Check your tire pressures ahead of the long motorcycling summer. Your tire’s connection with the road has to be perfect and if the tire is under inflated after a winter’s lay-off, the bike will not handle properly and it could be dangerous.

Here are some basic tips on tire pressure care:

• Make sure you use an accurate tire pressure gauge – the ones found at your local service station could easily be out by several psi. Buy a good one, digital ones will work but the battery will eventually die and possibly at a critical moment. Keep it under your seat or in the panniers.
• Know what the optimum tire pressures are, front and rear, for your bike and tires fitted; keep a note of them in your wallet or under the seat.
• Checking your tire 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 tires are coming to the end of their life.

Safety first!