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Harley Davidson Tire Maintenance Checklist: What to Inspect and When to Replace

Purchasing Harley Davidson is a huge investment at the same time keeping and maintaining your vehicle in good condition ensures your safety while riding. Not sure  what to inspect and when to replace? Garden State HD is a one stop shop for Harley Davidson motorcycle dealer in New Jersey. 

If you don’t want to neglect small problems for your Harley davidson motorcycle here are some recommended tire maintenance checklist to get serviced at regular intervals.

Frequency of Service

Your Harley Davidson bike needs to be serviced professionally with certified dealers on regular intervals to ensure every system is functioning properly. Generally, it is recommended to seek service at 1,000 miles or around every 5,000 miles. In between professional checks if you discover something wrong in your HD bike feel free to reach out to your local service motorcycle dealer like the one here at Garden State Harley Davidson located in New Jersey.

WHAT A PROFESSIONAL WILL CHECK FOR YOUR HD

At every service department there will be standard checks like break maintenance, tires, oil changes perhaps, there are several things that a professional or expert mechanic needs to be performed. 

  • Lubricate primary chain for tension and wear
  • Inspect drive belt
  • Charge and electrolyte levels of battery 
  • Functioning of fuel system like leakage, fuel pump, throttle
  • Suspension of damage
  • Inspect spark plugs and replace as needed
  • Replacement of air filter as needed
  • Adjusting clutch
  • Electrical system functioning lights, switches, and wires

Tire Maintenance Checklist What to Inspect and When to Replace

To keep your Harley davidson safe and run smoothly every HD bike must get professionally serviced on a consistent basis. Garden state HD recommend Tire maintenance checklist what to inspect and when to replace for service in the following steps:

1. TIRE INSPECTION

Before you can determine whether your tires need replacing, you need to inspect them regularly. A visual inspection is the best way to identify any issues that could lead to a blowout or loss of traction. Here are some common issues:

  • Tread Depth: The tread on your tires is what provides the necessary grip to the road. As the tread wears down, your tire’s ability to maintain traction decreases. The legal minimum tread depth is 1/32 of an inch, but for optimal safety, you should replace your tires once they reach 2/32 of an inch.

  • Sidewall Damage: The sidewall of your tire is the part that faces outwards and is in direct contact with the road. Look for any cuts, punctures, or bulges in the sidewall, as these can cause a blowout while riding.

  • Cuts or Punctures: If you notice any cuts or punctures in the tread area of your tire, they can lead to slow leaks or even blowouts.

  • Cracks: Over time, the rubber on your tires can dry out and crack, particularly if the bike is parked in direct sunlight. Cracks can weaken the tire’s structure and make it more prone to punctures or blowouts.

  • Age: Tires have a shelf life, even if they are not in use. The rubber can degrade over time, and after five years, the tire’s structural integrity can become compromised. Check the date code on your tires’ sidewalls to determine their age.

2. TIRE PRESSURE

Maintaining proper tire pressure is critical for optimal performance and safety. Under-inflated tires can cause handling issues and affect fuel economy, while overinflated tires can lead to a harsh ride and reduced traction. Check your tire pressure regularly, preferably before every ride, and adjust it as needed.

To determine the correct tire pressure for your Harley Davidson, reach out to garden state HD, our team of experts are always happy to help in a timely manner. It is essential to use a high-quality tire gauge to check the pressure, as cheap gauges can be inaccurate.

3. TIRE ROTATION

Rotating your tires is a necessary part of tire maintenance. It helps to distribute wear evenly across all four tires, which can prolong their lifespan. Harley Davidson recommends rotating your tires every 5,000 miles. However, if you notice uneven wear or other issues, you may need to rotate them more frequently.

To rotate your tires, switch the front and rear tires and move the left side tires to the right and vice versa. This pattern ensures that the tires wear evenly.

When to Replace Harley Davidson Tires

Even with proper maintenance, your tires will eventually need replacing. Here are some signs that it’s time to replace them:

1. Worn Tread: 

As mentioned earlier, the legal minimum tread depth is 1/32 of an inch, but for optimal safety, replace your tires once they reach 2/32 of an inch.

2. Bald Spots: 

If you notice areas on your tire where the tread is significantly worn down compared to the rest of the tire, it’s a sign that the tire is wearing unevenly.

3. Cracks:

Cracks in the tread or sidewall can weaken the structure of the tire and increase the risk of a blowout or puncture.

4. Bulges or Blisters:

If you notice any bulges or blisters on the sidewall of your tire, it’s a sign that the internal structure of the tire has been compromised. This can lead to a sudden blowout while riding, which can be dangerous.

5. Age:

Even if your tires appear to be in good condition, they should be replaced after five years. As tires age, the rubber can become brittle and prone to cracking, which can affect their performance and safety.

Conclusion:

Regular tire maintenance is essential for ensuring the safety and performance of your Harley Davidson motorcycle. By inspecting your tires regularly and addressing any issues promptly, like blowouts, punctures, and other problems while riding you can reach our Garden State HD located at New Jersey or use the checklist provided in this blog to stay updated about your tire maintenance and replace your tires when needed. Make sure that your bike is always ready for the road. Safe riding!