Motorcycle Maintenance

Southwest Moto Tires strongly recommends regular inspection of the motorcycle generally, and of the wheels in particular, because tire mileage and performance are adversely affected by a poor maintained vehicle.  Vehicles should be taken to the dealer for regular maintenance checks, inclusive of tire inspections.  It is also important to maintain fork and suspension pressure in strict compliance with the vehicle owner's manual.  Improperly maintained components, incorrect or unbalanced front fork pressures will affect stability.  Low suspension pressure will generate excessive tire stresses. 

Wheel Balancing

Elastic bodies like tires cannot be produced absolutely round without imbalance.  Therefore always balance after installing a new tire.  Unbalanced tire/wheel assemblies can vibrate at certain speeds, with tire wear greatly accelerated.  The use of liquid balancer or liquid balance/sealers is not recommended.  Tire manufacturers do not give warranty for tires which have been injected. Wheel Inspection Bent wheel rims and bent or cracked cast wheels should be replaced immediately.  Bent rims may cause wheel wobble, bead unseating, and in the case of tubeless tires, gradual air loss.  Sudden wheel failure may result from the use of cracked cast wheels.

Tire Pressure

Tires should be inflated to the recommended air pressure according to the vehicles owner's manual.  Cold tire pressure should be checked frequently and is the most important tire maintenance function.  Under inflated tires can result in imprecise cornering, higher running temperature, irregular tread wear, fatigue cracking, overstressing and eventual failure of the tire carcass. Over inflated tires will result in a hard ride and accelerated tire wear in the center of the contact patch.  Vehicles designed for supporting two riders have a recommended air pressure setting that may differ from the single rider recommendation.  Consult owner's manual.

Tire Run-In

New motorcycle tires require a "run-in" or "scuff" period to break in.  New tires should not be subjected to maximum power, abrupt lean-over or hard cornering until a reasonable "run-in" distance of at least 100 miles has been covered.

Maintaining Clearance

Consult with the motorcycle manufacturer if you intend to mount sizes other than indicated by the owner's manual.  Adequate clearance of fenders, swing arm etc., must be maintained.  Increasing tire size may require an increase in rim width.

Tubes

Tubes are a critical part of the tube-type wheel assembly.  When fitting a new tire on a rim requiring a tube, a new tube should be fitted at the same time.

Sidewall Treatment

Use a mild soap solution to clean sidewalls and rinse off with plain water.  Never apply any other material, cleaner, or dressings, to enhance sidewall appearance.  These may degrade rubber and remove inherent ozone cracking/weather resistance.