Bike Tyre Safety - stay legal, stay alive

With mornings getting lighter and daylight lasting longer, bikers are beginning to get their motorbikes ready for action. Protyre, the UK’s leading independent tyre retailer, is a major provider of bike tyres and feedback from their outlets has indicated that up to 70% of motorcycles and scooters visiting their premises have at least one tyre that is either defective or badly worn and in need of replacement.

Protyre has now established 21 two wheel centres offering motorcyclists and scooter riders “a ride in - ride out” service with manufacturer trained tyre technicians capable of offering expert advice and help on the correct tyre choice for specific motorcycles and scooters. (These centres are detailed on the attached sheet.)

The Protyre findings on the number of defective tyres are reinforced by recent information available from VOSA (Vehicle Operator and Services Agency) which has revealed that defective tyres account for the fourth biggest failure of motorcycle MOTs in the UK. And with the prospect of improving weather and motorcycles being put back on the road after the winter, Protyre is offering the following advice for riders:

Tyre pressures should adhere to those recommended by the motorcycle manufacturer or tyre company and these should be checked when cold at least once a week and adjusted if necessary.

Inspect tyres for cuts, bulges, uneven wear of objects embedded in the tread of the tyre.

Tread depth should be a minimum of 1 mm (for bikes over 50 cc)

Old or damaged valve stems should be replaced

Tyres should be of the same manufacturer or pattern

Cracked or damaged rims should be replaced immediately

“A contact patch no larger the palm of your hand is all that connects you with the road surface”, said Protyre retail director Simon Hiorns. “Defective tyres on a motorcycle can affect handling, cornering and the ability for the motorcycle or scooter to achieve an optimum balance for the rider. A few simple checks can make all the difference”.

During Bike Tyre Safety Month Protyre two wheel centres are offering a free tyre safety checks together with offering advice on tyre selection and simple maintenance guidelines to gain the maximum value for money and performance from the tyres fitted.