Tire Pressure
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 687
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Tire Pressure
I have a heritage with stock Dunlops. They had 40psi and I just brought them down to 35 and the bike seems to ride and corner better. Just wondering others opinion on tire pressure.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 884
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From: n
I run mine at the recommended pressures. The dudes that figure that stuff out are a lot smarter than me. You are likely to sacrifice tire life and at about $250 out the door every 5-6K miles for a rear Dunlop, you may want them to last as long as possible. There will also be those who will cite safety and excessive heat build up on an underinflated tires.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 54
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From: Georgia
Tire Pressure
I run what the manual says... 40 in the rear and 36 in the front... Every time there's an issue with tires (at least that I can remember) it always goes back to what the vehicle manufacture says you should run.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
I run 36 front and rear. That being said, I am a maintenance fanatic. So I check my tire pressure about as often as I crap. If I was the guy who fills his tires once every spring, I would run 40.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,173
Likes: 177
From: East Coast
Best procedure for Dunlops, especially the 407 & 408, is to reduce tire pressure to zero both front & back, remove them from the wheels, and mount one of the superior tires available. The sooner the better.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 7,638
Likes: 4,871
From: Missouri City,TX
Ditto...I also go by the recommended tire pressures in the OM. For the Heritage, it's 36 front and 40 rear cold PSI.
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 884
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From: n
I do run mine at 40/38 and I check them often, but probably not as often as you-more like weekly The odd thing is, I can count the times on one hand that I have actually added air in years. They are always 40/38. I even use 2 tire guages just to make sure they are the same. It almost bugs me they never change. I don't know if it because I've always had laced wheels with tubes or what. I've said that now and I will go out to the garage in a bit and they will both be flat.
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Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
I run mine at the recommended pressures. The dudes that figure that stuff out are a lot smarter than me. You are likely to sacrifice tire life and at about $250 out the door every 5-6K miles for a rear Dunlop, you may want them to last as long as possible. There will also be those who will cite safety and excessive heat build up on an underinflated tires.
I run 38ft and 40r, but ride 2 up 95% of the time.
As far as tires, I had 1st one replaced at my dealer,, since then I order online from Dennis Kirk,, around $115, and our local Indy charges $60 if U ride in and he does all the work,, total $175 for lot HD 401- 150/80/16
Check out the Michelin's commander II's next tire change,, they are the Hot new tire out.. Claims of 2x the life and are reported really good for sticking to to road. Plus the tread design is great for tar strips.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
I have 40psi now and it just feels to hard. It's like it wants to push and maybe even slide a little when in tight turns. I am going to back mine off a few pounds and see how that rides. Keep us all posted on results.