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Harley-Davidson® Dyna® Motorcycle Tires
You can do a lot on a motorcycle, but not if you don’t have good tires. Your Dyna®’s tires are the most important part for your safety, because a blowout on a bike can lead to devastating accidents. Remember that you only have two tires on a bike, so if one of those goes out while riding at high speeds, it’s nearly impossible to maintain control of your hog. This guide will tell you a little more about tires, and then we’ll talk about ways to keep them in good shape for safe riding. If you need a tire change or any other maintenance, come into Wild Fire Harley-Davidson® in Villa Park, IL.
Elements of a Tire
Tires take a lot from your motorcycle - they weigh 600+ pounds on a Dyna®, and have to handle riding at highway speeds for long periods of time. In order to do these, they are constructed with clever structures that provide support and traction. You probably already know that the tread just grips the road. That’s the reason you can move around on the street, but you’ll start losing control as soon as the tread wears away. There’s also the sidewall, which provides the support, but a part you might not be familiar with is the bead. The bead on a motorcycle tire is a rubber component that connects the tire to the wheel’s rim. The seal is airtight, as air fills the tire through a valve stem, which is a place where you’ll frequently see leaks. Finally, the carcass is a pattern of cords that gives your tires their structural integrity. Most modern bikes have laterally arranged cords in a radial ply design, which provides maximum support for the tire’s other components.
Always Choose the Right Tires
You might be tempted to give your Dyna® a more aggressive look with larger tires, but never try putting a tire on your motorcycle that doesn’t match the recommended sidewall size. Your owner’s manual will tell you which height and width you need from a tire, so only use tires of this size. If you’re ever unsure, you can always bring your motorcycle into our service department for a change. We’ll always put the right size on, and we ensure you have good quality tires.
Tread, Pressure, and Wear
If you want to guarantee your safety and get the most out of your tires, you’ll have to follow some basic maintenance practices on a regular basis. Pressure is the first thing to keep an eye out for, since an underinflated tire won’t only wear down quicker, but can also do serious damage to your rims. Get a tire gauge so you can check your pressure levels daily, and stop at the pump as soon as the pressure drops below the manufacturer’s recommended amount. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the tread. Modern tires have tread wear indicator bars, so when these show wear, it’s time to change them out. There are many other signs as well, such as a punctured or bulging sidewall, cracks or cuts in your tires, or uneven wear. If you notice any of these during your daily inspections, get the tires changed right away. You don’t want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere with a blow out!
If you keep an eye on your tires, put the right kind on your Dyna®, and change them when necessary, you won’t have to worry at all about staying safe on the road. Many drivers and riders tend to neglect their tires, but for your safety, please make sure you inspect them before and after every ride. It’s a simple task that will turn into habit in no time, and when you need to change them out, feel free to come into our service department at Wild Fire Harley-Davidson®. Our dealership is located near Chicago, IL.