INDIAN MOTORCYCLE

HELP CENTER

What can we help you find?

Help Center Home / Article

7/25/2023

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.
Model
Challenger
Challenger Dark Horse
Challenger Limited

Chief
Chief Vintage
Chief Classic
Chief Dark Horse
Super Chief
Super Chief Limited
Chief Bobber
Chief Bobber Dark
Horse
Chieftain
Chieftain Dark Horse
Chieftain Limited
Chieftain Classic

Front Tire
Pressure

Rear Tire
Pressure

36 psi (248 kPa)

41 psi (283 kPa)

36 psi (248 kPa)

40 psi (276 kPa)

36 psi (248 kPa)

41 psi (283 kPa)

SEARCH

FTR 1200
FTR 1200 S
FTR Rally
Indian Springfield
Indian Springfield
Dark Horse
Indian Vintage
Indian Vintage Dark Horse
Roadmaster
Roadmaster Dark Horse
Roadmaster LE
Scout
Scout Sixty
Scout Bobber
Scout Bobber Twenty
Scout Bobber Sixty
Scout Bobber Rogue
Scout Bobber Rogue Sixty
Indian Pursuit

36 psi (248 kPa)

40 psi (276 kPa)

36 psi (248 kPa)

41 psi (283 kPa)

36 psi (248 kPa)
36 psi (248 kPa)

40 psi (276 kPa)
41 psi (276 kPa)

36 psi (248 kPa)

41 psi (283 kPa)

36 psi (248 kPa)

40 psi (276 kPa)

36 psi (248 kPa)

40 psi (276 kPa)

36 psi (248 kPa)

40 psi (276 kPa)

36 psi (248 kPa)

41 psi (283 kPa)

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 inch (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 inch (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.
To find an Indian Motorcycle Dealer near you, use the Dealer
Locator.
To find diagrams and replacement part numbers, use the online
parts catalog.
Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Indian Motorcycle
International, LLC
© 2022 Indian Motorcycle International, LLC

Was this article helpful?

Yes, it answers my question

No, it's missing information
or visuals

No, the instructions are
unclear

No, What are the next
steps?

No, I'm experiencing a
technical error

Other

* [-] How can we improve this article? We'd love to hear
your suggestions
Tell us what you would like to see in this article

SEND
Keyword(s) tire , wheel , maintenance , pressure , tread , depth , psi ,

HELPFUL LINKS
Parts, Accessories and Apparel
Owner's Manuals
Indian Motorcycle Protection Plan
Special Offers
Recalls
Indian Motorcycle Lubricants

CONTACT US
BY EMAIL
Send us an
email inquiry.

CLICK
TO
CALL

BY
DEALER
Locate the
nearest dealer
in your area.