Book 3 — Economy in Motorcycle Tires

Caution in the use of motorcycle tires with a minimum of abuse will result in a considerable tire saving. Tremendous wear on a single spot results when the power is thrown in so suddenly that the driving wheel makes several revolutions before gripping the ground. The proper air pressure must be maintained in the tires in order to obtain good wear. Guessing is a poor method of determining the air pressure and the exact condition should be noted from time to time with a gauge. Ordinarily, a pressure of 45 to 50 lb should be maintained in the rear tire and about 20 per cent less in the front tire, in the case of 3-in. tires. Rim cutting from running motorcycle tires underinflated is the commonest abuse. Dents in the edge of the rims cause undue wear on the tire, the fabric being worn through by the constant rubbing. Bent rims are often caused by insufficient air pressure in tires, the liability to injury being increased when crossing tracks or bumps with an improperly inflated tire.