Tire Pressure

[Chief]

Tires have either a recommended inflation range or a maximum cold
inflation pressure branded on the tire's sidewall (NEVER exceed this maximum).

Tires should be run at the upper end of the range - regardless of
what the bike mfg says. This pressure should be determined when the
tire is COLD... don't add/subtract air on tires that are hot from riding.

Exactly where in the upper part of the range would be like Harpo
indicated... a result of experimentation.

Here's what Dunlop says:

For touring motorcycle loading, follow these general guidelines:
* Light loads-single rider with some luggage (up to 200 lb.
total)-minimum tire pressure of 32 psi front and 36 psi rear must be
maintained.
* Heavier loads-dual riding and/or luggage (from 200 lb. total up
to maximum motorcycle capacity stated in the owner's manual)-pressure
of 36 psi front and 40 psi rear must be maintained.

Please Note:
For any dual riding or fully loaded use, 40 psi must be maintained in
all Dunlop rear tires fitted to touring motorcycles.

<http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/infocenter_tiretips.asp?id=31>http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/infocenter_tiretips.asp?id=31

So on my GW at least 36 front and 40 rear.



Here's what Metzeler says:

Touring/Cruiser

ME 880 Marathon - Solo - Front - 36-40; Rear 44-46 | 2up light -
F/40-42; R/46-48 | 2up heavy - F/40-42; R/48-50

For bikes with following rear tire sizes:

150/80-16; 160/80B16, 180/70R16, 180/r16, 200/60R16, 240/50R16,
170/60R17, 210/50R17,160/60R18,180/55ZR18,200/50R18,240/40R18,280/35R18:

ME880 REAR - Solo=40, 2up light=42, 2up heavy=42.

These air recommendations are based on a 170-lb solo rider. These are
general guidelines only.

<http://www.us.metzelermoto.com/media/vtwin_04.pdf;jsessionid=FTPLCGKHHWO4TFYKJOPSFEY>http://www.us.metzelermoto.com/media/vtwin_04.pdf;jsessionid=FTPLCGKHHWO4TFYKJOPSFEY

So for me -Drifter ... looks like 40-42 in front and 42 rear.


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