Tire Pressure Question

[Sarisha]

I am a new rider and have a 250 Ninja with stock tires. I am 135lb and very very rarely cary any load more than about 5lbs with me on the bike.

Here is the question: All the reading I have done on various sites say that tire pressure is fairly personal to the rider. The stock tires both indicate 36. Some Ninja riders say 32/34 for lighter ppl to 32-34/36 depending. They say that with stock Dunlop tires the higher pressure gives better handling but not as much stickiness. The lower pressure 28/32 gives more stickiness and less precise turning but there is a tendency to have a bit of a "slide out" on the rear tire when using heavier back break.

Any advice from more experienced riders on what I should be thinking about in the pressure dept.?

Thanks,
Sari

[KarateChick]

I've been on my 06 250 now for a couple of weeks and have left the pressure on the stock tires at 28/32 as suggested in my manual. I also had the 01 ninja at the same pressures. I weigh 110-115 and have not yet had any problems with those recommended pressures. Please note though, I too am a fairly new rider so am not giving you an "experienced" suggestion.

How heavy are you being on the rear brake? Maybe lighten up more there and and see if that is what is causing the sliding. Try a little more of the front brake without actually grabbing a big handful of it. But even if you are a little heavy on the front brake, I've found this little kawi to be quite forgiving.

[Wizzard]

Using the pressure suggested in the manual is always preferable to using the pressure stated on the tires themselves .
Regards, Wizzard

[The Grinch]

I'd say that at this stage in your riding career, you're best off sticking to whatever it says in the owner's manual. I doubt that you'd be able to tell the difference between pressures just a few PSI apart anyway.

[snwbrdr]

Im on a 2000 250, right now its at 28/32 right now. i think i like it there. when i drag race ill lower to 22/26. gives better rear traction and reduces the shock when you come down from a wheelie. i think that if you're in the 28/32 ballpark you should be okay, definitely follow your M.O.M see what she says, i dont think it will make a huge difference if the difference is within only a few pounds.

[bok]

only issue, bike has no owners manual...97 ninja 250...i imagine it's the same specs as the 2000-2006 though...will set it at 28/32 before she gets home from work (shhh don't tell )

[snwbrdr]

i dont have the M.O.M. either and the only service manual kawa makes is one book to cover 86+.