What is a Tyre Pressure Gauge and How to Use One on a Motorcycle

What Is A Tyre Pressure Gauge And How To Use One On A Motorcycle

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is vital for your motorcycle’s handling, stability, and the longevity of your tyres. Keeping tabs on tyre pressure should be a key part of your routine. It sounds obvious, but by far the best way to do this is with a good quality tyre pressure gauge.

Why and how often should you check Motorcycle Tyre Pressure?

Tyres are your motorcycle’s only contact with the road, and they must be in optimal condition at all times to ensure safety, performance, grip, and wear.

Ideally, you should check your tyre pressures before every ride. It’s also important when there’s a drastic change in temperature, since tyre pressures can fluctuate with changes to air temperature.

Tyre pressures may also need to be altered for certain riding conditions, such as carrying a pillion or luggage, for better traction on loose surfaces, or when racing or doing a track day.

Understanding pressure measurements: Bar and PSI

When checking tyre pressure, you’ll notice that it’s measured in either Bar or PSI, depending on the gauge you're using. These are simply two different units to express the same thing: how much air is inside the tyre.

PSI is the most commonly used unit in countries like the UK and the US. It stands for Pounds per Square Inch and indicates the force of air pressure per square inch of the tyre.
Bar is the metric unit of pressure, widely used in Europe and other parts of the world. One bar is equivalent to 14.5 PSI.

Most motorcycle manuals will provide tyre pressure recommendations in one or both units. They will also give optimal tyre pressure settings for solo riding, and when riding with a pillion and/or luggage.

Risks of running the wrong Motorcycle Tyre Pressures

Under-inflated tyres cause increased rolling resistance, making the bike harder to handle and less fuel-efficient. Over time, it can lead to premature wear, overheating, and in extreme cases can even cause a blowout.

Over-inflating tyres reduces the contact patch with the road, leading to less grip, harsher ride quality, and uneven tyre wear.

Either way, running incorrect tyre pressures compromises safety and affects the performance and handling characteristics of your motorcycle.

Choosing the right Tyre Pressure Gauge

When choosing a tyre pressure gauge, look for one that is motorcycle-specific and has a clear, accurate dial or digital display.

Cheap or poorly calibrated gauges can give inaccurate readings, which defeats the purpose of checking pressures. It’s also advisable to avoid using the pressure gauges attached to garage forecourt air pumps. These are often poorly maintained and prone to inaccuracies.

How to check your Motorcycles Tyre Pressures

Prepare the bike: Ensure your tyres are cold before checking the pressure. Riding even a short distance heats them up and gives inaccurate readings. Make sure your bike is on level ground and either secured on its centre or side stand, or a paddock stand.
Remove the valve cap: Unscrew the valve cap from the tyre's valve stem. Keep it safe while you work, because they’re small and easily lost if put on the ground or garage floor.
Place the gauge on the valve: Press your gauge onto the valve stem and hold it firmly to get an accurate reading. Digital gauges usually display the pressure as a number, while analogue ones will show it on a dial.
Check the reading: Compare the reading to your motorcycle’s recommended tyre pressures (found in your owner's manual or on the tyre information sticker).
Adjust the pressure: If the pressure is too low, use an air compressor or a pump to inflate the tyre. If it's too high, release air by pressing the valve pin, then recheck with the gauge. Some tyre gauges, like the Venhill VT32, have an air-bleed button, so you can release air from the tyre while it is still attached.
Recheck: Once you’ve adjusted the pressure, use the gauge again to confirm it's correct.
Replace the valve cap: Screw the valve cap back on tightly.

Final thoughts

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is one of the simplest yet most important tasks for ensuring the safety and handling of your motorcycle.

Regular checks with a good-quality tyre pressure gauge will give you peace of mind, knowing that your tyres are in optimal condition. It’s a small investment in time that pays off in improved handling, fuel economy, and rider confidence.

Venhill’s Award-winning Motorcycle Tyre Pressure Gauge

Featured in RiDE Magazine and voted best in class for calibration, ease of use and additional features, the Venhill VT32 Tyre Pressure Gauge is designed for use on both motorbikes and cars.

The VT32 Gauge has a pressure range of 0-60 Psi (0 to 4 Bar), so is ideal for use with most road and off-road bikes, scooters and cars, and features a flexible stainless steel braided stem for accessing even the most awkward valves. Plus a 90-degree, fully rotating chuck for a tight seal from any angle.

The 2 inch dial gauge indicates in both PSI and Bar - both in small increments for an accurate reading – set just below the dial is an air-bleed button to help reach exact pressure settings.

The VT37 Gauge operates at a pressure range of 0-15 Psi and is specifically designed for machines running lower pressures – trials, speedway etc.

Both Gauges feature rubber protection round the dial, to help protect against impacts, and are supplied with a tough nylon storage pouch.

If you are looking for any specific motorcycle tools or motorcycle cables and components which we may offer, or for a bespoke service, then please contact the Venhill team who will help you in any of your motorcycle related projects or requirements right away