VIDEO: Check The Wear on a Harley’s Tires

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.