tire pressure question
My recommendation to you.... stay on stock tires.
With that information, if you buy a set of Metz, you are NOT going to be happy with the ride.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Jayhawk Country
This always seems to spark a debate for bikes as well as cars. Tires can fit several types and weight vehicles, that is why you go by the vehicle manufacturers specs. This is why there is a big sticker on the door of your car that states the recommended PSI. The sidewall markings on the tire is the max pressure regardless of vehicle type. This is true for motorcycles as well as cars and trucks. This isn't rocket science but it is fact.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,624
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From: Fort Worth
You should use the pressures in your HD manual. Here's what Metzeler has to say:
http://metzeler.com/site/us/tech-and...intenance.html
"Always inflate the tire to the correct pressure. Be sure to check cold inflation pressure frequently, i.e. once a week. Although most motorcyclists love to work on their bikes, many seldom remember to check their bikes tire pressures. Correct pressures are critical for safe handling. Over inflation or extreme tire pressure will impair your riding comfort and decrease the size of the contact patch of the tire with the road. Under inflation or too little air pressure will result in poor handling and the bike will be inclined to wander. Improper and insufficient tyre pressure will also cause rapid tire wear, an increase in fuel consumption, lower top speed, and provide less control. Remember to check the inflation pressure of your tires weekly. You will find the correct pressure in the operating manual of the motorcycle. Use METZELERs information only as reference. Attention: When the recommended pressure has been changed for use off the public highway (race track, off-road), it must be reset to the correct value before riding on the street."
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: 'Noke, VA
This always seems to spark a debate for bikes as well as cars. Tires can fit several types and weight vehicles, that is why you go by the vehicle manufacturers specs. This is why there is a big sticker on the door of your car that states the recommended PSI. The sidewall markings on the tire is the max pressure regardless of vehicle type. This is true for motorcycles as well as cars and trucks. This isn't rocket science but it is fact.
On both trucks and bikes I have run tires that required either far more air than what the manufacturer suggested (BFG off-road tires on a Silverado, Metzelers on my Harleys), or far less than the manufacturer suggested (Heidenau K60s on my GS/A.....Had I run them at BMW's specs they would have blown off the rims, as they're only rated for 36psi maximum, and the BMW spec was 45psi).
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
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I always get in arguments with people on this subject here. I run max psi listed on the tire on my bikes. Metzeler's always have a higher max PSI than Dunlops as they are a softer tire. I'd run 50 in it if it were on my bike.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
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From: Jayhawk Country
Negatory.
On both trucks and bikes I have run tires that required either far more air than what the manufacturer suggested (BFG off-road tires on a Silverado, Metzelers on my Harleys), or far less than the manufacturer suggested (Heidenau K60s on my GS/A.....Had I run them at BMW's specs they would have blown off the rims, as they're only rated for 36psi maximum, and the BMW spec was 45psi).
On both trucks and bikes I have run tires that required either far more air than what the manufacturer suggested (BFG off-road tires on a Silverado, Metzelers on my Harleys), or far less than the manufacturer suggested (Heidenau K60s on my GS/A.....Had I run them at BMW's specs they would have blown off the rims, as they're only rated for 36psi maximum, and the BMW spec was 45psi).
I'm sure there may be exceptions to the rule, just like anything else. However, the norm is to run what the manufacturer says and not what's on the sidewall.
There is no exception.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
Once you get away from OEM tires, the tire manufacturer's recommended pressure supersedes the vehicle manufacturer's.....Without exception.
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
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With an OEM tire, yes, you run what the vehicle manufacturer suggests. You never run what's on the tire sidewall unless you're looking for maximum loading.
Once you get away from OEM tires, the tire manufacturer's recommended pressure supersedes the vehicle manufacturer's.....Without exception.
Once you get away from OEM tires, the tire manufacturer's recommended pressure supersedes the vehicle manufacturer's.....Without exception.