Good tread on your Harley Davidson tire can be the difference between holding the road on a turn and dumping the bike. For that reason you should get in the habit of checking your tires for tread wear on a regular basis.While you are doing that check, though, you can inspect the tires for other problems. Be sure to check both of your Harley Davidson wheels when you do this inspection. If you find a tire is in need of replacing you should get a new tire in its place as soon as possible. There's no sense risking your physical safety because you don't want to buy a new tire. It's just not worth it.
Tools Needed
All you really need for this job is a standard Lincoln head penny and your eyes.
- Check the Tread Wear
Check the tread wear on your tires by inserting a standard Lincoln head penny into the tread. If it is past the head of Lincoln on the penny, you will need to buy a new tire. Be sure to check both of your Harley Davidson wheels using this method.
- Check for Tire Cupping
Cupping will cause an uneven wavy element to the tire. You can feel this while riding as a vibration. You should also be able to see it on a visual inspection or by running your hand along the surface of the tire. If you have cupping you should also replace your tire.
- Check the Condition of
the Sidewalls
Look at the sidewalls on both Harley Davidson wheels. If it shows a lot of weathering damage you should also consider replacing your tires.
Your Harley Davidson tires are what keep your bike properly positioned on the road. That means that they are one of the central safety features of your motorcycle. For that reason you should regularly check them to make sure they are up to the task. It's better to spend a little time and money on maintenance than to realize as you are skidding across the pavement that you needed to replace your tires.