Tyres are the only point of contact with the road and play a crucial role not only in safety, but also in riding enjoyment. Checking tyre pressure, wear and overall condition helps you ride more safely, preserve your motorcycle's handling characteristics and extend tyre life.
Here are 9 key points on how take care of tyres and get the best from them for longer. We begin with the simplest check: it costs nothing, takes only a few minutes and yet is often overlooked. Tyre pressure.
The 9 questions, in order of practical importance
1. The first thing to do is check tyre pressure. How do I know what the correct pressure is for my motorcycle tyres?
Riding with your tyres at the correct pressure is essential to getting the best from the motorcycle, both in terms of riding pleasure and safety.
Tyre pressure should be checked frequently, at least once a week, and measured when the tyres are cold. The correct values are specified in the motorcycle owner's manual.
It is important to follow the motorcycle manufacturer's recommendations rather than relying on generic values found online.
Please note: if tyre pressure has been adjusted for a specific use, such as riding on a track or off-road, the values specified by the motorcycle manufacturer must be restored before returning to the road.
2. What are the risks of riding with tyres that are overinflated or underinflated?
Excessive tyre pressure can compromise comfort and reduce the tyre's contact area with the road surface, potentially affecting grip. Pressure that is too low can compromise handling, making the motorcycle's responses less precise and predictable. It can also lead to rapid and uneven tread wear and increased fuel consumption.
3. How can I tell when my tyres need replacing? Is checking the tread enough, or are there other signs I should look for?
The first step in determining whether a tyre needs replacing is to check its wear by measuring the depth of the tread grooves. The minimum legal tread depth is established by the regulations in each country. Pirelli recommends replacing a tyre when the tread depth is less than 2 mm.
Another factor to consider is uneven tread wear. After many kilometres of motorway riding, the centre section tends to flatten, creating a noticeable step in the tyre profile. Intensive riding on winding roads can increase wear on the shoulders, while incorrect inflation pressure can cause other forms of uneven wear. Changes to the tyre profile can affect the motorcycle's neutral handling, making its response to changes in lean angle less progressive and predictable, to the detriment of precision and riding enjoyment.
4. How can I tell if a tyre is damaged? Which cuts, cracks or bulges should I be concerned about?
A tyre is a “living” product thanks to its elasticity and ability to deform, both of which are essential for providing grip. The compound must adapt to the microscopic irregularities of the road surface, but remains exposed to the risk of cuts, abrasions and minor surface damage. The effects of time and temperature must also be taken into account.
If small fissures or cracks appear on the sidewalls or at the base of the tread grooves, this may be a sign that the compound is ageing, with a potential loss of elasticity and grip.
Unusual bulges on the tread or sidewalls may indicate damage to the tyre's internal structural components, sometimes caused by severe impacts with potholes or kerbs. In this case, the tyre must be replaced immediately.
Even if only minor unusual marks are visible, it is advisable to consult a specialist tyre dealer, who will be able to assess the extent of the damage.
5. I've found a nail in my tyre: do I need to replace it or can it be repaired? When is a repair safe and when is replacement the better option?
Tyre repair regulations vary from country to country, so it is not possible to provide universally applicable guidance. It is therefore recommended to consult a specialist tyre dealer.
With tubeless tyres, small punctures confined to the tread area may be repairable. However, Pirelli does not recommend this approach: it should be considered an emergency solution and must always be assessed by a specialist who assumes responsibility for the repair.
Please note: an emergency repair carried out independently using rubber repair strips inserted through the puncture must subsequently be checked by a professional, who will inspect both the tyre and the wheel. This applies even if the repair appears successful and tyre pressure remains stable.
Repaired tubeless tyres must never be fitted with an inner tube.
For tyres with an inner tube, Pirelli recommends replacing the punctured tube.
In all cases, the tyre must be inspected by a specialist who, if its condition allows, may repair the puncture using localised vulcanisation to prevent moisture from penetrating the carcass. For safety reasons, however, Pirelli always recommends replacing a damaged tyre.
6. One of my tyres is worn but the other is still in good condition. Do I need to replace both?
To achieve the best possible performance and handling, riding enjoyment and safety, it is not always necessary to replace both tyres. If one is still in good condition and compatible with the new tyre, it can remain in use.
Whenever a new tyre is fitted, the level of wear on the other tyre should always be checked.
While it is possible to check tyre wear yourself, consulting a professional is recommended. They can accurately assess the condition of both tyres and advise on the best solution.
7. Can I fit tyres with different specifications at the front and rear?
Pirelli offers a wide range of front and rear tyres designed for different types of use, but specific front and rear models are designed to complement each other. For example, a road tyre cannot be paired with an off-road model.
It is best to avoid fitting front and rear tyres from different brands.
For safety reasons, Pirelli always recommends using Pirelli tyres from the same family and not combining tyres from different brands or product families.
8. I've just fitted new tyres. Should I take any precautions when riding? How many kilometres should I take it easy for?
Immediately after fitting new tyres, sudden acceleration, hard braking and excessive lean angles should be avoided. To achieve their full performance potential, new tyres should be used with particular care for the first 100–200 km, until the running-in period is complete.
9. If I leave my motorcycle unused throughout the winter, could this damage the tyres? What is the best way to store them?
If a motorcycle remains stationary for several months, its tyres may develop flat spots where they are in contact with the ground. They may also age and develop cracks.
This risk can be reduced by taking a few simple precautions: inflate the tyres to the pressure specified by the manufacturer before storage (see point 1); raise the motorcycle off the ground using the centre stand or paddock stands. If stands are not available and the motorcycle is left on its side stand, increase tyre pressure slightly and move the motorcycle periodically so that the tyres do not continually rest on the same points.
It is also important to store the motorcycle in a cool, dry, clean and well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources and moisture.
Before using the motorcycle again after storage, the rule is simple: go back to point 1 on this list.
