Cornering issues, need input
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,164
Likes: 6
From: Greenfield, Massachusetts
RE: Cornering issues, need input
ORIGINAL: Bug
For public street speeds this is not necessary or preferred. Also, I would not lower the air pressure in the tires lower than recommended psi. That can cause loss of bead, tire cupping, and even blowouts. 40 psi works for me front and back.
For public street speeds this is not necessary or preferred. Also, I would not lower the air pressure in the tires lower than recommended psi. That can cause loss of bead, tire cupping, and even blowouts. 40 psi works for me front and back.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 867
Likes: 1
From: Texas
RE: Cornering issues, need input
Yes, the Suzi 800 has a more raked out front end which makes the steering less responsive than the nightster.
Cons of underinflation: From my understanding lower than recommended PSI is one of the number one reason for tire failure. Traction or lack of it can come from a variety of variables. Speed, lean, amount of brake being used, road surface including bumps and holes or gravel or wetness, and shock load and travel, and road camber. Understanding the dynamics of traction is helpful.
Pros of proper inflation:Longer tirelife and decreased liklihood of failure through losing bead or sidewall craking or tire cupping.
Cons of underinflation: From my understanding lower than recommended PSI is one of the number one reason for tire failure. Traction or lack of it can come from a variety of variables. Speed, lean, amount of brake being used, road surface including bumps and holes or gravel or wetness, and shock load and travel, and road camber. Understanding the dynamics of traction is helpful.
Pros of proper inflation:Longer tirelife and decreased liklihood of failure through losing bead or sidewall craking or tire cupping.
ORIGINAL: Perch
Phew ... I was getting worried ... I too keep it at about 40psi 'cuz that's what the tires say to. What's up with the 30psi for some people? Would like to hear reasons, pros / cons ?? I have a 1200N, Nightster, and have had no problems with slipping and sliding, and in fact it does pretty well on sand and gravel. I mean I dont LIKE riding on that stuff, but it sure handles better than my Suzuki Intruder 800 did !!
ORIGINAL: Bug
For public street speeds this is not necessary or preferred. Also, I would not lower the air pressure in the tires lower than recommended psi. That can cause loss of bead, tire cupping, and even blowouts. 40 psi works for me front and back.
For public street speeds this is not necessary or preferred. Also, I would not lower the air pressure in the tires lower than recommended psi. That can cause loss of bead, tire cupping, and even blowouts. 40 psi works for me front and back.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 356
Likes: 1
From: Leicestershire, UK
RE: Cornering issues, need input
ORIGINAL: Perch
What's up with the 30psi for some people?
What's up with the 30psi for some people?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 50
From: A barrier island in NJ
RE: Cornering issues, need input
The manual says tires should be inflated (cold) for all Sportsters as follows:
Riding Solo:
Front: 30 psi
Rear: 36 psi
Riding Two-Up:
Front: 30 psi
Rear: 40 psi
I run with mine at 36 psi rear, and 30 psi front since I'm a 99.9% solo rider. The pressures recommended are for an "average" rider's, and/or rider's andpassenger'sweight (whatever the!#@? that is). At any rate, those inflation numbers are there to give the tire anoptimum contact footprint while balancing the issue of wear. I have no problems or tire"skittishness" at 36 and 30 psi respectivelywhen pushing the limits on cornering (barring loose sand and gravel - duh!).
Riding Solo:
Front: 30 psi
Rear: 36 psi
Riding Two-Up:
Front: 30 psi
Rear: 40 psi
I run with mine at 36 psi rear, and 30 psi front since I'm a 99.9% solo rider. The pressures recommended are for an "average" rider's, and/or rider's andpassenger'sweight (whatever the!#@? that is). At any rate, those inflation numbers are there to give the tire anoptimum contact footprint while balancing the issue of wear. I have no problems or tire"skittishness" at 36 and 30 psi respectivelywhen pushing the limits on cornering (barring loose sand and gravel - duh!).
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,599
Likes: 421
From: Lansing mi
RE: Cornering issues, need input
Yes H.D. recamends 30 psi front - 36 rear. the 40 psi on the side of the tire isjust the max you can put in the tire, if for some reason you think you need too.
I was told this at my local H.D. dealer...
I was told this at my local H.D. dealer...
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,599
Likes: 421
From: Lansing mi
RE: Cornering issues, need input
Ohh I forgot to mention
You can put a 19" wheel and a 100-90 tire on a 2000 1200-C with no mods.
