Correct air pressure for motorcycle tires and how to check it., by Knoble Moto on YouTube. 7 min 21 s.
- Video length
- 7 min 21 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Find the correct pressure in your owner's manual or on the tyre placard on the swingarm or frame. Use the cold pressure figure, not the maximum printed on the tyre sidewall.
Check the tyres cold, before riding or after the bike has sat for a few hours. Riding warms the air and raises the reading.
Unscrew the valve cap and keep it somewhere safe. Press the gauge straight onto the valve stem until the hiss stops.
Read the gauge and note the number. Compare it with the recommended cold pressure for your bike.
If the pressure is low, add air in short bursts and recheck with the gauge. Don't trust the gauge on the air line alone.
If the pressure is high, press the gauge or a small tool into the valve to release air, then recheck.
Repeat on the front and rear tyre, since the two often need different pressures, especially with a passenger or luggage.
Refit the valve caps firmly and check for leaks or cracks around the valve stem.
Tips and common mistakes
Check pressure at least once a week and before any long ride.
Low pressure makes the bike feel vague in corners and wears the tyres faster.
Don't set pressure to the maximum number on the sidewall, that is a limit, not a recommendation.
Replace a missing valve cap, dirt in the valve can cause a slow leak.
Questions
What pressure should my motorcycle tyres be?
Use the figure in your owner's manual or on the bike's tyre placard. It is usually different for front and rear and may change when carrying a passenger or luggage.
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 let the bike cool down.
How often should I check tyre pressure?
Once a week is a good habit, and always before a long trip. Tyres can lose a little air over time even without a puncture.
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.
