Protyre offers bikers free tyre safety checks

As the motorcycling season approaches, bikers are beginning to get their motorbikes and scooters ready to ride. 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 percent of motorcycles and scooters visiting their premises have at least one tyre that is either defective or badly worn and in need of replacement.

To support Bike Tyre Safety Month in April, Protyre is offering a comprehensive free tyre safety check for bikers, covering tyre pressures, tread depth, balancing and wheel alignment. Protyre has 24 dedicated, state-of-the-art 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.

The Protyre findings on the number of defective tyres are reinforced by information available from VOSA (Vehicle Operator and Services Agency) which revealed that defective tyres are the fourth most frequent cause of motorcycle MOT failure in the UK.

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

“The tyre contact patch no larger the palm of your hand and 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”.

As well as free bike tyre safety checks throughout April, Protyre is offering motorcyclists advice on tyre selection and simple maintenance guidelines to gain the maximum value for money and performance from the tyres fitted. The company has also a dedicated motorcycle website rubberupright.com containing useful information for all riders.

Find your local Protyre outlet visit Protyre.co.uk.