Avon Encourages Tyre Pressure Checks for Bikers

Avon Tyres is urging bikers across the UK to ensure their tyres are properly inflated, warning of the sever drops in performance that can be the result of having incorrect air volumes inflating the rubber. The announcement has been made to coincide with May Bank Holiday weekend, when the crack of leather on willow is matched by the roar of the motorcycle, heralding the start of the biking summer. Having racked up a century of motorcycle tyre experience, Avon wants to make sure bikers aren’t caught on a sticky wicket in this busy period.

Peter McNally, Avon Tyres’ technical product manager for motorcycle tyres, says, “Tyre pressures on a motorcycle are critical to the safety of the rider aboard it – there’s no other way of putting it. The tyre’s connection with the road has to be perfect and if the tyre is under inflated after a winter’s lay-off, the bike will not handle properly and it could be dangerous.

“During testing for our range of tyres – including our new VP2 Sports tyres – we have seen how under-pressure tyres can degrade handling, affect steering, as well as leading to increased and un-even tyre wear.”

McNally says the tyre pressure check should be the first thing on the agenda for any rider who’s contemplating getting back on to two wheels this weekend, and offered his top tips for bikers wheeling out their machines for summer:

– Make sure you use an accurate tyre pressure gauge – the ones found on the forecourt of your local service station could easily be out by several psi

– Know what the optimum tyre pressures are, front and rear, for your bike and tyres fitted; keep a note of them in your wallet or under the seat

– Checking your tyre pressures should be at least a weekly ritual, more often if you commute to work on your motorcycle

– If you get into the habit, you’ll spot other safety concerns, such as when your chain needs adjusting or when your tyres are coming to the end of their life