"Tech Tips": Tire Pressure and Inflation., by Timms Harley-Davidson of Augusta on YouTube. 1 min 47 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 47 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Look up the recommended cold tyre pressure in your owner's manual or on the sticker on the swingarm or frame. Use the front and rear figures separately.
Check the tyres when they are cold, meaning before you ride or at least an hour after a ride. Warm tyres give a falsely high reading.
Unscrew the valve cap on the front tyre and keep it somewhere safe. Press the gauge firmly onto the valve stem until the hiss stops.
Read the pressure on the gauge and write it down. Compare it with the recommended figure for that tyre.
If the pressure is low, push the air chuck onto the valve and add air in short bursts. Recheck with the gauge after each burst.
If the pressure is too high, press the gauge or a small tool into the valve centre to release air, then recheck.
Refit the valve cap and repeat the whole check on the rear tyre. Adjust to the manual figure.
Inspect both tyres for cuts, nails or worn tread while you are down there. Replace or repair a damaged tyre before riding.
Tips and common mistakes
Check pressure at least once a week and before any long ride, since tyres slowly lose air.
Do not trust a forecourt gauge blindly. Carry your own gauge so readings stay consistent.
Add a little extra air if you ride two-up or carry heavy luggage, following the manual's loaded figures.
A slow leak that returns within days points to a puncture or a bad valve, so get it checked.
Questions
What tyre pressure should my motorcycle have?
It depends on the bike and load. Check the owner's manual or the sticker on the frame, and use the separate front and rear figures.
Can I check pressure when the tyres are warm?
You can, but the reading will be higher than the true cold pressure. For an accurate setting, check before riding or after the tyres cool down.
How often should I check my motorcycle tyres?
Once a week is a good habit, plus a quick check before any long trip. Also look for damage each time.
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.
