Tires and pre-ride checks
 

Found this resource on tires and since it answers a lot of general/basic
questions on tires, I thought I would share it. If you follow the pdf link,
it also has a copy of the MSF pre-ride check-list, more good stuff to be
aware of.

MIC Tire Guide

I hope this enlightens and is informative, Ern

Good stuff. The importance of valve stems is touched on briefly.

Having purchased a used bike in the fall of 2003 I had planned on new tires for the spring. As luck would have it, a nice day came along before spring and I took the bike out for a ride. On my way home I got on the interstate for a short trip to my exit. While doing 70 in the center lane the front end started feeling funny, as in getting stiff. I sensed a flat occuring and started moving over slowly for the emergency strip. So, backing off the gas and letting it coast I eventually slowed down and thought everything was good...well thats when the front tire flexed into the fender bolts and locked up. I was still doing about 25 mph. when that happened. The forks slammed full left lock and down we went. First thing that hit was my fullface helmet. As I tumbled, I watched the bike do a slow 360 on its left side. After 3 tumbles or so, I was able to get on my feet, 2 guys stopped and helped get my bike up and a few minutes later a guy came by with a tow truck with a motorcycle lift and took it home for me no charge. Turned out he had his own motorcycle shop. The reason for the whole story is, when I checked the tire for a puncture, there wasn't one. What had actually accured, was the dip.... I bought the bike from HAD NOT changed the valve stem and it had actually cracked where it met the rim letting the air leak out rather quickly...probably do to the bad state of repair of our roads. Needless to say, it now has all stainless valve stems.

So, please check yours as part of the routine and, change them each and every tire change. I was 55 years old when that happened and I just turned 63. I plan on riding till I can't hold one up.

This is the type of information that I think is great. It come from a reputable source and has documented references. It's not filled with personal opinions and conjecture. Worthy of a Sticky.