyre inflation is vitally important for the safe handling of your bike. The recommended tyre pressures for original equipment tyres will be stated in the motorcycle owner's manual. Pressures must be adjusted appropriately for solo and for pillion and pannier loads. It is dangerous to re-inflate a tyre which has been run flat or seriously under inflated. Such tyres should be removed and inspected for internal damage.
Prolonged under-inflation causes excessive flexing, deterioration of the casing ,rapid wear of the tread shoulders/edges and poor handling. Your machine may also consume more fuel.
Over-inflation may result in an uncomfortable ride, a reduced area of contact with the road, accelerated wear on the tread centre and makes the tyre more susceptible to impact damage.
Inflation pressures should be checked once a week when the tyre is cold, since there is an increase in pressure when the tyre has warmed up after being run. A reliable and accurate pressure gauge should be used.
Tyre Service Life and Ageing
Tyre treads are designed to give good wet grip but the road surface condition also plays a significant role in tyre to road adhesion. In general, wet grip decreases as tyre tread patterns wear down and as the depth of surface water increases. Motorcyclists should take this into consideration and reduce speed when it is wet.
Motorbike tyres normally have tread wear indicators in the tread grooves and as these are approached during the service life of your tyre you should consider tyre replacement. Once the indicators are level with the tread surface the tyre should be renewed - but this should not be the only deciding factor on tyre replacement. The legal limit of tyre tread depth in the UK for motorcycles over 50cc is 1mm across 3/4 of the width of the tread pattern and with visible tread on the remaining 1/4. For motorcycles up to 50cc the law requires that all the grooves of the original tread pattern must be clearly visible.
It is recommended to consider replacing motorcycle tyres in advance of the legal requirement i.e. at 2mm.
Running-in Tyres
The running-in period allows the tyre to settle itself onto the wheel rim, serves to "scuff-in" the tread surface and allows the rider to adjust to the renewed 'feel' and handling of the new tyres.
After fitting, before moving off, ensure the tread surface is not contaminated in any way.
Each time new tyres are fitted, the motorcycle should be driven very cautiously and the tyres not subjected to maximum power or speed for the first 100 miles, avoid sudden acceleration, maximum braking or hard cornering especially for the first few miles.
Particular care should be taken on wet or greasy road surfaces.
Mixing of Tyres
It is illegal and could be dangerous to mix tyres of different construction on motorcycles in certain ways
| Stay Legal | Do NOT fit | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Front | Rear | Front | Rear |
| Bias Ply front | Bias Ply rear | Bias Belt front | Bias Ply rear |
| Bias Belt front | Bias Belt rear | Radial front | Bias Ply rear |
| Radial front | Radial rear | Radial front | Bias Belt rear |
| Bias Ply front | Bias Belt rear | ||
| Bias Ply front | Radial rear | ||
| Bias Belt front | Radial rear | ||
To avoid any misunderstanding it is recommended that both tyres on a motorcycle, should be of the same construction and of the same manufacturer.