I dont know for sure, but I think a 07 is the same. The 19" will only drop the front about 3/8"- 1/2" the tire will be the same width as the fender, and there will be a small gap between the top of the tire and fender. I have seen this on 2 bikes and I think it looks o.k. Im doing it to my bike this winter, for the same reasons 'dgates' stated...
You can put a 19" wheel and a 100-90 tire on a 2000 1200-C with no mods.
I dont know for sure, but I think a 07 is the same. The 19" will only drop the front about 3/8"- 1/2" the tire will be the same width as the fender, and there will be a small gap between the top of the tire and fender. I have seen this on 2 bikes and I think it looks o.k. Im doing it to my bike this winter, for the same reasons 'dgates' stated...
Banned
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,349
Likes: 2
From: Appling GA
RE: Cornering issues, need input
My 1200c sticks like glue to the twistys and I ride them hard. Real hard...I lean with the bike tho,I dont just lean the bike. Ialso use throttle in the turns. But it may not be your riding and I aint trying to say it is, I have not rode a 07 sportyC anyways,I havean 03
ORIGINAL: Bug
I have found the 1200c a great feeling bike in twisties. Sure there are some that are better so you may have to adjust your riding/cornering style a bit. I don't know anything about your style of riding but if you tend to lean inside when cornering, you may try sitting up straight as the bike leans into the corner instead of leaning your body with the bike. The sport bike riders that you see hanging off and draggin knees are doing that to keep more of the tire on the road for traction by not leaning the bike as much, which is necessary at the high speeds they ride at. For public street speeds this is not necessary or preferred. Also, I would not lower the air pressure in the tires lower than recommended psi. That can cause loss of bead, tire cupping, and even blowouts. 40 psi works for me front and back. Slowing a bit before a curve and accelerating through it is crucialto keeping traction and control and more shock travel so keep your revs up. My riding style through really tight twisties like the Dragon (hwy 129 in TN and NC) is to make very few throttle adjustments and use my back brake slightly to adjust speed. This technique is called trail braking. It takes practice so work up to it if it is something new to you.
I am sorry if this advice is toorudimentaryfor you but I don't know anything about your skill level andam just trying to be helpful.
I have found the 1200c a great feeling bike in twisties. Sure there are some that are better so you may have to adjust your riding/cornering style a bit. I don't know anything about your style of riding but if you tend to lean inside when cornering, you may try sitting up straight as the bike leans into the corner instead of leaning your body with the bike. The sport bike riders that you see hanging off and draggin knees are doing that to keep more of the tire on the road for traction by not leaning the bike as much, which is necessary at the high speeds they ride at. For public street speeds this is not necessary or preferred. Also, I would not lower the air pressure in the tires lower than recommended psi. That can cause loss of bead, tire cupping, and even blowouts. 40 psi works for me front and back. Slowing a bit before a curve and accelerating through it is crucialto keeping traction and control and more shock travel so keep your revs up. My riding style through really tight twisties like the Dragon (hwy 129 in TN and NC) is to make very few throttle adjustments and use my back brake slightly to adjust speed. This technique is called trail braking. It takes practice so work up to it if it is something new to you.
I am sorry if this advice is toorudimentaryfor you but I don't know anything about your skill level andam just trying to be helpful.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,961
Likes: 3
From: Boise, Idaho
RE: Cornering issues, need input
Yep... straight out of the manual... 30 psi up front.. If you are running 40 psi.. ummm.... don't run over anything [8D]
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
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
RE: Cornering issues, need input
My experience, from riding a few Sportster customs and talking to several that have them, isthat 21 inch tire is really good for cruising, but not as good for curves. Not that you can't ride the twistys with on a custom. I have a buddy that rides an 883 custom, and he can smoke me when we ride the dragon. But he's also aready changed his controls to mid mount, and is shopping around for a 19" wheel.
Plus it seems the 19 inch front tires last for many more miles.
I'm not saying one is better than the other. It just depends on what you want from the bike.
Plus it seems the 19 inch front tires last for many more miles.
I'm not saying one is better than the other. It just depends on what you want from the bike.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 663
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Cornering issues, need input
I run 35-37 psi front and rear. But not for any reason other than I thought it sounded like good numbers.
To me 30psi sure sounds low. Of course I was riding my bike for 2-3 weeks at 20psi in the rear.
To me 30psi sure sounds low. Of course I was riding my bike for 2-3 weeks at 20psi in the rear.