Tire pressures...
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
You should fill the tire to the maximum recommended pressure only if you will be carrying the maximum recommended weight on the bike. Which means, in general, riding two up with some gear. If I do not have near the MAX recommended weight (riding solo), I keep each tire at 2-3 psi less than the recommended MAX pressure as specified by the tire manufacturer.
Overfilling the tire unnecessarily only reduces the contact patch (traction) and cause unnecessary wear in the center of the tread.
Overfilling the tire unnecessarily only reduces the contact patch (traction) and cause unnecessary wear in the center of the tread.
Here is a common misconception about tire inflation. A tire is not made (generally) specifically for a single vehicle. They are made to fit a multitude of different vehicles, all different in weight, etc. The "max tire pressure" should NEVER be used solely. A tire with a max tire pressure of 60 psi can be dangerous if inflated to such levels but on a vehicle that only needs 30-35 psi to operate safely. A 31x10.50R15 tire on a midsize pick-up should not be inflated to the same pressures required for a 3/4 ton truck even though both can use the same size tire. Likewise, the same size tire on a Dyna should not be inflated to the same pressures as it would be on an Ultra.
Always follow the VEHICLE manufacturer's recommendation. It is based on vehicle weight, suspension, etc.,.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 778
Likes: 10
From: Windsor Ontario
If I inflate my tires to the proper pressures in a warm garage, say around 70 degrees, then park the bike outside where the temperature is 45 degrees and my tire pressure drops a couple degrees. Did somebody "deflate" my tires or did the ambient temperature cause this pressure drop? I hope the metaphor wasn't too difficult.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,106
Likes: 13,053
From: Texas, USA
Here is a common misconception about tire inflation. A tire is not made (generally) specifically for a single vehicle. They are made to fit a multitude of different vehicles, all different in weight, etc. The "max tire pressure" should NEVER be used solely. A tire with a max tire pressure of 60 psi can be dangerous if inflated to such levels but on a vehicle that only needs 30-35 psi to operate safely. A 31x10.50R15 tire on a midsize pick-up should not be inflated to the same pressures required for a 3/4 ton truck even though both can use the same size tire. Likewise, the same size tire on a Dyna should not be inflated to the same pressures as it would be on an Ultra.
Always follow the VEHICLE manufacturer's recommendation. It is based on vehicle weight, suspension, etc.,.
Always follow the VEHICLE manufacturer's recommendation. It is based on vehicle weight, suspension, etc.,.
I highly doubt each vehicle manufacturer has a database of what the recommended tire pressure should be for every tire on every vehicle. The only other guidance you have then is to use the tire manufacturer's recommended pressure.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
If this is the case then, whose recommendation do you use if you change the tires to something other than what came with the bike? You can no longer use the owners manual (aka vehicle manufacturer's recommendation) because it is a different tire.
I highly doubt each vehicle manufacturer has a database of what the recommended tire pressure should be for every tire on every vehicle. The only other guidance you have then is to use the tire manufacturer's recommended pressure.
I highly doubt each vehicle manufacturer has a database of what the recommended tire pressure should be for every tire on every vehicle. The only other guidance you have then is to use the tire manufacturer's recommended pressure.
I've not seen any data base. But, if you look at the owners manual, they talk about tire size, not manufacturer. Same with four wheelers. Look inside the driver's door and you will find that vehicle's recommended tire size, and inflation recommendation. Those recommendations are for that particular vehicle, it's suspension, it's gross vehicle weight, and the vehicle's purpose. It's common sense. If you change tire sizes to something not recommended by the vehicle maker, you are usually on your own to find out what works best for the vehicle. Ride quality, etc. Over-inflated tires are especially dangerous and detrimental to the vehicle's handling.
Another example: When switching from Dunlop to Michelin Commander II tires for my last bike, I stayed with the vehicle maker's recommended sizes. However, I found that the tires did better when I upped the PSI a few pounds. Ran 40 in front and 42 in the rear vs. the recommended 37 and 40. But, that was for tread wear purposes and ride quality. But, it was no where close to the max psi printed on the tires. So even the vehicle maker's recommendations can be played with a little. "Little" being the keyword here.
Last edited by DannyZ71; Jan 25, 2015 at 02:27 PM.
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