Ten West Sport Pilots

Tire Safety and Care

Tire Inflation
Always keep the motorcycle manufacturer's recommended air pressure in both tires. This is an important requirement for tire safety and mileage. Your motorcycle owner’s manual will tell you the recommended cold inflation pressure. On some motorcycles, the recommended front and rear tire pressures will be different. The pressures stamped on the sidewall of the tire are only for maximum loads. On some occasions, these pressures will also be the manufacturer’s recommended settings as well.

Riding on tires with too little air pressure is dangerous. The tires will build excessive heat. This can cause a sudden tire failure. Under inflation may also:

• Damage the tire, leading to tire failure
• Adversely affect vehicle cornering
• Reduce tire life
• Increase fuel consumption
• Cause fatigue cracking

Riding on tires with too much air can be dangerous. The tires are more likely to be cut, punctured, or broken by sudden impact. Do not exceed the pressure indicated on the tire sidewall. Consult your owner’s manual for the recommended inflation and other tire information.
Never inflate a tire unless it is secured to the motorcycle or a tire-mounting machine. Inflating an unsecured tire is dangerous. If it bursts, it could be hurled into the air with explosive force.

Valve Stems, Cores & Caps
Old or damaged valve stems and cores may cause air loss. Replace them when mounting new tires. Use caps (finger tight) on the valve stems to keep dust, dirt, and moisture away from the valve.

Tubes
When fitting a new tire on a rim requiring a tube, a new tube should be fitted at the same time. Old tubes become stretched, and if an old tube is fitted within a new tire, it can crease and fail due to thinning of the tube rubber. Tubes should be repaired only by an expert. Secure tube valve assembly to rim with care. Inspect rim band, and consult motorcycle dealer for correct rim band replacement.
Always check the size markings on the tube to ensure that the tire size appears on the tube. Do not fit tubes in radial motorcycle tires, nor fit radials on rims requiring tubes, unless the tubes bear matching size and radial (R) markings.

Keep in mind that hard cornering, passengers, heavy loads, and sustained high speeds will require higher pressures (up to that indicated on the sidewall).

Matching Front and Rear Tires
Correct matching of front and rear tires is critical to obtaining optimum performance and handling. Never mount a rear tire in front or vice versa. Combining a new tire with a worn rear tire may cause instability. Always consult your manufacturer before modifying your motorcycle’s tires from stock.

Checking Tire Inflation
Check your tire air pressure at least once a week and before long trips. Be sure to use an accurate pressure gauge.
Check your air pressure when the tires are "cold." The tires are "cold" when your motorcycle has been ridden less than a mile at moderate speed or after being stopped for three or more hours. Never release air from a hot tire in order to reach the recommended cold tire pressure. Normal riding causes tires to run hotter and inflation pressure to increase. If you release air when your tires are hot, you may dangerously under inflate your tires.

If your tires lose more than two pounds per square inch (2 psi) per month, the tire, the valve, or wheel may be damaged. Consult your local dealer for an inspection.

Use valve caps to keep valve cores clean and clear of debris and to help guard against air leakage

Break-in Period
In order for your new tire(s) to provide optimum performance, tires should be ridden very cautiously for the first 100 miles in order for the tread surface to be “Scuffed-Inâ€