Defective Tires
Like passenger tires, motorcycle tires are susceptible to manufacturing defects and tire failures. Unlike a passenger car however, a motorcycle is much more likely to suffer a loss of control should a tire fail. Severe injuries are almost a certainty in these types of accidents.
The government issues about 36 tire recalls every year, and manufacturers issue even more. However, it is difficult to reach all tire owners, and defective tires may remain in circulation for many years. For this reason, it's vitally important to pay attention to the quality, performance and maintenance of your tires. For your safety and the safety of the riding public it's also important to report suspicious tire failures.
To report a tire failure or to file a complaint with the government, go to http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov. If you've been injured as the result of a defect, be sure to seek the services of a qualified attorney.
Motorcycle tire defects usually arise during the manufacturing process, which makes the manufacturer liable for accidents arising from tire failure. But motorcycle design defects can also come into play if the tire design does not correspond to the motorcycle design. For example, the weight limits for some tires are grossly inadequate for some large cruiser models, which are designed to carry two riders and their cargo for large distances. For more on riders and weight, see (link to this article on the site under defect issues)
Poor labeling and faulty installation can also lead to accidents, which fall under product liability laws.
To For this reason, it's vitally important to pay attention to the quality, performance and maintenance of your tires. For your safety and the safety of the riding public it's also important to report suspicious tire failures.
check defect investigations and see recalled tires, to www.safercar.gov. This website also reports up-to-date motorcycle and accessory recall information (link to home page area)
Tire Performance
Suspect a tire defect if any of the following occurs:
Tire Safety Tips
Most riders realize their bike's sole connection to the unforgiving asphalt is a thin, pliable hoop of rubber encircling the wheel. For this reason it's crucial to pay attention to tire maintenance. Here are good tips, courtesy of Cruiser Magazine:
1. Air It Out: Check tire pressure every chance you get. There's probably no simpler procedure that's more important and more ignored by bikers of every stripe. The air, not the carcass, supports the bike, and underinflation is a tire's number one enemy. (Make sure the tires are cool when you take the reading.) For a better tractrion in wet conditions, increase pressures by about 10 percent. Unsure of what the pressure is supposed to be? Look for a sticker somewhre on the bike. It is also probably on the VIN (serial number) plate hear the steering head with the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and gross axle weight ratings (GAWR) information.
2. Step in Line: Pay close attention to alignment--shaft drive bikes have no adjustment, but if you have a chain or belt, check the position of your tires. Proper alignment ensures better handling and longer wear.
3. Steady, Now: Although it primarily affects handling, improper balance can also shorten a tire's life. Check it after 500 or 1000 miles of use.
4. Top It Off: The valve stem cap should be securely fastened on the stem, because it's an important part of your tire's sealing system. It'll give you extra security at high speeds, when centrifugal force can conspire to open the valve inside the stem.
5. Soap It Up: Most tire manufacturers recommend that the only substance used to keep rubber shiny should be good old soap and water. Many alleged protectants actually promote premature cracking and finish deterioration. Make sure you wipe off any lube, brake fluid or gas promptly, too.
6. Look Before You Crank: Before you saddle up, take a moment to visually inspect your tires. We can't tell you how many times we've pulled out screws or nails before a ride, thus preventing almost certain tire failure. Once you're on the road, it'll be too late. 7. Stay Smooth: This is common sense--avoid potholes and sharp objects on the road that can compromise your tire's integrity. The same goes for curbs.
8. Don't Mix and Match: Never run two tires of differing construction. We can't stress this enough, and this rule applies to bias-plies vs. radials as well as tubeless and tube-type tires--even bias-ply vs. bias-belted tires. The results can be disastrous.
9. Scuff 'Em Up: Optimal grip is obtained only after the tread surface has been ridden on, so go into those first few twisties with a bit of caution. The suggested break-in distance is usually 100 or so miles. After that, check the tire's pressure again!
10. Don't Scrimp: If you replace your tires, make sure you replace the tubes, too. Some manufacturers even recommend that you change both tires at the same time, even if they wear differently.
Like passenger tires, motorcycle tires are susceptible to manufacturing defects and tire failures. Unlike a passenger car however, a motorcycle is much more likely to suffer a loss of control should a tire fail. Severe injuries are almost a certainty in these types of accidents.
