Quick Question Tire pressure rear/ front
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
The sidewalls don't actually tell you anything useful, the notices are there to comply with some obscure regulation. Your owners manual or service manual gives pressures for solo and more air should be added if you are heavy, 2-up, or loaded to the gunnels. 36F/40R is a good starting point, but there is no reason why you shouldn't adjust those a little, if you want to change your ride. Also some brands of tyres use higher pressures than stock, so take that into account as well.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,151
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From: Seattle
I don't think this is the correct answer as different tires have different characteristics. For example, Michelin Commander II's need more air - at least 40/40 or else they are squirrely. Stockers are suggested at 36/40.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Northern California
I agree.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: Prior Lake, MN
Not exactly. The pressure on the tire sidewall is not the maxium pressure the tire will hold, it is the maximum pressure the manufacturer suggests at which to run the tire. My Ultra's front is 41psi, and I gurantee that the tire can easily hold way more pressure than that. Harley's recommended pressure is on the bike frame downtube, for the tires supplied originally anyway.
Last edited by Brewmany; Apr 13, 2014 at 11:46 AM.
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 590
Likes: 1
From: Hamilton Ontario
Well i managed to get my fat head in there and have a read.....turns out both front and rear Specs @ 40 lbs
Strange tho..tires only had 22lbs in them...worst is i rode for 3 days to notice
Think they may have gone soft over Winter
Strange tho..tires only had 22lbs in them...worst is i rode for 3 days to notice
Think they may have gone soft over Winter
Road Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,070
Likes: 9
From: Auburn Ohio
You are a brave man. I check mine at least once a week during riding season.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Tyres are not airtight! They do indeed lose pressure over time, so you really should check them if you haven't ridden for a while and especially after a winter layoff!
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Lincolnton, NC
It's listed on the sticker of your front frame down tube.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 65
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From: Chicago
38f 42r. I'm currently thinking of upping a pound or two respectively. I noticed the poor handling as soon as I took off from dealer, it was reading 25f 28r. So have dealer double check when you pick up after storage or new purchase.