Motorbike tyre pressures – what is the proper pressure?

Riding a motorbike is really fun, but you need to make sure it is as safe as possible. One of the most important issues in this matter is tyres. This applies not only to the type of tyre, but also to ensuring that the proper pressure is maintained in the motorbike tyres. What values should be maintained? You will find out later in this article!

The right tyres are essential. They also need to be properly maintained.

Motorbike tyres are subject to similar rules to their automotive counterparts. So you need to know which motorbike tyres to choose and take care to use them correctly. Only then will they be able to ensure safety on the road. This is especially true as motorbike only have two or possibly three points of contact with the road. It is also worth remembering that even the most expensive premium models will not guarantee the right level of safety if they are not used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. This is why it is so important to take care of the motorbike's tyre pressure.

If you want to learn more about proper tyre care, check out the guide: Motorbike tyres – maintenance tips

Pressure in motorbike tyres

It is impossible to overestimate the role that the correct tyre pressure on a motorbike plays in safe riding. After all, grip and safety depend on it. This is why it is so important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Nobody knows more about a vehicle than its designer. The tyre pressure indicated by the tyre manufacturer is an approved value, which is usually determined in conjunction with the original equipment tyre company.

As with cars, information on the recommended tyre pressures for motorbikes can be found in the owner's manual of the vehicle. The difference is that, for single-track motorcycles, the discrepancy in air pressure between the front and rear tyres is even more significant. The two tyre versions are often quite different from each other and therefore have different requirements depending on their placement. 

It is important to remember not only to check tyre pressures regularly, but also to do it precisely. It is best to check the tyres before driving, and if they have been in use, you should wait at least 2-3 hours after switching off the engine. Why is this so important? Motorbike tyre pressures increase with temperature, so a pressure gauge connected to a valve of rubber that has been warmed up by riding will indicate an inflated value. All factory recommendations apply to cold wheels.

There is also an economic aspect behind keeping the air pressure within the manufacturer's recommended optimum. An inadequate pressure level in a motorbike tyre can be associated with faster tyre wear, susceptibility to damage and increased fuel consumption.

You can find out more about tyre defects in the article: Motorbike tyres – wear and damage

What is the proper tyre pressure for motorbikes? Too much can be risky!

The consequence of driving with too high a pressure is a lower level of driving safety. Exceeding the manufacturer's indications entails a reduction in the contact area between the tyre and the road and, consequently, poorer grip. "Over-inflation" also means a more severe experience of shaking when driving on uneven roads. It also has an adverse effect on the motorbike itself, with the suspension being subjected to greater stress under such circumstances so that it can wear more quickly.

How much air in the tyres will keep the driver comfortable and safe?

How much air pressure in a motorbike? Certainly not too little!

Motorcyclists, in particular, enjoy riding on low-pressure tyres on tracks specially designed for this purpose. The main reason for this is that it allows a better "warm-up" of the track tyres. This allows the tyre and motorbike to perform to their full potential for longer. It should be noted, however, that tyres are changed very frequently during races, even after a single race.

It is worth remembering not to transfer the solutions used on the track to public roads. During normal, prescribed driving on the street, too low an air level causes the rubber to overheat. This makes it more susceptible to damage. In addition, its structure can deform under heavy and unabsorbed weight.

In summary, driving at pressures lower than those approved by the manufacturer results in shorter tyre life, as well as poorer stability and steering precision.

Motorcycle tyre pressure chart 

It is difficult to define unequivocally what general motorbike tyre pressures should be. It depends heavily not only on the type of vehicle, but also on the specific model, the weight of the machine, rider, passenger and luggage, and riding style. A chopper motorbike tyre pressure will be completely different from that of a sports model.

Detailed data can be found in the vehicle manuals and must be strictly adhered to. In most cases, for daily driving, the pressure values are around:

It is worth remembering that the tyre pressure for motorbikes up to 125cc vehicles will also be different. These are, for example, motorbikes and scooters which can be ridden with a category B licence. They have less power, are lighter, and generally have smaller tyres.

Regardless of the type of motorbike, it is always safest to consult the vehicle manufacturer's information and inflate the wheels according to the values they provide. If the vehicle was purchased second-hand, without instructions, you can try to get help from the customer service department of the company responsible for manufacturing the machine.

Do not underestimate the air pressure of motorbike tyres

Sticking to the recommended values is important for driving safety. This is evidenced by the data collected by the traffic police. Police statistics show that in 2022, tyre problems were found to be the cause of 16.2% of accidents caused by poor vehicle conditions. To prevent this, we should regularly check the condition of motorbike tyres. It takes a few minutes to check the pressure, as well as to inflate, and taking that moment can save lives.