Sportster Tire Pressure

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Jun 7, 2019 | 12:06 PM

#21

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

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From: Bedford UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by Las Vegas Jim

Don't trust stickers! Check your Operator Manual. My bike was delivered with low tire pressure and had handling problems. Once I increased the tire pressure to the pressure recommended in the Operator Manual--no problem. Be sure and check tire pressure every 30 days and when the seasons change.

In addition to that advice, if you are very lightweight try reducing pressures a little and if you are very heavy add extra air, also when carrying a passenger. If you are loading up your bike with luggage for that long ride, add a little extra to compensate for the additional weight.

Jun 7, 2019 | 12:28 PM

#22

handirifle

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2018

Posts: 6,038

Likes: 1,812

From: Kalifornia

And do t forget to add preload to the shocks for the extra rider and luggage. Prevent bottoming out and making bad shocks worse.

Oct 15, 2020 | 11:47 PM

#23

Iron Chuck

Intermediate

Joined: Sep 2020

Posts: 35

Likes: 20

From: NEMO

what the tires say

Never look at that number on the tire after you mount it. I pretty much lost a set of $1,200 tires on wifey’s Mustang ‘cause some spotty faced brat filled ‘em to the max. 50+ pounds and the centers wore right off ‘em. I went apeshit on the manager of the place, when he told me they were told to do that, but it was my fault for not checking them regularly. She had low tire warning, but not an “Oh, my God, I’m over full” warning.

Oh, my scooter, right. 29 front and 35 rear. I’m a rebel. And always solo.

Oct 16, 2020 | 02:28 AM

#24

Andy from Sandy

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Joined: Sep 2017

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From: England

Quote:

but it was my fault for not checking them regularly.

The first thing I do when I get home from any tyre fitters is to check the pressures.

I have an Avon tyre on my bike now. The HD book has 42 psi but the Avon site for my bike has 39psi. I have gone with the Avon figure.

Oct 16, 2020 | 06:57 AM

#25

boomerguy

Road Captain

Joined: Apr 2018

Posts: 627

Likes: 324

From: Covington, VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guppy916

I run 30 psi front and 36 psi in the rear on my 883 sporty no passengers or baggage that's what the Haynes manual recommends

Yes. The original owner's manual and the factory service manual, BOTH, say this for my 2005 XL883 Standard.
Do not go by the numbers on the side of the tires. Those are the maximum pressures and the government mandates this. This information is not for any other reason. "When in doubt, read the directions."

Oct 16, 2020 | 08:32 AM

#26

tmac00333

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Joined: Oct 2010

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From: Florida

30 front 36 rear every sportster I've ever had

Oct 16, 2020 | 09:07 AM

#27

Andy from Sandy

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Joined: Sep 2017

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From: England

The 2008 manual has those figures. For whatever reason though but don't know of any earlier date in 2017 the pressures were changed.

From 2017 FSM

Oct 16, 2020 | 09:36 AM

#28

boomerguy

Road Captain

Joined: Apr 2018

Posts: 627

Likes: 324

From: Covington, VA

The note about ambient air temperature is very important. When the temperature in my garage dropped, I saw a 5 psi drop in both tires. It's a good thing I check it before every ride. It doesn't take long and is easy to do.