Think about the last time you looked closely at your motorcycle tyres. For many riders, it was the day they bought them. The bike might still feel familiar on the road, while the rubber beneath it has gradually changed over thousands of kilometres.

A quick look before you ride can help you catch problems earlier. Here are five things worth checking.

1. Tread is getting low

Queensland motorcycle riders are advised to check tyre tread depth before riding; the Queensland Government’s motorcycle checklist specifies at least 1.5 mm over the whole tyre surface. Treat that as a minimum, not a target to ride towards. If the tread is close to the limit, ask for advice before it becomes an urgent replacement.

2. The tyre is wearing unevenly

Look across the full width of the tyre, not just the centre. A visibly flattened middle, irregular patches or a noticeable difference between the two sides deserves a closer look. Wear can reflect how and where you ride, but it can also point to a pressure or motorcycle setup issue. A technician can assess the tyre rather than guessing from its mileage.

3. You can see damage

Check for cuts, bulges, exposed material or an object embedded in the tyre. Even if the tyre still holds air, visible damage calls for professional inspection. Avoid pulling an embedded object out just to see what happens; it may be limiting the air leak.

4. Pressure keeps dropping

Check pressure when the tyres are cold and use the pressure recommended for your motorcycle and load. If you need to add air repeatedly, the tyre, valve or wheel may need inspection. A single top-up does not explain why the pressure fell.

5. The ride feels different

New vibration, unusual handling or a change in the way the bike turns can have several causes. Tyres are one sensible place to start checking. If the motorcycle feels unsafe, stop riding and arrange an assessment.

You don’t need to decide on a replacement from this checklist alone. Send BikeTyres2Go your motorcycle’s make, model, year and tyre sizes, or photos of the tyres, and we can help you work out the next step. Our mobile service can fit tyres at a suitable location across our service area, subject to availability.

A few minutes of checking can save an inconvenient surprise later. Contact BikeTyres2Go to discuss your tyres and arrange mobile fitting.