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Just a question I thought of while checking tire pressure. I have a 1981 Goldwing, the recommended Front tire pressure is supposed to be something like 28psi according to the Haynes manual I have. The max pressure on the tire itself is something like 40 I believe. These numbers are guesses because I am not at the bike right now. I just know that the manual had a lot lower psi listed. Which should I go by, does the manual assume you have stock tires? Should I adjust my tire pressure to what the manual says or in the range listed on the tire. I know that running a tire low can heat it up quicker, and wear it down sooner. Thanks for the help, hope this makes sense.

Well, do you have stock tires? The haynes manual is great but obviously won't even give you the slightest inclination toward which would be better for you if you aren't running what it was based on.

Tire pressures affect more than the life of the tire - especially for a motorcycle. To keep it simple, if you have stock size tires, then go with what the manufacturer of the motorcycle or the haynes manual says. If you really doubt that there's enough presuure in the tires, the Tire Manufacturer can also give you a recommended pressure for your application if you call their info line.

The pressure in a motorcycle tire affects roadhandling to a very large degree - too much air (like the max pressure on the sidewall of the tire) will cause you to lose valuable contact patch size (Where the tire meets the road.) Too little air can cause the problems you mentioned. plus it can also adversely affect handling and steering.

Go with what the manual says.

What TechBMW said. The number on the side of the tire is the max pressure. The tire manufacturer has no idea what kind of bike you're putting it on. The factory recommended pressures take into account the suspension and the amount of weight on each tire. Most bikes I've owned had two pressures for the rear tire. One for a light load and one for a heavy load. Having the right pressure makes a big difference in how the bike handles.

go with the 28psi

I agree with all of the above. The manual takes factors such as the weight of the bike into consideration, when the tire manufacture has no idea. Defenately go with the manual on this one.

Tire manufactures have firment guides to show what tires the recommend for your bike and also give suggested tire pressures for that application like this on from Dunlop:

Make: Honda | Model: GL 1100 / I (80-81) - Gold Wing / Interstate
Front Rim Size: 2.15x19 | Rear Rim Size: 2.50x17
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Recommended Front Tire:
Tire : D404 | Size : 110/90-19 | Loaded PSI : 32

Recommended Rear Tire:
Tire : D404 | Size : 130/90-17 | Loaded PSI : 40

Tire manufactures also have charts showing their recommended tire pressures based on tire size and load like this one from Metzeler:



Also check the bike manufacture's recommendation based on OE brand and size tires. There should be a sticker on the bike showing this unless someone removed it. Look on the swing arm, chain guard or drive shaft housing, frame, or possibly under seat for this sticker.

There shouldn't be a lot of difference in the settings from these various sources unless you are using a tire quite different from the OE tires.