Tire pressure - confused - websites say low front high rear - riders do the opposite

[stangmx13]

Yes and no. Much depends on where and how you're going to use it.

i agree. my point is just that any change in how the tire feels or the necessary PSI for a given situation can be attributed to its construction, required operating temperature, size, profile, etc etc. for example, a thin construction tire will most likely require more pressure than a stiff construction tire in the same riding conditions.

 

[horsepower]

a tire is a tire, so maybe the answer to your question is... Starbucks and the interwebs.

or 42.

yeah, as ernie said, it just gets more confusing from here and I did get some actual new and valuable info out of this thread.

 

[Gary J]

The question again is, why would the STs or above street tires still be lower in the rear... even at 34/ 32.... when the average info and most other street tires and apps suggest 2 lbs higher in the rear....

Well Dani, part of the answer to why much of the unwashed masses laughing, just kidding) run higher pressure in the REAR tire on their bikes (despite riding solo only, and being interested in performance) is likely nothing more than good-ole-boy-network information being passed down the pike over the years.

If the same opinion shows up frequently enough, from enough people's mouths, regardless of the validity (or lack thereof), it will eventually begin being perceived as fact by those not knowing any better.

The other aspect is the differences in priorities by diffferent riders, with regards to what their tires will deliver in use.

For those that are more conservative in the levels they push their cornering/braking/acceleration while riding, and view maximizing the mileage they get between tire changes as the primary objective in deciding on tire pressure; running a higher PSI value (in the more heavily worked rear tire) may help towards achieving that goal.

Another aspect is that the reduced amount of carcass flex that their more conservative riding style will typically induce into the REAR tire, will likely produce a reduced temperature rise, and hence reduced delta increase in tire pressure from that measured while "cold", to that achieved during full use.

For those whose priority for their tire's performance is achieving maximum levels of grip, via improving road surface controuring; running pressures in the rear tire that start out "cold" at a slightly lower PSI than the front, is the magic formula towards that goal. Sacrificing some mileage out of the tire's life being an accepted tradeoff for those individuals.

No magic one tire pressure, or formula for deciding upon one reallly exists across the board ...... especially for "street" riding. Many factors need to be taken into account to come up with what's the best choice for a particular rider, on a particular bike, with a particular tire construction, under a particular set of riding conditions; and targeted goals-and-objectives.

In the end it often ends up being a case of going with what works for you ....... and let the other rider do the same.

 

[horsepower]

part of the answer to why much of the unwashed masses laughing, just kidding) run higher pressure in the REAR tire on their bikes (despite riding solo only, and being interested in performance) is likely nothing more than good-ole-boy-network information being passed down the pike over the years.

If the same opinion shows up frequently enough, from enough people's mouths, regardless of the validity (or lack thereof), it will eventually begin being perceived as fact by those not knowing any better.

Excellent info and insight and as I wash thoroughly I am even more confident that my individual set up is right *cough* superior *cough*.

 

[Cire 5th]

I have read these posts but none said about the -safe- range to be in. This is just normal street - twisty - riding.

What is the safest range to be in so that one's rims will not bend? What is the safest range to be in for one's tire to not pop when going over a pot hole or what have you? Basically, to not get any damage to your bike. I don't care about the longevity of the tire either.

For example, my bike's tire pressure says 29 in front 29 in rear. What is the range I could be in so that I don't have to keep inflating and/or deflating? I know what you guys thinking, depends on how much grip, turn, passenger load, or whatever -Minus that. I just want to know the safe range to be in without damaging the bike. +- 2 PSI? Say I measure at 29 in front 29 in rear cold one day. The next two weeks I get 27 front 27 rear. Is it still ok to ride. Or do I have to go to the gas station and put two more in it. Remember, minus what kind of riding quality i want.

What is the allowable safe range in most tires so you don't have to worry when checking - oh snap I am 2 below the manuals psi, i got to put air in the tire to meet spec? You know what I mean? What is the range?

I am more concerned for the seasonal aspect. If I was to ride tomorrow morning at 5:30 am. Would I benefit from have lower PSI than higher because I get more traction at lower. That type of safety.

