How to Check Motorcycle Tire Pressure by J&P Cycles, by J&P Cycles on YouTube. 2 min 40 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 40 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Find the recommended cold tire pressure in your owner's manual or on the tire sidewall. Note the front and rear figures separately, since they often differ.
Check the tires when they are cold, meaning the bike has sat for a few hours or you have ridden less than a mile.
Park on level ground and put the bike on its side stand or center stand so the wheels are easy to reach.
Unscrew the valve cap from the front tire and keep it somewhere safe so it does not get lost.
Press the gauge firmly onto the valve stem until the hissing stops, then read the number.
Compare the reading to the recommended pressure. If it is low, add air in short bursts and recheck after each burst.
If the tire is over the target, press the gauge or a small tool into the valve to release air, then recheck.
Repeat the check and adjustment on the rear tire, then screw both valve caps back on tightly.
Tips and common mistakes
Check pressure at least once a week and before any long ride, since tires slowly lose air.
Do not set pressure from a hot tire after a ride, because heat raises the reading and you may end up underinflated.
Replace missing or cracked valve caps, as dirt in the valve can cause slow leaks.
A tire that keeps losing pressure may have a puncture or a bad valve, so have it inspected.
Questions
Should I use the pressure on the tire sidewall or the owner's manual?
Use the owner's manual figure for normal riding. The sidewall number is the maximum the tire can hold, not the everyday setting.
How much does temperature affect tire pressure?
Pressure drops in cold weather and rises after riding. Check cold for the most accurate reading.
Can I check pressure with a cheap pencil gauge?
Yes, a basic pencil gauge works if it reads in psi and is in good condition. A dial or digital gauge is easier to read.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
