What pressures do you run your tires?

[Promethean]

For solo or 2-up on the RR?

[DJ Down Under]

37-39...for just me..and when two up.

DJ

[Ed K]

36, 42

[Arby]

I like what Ed said for two up, maybe drop the rear to 38 for single riding. (R1150R Rockster)

RB

[DarthRider]

Front 34 psi
Rear 36
+ 2-3 each when 2-up

Those are starting points when checking/adding pressure. If road checks are +/- 2 psi they are OK.

This is not an exact science for the street..."close enough" really is close enough!

The main thing is to check them routinely and always be alert for signs of low pressure when riding.

Dave

[Promethean]

Thanks. They were at 36/38 a few weeks ago but this week when I checked the front had dropped quite a bit. They were 24/36. I don't know if there's a slow leak somewhere.

[DarthRider]

Abhijeet -

That's more pressure loss in the front than normal, usually they all lose some...the rear is normal, more or less.
Check to see if the valve stem is seated well in the core and keep an eye on it. Also do a real close visual check on that front. It might have a small piece of wire in it and a *very* small leak. I had one with a large sheet metal screw in the tire that leaked slowly like that.
If you *really* want to check it, bring it up to about 60 psi and slowly pour soapy water over it a little at a time. If you see bubbles, circle the hole with a yellow crayon or something like that to make it easier for your shop, or tire changer, to find. Don't forget to let the excess pressure out before you ride it!
It's probably fixable and OK to do so unless it's within 1000 miles or so of replacement.
Just don't ignore it...any leak seldom gets better!

[Promethean]

I checked the tire. There's a cut/crack about an inch and a half on the left side of the tire that goes down to the groove. Ridden aggressively.....like I do sometimes....that piece of rubber might well come off. There are a couple of places where it might leak as well.

The valve stem seems to be seated correctly.

These are the original tires that came with the bike and I already have about 7k miles on them. The front tire shows signs of cupping. I'm not going to screw around with this anymore. I'm placing my order for Pilot Roads or Z6s today.

Thanks for the tip. I wouldn't have wanted the front to blow out on me at highway speeds.


Abhijeet -

That's more pressure loss in the front than normal, usually they all lose some...the rear is normal, more or less.
Check to see if the valve stem is seated well in the core and keep an eye on it. Also do a real close visual check on that front. It might have a small piece of wire in it and a *very* small leak. I had one with a large sheet metal screw in the tire that leaked slowly like that.
If you *really* want to check it, bring it up to about 60 psi and slowly pour soapy water over it a little at a time. If you see bubbles, circle the hole with a yellow crayon or something like that to make it easier for your shop, or tire changer, to find. Don't forget to let the excess pressure out before you ride it!
It's probably fixable and OK to do so unless it's within 1000 miles or so of replacement.
Just don't ignore it...any leak seldom gets better!

[DarthRider]

Yeah, sounds like those tires are toast, Abhijeet!
While you're tire shopping, don't overlook the Continental Road Attacks. Based on my personal experience with Pilot Powers and Road Attacks on the Speedy, I rate them dead-nut even. Both much better than the Dunlop D208's I've been using on the 50R.
You might add them to your list and just price shop.

[Promethean]

Dave,
Thanks for the tip. There isn't much of a difference in price between the Strada, Z6, Road Attacks and Pilot Roads....about 10 bucks or less(front and rear combined).

I inflated the front tire to the correct pressure and rode it for a couple of miles....behaves like a different beast. I'm off to Harbor Freight to get the tire changing kit tommorrow.

Quick question....does one need to replace valve stems when changing the tire(s)?

[DarthRider]

"...Quick question....does one need to replace valve stems when changing the tire(s)?.."

No, unless they are damaged or are several years old. I'd replace them after 4-5 years just as cheap insurance.
Just keep an eye on them, keep the stems tight in the cores and use good quality valve-caps with rubber O-rings to prevent air loss in case of a stem failure.

[black6]

I think a lot about my tires this time of year. For a number of reasons. I have ridden hard during the summer, weather is now colder, in NC the roads are very dry and hard with a lot of dust old oil etc. I do not hve the same feel of the pavement at 80 degrees versus 50.

I will be ready for a forth set of tires here in a month or so. My current set of Dunlop Qualifiers are really outstanding. I started on factory tires, switched to Mich Roads, then to Pierelli's and now the Qualifier. The qualifer for this bike and rider is perfect. The other tires cupped early in thier life and then buzzed on the road- really annoying. (I use the Pierelli's diablo dragons for the track)

Note in the picture one edge is higher than the other- chime in guys leading or following edge? When my tires start to get like this I loose the feeling I need to really ride corners hard- especially since I do a lot of trail braking. The tires actaully want to tuck..hmmm Cupping on my tires also dulls the turn-in. On this tread you will note how the tread lines staighten as they get to the middle this is what keeps them from buzzing. You can't see from this picture but I still have not hit the wear markers even though there is significant cupping. (this is the rear the front is the same.)

One note- I do note think these tires are as good in rain. But I decided long ago to back off considerably on the throttle in the rain so do big deal. Tire preasure on these is anywhere for 40 to 32. For the slab and a load I pump them up but then I have to take it easy in the twisties. If I know I will be on the fine edges all day I back them down. So I encourage everyone to think about their tires and try some new ones if you do not like the performance of your current tires since there are significant differences depending on your bike and style.

[Deans BMW]

I belive that I run 42 rear and 36 front on my R1200ST Conti Road Attacks, PR2's next set.

[black6]

I think a lot about my tires this time of year. For a number of reasons. I have ridden hard during the summer, weather is now colder, in NC the roads are very dry and hard with a lot of dust old oil etc. I do not have the same feel of the pavement at 80 degrees versus 50.

I will be ready for a forth set of tires here in a month or so. My current set of Dunlop Qualifiers are really outstanding. I started on factory tires, switched to Mich Roads, then to Pierelli's and now the Qualifier. The qualifer for this bike and rider is perfect. The other tires cupped early in thier life and then buzzed on the road- really annoying. (I use the Pierelli's diablo dragons for the track)

Note in the picture one edge is higher than the other- chime in guys leading or following edge? When my tires start to get like this I loose the feeling I need to really ride corners hard- especially since I do a lot of trail braking. The tires actaully want to tuck..hmmm Cupping on my tires also dulls the turn-in. On this tread you will note how the tread lines staighten as they get to the middle this is what keeps them from buzzing. You can't see from this picture but I still have not hit the wear markers even though there is significant cupping. (this is the rear the front is the same.) (the left side of the tire is towrad the front of the bike)

One note- I do not think these tires are as good in rain. But I decided long ago to back off considerably on the throttle in the rain so no big deal. Tire preasure on these is anywhere for 40 to 32. For the slab and a load I pump them up but then I have to take it easy in the twisties. If I know I will be on the fine edges all day I back them down. So I encourage everyone to think about their tires and try some new ones if you do not like the performance of your current tires since there are significant differences depending on your bike and style- could save you in the corner:linzi:

[jamming]

Dave,


Quick question....does one need to replace valve stems when changing the tire(s)?

AB...I change the valve stems every other set. I'd change yours now if the bike is over 2 years old.

Maybe it's my aircraft background, but a couple of extra bucks now saves you in the future.

DO NOT scimp on the valve stems. Buy good ones, AND a set of good valve covers with O-rings that seat WILL save your ass if a schrader valve goes south on you on the road.