tire pressure
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,097
Likes: 4,676
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
The sidewall usually has the max pressure, which is not what you want to run on a sportster. If the original decals are still on the bike, one of them should have tire pressures for that model. Harley tire pressures are only for the OEM Dunlops an '04 came with. If you different tires, get the tire pressures from the manufacturer's website, the good ones will have that info. It's not unusual for tires with newer tread patterns and construction than those old design Dunlop 400 series to run higher pressures; run Harley pressure, and they'll wear faster and might develop issues like cupping prematurely. There are a lot of threads on this subject, and many folks that have switched to different brands said they needed a few psi more than stock.
If you have a low mileage bike with the original tires, not uncommon on sportsters, they should be replaced asap, long past their safe life span. Most riders and manufacturers think 6 -7 years is max, if you don't know that already.
If you have a low mileage bike with the original tires, not uncommon on sportsters, they should be replaced asap, long past their safe life span. Most riders and manufacturers think 6 -7 years is max, if you don't know that already.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,007
Likes: 126
From: Manassas, VA
There's a sticker, on the frame's right side down-tube, under the steering neck, that has the VIN. On the "back" side of that sticker, the MAX recommended pressure, is stated. You didn't mention which model '04 Sportster. That sticker will state the max, of 40 PSI, for the rear. Again, that's max pressure. However, the rear pressure, according to the Factory Service Manual, will have a range of 36-40. All rear, factory-spec Dunlops, will require 36-40 PSI, in the rear tire. The range of 36-40 PSI is due to the load you're putting on the tire. A 130 pound solo rider, no luggage, would use 36 PSI. Me (a-buck-215), with a 12-pack strapped to the sissybar, would be closer to 38 pounds. Riding two-up, go with 40 PSI. More weight = more pressure. An '04 Custom model, with a 21" front hoop, takes 30 PSI. The front tire does not have a range. 21" tire = 30 PSI. If you have a 19" front, I couldn't say. I don't remember.
Be certain to check the tires' pressure, when they're cold. Air, expands when heated, so you'll get a false reading with warm tires.
The sidewalls, list the MAX pressure. NOT, the recommended pressure. DO NOT GO BY the sidewalls' max pressure.
If your tires aren't Dunlops, call the tires' manufacturer, or search the interwebs for countless opinions.
Use a good gauge. Don't muck-about with a motorcycle's tires. You're very wise for asking about pressure. Pencil-style pressure gauges, are a fart in the wind. Get a good gauge.
These, won't break the bank, and I trust them with my life. No affiliation, but they're the best bang-for-the-buck, I've come across. Use a gauge with your target pressure, in the middle of the gauge's range. 0-60, is great for checking most motorcycle, and cage, tires.
https://www.getagauge.com/
EDIT: Imold, types faster, than I. He's probably better looking, too. That's OK. The important thing, is that you get accurate info.
Be certain to check the tires' pressure, when they're cold. Air, expands when heated, so you'll get a false reading with warm tires.
The sidewalls, list the MAX pressure. NOT, the recommended pressure. DO NOT GO BY the sidewalls' max pressure.
If your tires aren't Dunlops, call the tires' manufacturer, or search the interwebs for countless opinions.
Use a good gauge. Don't muck-about with a motorcycle's tires. You're very wise for asking about pressure. Pencil-style pressure gauges, are a fart in the wind. Get a good gauge.
These, won't break the bank, and I trust them with my life. No affiliation, but they're the best bang-for-the-buck, I've come across. Use a gauge with your target pressure, in the middle of the gauge's range. 0-60, is great for checking most motorcycle, and cage, tires.
https://www.getagauge.com/
EDIT: Imold, types faster, than I. He's probably better looking, too. That's OK. The important thing, is that you get accurate info.
Last edited by HarleyScuba; Jun 14, 2017 at 08:52 PM. Reason: nunya & argo
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,302
Likes: 275
From: Milton, Delaware
The HD manual specs for tire pressures are only good for the original tires.It will probably be close but if you replace the tires with a different manufacturers brand then you need to use that manufacturers recommendations.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,583
From: Wisconsin, USA
Every car or motorcycle has a manufacturer recommended pressure. I use that unless the tire dealer tells me different.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 841
Likes: 58
From: Yakima
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 419
Likes: 24
From: Memphis, TN
... Get a good gauge.
These, won't break the bank, and I trust them with my life. No affiliation, but they're the best bang-for-the-buck, I've come across. Use a gauge with your target pressure, in the middle of the gauge's range. 0-60, is great for checking most motorcycle, and cage, tires.
https://www.getagauge.com/
These, won't break the bank, and I trust them with my life. No affiliation, but they're the best bang-for-the-buck, I've come across. Use a gauge with your target pressure, in the middle of the gauge's range. 0-60, is great for checking most motorcycle, and cage, tires.
https://www.getagauge.com/
O.P. What others have said is right on. I won't muck up the thread any further. FWIW -- I think I run 30 in the front and 36 in the rear. I forget. I check the service manual every time I check the air pressure at home.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Banned
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 226
From: middle Tennessee
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 79
Likes: 6
From: Alexandria, Virginia
Last month I bought a pair of Michelin Commander II's and made a determined effort to find the ideal tire pressure for these tires. There was nothing on the Michelin website so I called the company. They would not make a specific recommendation for the tires, saying only that I should use the bike manufacturers recommendation. My conclusion was that either tread and manufacturing differences matter a lot less than bike/passenger weight or Michelin is trying to avoid liability if one of their tires blows out.
I opted to run the tires at 30 in front and 36 in back - which are Harley's recommendations for stock Dunlops.
I opted to run the tires at 30 in front and 36 in back - which are Harley's recommendations for stock Dunlops.