Proper tire pressure
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Stage II
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 2
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From: Florida
Proper tire pressure
I'm going to apologize in advance if I'm in the wrong place on the site, I'm new to the forum. I have gotten some different feedback from tech vs website re: Michelin Commander II tires. I have recently picked up an 07 Dyna Street Bob and I'm kinda confused on psi. Tech says run 42 40, Michelin is at 40 30 I believe. Need some help if someone can chime in. Thanks!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,097
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From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
That's the max pressure rating for the tire, not what you want in most cases. I've seen tires with max ratings of 60psi; you sure don't want to run that high on your Harley.
Different tire brands often recommend different tire pressures for the same size tire. If it's not Dunlop, and the manufacturer doesn't have specs on their website, go with at least the Harley recommended pressure. Since some of the manufacturers give specs of 2 or more psi over OEM, it probably wouldn't hurt to run a couple psi extra in non-Dunlop tires, especially when you're riding two up. If your bike still has all the stock labels on it, one of them should have tire pressures, but again, that's for Dunlop tires in most cases.
Different tire brands often recommend different tire pressures for the same size tire. If it's not Dunlop, and the manufacturer doesn't have specs on their website, go with at least the Harley recommended pressure. Since some of the manufacturers give specs of 2 or more psi over OEM, it probably wouldn't hurt to run a couple psi extra in non-Dunlop tires, especially when you're riding two up. If your bike still has all the stock labels on it, one of them should have tire pressures, but again, that's for Dunlop tires in most cases.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 11,613
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From: SoCal / AZ
I had the same tires on a 12 FB, and I ran them 42. They seemed to not handle well at lower pressure. I actually thought there was something wrong with them after I had them installed until I realized they were at 32. Once I raised the pressure, they handled well.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 784
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From: Eastern Iowa
Just be careful.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2016
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From: Texas
OP
My take fwiw
I run the same pressures front and back
I'll not recommend a specific pressure because:
1.) it tire specific - different brands perform optimally / wear differently - at different pressures
2.) it rider specific and what the rider looking for in terms of feel / performance / responsiveness
3.) it depends on how the suspension set up
4.) it depends on how one brakes
5.) it depends on the road conditions one riding (concrete is not asphalt..., summer is not winter)
What I would recommend is getting a really good (accurate) pressure gauge..., w/ a bleed off valve
And check / verify pressures regularly - especially if you find they bleed down over time
============
Play around till you find the pressure that suits you..., make small (say Lb or two at a time) changes as you're testing
feel / wear / responsiveness is what you're trying to find the sweet spot for
eta - whatever you do do not run the max pressure..., or close to it in the summer - blowouts are a bitch - trust me on this
Ghost
My take fwiw
I run the same pressures front and back
I'll not recommend a specific pressure because:
1.) it tire specific - different brands perform optimally / wear differently - at different pressures
2.) it rider specific and what the rider looking for in terms of feel / performance / responsiveness
3.) it depends on how the suspension set up
4.) it depends on how one brakes
5.) it depends on the road conditions one riding (concrete is not asphalt..., summer is not winter)
What I would recommend is getting a really good (accurate) pressure gauge..., w/ a bleed off valve
And check / verify pressures regularly - especially if you find they bleed down over time
============
Play around till you find the pressure that suits you..., make small (say Lb or two at a time) changes as you're testing
feel / wear / responsiveness is what you're trying to find the sweet spot for
eta - whatever you do do not run the max pressure..., or close to it in the summer - blowouts are a bitch - trust me on this
Ghost
Last edited by Ghost_13; Dec 16, 2016 at 11:56 PM.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 190
From: Penticton BC Canada
If you don't keep the tire aired up to at least the recommended pressure (maybe a pound or 2 more) the tire will wear unevenly (scallop) and get noisy. I've removed tire before they are worm out because I can't stand the noise. Metzlers are particularly bad for this.
