The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) has just released a publication via pdf on motorcycle tires. This guide claims to be "All you need to know about street motorcycle tires" but at only 20 pages it may leave some techno-geeks (including yours truly) wanting a bit more. "Techno-geekery" not withstanding, this guide should be very useful to the new street rider as well as some experienced riders who've not given their tires much though. Here's an excerpt from the guide's introduction.

Never underestimate the importance of having good, properly inflated tires on your motorcycle.The small contact patches provided by the front and rear tires are the motorcycle’s only source of traction. Deterioration of your tires’ condition can jeopardize this contact patch and bring a good ride to a quick end. Safe riding depends on selecting the right tires, inspecting and maintaining them, and replacing them as necessary.