Tire Pressure Recommendation

[Dr. Jekyll]

What pressure do you guys use front and back for the most mileage / performance comprise? This is for a solo rider.

 

[Burnspot]

40 front, 42 rear....pretty common figures around here.

 

[wheatonFJR]

If it's cooler temps, like early spring or late fall and I'm running tight, twisty roads, I will put 36 PSI in the front tire now.

I don't need no max economy on the twisty bits...

 

[fjrrider]

40/40 or dang near it!

 

[Dr. Jekyll]

I thank all you gentlemen for your reply.

 

[BkrK12]

Here's a slightly different thought on the subject. I find that the bike handles about the same with the front tire pressure anywhere between 38 and 41 pounds, as long as you keep a differential of +3 pounds from front to rear.

I just picked up my bike from the dealer and it handled like a truck. Next morning, after it had a chance to sit overnight, I measured pressures. Front was at 39 and rear was at 46. I don't know who at the dealership thought that was a good combination. I dropped the rear down to 42 and everything was fine again.

I might be the only one who thinks it works this way, but give it a try. It might be interesting. Also, don't be constrained by the +3 pounds. Maybe for you it needs to be some other number. Play with it and you'll find what works best for you.

Dan

 

[Blind Squirrel]

41/41.

 

[robinh]

Over this side of the pond we use 36 Front 42 Rear 2 up fully loaded, mind you same unloaded as well.

 

[Donal]

39 front and 42 rear for me - maybe the 3 psi differential does have something going for it

Don

 

[NMRoadRunner]

39 front, 40 rear, solo. 40 front, 42 rear, loaded.

 

[networkguy]

38/39 front, 40/41 rear solo or two up fully loaded.

 

[Queensland Ken]

40 front 42 rear

Do most of my riding 1up touring with PR'2

 

[builderwill]

I run mine about this range - 40-42 psi. A friend just bought a new '09 AE and the dealer's sales manager told him he should run about 30 PSI. When my friend asked why so low the response was that the tire flattens out more and doesn't wear down the center of the tire as quickly!!

I met up with him the day after he picked it up and we promptly corrected that problem. I just can't believe someone in the business gives that kind of advice.

 

[bramfrank]

The manufacturer knows best . . . . . 39/42

 

[MrTwisty]

The manufacturer knows best . . . . . 39/42

I agree. I don't vary much from what's posted on the swingarm, and I check the pressure weekly.

 

[LAF]

The manufacturer knows best . . . . . 39/42

I agree. I don't vary much from what's posted on the swingarm, and I check the pressure weekly.

I will graciously disagree. The tire manufacturer knows! The swing arm sticker has no idea you took those ****** BT021's off and installed a Avon, Metzler, Michelin, or Shinko on there. If you root around the manufacture's sites you can find their product catalogs that give all specs including high/low pressure, one/two up riding pressure.

A heavy bike like the FJR needs enough air to keep the sidewall from flexing and rolling over in hard leans and from it weakening from heat.

That said I run 40/42 but if I 2 up or load up for a trip I may go to 42/44. I then would evaluate wear and temp after a few hundred or sooner if it did not drive right which I doubt. One thing with a Tire Pressure Monitor, you can see PSI raise from heat. Been my experience I will get 5-7 PSI rise in the rear and 3-5 on the front tire depending on outside temp, type of road and riding. Each brand is a little different but not much. If I see anything up or down from that range I would need to stop and check out my tires, I have not needed to do that yet.

 

[Brodie]

42 front

30 rear
Most darksiders end up in that range with their big meat in back.

Brodie

 

[Donal]

Dunlop recommendation for Roadsmarts is 39 front & 42 rear.

Don

 

[HotRodZilla]

Back when I did my first tire swap, the front was pretty cupped. I posted something about it and TWN told me to try running 43/43. I ended up running 42 in the front and 43 in the rear, regardless of load. The bike was immediately a different animal, and I haven't had a cupped tire since. I've never had the tires slip or lose traction due to air pressure...Gravel and sand yes, tire pressure, no.