41 lbs in tires....really.

[feelergaugephil]

OK, so to the ones that do as the manual states.............. ignore this thread.......
Ive been riding motorcycles since I was 12 (now 45) and been doing mechanics about as long, so I do know quite a bit...

So, back to the topic, 41 lbs in tires, way way too high! when I first bought my 08 new, I test rode it and asked the sales rep whats with the 41 psi deal, he said thats what Kawasaki states and we follow their rules, I then talked to the mechanics in the back (of which I knew most of them) they laughed and knew my line of thought on this, they have to put 41 in there because its in the rule book but even they stated that its too high.

I have brought this PSI deal up with a few knowledgable folk who are on the same page.........

So, here's what I have found to be the best (for me) I ride my 09 hard at times and do take the chicken strips away on the rear (pilot power 3's)  OK, at 41 its a hard ride and tends to skip a little on hard curves (Dragon tail/Deals Gap) now I have tried different pressures and finally come up with the best pressures that suits me (which may not for you)
Ok, Front 36 PSI and Rear 38 PSI, this makes my riding skills much better and much smoother ride.

Even if you dont ride it hard, 36F and 38R is so much better and smoother, and NO those tire pressures are NOT too low, give it a try, whats the worst, you dont like it!!!! then put it back to 41!

At those pressures on my 08 and 09 never had a slide out (hell, I dont want to drop my $14K investment)

Anyway, have a good day guys....

[The Pope]

After a thousand or so miles at this pressure, please give us an update (photos too please) on how the tread is wearing.

 

[Tim]

Problem is with mine, when a TPS gets to 36 PSI, my dash becomes lite up with a low tire pressure warning.  I got 15K out of a set of PR2's running 42 psi. I live in the North Cascades so twisty roads are common place. I never had a tire slip out except when there were tar snakes in Utah in the middle of summer.

[Conrad]

Phil

Don't you mean 42psi insterad of 41? That's what the manual calls for.

[jjsC6]

I find that I cannot tell the difference between 38 and 41 or whatever.  I keep mine right around the mfrs recommendations.  And just to be clear, my riding style is such that my chicken strips are gone the first day I ride a new set of tires.  But it's not an emotional subject to me.  People are welcome to run their tires at whatever makes them happy.  I just don't see a difference.

[lather]

I believe the 42 psi F/R recommendation is intended to make the crappy OEM tires last. As a sport tourer I am good with the 41 or 42 psi rear since mileage is as important to me as handling and grip. Since I ride 30,000+ miles per year it is a matter of  budget and logistics. Also, a lot of my riding is two-up and heavily loaded.

 My objection is with the front recommendation. I've been riding for 40+ years and every other bike I have owned called for 2-4 lower  psi front than the rear. So I run 39 psi front and get excellent results from either a Pirelli Angel or a Shinko Verge. Excellent means about 10,000 miles and better handling and grip than a PR2.

[Rhino]

I run 42 in my pilot roads and it seems fine. I admit I don't push the corners like a lot of people. When traveling I don't bother to air up unless they get below 38. But I do find that it seems lighter handling with the higher pressure.

[Mister Tee]

I absolutely HATE the handling when the pressure drops below 42 front or rear!  It feels sluggish.  I run higher (36/42) pressures on my track sportbike as well, when I'm running street tires.

[fmwhit]

The Michelin Rep was in one of the local bike shops here in Newburgh and I had mentioned that I was running 41-42 psi  in the tires and his comment was that  it sounded abt right to him.  He seemed to think that any less and there would be problems with cupping.  He did tell me that the C14 and the Goldwing both seem to chew up tires.

[roger dodger]

Since the bike is designed for both SPORT and TOURING, I see how both pressures could work well. I like lower pressure (36/38) when it's cold or raining....and sporty corners.

Most of my commuting time I stay around 42/42 (on PR3s) for a firmer yet longer lasting ride. YMMV

[wally_games]

I normally run about 42, but if it's 39/40 or above, I don't bother airing up.

[Pokey]

Heavy powerful bike, hence the 42 PSI, ignore that at your own risk and excessive tire wear.

[stevewfl]

At 42 I rail the hell outa mine in both the desert and mountain environments, no issues to report.

I used to run this bike regularly at much lower PSI 

[Mister Tee]

At 42 I rail the hell outa mine in both the desert and mountain environments, no issues to report.

I used to run this bike regularly at much lower PSI 

Although once your tires warmed up after a few laps, they were probably back up in that range!

For some reason kids on sportbikes seem to think it's cool to run super low pressures on street tires so they can (try to) heat cycle them like track tires.

[robbie]

I run 42/42. Always been happy there.

[CARLÃO]

Yes, I usually run with 42 as the manual reccomends. Let me comment about a problem that I have in my region when I need to inflate the tires. The gas stations usually don't have valves that fit with the valves of the tires and it's hard, even impossible to get the tires with right pressure, so, I  installed two 90º adapters that make it easy to do and they keep the pressure OK even after a lot of miles.

[chap]

I always run 42/42. I top up at 39. Tire wear is pretty good 13,000 km (8000 Mi) on stock tires. and are just at the wearbar now. I will keep with the recomended. If you want a softer ride adjust your suspension instead.

[katata1100]

Interesting discussion. After the Ford Expedition episode, car makers have upped pressures. I call BFG about tire pressures for my '06 GTO and they said the factory specs were high. useful only if I was transporting bricks in my trunk! I lowered them as they suggesed and got much better ride, tires wear nice.

[Ddfee]

I just replaced the stockers and got 18,000 kms (11,100 miles) worn down to the wear bars. Installed pilot 3s, so we will see how they fare...so far me like.

Dave

[C1xRider]

I cranked the stock front up to 45psi just before I replaced it, and it actually felt like a real tire, which prior to that (at 42psi), it did not.  Of course, a day later it was off the bike.