what is best tire pressure

[space_man]

Good day guys and girls
I got an old kawaski and would like to know what is the best tire pressure for it. I did put new tires on it with new tubes. I have heard that in the back i should have about 42 and the front about 36psi. What do you think???


space_man

[Ladymx]

It actually tells you on the tire, what the max pressure should be. I usually put around 5 less then what they say, my self. My tires are sitting about 38psi in both front and back.

[Gadjet]

I run spec pressures on my tires - 36 rear and 28 front. I'll put it up if I have a load in the bags or a passenger.

[BDRONAGOLDWING]

The manufacture of the tires has done all of the research for you. The pressure that is stamped on the side is there for a reason. This is the optimal pressure for that tire size and load rating as well as the best handling for that tire. Tire pressures change as much as 5 pounds after the tire gets hot so it is best to check them before you take off. They also vary due to outside temps. So even if it is properly inflated today it may not be tomorrow. I ride a heavy bike so I keep mine at the max pressure all of the time, and can usually tell if they are off even a pound or two. But they will last longer and wear evenly if you watch the presssure reguarly.

[d2mini]

The manufacture of the tires has done all of the research for you. The pressure that is stamped on the side is there for a reason. This is the optimal pressure for that tire size and load rating as well as the best handling for that tire. Tire pressures change as much as 5 pounds after the tire gets hot so it is best to check them before you take off. They also vary due to outside temps. So even if it is properly inflated today it may not be tomorrow. I ride a heavy bike so I keep mine at the max pressure all of the time, and can usually tell if they are off even a pound or two. But they will last longer and wear evenly if you watch the presssure reguarly.

The pressure stamped on the side of the tire is the MAX pressure. Which is not always the optimal pressure.

[TechTMW]

The pressure stamped on the side of the tire is the MAX pressure. Which is not always the optimal pressure.

Correct. Optimal tire pressure is determined by the bike manufacturer and is in the owners manual or shop manual.

[space_man]

thanks guys

space_man

[gsJack]

The bike mfg has it's recommendation for tire pressure and unless it's been removed it will appear somewhere on the bike. A label on the frame, on the chain guard, under seat, etc. Look for it on your bike.

Tire mfgs have online fitment guides which show their recommended tires for your bike and also the pressure. Also the tire manufacturers have charts showing generally recommended pressures based on tire size and load you are carrying like this one from Metzeler:

http://us.f1f.yahoofs.com/bc/be2f8c8e_m ... CBvfqlOvQL