Thursday is check your tire pressure night

[Norm]

I was at my buddies house today when he took delivery of his first motorcycle, a new BMW G650GS. I was touching the tires and thought "I wonder if my tires are this hard." I felt them and they felt the same but figured I'd check the pressure when I got home. Sure enough they lost a few pounds since the last time I checked (a few months ago :spank. So if you're in the northern regions and haven't checked recently it might be worth your while.

I also got to take a ride on the Beemer. :thumbup:

 

[CdnMedic]

What do you tend to run? I've been running 32psi front and rear so far.

 

[dako81]

What do you tend to run? I've been running 32psi front and rear so far.

I think most are in that range, 30-34, up to 4 or so more in the back if 2-up. Not exactly scientific numbers I gave you really, but everyone's a little different. You just don't ever want to go too low for too long, it will heat up the tire. Low tire pressure is the leading cause of tire failures on motorcycles, at least that's what the MSF course teaches you. (if I remember correctly)

 

[Norm]

My tires said Max was 42 so I actually put it up to 40. Is that wrong?

 

[dako81]

My tires said Max was 42 so I actually put it up to 40. Is that wrong?

Thats the max you should run if you're going to be at or around the maximum load rating for the tire. If you're only at half the load, you don't need to be so close to the max.

 

[MarinaFazer]

My tires said Max was 42 so I actually put it up to 40. Is that wrong?

It'll depend on what kind of tire it is and what kind of riding you are going to be doing

 

[Norm]

I have the original Dunlop tires and I just used a more accurate gauge and have 37 PSI in the front and 38 PSI in the rear. I only weigh 150 lbs so maybe I need to take it down a few PSI?

 

[MarinaFazer]

I ran 32/34 with the stock Bridgestones...either way...lower pressure (not toooo low) and you'll get more grip but wear them faster.

I air down for canyons and air up for roadtrips on freeways

 

[dako81]

I have the original Dunlop tires and I just used a more accurate gauge and have 37 PSI in the front and 38 PSI in the rear. I only weigh 150 lbs so maybe I need to take it down a few PSI?

Probably. I would at least. I'd be around 32-32. But (disclaimer), like I said, everyone is different.

 

[MarinaFazer]

oh yea...if it ain't broke, don't fix it. experimentation is good. I know CaliRider has mentioned that he takes notes and writes down his track day tire pressures and experiences. That's a good thought for all of us because I don't remember what I ran two months ago on the street, but it was probably different.

 

[mxgolf]

The book says 33 on the front and 36 on the rear! That's the service manual for my 07 FZ6. :thumbup:

 

[abacall]

I air down for canyons and air up for roadtrips on freeways

:thumbup: Excellent advice.

Also remember that your tire pressure is part of the adjustments you have to dial in your suspension. I'm about 150 and I have the rear shock dialed up one notch and tire pressure to 32/34 for sport riding. I had it on 34/36, but with the stiffer rear shock the bike was skipping around a bit. Dialed it down a bit, and I found the sweet spot (on the BT20).
On longer trips I do air up to 34/36 to reduce wear and temps, and a bit more if I have the bags on.