A flat tire can be a disaster for any motorcycle rider. That said, there are some things that you can do to help prevent a flat.
Check Your Tires Before Every Ride
If you want to help prevent flat tires on a motorcycle, the first thing to do is check your tires. This is a simple but critical check to make before each ride. Getting the air pressure right is vital for getting the best rolling efficiency and speed out of your bike, as well as creating the traction needed to keep you stable in corners and on rough terrain. You can check your tire pressure by using a pressure gauge to check the air pressure in each of your tires. Always follow the tire manufacturer’s recommendations for the maximum PSI your tires can hold before reducing the air. You can also check the tread depth of your tires by looking down at them. If you see that the grooves have worn down to the wear bars located inside the actual tread, it’s time to replace your tires.
Don’t Overfill Your Tires
Overfilling your tires can cause serious problems on your bike, including a potential blowout that could put you and other riders at risk. It can also impact the safety features of your vehicle, like your anti-lock braking system and electronic stability control, which are designed to work properly with a tire pressure that’s at or near its recommended level. Overinflation also makes a tire stiffer and causes uneven wear, especially at the tread center. It can also cause your tires to be harder to steer, which can make them more difficult to control in bad weather or emergency situations. You can avoid overinflating your tires by checking the pressure of each one before every ride. You can do this with a simple tool, such as a tire pump or a pressure gauge.
Check Your Brakes
The brakes on your motorcycle are a vital safety feature. They work by squeezing a disc (called a rotor) to slow your vehicle. One way to help prevent flat tires is to check your brakes before every ride. This is a simple process that doesn’t take long, and it can save you time and money in the long run. If you notice that your brakes feel more difficult to press than they used to be, it’s a sign that your braking system needs work. You may also hear a squealing sound or have your steering wheel vibrate when you press the brake pedal. If you’re unsure whether your brakes need to be replaced or repaired, it’s always best to have a mechanic inspect them first. It’s a safe and inexpensive option that will keep you and other drivers safer.
Keep A Repair Kit With You
Whether you’re riding your road bike or your mountain bike, you’re bound to run into some issues out on the road. Having the right tools in your repair kit is crucial to getting you out of any trouble and back on your way. You should also carry a flat tire repair kit with you in case of a puncture. These kits usually contain a tire pump and other essentials that can get you out of the problem quickly and on your way home.
Stay Calm On The Road
When you’re riding, it can be tempting to get anxious. You can start to worry about the weather, or what other vehicles are going to do on the road ahead of you, and so on. But the truth is, you’re actually doing yourself a favor by staying calm and aware. That way, you can be sure that you won’t let yourself get carried away and get too excited or nervous. Instead of worrying about the unexpected, think about how you can ride better to avoid getting into trouble.