tire pressure
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 18,296
Likes: 26,489
From: Northwest of Los Angeles
I'm running Avon Venoms on my '06 FLSTCI, and as a solo rider use 38 front/44 rear. Those numbers are neither in the manual nor stamped on the tire. They are the numbers I was given after speaking with Avon's chief tech guy in the U.S. on the phone, who I called to alleviate my own confusion on the subject.
He explained to me that in general, the numbers stamped on the side of the tires are too low for everyday use, contrary to popular belief. He also said that one of the main reasons they get complaints about rapid tire wear is that people use those numbers, rather than the higher numbers he gave me (his numbers for a loaded or two-up bike were 2 psi higher, front and rear).
I'm sorry to say that I have forgotten exactly what he said about why one shouldn't use the tire-stamped numbers, but it had to do with the fact that those numbers are used for compulsory testing but were of little practical use.
I will say this: Using his numbers, I got well over 10,000 miles out of my rear tire and it's looking like I'll get 12,000 out of the front, almost all highway driving at 70mph or higher.
As far as what the manual says, those numbers are for a comfy ride on stock tires, nothing else. Different brands, and different riding styles, demand something other than what's in the manual.
For what it's worth.
He explained to me that in general, the numbers stamped on the side of the tires are too low for everyday use, contrary to popular belief. He also said that one of the main reasons they get complaints about rapid tire wear is that people use those numbers, rather than the higher numbers he gave me (his numbers for a loaded or two-up bike were 2 psi higher, front and rear).
I'm sorry to say that I have forgotten exactly what he said about why one shouldn't use the tire-stamped numbers, but it had to do with the fact that those numbers are used for compulsory testing but were of little practical use.
I will say this: Using his numbers, I got well over 10,000 miles out of my rear tire and it's looking like I'll get 12,000 out of the front, almost all highway driving at 70mph or higher.
As far as what the manual says, those numbers are for a comfy ride on stock tires, nothing else. Different brands, and different riding styles, demand something other than what's in the manual.
For what it's worth.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 1
but since my 407`s were replaced with 408`s the manual gives a pressure for the 407 not the 408.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 3
From: Mebane, NC
I'm running Avon Venoms on my '06 FLSTCI, and as a solo rider use 38 front/44 rear. Those numbers are neither in the manual nor stamped on the tire. They are the numbers I was given after speaking with Avon's chief tech guy in the U.S. on the phone, who I called to alleviate my own confusion on the subject.
He explained to me that in general, the numbers stamped on the side of the tires are too low for everyday use, contrary to popular belief. He also said that one of the main reasons they get complaints about rapid tire wear is that people use those numbers, rather than the higher numbers he gave me (his numbers for a loaded or two-up bike were 2 psi higher, front and rear).
I'm sorry to say that I have forgotten exactly what he said about why one shouldn't use the tire-stamped numbers, but it had to do with the fact that those numbers are used for compulsory testing but were of little practical use.
I will say this: Using his numbers, I got well over 10,000 miles out of my rear tire and it's looking like I'll get 12,000 out of the front, almost all highway driving at 70mph or higher.
As far as what the manual says, those numbers are for a comfy ride on stock tires, nothing else. Different brands, and different riding styles, demand something other than what's in the manual.
For what it's worth.
He explained to me that in general, the numbers stamped on the side of the tires are too low for everyday use, contrary to popular belief. He also said that one of the main reasons they get complaints about rapid tire wear is that people use those numbers, rather than the higher numbers he gave me (his numbers for a loaded or two-up bike were 2 psi higher, front and rear).
I'm sorry to say that I have forgotten exactly what he said about why one shouldn't use the tire-stamped numbers, but it had to do with the fact that those numbers are used for compulsory testing but were of little practical use.
I will say this: Using his numbers, I got well over 10,000 miles out of my rear tire and it's looking like I'll get 12,000 out of the front, almost all highway driving at 70mph or higher.
As far as what the manual says, those numbers are for a comfy ride on stock tires, nothing else. Different brands, and different riding styles, demand something other than what's in the manual.
For what it's worth.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
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