How Much Air Do You Put in Motorcycle Tires?
Motorcycle tires are like car tires in that they can handle a specific amount of pressure. Too much and the tire may burst, too little and the tire will not grip the road properly. There is no universal tire pressure for bike tires and each tire will have its own pressure range.
Other People Are Reading
-
Finding Individual Tire Specifications
-
Always check the manual for your motorbike before putting air in your tires and look for recommended tire pressure. The manual may state specific tires have to be used on your bike.
The manufacturer of the tire may also post the recommended pressure of the tires on its website or can answer a tire question on its toll-free customer helplines.
Examples
-
For touring and cruising bikes that fit the Metzeler Alpha ME880 tires, the recommended pressure for solo riding is 36 pounds per square inch and 40 psi for a pillion passenger.
For sport bikes using Metzeler tires, the recommended pressure can range from 32 to 42 psi, depending on tire size and whether a pillion is being carried or not. Metzeler, however, emphasizes that tires should be inflated inside the pressure limits as stated by the owners manual.
-
Pressure Gauges
-
Many motorcycle owners keep a tire inflator handy to top up the tires when necessary. However, be sure to compare gauges regularly between gas stations or home inflators, in case one is delivering the incorrect pressure. Tire pressure should be measured when cold as the pressure increases as air expands with heat.
-
