Tire pressure
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,760
Likes: 47
From: N. Texas
Why is the manuals information more correct than what is on the sidewall of the tire? I have used the information on the tire in the past. The pressure on the tires is always higher than the manual.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
I hope you are joking, but if not here's the deal. The tire can be put on different bikes, that's why the sidewall has the MAX PSI printed on it. Each motorcycle manufacturer will have it's own specs for the tire size and weight of the bike. Same goes for car tires. That's why the recommended PSI for a car is on a sticker on the drivers door or jamb. Every tire manufacturer will tell you to go by the vehicle manufacturers recommendations.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 752
Likes: 23
From: Acton, CA
The manual lists the recommended psi for that bike with the stock tire that was put on at the factory. If you have replaced your tires with another brand, that manual recommendation is no longer valid for that new tire. Same with car stickers. Therefore, I always go by the tire markings.
I run my bike tires at max or just below (1-2 lbs) max, and have found to get the best longevity and handling that way. I run MII's on the Road King, and stock Dunlops (which I also run at near max) until they wear out on the RGS.
I'd rather run more psi (but never more than max on sidewall) than low, as running too low can cause your tires to heat up - which is a leading cause of tire failure, plus handling can become sloppy - and dangerous - with too little.
I run my bike tires at max or just below (1-2 lbs) max, and have found to get the best longevity and handling that way. I run MII's on the Road King, and stock Dunlops (which I also run at near max) until they wear out on the RGS.
I'd rather run more psi (but never more than max on sidewall) than low, as running too low can cause your tires to heat up - which is a leading cause of tire failure, plus handling can become sloppy - and dangerous - with too little.
Last edited by caberto; Apr 1, 2015 at 05:06 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
Completely not true
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Wrong! 
When changing to aftermarket tyres ALWAYS check the manufacturer's website. Some brands, like Avon, use different pressures to those in the owners manual.
When changing to aftermarket tyres ALWAYS check the manufacturer's website. Some brands, like Avon, use different pressures to those in the owners manual.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
As in my post above check the tyre brand's website if using non-stock tyres.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,907
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From: Wesley Chapel Fl.
[QUOTE=KCFLHRC;13872308]I hope you are joking, but if not here's the deal. The tire can be put on different bikes, that's why the sidewall has the MAX PSI printed on it. Each motorcycle manufacturer will have it's own specs for the tire size and weight of the bike. Same goes for car tires. That's why the recommended PSI for a car is on a sticker on the drivers door or jamb. Every tire manufacturer will tell you to go by the vehicle manufacturers recommendations.[/QUOT
Absolutely! Enough said! JR
Absolutely! Enough said! JR
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida
Check out the max pressure on your 4 wheel vehicle tire, then look at the manual or sticker in the door jamb. Probably a 10 lb difference on most. Always go with vehicle recommendations, NOT max tire pressure.