Road King owner's PSI concensus.....
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 11
From: Kentucky
I don't ride a Road King, but the indy mechanic who first recommended riding at higher than the book recommended pressure runs his Road King at 40/40. He says that lower pressure is partly a compromise to get a softer ride without raising the bike higher and you get longer tire life at higher pressure. Others say higher pressure is better for riding on wet roads. Works for me, so far.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 446
Likes: 4
From: Nevada
Should have called them "run-flat tires" not ride-flat. They are original equipment on Police bikes. Most dealers remove them when they convert the bikes. Mine was not converted. They're not designed, from what I am told, for anything other than solo riding.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
I'd say anywhere from 36-40 is fine. Or whatever's comfortable without being drastic. Obviously higher per weight or two-up.
Higher pressure = more tire-life, stiffer ride. If you go to extremes it can affect handling. Really extreme can cause blow out.
Lower pressure = Less tire life, softer ride. Better handling/acceleration. (probably negligible unless racing.
Higher pressure = more tire-life, stiffer ride. If you go to extremes it can affect handling. Really extreme can cause blow out.
Lower pressure = Less tire life, softer ride. Better handling/acceleration. (probably negligible unless racing.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
I run 38 front and 40 in the rear. With all my gear on, etc I'm around 250 lbs plus some odds n ends in the bags. These are Dunlop American Elites and they show 41 psi as a maximum on the sidewall.
Last edited by Arizona; Aug 22, 2011 at 02:20 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: Leesburg, FL
40/40 seems to be the best ride for me
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
My manual says 30 front 36 rear,not a RK.I really think anything close is good enough.I've checked my rear and its been as low as 28 and I notice no difference in handling,have gone for miles before correcting it.Front tire is another story,and needs to be closer to 30.I think there is a big psych factor involved.I would say just go with what the book says,but to each his own.