tire preasure

[big al]

i know the specs call for 42 psi , is anyone running lower preasure in tires, all my ridiing buddies on various sport bikes tell me to lower the preasure some and the bike will handle better in the twisties, any thoughts

[ZG]

They probably aren't riding a bike that weighs 700 lbs Al...

 

[big al]

yep  thought of that, these guys are all good riders , some sponsered at the track, they are talking about a few pounds under spec around 37 rear and front cold

[ZG]

For "sport" bikes I agree, I run 36 on my Gixxer, and sometimes even lower...

[JetJock]

What they're telling you is that a tire heats up from friction and can easily climb several degrees within a couple laps. So if you start at 37psi cold, it will warm up to 40 to 42psi on the track. Depending on your skills, you might or might not notice any difference.

I race. I can feel the diff when the tires are too soft or hard.

[big al]

i have always had big crusiers, bought the 2010 connie last year and absoulutly love it, we finaly got the suspension tuned in for me and they advised to drop tire preasure a bit, i have always ran spec before was curious as to what other guys where doing or if there is a problem if i keep it this way  seems to take the curves better,

[Shad0hawK]

i run 42 for commuting, 38ish playing.

[Rawman]

With a bike this heavy, you should be able to notice right away between 38 and 42.  At 36-38psi I relate it to almost a "smoosh" feeling the instant I turn in, but it sticks well through the center.  At 42 I don't feel the tire forming to the road much, and you get almost a wash feeling, but my PR2 still sticks well.

[cutback]

I've tried everything from 33/34, which I find too sluggish at turn in and mid corner(bike also standig up @ mid corner),and everything inbetween to 40/40,  to my current set up 36-37/38. When riding my connie like a liter bike, this seems to yeild best feed back, grip and not too excessive bar inputs needed for aggressive sport use. Also, you will find rider weight to be a consideration. I weigh 160lbs, 177lbs full gear.

[Bob]

I've tried everything from 33/34, which I find too sluggish at turn in and mid corner(bike also standig up @ mid corner
<Snip>

You probably had a problem with low tire pressure warning taking over your dash at this point as well! This is the point where the warning alerts you! 

[cutback]

No warnings at that pressure but, I know they work as I had warnings, front and rear on bike, when I picked up from dealer. My tires showed 18lbs rear, 22lbs front

[Bob]

No warnings at that pressure but, I know they work as I had warnings, front and rear on bike, when I picked up from dealer. My tires showed 18lbs rear, 22lbs front

That's surprising. They're suppose to alarm around 34lbs.! That's when mine alarmed like the manual stated. No matter, they worked for me, that was the important part!!! 

[Mister Tee]

Me, I hate low tire pressures.  My C14 handles best at 42 or higher.  In the 30's it feels like a dog.  I also run about 36/42 in the gsxr on the track if I'm running street Pilot Powers.  I run cold pressures in the low 30's if I'm running race tires, which still equates to a hot pressure in the low 40's.

[jjnorc]

I Go with 42psi @ 68 F. Front and rear.

There was a temp/pressure chart on the old forum to compensate for different temperatures

[cutback]

That's surprising. They're suppose to alarm around 34lbs.! That's when mine alarmed like the manual stated. No matter, they worked for me, that was the important part!!! 

I have verified a 1-11/2 lb difference in kawi's TPS readings and my (2) most trusted air guages. Maybe, I was right at the threshold of them triggering.

[cutback]

Me, I hate low tire pressures.  My C14 handles best at 42 or higher.  In the 30's it feels like a dog.  I also run about 36/42 in the gsxr on the track if I'm running street Pilot Powers.  I run cold pressures in the low 30's if I'm running race tires, which still equates to a hot pressure in the low 40's.

Wow! When I'm doin' trackdays, whether on BT 016's, 2ct's or Q2's I run 29-32lbs cold.

[mikeboileau]

42 for me too.

[mike]

Here's the chart that Fred H. originally posted........

[jjnorc]

  Thanks for the chart. I have it laminated, on the garage wall, with a thermometer.