Motorcycle Tire Maintenance: Avoid Blowouts and Stay Safe on the Road

Your motorcycle’s tires are the only contact with the road—worn, underinflated, or damaged tires increase the risk of skidding, blowouts, or loss of control, especially at high speeds or in wet weather. Proper tire maintenance is simple but critical for safety and performance. Here’s how to keep your motorcycle tires in top shape.

First, check tire pressure regularly. Incorrect pressure is the #1 cause of tire damage:

• When to check: Check pressure at least once a week (or before every long ride). Always check when the tires are cold (not after riding—heat increases pressure, giving a false reading).
• Find the right pressure: Refer to your motorcycle’s owner’s manual (not the tire sidewall— the sidewall lists the maximum pressure, not the recommended pressure). Pressure is measured in psi (pounds per square inch) or kPa (kilopascals). For example, a sportbike might recommend 36 psi front / 42 psi rear, while a cruiser could recommend 30 psi front / 36 psi rear.
• How to check: Use a high-quality tire pressure gauge (digital gauges are more accurate than analog ones). Remove the valve cap, press the gauge onto the valve stem, and read the pressure. If pressure is low, add air using a portable air compressor (keep one in your bike’s storage compartment). If pressure is high, press the valve stem with a small tool to release air slowly. Don’t forget to replace the valve cap— it keeps dirt out of the valve.

Inspect tires for wear and damage. Even if pressure is correct, tires wear out over time or get damaged:

• Check tread depth: Motorcycle tires have tread wear indicators—small raised bars in the tread grooves. When the tread is level with these bars (usually 2/32 of an inch deep), the tire is legally worn out and must be replaced. For wet weather safety, replace tires before they reach this point— deeper tread channels water away, reducing hydroplaning risk.
• Look for damage: Check the tire surface for cracks, cuts, bulges, or embedded objects (like nails or glass). A bulge means the tire’s internal structure is damaged (it can blow out at any time—replace immediately). Small cuts (less than 1/4 inch) can be repaired if they’re in the tread (not the sidewall), but large cuts or sidewall damage require replacement.
• Check for uneven wear: Uneven wear (e.g., more wear on one side of the tire or in the center) indicates a problem:
• Center wear: Too much pressure (the tire only touches the road in the center).
• Edge wear: Too little pressure (the tire’s edges touch the road more).
• One-sided wear: Misaligned front fork or rear suspension (have a mechanic fix the alignment).

Rotate tires (if possible). Some motorcycles (especially dual-sport or touring bikes with similar front and rear tire sizes) allow tire rotation—this distributes wear evenly. Check your owner’s manual to see if rotation is recommended. If so, rotate front to rear every 3,000–5,000 miles (front tires wear faster than rear tires on most bikes).

Store tires properly. If you’re not riding your bike for a long time (e.g., winter):

• Inflate tires to 5 psi above the recommended pressure (prevents flat spots from sitting).
• Use a motorcycle stand to lift the tires off the ground (flat spots form when weight presses on the same part of the tire for weeks).
• Store the bike in a cool, dry place (avoid direct sunlight—UV rays crack the tire rubber).

Replace tires at the right time. Even if tread is good, motorcycle tires degrade over time—rubber hardens and loses grip. Most manufacturers recommend replacing tires every 5–7 years, regardless of mileage. Check the tire’s manufacture date (a 4-digit code on the sidewall: the first two digits are the week, the last two are the year—e.g., 2322 means week 23 of 2022).

Your motorcycle’s tires are your first line of safety—take 5 minutes a week to check them, and you’ll avoid dangerous surprises on the road.