Motorcyclists 'could face spring tyre problems'

Date: 31/3/2011

By failing to check their tyres after taking their motorcycles out of storage following the winter, riders may be putting themselves in danger.

Such is the warning issued by TyreSafe, which claims that wheels should be thoroughly inspected before the vehicles are taken out for a spin this spring.

As part of the group's Bike Tyre Safety Month in April, hundreds of motorcycle repair professionals and tyre dealerships will be offering free wheel checks to riders.

For those who wish to do it at home, the organisation recommends checking the pressure while the wheels are cold with an accurate gauge at least once a week, along with inspecting them for bulges, cuts and tears.

Should the rims over tyres appear cracked or bent they should be immediately replaced, while the tread depth must be at or above the legal minimum of one mm if a bike is over 50cc.

Stuart Jackson, Chairman of TyreSafe, says: "Carrying out a full tyre health check is vital to avoid becoming another road casualty statistic."

Earlier this month, the group noted that if a bike has not been stored correctly over winter it is even more important to check the tyres to make sure that they still meet legal safety standards.

Posted by Sarah Bailey