The air carries the bike, not the tire
Continental motorcycle tires: Supporting role for hot air
- The air carries the bike, not the tire
- Pressure loss of up to 0.1 bar per month is normal
- Check motorcycle tire pressure
- Pressure loss of up to 0.1 bar per month is normal
- Regular checks are important
Hanover/Korbach, April 19, 2021 - Air plays an extremely important role when riding a motorcycle. In the form of airstream, it provides a constant fresh breeze and also plays a key role in chassis technology: pressed into the tube or tire, air is the force that determines the distance between the motorcycle and the asphalt. It is clear that its quantity - its pressure - plays a decisive role in the riding characteristics. And it is equally clear that deviations upwards or downwards can have a negative effect in normal operation.
If the air pressure increases, comfort decreases. Despite this formula, motorcyclists should always follow the manufacturer's maximum air pressure values and, if necessary, add a tiny bit more - after all, riding comfort can usually also be adjusted via the fork and shock absorber. More air pressure can also have a positive effect on fuel consumption. Adherence to the correct „bar“ value is rewarded with greater safety in the extremely sensitive area between the asphalt and the rim and applies to all motorcycle types. Exceptions to the recommended air pressure only make sense in a few cases and should be applied carefully.
Example off-road: The air pressure is usually lowered for more toothing in the ground. However, to prevent a tubular tire from twisting and tearing off the valve, tire holders must be fitted in the rim when the air pressure is lowered. Before putting asphalt under the studs again, the air pressure must be increased to the prescribed value to prevent damage due to overheating.
Individual air pressure values are also used on the racetrack. Uniform recommendations are hardly possible, especially for racing tires, as the ideal air pressure is extremely dependent on external conditions such as the temperature of the environment and road surface, motorcycle type, chassis setup, riding style or the condition of the asphalt.
Everyone has to find out for themselves what the ideal „padding cushion“ is; Continental's racing tire flyer, which is available free of charge as a download in the „Things to know“ section at www.conti-moto.de, provides good advice. If road tires are used on the racetrack, the inflation pressures can be lowered slightly to increase grip. Then be sure to reset the pressure to the prescribed value.
A pressure loss of up to 0.1 bar per month is normal. So if you want to be on the safe side after long downtimes, it is best to buy a floor pump with a pressure gauge, which are available in solid quality from around 30 euros in bicycle shops. .
Short and sweet: Continental air basics
- The compressed air carries the load, not the sidewall or carcass of the tire
- The correct air pressure determines the size of the tire contact patch
- The contact area between the tire and the road is only the size of a credit card
- Reduced air pressure causes increased flexing of the sidewall and tread
and can cause damage to the tire
- Increased inflation pressure makes tires susceptible to possible collision damage
- Check/change the air pressure for „normal operation“ only when the tire is cold
- The prescribed air pressure can vary depending on the use of the motorcycle, in particular the weight (solo/socius/socia/luggage) plays a decisive role
- Always follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
All information about Continental motorcycle tires at www.conti-moto.de
Picture credits: Continental
