Before starting a ride, what should a rider check regarding their tires?

Before starting a ride, it's essential for a rider to check the tread depth and air pressure of their tires for several vital safety reasons. The tread depth is important because it affects the tire's grip on the road and its ability to channel water away, reducing the risk of hydroplaning. Adequate tread depth ensures the tire can maintain traction, especially in wet conditions.

Air pressure is equally critical; under-inflated or over-inflated tires can impact handling, fuel efficiency, and overall safety during a ride. Properly inflated tires ensure that the motorcycle behaves predictably when turning, stopping, and accelerating. Riders can typically find the recommended tire pressure in the owner’s manual or on a label located on the motorcycle itself.

Other options focus on factors that do not directly contribute to safety or performance on the road. For instance, the brand and color of the tires are not indicators of their condition or suitability for riding, the date of purchase does not affect tire performance or safety, and while the tire tread pattern can provide some aesthetic value or show wear, it is the depth of the tread that genuinely matters for safety. Therefore, checking tread depth and air pressure is fundamental to ensuring a safe riding experience.