Tire Maintenance
Indian Motorcycle Tire Maintenance
Operating your Indian Motorcycle with incorrect tires, incorrect tire pressure or excessively worn tires could cause loss of control or accident.
Always use the correct size and type of tires specified by Indian Motorcycle for your bike. Those vary based on model and can be found in the Specifications section of your Owner’s Manual.
Tire Pressure
Always maintain proper tire pressure as recommended in the Owner’s Manual and on safety labels. Improper tire pressure can result in irregular tire wear, tire failure, reduced fuel economy and a poor riding experience. It also can affect handling and stopping ability.
Slow tire pressure loss over time is normal for a functional tire.
Even though a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), if equipped, will alert the rider to a low pressure condition, still always inspect tire pressure and condition before each ride.
Check the tire pressure before riding when the tires are cold. This will provide the most accurate reading. Riding warms the tires and increases tire air pressure. Tires remain warm for at least 3 hours after a ride. Do not adjust the tire pressure immediately after riding. As tires cool, the pressure will drop and result in under-inflation. Under-inflation can cause a tire to overheat and result in a tire failure. Always check and adjust tire pressure when the tires are cold.
Using the supplied air pressure gauge, adjust tire pressure to the recommended pressure.
See the below table for the recommended tire pressure for your motorcycle.
On models equipped with a TPMS, the sensors are located 180 degrees from the valve stem. Use caution when servicing your tires. To avoid damaging a sensor, break the bead at the valve stem and then at 90 degrees and 270 degrees from the valve stem as required.
On models with a TPMS, the pressure of each tire can be viewed in the Multi-Function Display and in the display on rider screens for Ride Command motorcycles. If dashes display instead of a pressure value while traveling above 15 mph (24 km/h), the system may not be functioning properly. See your Indian Motorcycle Dealer for service.
The TPMS warning indicator will illuminate if low tire pressure is detected. Always correct low tire pressure promptly. Always inspect tire pressure and condition before each ride.
The TPMS may indicate an increase in tire pressure while riding, a normal occurrence as tires warm up. Riding into colder conditions may result in a drop in tire pressure as tires cool down. Regardless of conditions, low tire pressures always should be corrected promptly.
Tread Depth
Measure the tread depth near the center of the thread on both tires.
Replace any tire with a tread depth of less than 1/16 in (1.6mm).
Tread wear indicators are located in at least three places on the tread circumference and become visible at a tread depth of approximately 1/16 in (1.6mm). The tread wear indicators appear as a solid band across the tread.
You also may use a depth gauge or an accurate ruler to measure the depth of the center tire tread on both front and rear tires.
Tire Condition
Inspect the tire sidewalls, road contact surfaces and tread base. If inspection reveals cuts, punctures, cracks, or other wear or damage, replace the tire before riding. Your local Indian Motorcycle Dealer can assist.
Tire Replacement
Tires, rims, innertubes and air valves must be correctly matched to wheel rims. Use only the proper size tires specified with the same or higher load ratings. Indian Motorcycle-recommended tires provide proper clearance between fenders, swingarm, drive belts and other components.
Mismatched tires, rims and air valves may result in damage to the tire bead during mounting or may allow the tire to slip off the rim, possibly resulting in tire failure.
On models equipped with innertubes, innertubes MUST be replaced with new innertubes when tires are replaced. Use only the proper size innertubes.
For specifications and additional maintenance information, consult your Owner’s Manual or visit the Owner Resources section on www.indianmotorcycle.com.
To find an Indian Motorcycle Dealer near you, use the Dealer Locator.