Some timely advice here for many motorcycle riders who choose to tax their machine from April-September and store the bike in the shed over winter. Tyres can go “off” in terms of feel and grip, plus lose air pressure, so it’s worth checking everything is spot-on.
As motorcyclists across Great Britain prepare to return to the road after winter storage, TyreSafe is urging riders to make tyre checks a priority before their first ride, as new figures show motorcyclist casualties remain a serious concern.
In 2024, 340 motorcyclists were killed on Great Britain’s roads, while 5,468 were reported as seriously injured and 10,152 as slightly injured. Between 2023 and 2024, motorcyclist fatalities increased by 8%, despite traffic rising by just 4%. (Source – Reported Road Casualties Motorcycle Fact Sheet 2024 – Gov.uk)
Against this backdrop, TyreSafe is warning that tyres returning to use after months of inactivity may not perform as riders expect — particularly when it matters most, such as braking into a bend or riding on wet roads.
Motorcycle tyres can lose air pressure and structural resilience while a bike is stationary, even if tread depth appears adequate. Unlike cars, motorcycles rely on just two small contact patches for all grip, braking and stability — leaving very little margin for error.
Under-inflated or degraded tyres can significantly change how a bike feels and behaves on the road. Riders may experience:
- A “wallowing” sensation when cornering
- Vague, heavy or sluggish steering response
- Reduced feedback through the handlebars
- Increased stopping distances
- Irregular wear such as cupping or flat spots
- Reduced fuel efficiency
As air pressure drops, the tyre flexes more than designed. This excessive flex generates internal heat build-up, which can accelerate structural damage and, in extreme cases, increase the risk of sudden failure. Tread distortion can also reduce the effective contact patch, compromising grip — particularly in wet conditions where aquaplaning becomes a greater risk.
For a rider leaning into a damp spring corner, that reduced stability or grip can quickly become critical.
Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “After months off the road, many riders are eager to get back out and enjoy their bikes — but tyres may not be in the same condition they were at the end of last season. Under-inflation can make a bike feel heavy, vague or unstable in corners, while degraded rubber reduces grip — especially in the wet. With casualty numbers rising, riders can’t afford to overlook something as fundamental as tyre safety. A simple check before the first ride could prevent a serious incident.”
Visible cracking, particularly on the sidewall, is a sign that rubber compounds have hardened and begun to degrade. As tyres lose flexibility, their ability to maintain consistent grip and absorb road forces diminishes.
On a motorcycle, where balance and control depend entirely on tyre integrity, cracking can signal an increased risk of loss of grip or sudden failure. If cracking is clearly visible, particularly deep or widespread cracking, the tyre should be replaced before riding.
Even occasional use during storage periods can help maintain tyre flexibility and pressure stability, which is why bikes used only seasonally require especially careful inspection.
Craig Carey-Clinch, Director of the National Motorcycle Council, said, “Motorcyclists depend completely on their tyres for grip, braking and stability. When tyres are under-inflated or deteriorated, the changes in handling can be subtle at first — but in an emergency situation those differences can be decisive. Carrying out thorough tyre checks before the first ride of the season is one of the simplest and most effective ways riders can reduce avoidable risk.”
TyreSafe’s ACT Call to Action for Riders
Before your first ride this season, remember ACT:
A – Air pressure: Check pressures when tyres are cold and adjust to the motorcycle manufacturer’s recommended settings.
C – Condition: Inspect sidewalls and tread for cracking, cuts, bulges, embedded objects or uneven wear.
T – Tread: Ensure tread depth is above the legal minimum (1mm across at least three-quarters of the tread width for motorcycles over 50cc) and that wear is even.
With hundreds of riders losing their lives each year, no journey is worth the risk of starting the season on tyres that may not perform as expected.
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