 

[Cycle61]

If you set them at 32psi, check them occasionally, and never worry about it again, you'll probably be fine.

Tuning for optimal performance under specific conditions will require considerably more attention.

 

[Cire 5th]

If you set them at 32psi, check them occasionally, and never worry about it again, you'll probably be fine.

Tuning for optimal performance under specific conditions will require considerably more attention.

So youre saying to leave at 32.

So for specific conditions like cold weather right now with no rain or wind but fog with condensation on the road, I want to set it to lower PSI for traction, correct? That type of attention? Again my allowable range would be?

 

[Banjoboy]

I have read these posts but none said about the -safe- range to be in. This is just normal street - twisty - riding.

What is the safest range to be in for example so that one's rims will not bend? What is the safest range to be in for one's tire to not pop when going over a pot hole or what have you? Basically to not get any damage to your bike.

For example, my bike's tire pressure says 29 in front 29 in rear. What is the range I could be in so that I don't have to keep inflating and/or deflating? I know what you guys thinking, depends on how much grip, turn, passenger load, or whatever -Minus that. I just want to know the safe range to be in without damaging the bike. +- 2 PSI? Say I measure at 29 in front 29 in rear cold one day. The next two weeks I get 27 front 27 rear. Is it still ok to ride. Or do I have to go to the gas station and put two more in it. Remember, minus what kind of riding quality i want.

What is the allowable safe range in most tires so you don't have to worry when checking - oh snap I am 2 below the manuals psi, i got to put air in the tire to meet spec? You know what I mean? What is the range?

What duz yer manual say? That's more important than wutz on the side of the tire.
Your bike is light, so you don't need a lot of psi. (Unless you weigh 300 lbs?)
My bike is heavy, (660lbs) so I run 38-40 psi f, and 40-42 psi r.
If yer manual says 30, but the side of the tire says 42 max, then you could try anythang between those numbers; the more pressure the harsher the ride, and less grip, less pressure more grip, more compliant ride, but you'll get less mileage outta a tire.
As far as potholes go, I guess more pressure would be better?

 

[Cycle61]

I dunno. I pay attention to tire pressures during race weekends. The rest of the time, I'm pretty much oblivious, because on the street, you really shouldn't be pushing things to the point that a couple psi makes a difference.

 

[Cire 5th]

What duz yer manual say? That's more important than wutz on the side of the tire.
Your bike is light, so you don't need a lot of psi. (Unless you weigh 300 lbs?)
My bike is heavy, (660lbs) so I run 38-40 psi f, and 40-42 psi r.
If yer manual says 30, but the side of the tire says 42 max, then you could try anythang between those numbers; the more pressure the harsher the ride, and less grip, less pressure more grip, more compliant ride, but you'll get less mileage outta a tire.
As far as potholes go, I guess more pressure would be better?

I am going by my manual which states 29 PSI for front. Rear 29 PSI if less than 200lbs of added weight. If more than 200lbs it says 33 PSI.

I have not read whats on the wall of the tire....I should huh...lol...I am going to right now.

EDIT: ok on the wall of the tire it says max load cold 36 PSI both fr and r

 

[horsepower]

For most sport bikes, as Cycle61 said, 32-32 is safest mean you can go up as high as 40-40 and still be "safe" for commute, or as low as 28- 28twisty...although your bike will not turn very nimbly and your tires will not last half as long at low or below track pressures such as that (Below 30 psi cold). so IMHO absolute SAFEST= 31/31 to 36/36 without due worry.

 

[Cire 5th]

For most sport bikes, as Cycle61 said, 32-32 is safest mean you can go up as high as 40-40 and still be "safe" for commute, or as low as 28- 28twisty...although your bike will not turn very nimbly and your tires will not last half as long at low or below track pressures such as that (Below 30 psi cold). so IMHO absolute SAFEST= 31/31 to 36/36 without due worry.

Ok. Thanks.

 

[CoolBDPhenom03]

My owner's manual says this:

front: 2.2 bar (approx 32 psi)
rear: 2.4 bar (approx 35 psi)

For day to day riding, I would stick within the range of 32 to 36 psi for either tire.