Tire pressures
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Let us go back to what is written on the tyre sidewall, because it is very misleading. My preferred tyres are Avon and I emailed them to clarify this. The maximum weight stated is the maximum that can be carried at the stated pressure. It is not the maximum pressure the tyre can be used at. That block of text meets some industry standard and is less than helpful!
The maximum pressure Avon Venoms can be used at is 50psi, which is not written anywhere on the tyre. I use pressure similar to those quoted by SH_01FXDWG, 38F/44R when solo, 44F/50R when 2-up fully loaded on tour.
The maximum pressure Avon Venoms can be used at is 50psi, which is not written anywhere on the tyre. I use pressure similar to those quoted by SH_01FXDWG, 38F/44R when solo, 44F/50R when 2-up fully loaded on tour.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,023
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From: New Jersey
+1
36 front, 40 rear
36 front, 40 rear
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,692
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From: Denham Springs, La
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,086
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From: Buffalo, NY
Manual says 36 40 for 2 up, 36 36 for one up.
How often does anyone check their air. My last bike had spoke wheels with tubes and didn't loose a pound all riding season. I had new tires put on in April. Cast wheels now with tubeless. Set the air at 36 40 in April. I checked it 2 weeks ago, yeah that's a long time between checks, it was at 26F 32R. Really didn't notice much ride difference though, just softer
How often does anyone check their air. My last bike had spoke wheels with tubes and didn't loose a pound all riding season. I had new tires put on in April. Cast wheels now with tubeless. Set the air at 36 40 in April. I checked it 2 weeks ago, yeah that's a long time between checks, it was at 26F 32R. Really didn't notice much ride difference though, just softer
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
All this debate over air pressure, when there are guys out there installing car tires on the rear of their bikes. There is a multitude of reasons not to do this, not the least of which would be major liability in the event the bike is involved in a crash.
Maybe one of them will come in and tell the thread about their air pressure.
Now back to the thread...
I run 40-42 in my Dunlops front and rear. Have for years, with great handling, gas mileage, and tire life.
Air molecules can and do migrate through rubber. Ever blow up a balloon, tie it off, and watch it slowly deflate over a period of days? Same thing happens in tires, except at a much reduced rate. Also, cold weather shrinks the air molecules so your pressure will go down in the winter. Always check your tire psi when the tire is cold.
At a rally, I recently saw a brand new Michelin front/rear tire set that will be available for the later touring models in January. The rear is 180mm and the front is 130mm, same as the stock D's. The tread and rubber compounds are designed for high mileage and superior water channeling (according to the Michelin rep). They are expecting, based on their tests, to get over 18M miles from these tires. These will be black walls only. I share this only for info since the tires will not be available on their website for viewing until January 2012.
Maybe one of them will come in and tell the thread about their air pressure.
Now back to the thread...
I run 40-42 in my Dunlops front and rear. Have for years, with great handling, gas mileage, and tire life.
Air molecules can and do migrate through rubber. Ever blow up a balloon, tie it off, and watch it slowly deflate over a period of days? Same thing happens in tires, except at a much reduced rate. Also, cold weather shrinks the air molecules so your pressure will go down in the winter. Always check your tire psi when the tire is cold.
At a rally, I recently saw a brand new Michelin front/rear tire set that will be available for the later touring models in January. The rear is 180mm and the front is 130mm, same as the stock D's. The tread and rubber compounds are designed for high mileage and superior water channeling (according to the Michelin rep). They are expecting, based on their tests, to get over 18M miles from these tires. These will be black walls only. I share this only for info since the tires will not be available on their website for viewing until January 2012.