The air carries the motorcycle, not the tire
Continental motorcycle tires: supporting role for hot air
• The air carries the motorcycle, not the tire
• Pressure loss of up to 0.1 bar per month is normal
• Check motorcycle tire air 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 headwind, it ensures a constant fresh breeze and also plays a key role in chassis technology: when pressed into the tube or tire, air is the force that determines the distance between the motorcycle and the asphalt. It is clear that their quantity – their pressure – plays a crucial role in driving characteristics. And it is also clear that deviations upwards or downwards can have a negative impact on 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, ride comfort can usually also be adjusted using the telescopic fork and shock absorber. More air pressure can also have a positive effect on consumption. Reliance on the correct “bar” value is rewarded with more safety in the extremely sensitive area between the asphalt and the rim and applies to all types of motorcycles. Exceptions to the recommended air pressure only make sense and should be applied carefully in a few cases.
Example off-road: The air pressure is usually lowered to achieve more interlocking in the ground. To prevent a tubular tire from twisting and thereby tearing off the valve, tire holders must be installed in the rim when the air pressure is reduced. Before asphalt is placed under the studs again, the air pressure must be increased to the specified value in order to avoid damage caused by 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 depends extremely on external conditions such as the temperature of the environment and road, type of motorcycle, chassis setup, driving style or condition of the asphalt.
Everyone has to find out the ideal “cushion” for themselves. Good advice can be found in Continental’s racing tire flyer, which is available to download free of charge in the “Interesting Facts” section at www.conti-moto.de. If road tires are used on the racetrack, the inflation pressures can be slightly lowered to increase grip. Then be sure to reset the pressure to the specified 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 a long period of downtime, it's best to get a floor pump with a pressure gauge, which is available in solid quality from around 30 euros in bike shops.
In a nutshell: The 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 sidewall and tread flexing
and can lead to tire damage
• Increased inflation pressure makes tires susceptible to possible impact damage
• Only check/change the air pressure for “normal operation” when the tires are cold
• Depending on the use of the motorcycle, the prescribed air pressure can vary; the weight (solo/pillion/pillion/luggage) plays a particularly important role
• Always follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
All information about Continental motorcycle tires at www.conti-moto.de
Photo credit: Continental
