Motorcycle tire pressure... who is right?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 4,335
Likes: 3,758
From: Florida
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
I stopped by my harley dealer to ask about a seat they had and topic of tire pressureq came up because of an issue I was having on my ride from work to the dealership. I explained what I was experiencing and they asked what my tire pressure was set at....I told them 36psi, which is what my service manual calls for in the front and back for a solo rider(FXDF).
They said that though the manual says that, its not correct... they told me that I need to follow what the tire says on the sidewall(cruisetech says 50psi).
Who is correct?
They said that though the manual says that, its not correct... they told me that I need to follow what the tire says on the sidewall(cruisetech says 50psi).
Who is correct?
As mentioned, the sidewall pressure is a maximum pressure, for a maximum load. The owners manual is a recommended pressure for the oem tire, under whatever loads they estimate, and for average riding conditions.
Different tires, different loads, different riding conditions, and you really should adjust pressure for that. Gonna load up for a month on the road, you'll likely want higher than normal tire pressure. Going to spend the day crawling around on jeep trails and sandy beaches, you're going to likely want lower than normal pressure. Switched to a different tire, you'll likely need to learn what works for it best.
Personally, I treat tire pressure as a tuning tool, and will adjust it based on the variables, and how the bike and tires are responding. I happen to be running higher than stock on my bike with these tires, because the lower oem pressure results in the rear tire getting hotter than I like on the highways, and the bike is a little swishy at that lower pressure.
Since you alluded to having some problems, I suspect you might benefit from trying some higher pressures. I would also strongly recommend a notebook to keep service and tuning records in. That way you can reference it at a later time, when you no longer clearly remember what you did, and what the results were from that.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,133
Likes: 3,638
From: backwoods
Only thing I run full rated is trailer tires, because that is what manufacturor of my trailer says to. What about if you had two really fat people on a harley. Would you then run it at rated? I don't know.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,761
Likes: 1,801
From: Newnan, GA
I stopped by my harley dealer to ask about a seat they had and topic of tire pressureq came up because of an issue I was having on my ride from work to the dealership. I explained what I was experiencing and they asked what my tire pressure was set at....I told them 36psi, which is what my service manual calls for in the front and back for a solo rider(FXDF).
They said that though the manual says that, its not correct... they told me that I need to follow what the tire says on the sidewall(cruisetech says 50psi).
Who is correct?
They said that though the manual says that, its not correct... they told me that I need to follow what the tire says on the sidewall(cruisetech says 50psi).
Who is correct?
However, I've noticed that some tires combined with a weak or squishy suspension will start to cup.
Case in point my 2004 Goldwing GL1800.
When I started to put 40 lbs of pressure in the tires, the cupping was greatly diminished.
Adding a better suspension and the 40 lbs to each tire seems to have cured the cupping issue.
Later on when I purchased my 09 Ultra, I kept up with that practice and it has served me well.
Of coarse, as with anything in this world, your milage may vary.
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 586
Likes: 126
From: Boston
Often a mfg will offer a different PSI than what HD recommends. Its true on my sportster, where i run Metz tires. I contacted them with my bike, weight and riding style and they gave me a different PSI, slightly higher. Others who have not run the Metz PSI have had cupping and faster wear, but i have not had those issues. Worth an ask to whomever made your tires.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,761
Likes: 1,801
From: Newnan, GA
They are both right, and both wrong. It very much "depends".
Personally, I treat tire pressure as a tuning tool, and will adjust it based on the variables, and how the bike and tires are responding. I happen to be running higher than stock on my bike with these tires, because the lower oem pressure results in the rear tire getting hotter than I like on the highways, and the bike is a little swishy at that lower pressure.
Personally, I treat tire pressure as a tuning tool, and will adjust it based on the variables, and how the bike and tires are responding. I happen to be running higher than stock on my bike with these tires, because the lower oem pressure results in the rear tire getting hotter than I like on the highways, and the bike is a little swishy at that lower pressure.