The government issues about 36 tire recalls every year, and manufacturers issue even more. However, it is difficult to reach all tire owners, and defective tires may remain in circulation for many years. For this reason, it's vitally important to pay attention to the quality, performance and maintenance of your tires. For your safety and the safety of the riding public it's also important to report suspicious tire failures.
To report a tire failure or to file a complaint with the government, go to http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov. If you've been injured as the result of a defect, be sure to seek the services of a qualified attorney.
Motorcycle tire defects usually arise during the manufacturing process, which makes the manufacturer liable for accidents arising from tire failure. But motorcycle design defects can also come into play if the tire design does not correspond to the motorcycle design. For example, the weight limits for some tires are grossly inadequate for some large cruiser models, which are designed to carry two riders and their cargo for large distances. For more on riders and weight, see (link to this article on the site under defect issues)
Poor labeling and faulty installation can also lead to accidents, which fall under product liability laws.
To For this reason, it's vitally important to pay attention to the quality, performance and maintenance of your tires. For your safety and the safety of the riding public it's also important to report suspicious tire failures.
check defect investigations and see recalled tires, to www.safercar.gov. This website also reports up-to-date motorcycle and accessory recall information (link to home page area)
Tire Performance
Suspect a tire defect if any of the following occurs:
- Tire malfunctions, especially on fairly new tires
- Strange wobbles or noises immediately prior to the crash
- Motorcycle malfunction "for no reason"
- A crash with no apparent cause (good weather, no driver impairment, no excessive speed, etc)
- Accident involving heavily loaded motorcycle
Tire Safety Tips
Most riders realize their bike's sole connection to the unforgiving asphalt is a thin, pliable hoop of rubber encircling the wheel. For this reason it's crucial to pay attention to tire maintenance. Here are good tips, courtesy of Cruiser Magazine:
1. Air It Out: Check tire pressure every chance you get. There's probably no simpler procedure that's more important and more ignored by bikers of every stripe. The air, not the carcass, supports the bike, and underinflation is a tire's number one enemy. (Make sure the tires are cool when you take the reading.) For a better tractrion in wet conditions, increase pressures by about 10 percent. Unsure of what the pressure is supposed to be? Look for a sticker somewhre on the bike. It is also probably on the VIN (serial number) plate hear the steering head with the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and gross axle weight ratings (GAWR) information.
2. Step in Line: Pay close attention to alignment--shaft drive bikes have no adjustment, but if you have a chain or belt, check the position of your tires. Proper alignment ensures better handling and longer wear.
3. Steady, Now: Although it primarily affects handling, improper balance can also shorten a tire's life. Check it after 500 or 1000 miles of use.
4. Top It Off: The valve stem cap should be securely fastened on the stem, because it's an important part of your tire's sealing system. It'll give you extra security at high speeds, when centrifugal force can conspire to open the valve inside the stem.
5. Soap It Up: Most tire manufacturers recommend that the only substance used to keep rubber shiny should be good old soap and water. Many alleged protectants actually promote premature cracking and finish deterioration. Make sure you wipe off any lube, brake fluid or gas promptly, too.
6. Look Before You Crank: Before you saddle up, take a moment to visually inspect your tires. We can't tell you how many times we've pulled out screws or nails before a ride, thus preventing almost certain tire failure. Once you're on the road, it'll be too late. 7. Stay Smooth: This is common sense--avoid potholes and sharp objects on the road that can compromise your tire's integrity. The same goes for curbs.
8. Don't Mix and Match: Never run two tires of differing construction. We can't stress this enough, and this rule applies to bias-plies vs. radials as well as tubeless and tube-type tires--even bias-ply vs. bias-belted tires. The results can be disastrous.
9. Scuff 'Em Up: Optimal grip is obtained only after the tread surface has been ridden on, so go into those first few twisties with a bit of caution. The suggested break-in distance is usually 100 or so miles. After that, check the tire's pressure again!
10. Don't Scrimp: If you replace your tires, make sure you replace the tubes, too. Some manufacturers even recommend that you change both tires at the same time, even if they wear differently.