Tire Valve Cap

Tire Valve Cap

What Every Motorcycle Owner Needs To Know About Motorcycle Tires

Tires are a very important part of a motorcycle. Without them the motorcycle would not be able to move in the first place. This is why it is very important that every motorcycle owner possesses general knowledge about what they can expect from the tires they plan on using from their vehicle. Choosing the wrong type of tire could adversely affect how the motorcycle drives. It may even cost a motorcycle owner more money, trying to repair flats or replace the tire all together. That's where this article comes in. From this article motorcycle owners can get a basic overview of what they need to look for when they start investigating which tires are right for their vehicle. All of these guidelines are explained in greater detail below.

Size

To determine the size of a potential set of tires, you need to evaluate their rim width. What does this mean? It means that the tires cannot be any wider or narrower than the initial equipment tires. If they are the handling of your motorcycle could get distorted.

Pressure

The pressure associated with motorcycle tires increases as the temperature rises. This is why motorcycle riders need to regularly check their tires' pressure, especially during the winter months. They can find specific recommendations on which tire pressures are best for their vehicle by checking out their motorcycle manufacturer's reference manual. They can also further protect their tires' pressure by not bleeding air from tires that are hot and/or riding on the tires when they are under-inflated. Doing otherwise wears the tires down prematurely.

Wear Indicator

Motorcycle owners need to periodically check the wear indicator associated with their tire grooves. If the wear indicators are at the same level as the tread's surface, the tires probably need to be replaced.

Valve Caps

Proper use of valve caps can prevent air from escaping from one's motorcycle tires. It can also prevent dirt from getting into the valve, improving overall efficiency of the tires.

Warming Up

Start at a moderate speed when you first get on your motorcycle. Doing so helps allow the tires to reach their core operating temperatures in a much smoother manner. When the tires do reach their warm-up, they will offer the best grip for the motorcycle rider.

Breaking In

Don't accelerate rapidly or use hard cornering techniques once your tires have appropriately warmed up, as this can quickly wear them out. You will want to avoid doing these things for at least 50 kilometers. This is the amount of time/distance it takes for the tread area to be completely worn off.

Getting the Repairs

It is important that you acquire basic knowledge associated with motorcycle repair, so you won't have to rely on a mechanic should you have problems with your tires or even the vehicle itself. Numerous books and e-books are available to help provide the basics for motorcycle riders who are new to the experience. Some of them are free. Either way, take advantage of the information so you won't find yourself being stranded if something does go wrong with your motorcycle's tires.

About the Author

Gregg Hall is an author living with his 18 year old son in Jensen Beach, Florida. Find more about motorcycle accessories as well as motorcycle tires at http://www.nsearch.com

Does the cap on the tire air valve keep the air from leaking out or does it not matter if it is missing?

No, it doesn't keep air in. There is a valve in the stem, part of which you can see. That small pointy thing in the middle is the top end of the Schrader valve. It has a spring on the other end that pushes the valve out. On the stem of that valve is a rubber seal that "seats" against the inside of the valve stem. The air pressure inside the tire also helps this valve seal. When the valve cap is missing, it will allow dust, dirt, trash, water and no telling what else to settle in the stem. Not much of a problem there either until you have to add air and that will push all that into and past the rubber seal on the valve stem. The cap is only for keeping the Schrader valve clean but that's an important job. Go to the store and buy a few extras, they are cheap.

Install Valve Cap regular