April showers bring sandy roads washed clean. Sounds like it's almost time to do some scooting. But before we drag our iron horses out we should definitely inspect the one item on the bike that takes the biggest beating, tires...

Yeah, that's right, tires take the biggest beating. Especially on my bike. They seem to see a couple of extra revolutions on certain starts, they go into some turns a little hard, and even come into contact with potholes and other imposing threats occasionally. Our bike tires are the only thing between the road and us. So it's only fair that if you want them to treat you right, you have to treat them right.
First we should start with a visual inspection. Are they flat, do we see any punctures, splits or bubbles, are the sidewalls cracked or dry rotted, are the valve stems straight out of the wheel and healthy looking, and when the tire is spun, does it wobble side to side? Some damage to tires can only be spotted when the tire is dismounted from the rim. If you suspect there might be damage or you remember running something over on a previous ride, it would be smart to have a qualified tire service station dismount and check the tire. After the visual inspection, if all passes then its time to check the pressures.
Tire pressures are the most important factor to a tires performance and longevity. The tires should always be set at the motorcycle manufactures suggested pressure. This can generally be found in the owner's manual. Some bikes it is listed on the VIN plate with other valuable information. The tire pressure should always be checked when the tire is cold, (before riding). Under inflation of tires will cause higher running temperatures, fatigue cracking, increased irregular tread wear at the edge of the contact patch, increase fuel consumption, poor cornering ability, and overall reduce the life of the tire. Over inflation will cause a hard ride, less tire to road contact area, increased accelerated wear in the center of the contact patch, the tire is more likely to be cut or punctured by external objects, and to be damaged during any impact.
Tread depth is the next item we need to concern ourselves with. The tire tread is what gives a tire the traction on different surfaces. The tread also enables a tire to channel water out and away from between the tire and the road during rainy wet conditions. So as you can imagine the more tire tread depth on the tire, the more the tire can do its job. Most laws and regulations require at least 2/32 of tire tread depth on the tires as a minimum. A quick check to see if you have more than 2/32 is to use a penny. Stick a penny in the tread with the heads side facing you and Lincolns head upside down. If you can see all of Lincoln's head it is time to replace the tire. Most tires now come with what are known as wear bars. This is a bar of rubber between the tread connecting one tread to another. If the wear bars are even with the top of the tread, the tires need replacement.
Flat tires are a riders worse nightmare. Besides causing a very unstable few seconds of riding, it means now you are going to loose riding time. There are a lot of opinions when it comes to the safety and rules of repairing tires. That is why it is best left to a certified bike shop or a tire service facility. Some feel you can get away with a tire plug or a quick tube patch. Depending on the type of puncture or cut and its location on the tire, the tires structural integrity could have been greatly compromised. This is why a trained eye is best here. Sometimes a tire shouldn't be repaired it should just be replaced.
Remember tires are rubber so they do wear, dry out, and breakdown over time. Rubber is also prone to deteriorate when exposed to certain types of cleaners, chemicals, or even tire dressings. Any time you clean your bike, use mild soaps on the tires and avoid using any tire dressings. When cleaning the wheels, avoid getting the cleaner on the tires. Also if you perform any service work on your bike, remember that gasoline, oils, and other fluids used in bikes will cause deterioration of your tires. Avoid getting any of these fluids on your tires.
Well now that our tires are in good shape and we are ready to ride, all I can say is " Smoke em if ya got em." Just kidding, I will see ya on the asphalt. Good luck and safe riding.