TyreSafe advice for Spring Bank Holiday bikers

TyreSafe is urging motorcyclists to check their tyres before heading out on the roads in time for the later than normal Spring Bank Holiday, which also includes the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations the next day. The weekend overlaps with the Isle of Man TT races, meaning many more bikers will be heading out to watch the action, making pre-journey tyre checks even more important.

Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe, said: “Correct motorcycle tyre maintenance is essential for safer riding and will make all the difference to how your bike performs, whether you’re simply planning a relaxing ride out in your local area over the Bank Holiday weekend or taking a trip further afield to the legendary TT races on the Isle of Man.”

To help riders understand what tyre checks they should make to get the maximum performance and enjoyment from their bikes, TyreSafe has a dedicated motorbike tyre safety section on its website www.tyresafe.org.

In it, the not-for-profit organisation recommends riders should ideally seek professional advice when checking their tyres, but for those doing so themselves, it advises that particular attention should be paid to ensuring that there are no cuts, cracks or bulges in the tyres, and that there is adequate tread depth to meet the minimum legal requirements of 1mm (for bikes over 50cc).

Motorcyclists should also ensure tyres are inflated to the correct pressures. Over inflation in particular can lead to a reduced area of tyre contact with the road, accelerated wear on the tread centre and makes the tyre more likely to suffer impact damage.

“Bikers can be particularly vulnerable to the actions of other road users, so a properly maintained tyre is vitally important for optimum safety, performance and responsiveness as well other benefits such as longer tyre life and improved fuel economy,” added Jackson.

Indeed, the message of improved performance is a central theme of TyreSafe’s PACT campaign for motorcyclists, which stands for Performance, Air, Condition and Tread. In essence, by making a PACT with their tyres and ensuring they check their tyre’s air pressure, overall condition and tread depth then riders will be rewarded with better performance including improved handling, grip and fuel economy.