While some motorcycle enthusiasts in North Carolina primarily focus on engine power and control, comfort and convenience features, it’s equally essential for regular motorcyclists to be mindful of their bike’s tires. In fact, there are some common dos and don’ts often recommended for motorcycle riders looking to reduce injury and accident risks that specifically apply to tires.
First of all, motorcyclists are encouraged to invest in a good electronic tire pressure gauge to check front and rear tire pressure. A visual tire inspection should also be performed to look for sidewall bulges, unusual wear and other signs of damage. Keeping tire pressure a few psi above what’s recommended by the manufacturer can offset weather-related changes that often affect tire pressure as temperatures fluctuate.
When pressure needs to be added, a regular air pump should work just fine for most motorcycles if the ambient air is dry. It can also be helpful to document when tires are purchased and changed to keep track of mileage with better accuracy, so a replacement can be performed at the right time. Well-maintained front tires last about 3,700 miles before a change is necessary, and rear tires typically last for about 1,800 miles.
Riders are advised to be cautious when using patch plugs and other methods to repair tires. The maximum speed on repaired tires is also reduced to about 85 miles per hour, which means passengers shouldn’t be going along for the ride on bikes with repaired tires. This is why most motorcycle experts suggest replacing damaged tires instead of repairing them. Lastly, automobile tires should never be used on motorcycles because of the vast differences in how such tires are designed and meant to be used.
When a motorcycle accident does occur, a personal injury lawyer typically reviews the circumstances involved to determine if negligence was involved. This process may include checking to see how well the tires were maintained and whether an involved rider may have done things that could have contributed to an accident, such as flipping their tires around, which is not recommended because bike tires are unidirectional, or making DIY tire repairs.