How to check tire pressure on a sport bike

Checking your sport bike's tire pressure takes a couple of minutes and keeps the bike stable and predictable. This guide suits new riders and anyone who has never used a tire gauge. You need a pressure gauge and the cold tire pressures from your owner's manual or the sticker on the swingarm.

how to check sport bike tire pressure, by Adobo Moto on YouTube. 1 min 32 s.

Video length
1 min 32 s
Time to do it
5 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Steps
7

What you need

Steps

  1. Park the bike on level ground and let the tires cool for at least an hour. Pressure readings are only accurate on cold tires.

  2. Find the recommended front and rear pressures in your owner's manual or on the sticker on the swingarm or chain guard.

  3. Remove the valve cap from the front tire and keep it somewhere safe so it does not get lost.

  4. Press the gauge firmly onto the valve stem until the hissing stops, then read the number.

  5. Compare the reading to the recommended front pressure. If it is low, add air in short bursts and recheck.

  6. Repeat the same steps on the rear tire and compare it to the recommended rear pressure.

  7. Refit both valve caps and check that no air is leaking from the valves.

Tips and common mistakes

Check pressure at least once a week and before any long ride, since tires slowly lose air.

Do not trust the gauge on a cheap forecourt pump alone, use your own gauge for the final reading.

If a tire keeps losing pressure, look for a nail or a leaking valve before your next ride.

Questions

Should I check tire pressure when the tires are hot?

No. Hot tires read higher and can hide an underinflated tire. Check when the bike has sat for at least an hour.

What pressure should I use for a sport bike?

Use the figures in your owner's manual or on the bike's sticker. They are usually around 32 to 36 psi front and 36 to 42 psi rear, but follow your bike's spec.

How often should I check?

Once a week is a good habit, plus a quick check before any long or fast ride.

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.

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