Motorcycle tyres may need to be checked as the warmer weather approaches, warns the Retail Motor Industry Federation.

During the winter months, wear and damage to tyres can go unnoticed. Riders should always ensure that their tyres are safe and legal, and ready for possible higher mileage.

Frank Finch, RMI motorcycle retailers director said: "As the weather improves, riders may use their bikes more often, and this puts stress on tyres. An increase in use on damaged tyres could be dangerous."

The legal requirement for motorcycle tyre tread depth is that; The tyre must have a continuous pattern depth of 1mm throughout a continuous band measuring at least three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and round the entire outer circumference.

Riders may not have thought to check this during the winter months, when their bike may have been used less, or in storage. Without realising they could now be riding on illegal tyres.

He continues: "Greater usage and extremes of temperatures can stress tyres.

Cracks could have appeared over the winter. Also, if cuts are present in the tyre wall, the tyre can be weakened, making it dangerous. This could necessitate a replacement tyre.

"Make sure you have the recommended pressure in both tyres. It is also vital not to over or under-inflate your tyres as this may cause the bike to handle and brake poorly, and increase wear."

Finch concludes: "Riders are also advised to get the wheel alignment checked regularly to ensure even tyre wear and optimum handling."

If riders are considering purchasing new tyres for both road and track use, the RMI has recently produced a sheet containing customer guidance. Call the RMI Consumer Motorline on 08457 58 53 50