Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Tire pressure

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 8, 2008 | 08:43 AM
  #1  
RMT's Avatar
RMT
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Arlington, Tx
Default Tire pressure

I got my 07 883C used and I didn’t get the manual that tells me stuff like tire pressure. What is a good psi to run for a solo 195 lb rider in 100 degree heat? I am planning on going on a ride with a few other guys almost down to the coast this weekend and thought it would be a good idea to check the tires.
 
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2008 | 08:47 AM
  #2  
ChefE's Avatar
ChefE
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
From: Williamsburg, Va
Default

The manual for my '06 883 says 30 front 36 rear for solo and 30 front 40 rear for 2-up.
 
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2008 | 10:36 AM
  #3  
SportyPig's Avatar
SportyPig
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
Default

That is the correct pressure, assuming you are still running the stock Dunlop tires. Other brands of tires vary.
 
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2008 | 12:31 PM
  #4  
sbergloff's Avatar
sbergloff
Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 629
Likes: 1
From: Virginia Beach, VA
Default

I read MAX 41 PSI on the tire, so I have been keeping mine both at 41 PSI. Never checked the manual. Is that not the right way to do it? Mine is a 1200, but should not be any different I think.
 
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2008 | 12:34 PM
  #5  
ChefE's Avatar
ChefE
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
From: Williamsburg, Va
Default

I always go by the pressure listed in the manual for both the bike and my car. I always figured they know what the best tire pressure is.
 
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2008 | 12:37 PM
  #6  
sbergloff's Avatar
sbergloff
Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 629
Likes: 1
From: Virginia Beach, VA
Default

Originally Posted by ChefE
I always go by the pressure listed in the manual for both the bike and my car. I always figured they know what the best tire pressure is.
Good point. I'll check in my manual when I get home.
 
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2008 | 12:51 PM
  #7  
HDXXX's Avatar
HDXXX
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 646
Likes: 1
From: Central,Wisconsin
Default

I would go with 40 PSI
 
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2008 | 12:56 PM
  #8  
Gpsjr10's Avatar
Gpsjr10
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,541
Likes: 11
From: Elyria, OH
Default

The recommended tire pressure and tire size is listed on the sticker on the right side on the front part of the frame. At least it's there on my 02 Hugger and my 08 Nightster
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 8, 2008 | 01:39 PM
  #9  
cHarley's Avatar
cHarley
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Default

Originally Posted by sbergloff
I read MAX 41 PSI on the tire, so I have been keeping mine both at 41 PSI. Never checked the manual. Is that not the right way to do it? Mine is a 1200, but should not be any different I think.
Never use the Max pressure on the tire sidewall. It is what it says, not the recommended pressure which is based on GVW, (Gross Vehicle Weight).

The tire pressure listed in the Owners Manual is correct for the stock Dunlop tires. You will notice in the manual that the recommended rear tire pressure is different for 2up vs. solo.

If you are not running the stock Dunlop tires, you need to refer to the tire manufacture for the correct pressures for your model bike. This can usually be found on the mfg's web site.
 
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2008 | 02:01 PM
  #10  
JosephGarcia's Avatar
JosephGarcia
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,225
Likes: 4
From: fegfsg
Default

i have 1988 and the sticker on the frame says 26 rear 32 front

i run 40 both and get longer tire life and better handling. at 26 and 32 it feels wiggly
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:55 AM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE