Tire pressure
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,656
Likes: 9,114
From: Snow Hill, NC
Compare that to the max pressure on the tire...
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 246
Likes: 217
From: Phoenix, Az
I've been messing with tire pressure alot lately, venturing a little from factory spec of 36/40 2-up. I seem to be in the minority here, but I find I very much prefer a pound LESS air, maybe 2. The ride is much more compliant on sharp hits, and more enjoyable all the way around. Handling doesn't seem to suffer at all. For me, handling comes first, and then I think of tire pressure as part of the overall suspension system. Maybe I can go down in pressure because by bike is light-ish for a tourer, a '00 RKC. Or maybe the American Elite tires are that way, IDK.
I now think of the factor recommended pressures as a suggestion, nothing more.
I now think of the factor recommended pressures as a suggestion, nothing more.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 149
From: High in the Colorado Rockies
I am no expert, but a couple things to consider:
1. Your tire pressure will be around 3-5 PSI higher once the tires are warmed up.
2. The temperature has a big impact on the tire PSI. The warmer the temp the higher the PSI. Checking PSI on a cold morning will give you a "false" low reading.
3. If you are traveling at altitude, your PSI can be significantly different at high altitudes. I spend half the year at 10,000 elevation and half the year at sea level. It took me a while to figure this one out. There are some articles online regarding this if you are traveling at high altitude.
Ron
1. Your tire pressure will be around 3-5 PSI higher once the tires are warmed up.
2. The temperature has a big impact on the tire PSI. The warmer the temp the higher the PSI. Checking PSI on a cold morning will give you a "false" low reading.
3. If you are traveling at altitude, your PSI can be significantly different at high altitudes. I spend half the year at 10,000 elevation and half the year at sea level. It took me a while to figure this one out. There are some articles online regarding this if you are traveling at high altitude.
Ron
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 379
Likes: 102
From: Illinois
Hey All. Good discussion. I scoured the owners manual for 2013 FLHRC and the only tire specs it mentions is the cold PSI rating, 36 in front, 40 in rear for Dunlops. Some have commented that the manual lists tire pressure for two-up? Where is that info at?
If two-up info is not provided, do you base air pressure off combined weight of bike, rider/s and luggage OR riders/s and luggage? I assume it is the former.
Also, how do you divide the weight between the two tires to determine PSI? 33/66 since majority of weight will be positioned at center and rear of bike? Below are the specs from Dunlops website. At max psi, does it mean the tires are rated for 1,696 lbs?
Front Dunlop D408 130/90/16 67H has max load @ PSi as 677 @ 41
Rear Dunlop D407 180/65B16 81 has max load @ PSi as 1019 @ 42
I run 36/40 solo as recommended but also two-up with riders and luggage weight coming in around 400 lbs. This thread has me thinking I need to up tire pressure some for two-up.
If two-up info is not provided, do you base air pressure off combined weight of bike, rider/s and luggage OR riders/s and luggage? I assume it is the former.
Also, how do you divide the weight between the two tires to determine PSI? 33/66 since majority of weight will be positioned at center and rear of bike? Below are the specs from Dunlops website. At max psi, does it mean the tires are rated for 1,696 lbs?
Front Dunlop D408 130/90/16 67H has max load @ PSi as 677 @ 41
Rear Dunlop D407 180/65B16 81 has max load @ PSi as 1019 @ 42
I run 36/40 solo as recommended but also two-up with riders and luggage weight coming in around 400 lbs. This thread has me thinking I need to up tire pressure some for two-up.
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