straight answer on tire pressure
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Joined: Oct 2006
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straight answer on tire pressure
07 elc put a set of michelin commanders on this spring indie shop that put them on said 44 psi rear 40 psi front hd dealer said 36 psi front 40 psi rear tires are stamped rear max psi 40 cold front max psi 36 cold who to believe thanks for any input
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Lewisberry PA
I try to find the pressure near the manual that I like. On my front I like to have enough pressure in it that it does not feel heavy for quick turns.. the back I like to find the balance of soft ride and hard ride... so for me I a little about the manual.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Quite right! When using non-standard tyres, the recommendations in the owners manual go out the window. You should refer to Michelin and if necessary send them an email to ask for the correct pressures for your bike. I use Avon tyres and their recommended pressures are usually a little higher than the manual.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,625
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From: Black River Falls, WI.
Hey guys i just called Michelin and actually got a human being right away. He stuck to his guns that if you put the same size on the bike that it came with and use Michelin or Pirelli or whoever, you stick with the recomended pressure from the bike manufacturer. He also said if you play around with sizes, then they could make a recomendation. I also have the wobble in the front end during deceleration starting, so i will check mine today.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Hey guys i just called Michelin and actually got a human being right away. He stuck to his guns that if you put the same size on the bike that it came with and use Michelin or Pirelli or whoever, you stick with the recomended pressure from the bike manufacturer. He also said if you play around with sizes, then they could make a recomendation. I also have the wobble in the front end during deceleration starting, so i will check mine today.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 129
From: Black River Falls, WI.
The Michelin man can only speak for Michelin! As an Avon user for many years I can assure you Avon recommend slightly higher pressures than in the Harley owners handbook. That information is available on their website, by model and year, so is easily checked. ALWAYS refer to the tyre maker if you fit non-stock brand tyres!
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
Thanks! I bought my first Harley back in the 70s, when they came on Goodyears. Nothing good about them! They were the best reason to try other brands and I have only ever used the original tyres my Harleys/Buells have come on, then changed to Avon mostly, Venoms these days for my Glide. Avon recommend 38F/44R, which I use solo, but I use 42F/48R 2-up and 44F/50R when 2-up and fully loaded for touring.