Check yer ferkin tyre pressures

[FROSTY]

I know full well this is an old chestnut. Pretty darn boring for most of ya.
But Please go check your bike tyre pressures.
Over the past few weeks I've been doing sneaky checks on bike tyre pressures from visitors to my car yard. All bar one had low pressure in at least one of their tyres.
Some were stupid low.
One was actually a rental bike from a reputable south Auckland bike shop.
Humour an old bugger would ya?

[Racer X]

Define low and stupid low pls..

[EJK]

I should top up now lol

[FROSTY]

low--4-10psi out. stupid low--er um 16psi in the rear 22 in the front - and that was the pressure IN the tyre not the amount itwas down by

[Usarka]

I should top up now lol

dude you need to put air in the whole tyre not just up the top. Some even think the bottom is the most important as that's where it goes flat first.

[Usarka]

16/22 is probably in the stupid category......imho

Should tyre pressures be any lower (or higher) because of the colder ambient temperature?

[Disco Dan]

If you know you bike you can tell when either tyre is down by even a couple of psi.

41 front and rear...

[HenryDorsetCase]

16/22 is probably in the stupid category......imho

Should tyre pressures be any lower (or higher) because of the colder ambient temperature?

Timely reminder. Horses for courses though: I run my tyres on the street a full 10psi lower in the front and 6psi in the rear lower than makers recommendations. Honda say 42 front and rear for the Hornet, but I am running Diablo Corsas and they seem very happy at 32 F 36R on the street, and 29F 27R on the track.

Having said that because I am an old bastard as well, i religiously check tyre pressures before every ride, and once a week in the car...... anal, I know.

[quallman1234]

Speaking off this.

Ive been noticing recently that my tyre's tend to leak air after a wee while.
Felt like the back was a bit funny the other night so i went and checked my tyre pressure. Wasn't my back it was my front at only 14 psi. (aint the first time).
Anywho i was swapping tyres from rim's to rims because i had sold my spare rim and wanted the good tyre (he only wanted the rim anyway so doesn't matter). I noticed that there was a cheap tubeless tyre valve in my front tyre. The rim's werent tubeless however the tyre was.
Figures eh
Replaced it with a tube today. :yes:

[HenryDorsetCase]

Speaking off this.

Ive been noticing recently that my tyre's tend to leak air after a wee while.
Felt like the back was a bit funny the other night so i went and checked my tyre pressure. Wasn't my back it was my front at only 14 psi. (aint the first time).
Anywho i was swapping tyres from rim's to rims because i had sold my spare rim and wanted the good tyre (he only wanted the rim anyway so doesn't matter). I noticed that there was a cheap tubeless tyre valve in my front tyre. The rim's werent tubeless however the tyre was.
Figures eh
Replaced it with a tube today. :yes:

it its a little bike you might be OK with the stuff they use to make non tubeless MTB tyres into tubeless tyres. I wouldnt use it on your R1 though!

http://www.notubes.com/

[Number One]

It is elementary but I have to admit to having been a bit slack lately.

Was good though because I was able to recognise it and then when I fixed it I got that awesome satisfaction of being able to all of a sudden get my mojo back and feel that it was instantly 100% better.

Popped into the local garage and did it again before I went off today for a nice gentle tootle. I am a tyre pressure checker now :yes:

[nallac]

frosty my good man,
i have a sneaking suspicion that my pressures are
not right, can you please come and check mine for me.pretty please.
i would do it myself but have been to lazy..

thanks for the reminder, need to gas up anyway so will check em then.

[jrandom]

Beats me how people fail to notice. I've always found that 2psi out is very noticeable.

Then again, maybe some riders are just used to low pressures?

[Swoop]

Did this yesterday lunchtime. People really don't appreciate it when you ride into a building to get to the airhose:yes:


The other week I left a note on a student's bike. The back tyre was at least 10 psi low (or perhaps there is a new trend for "low profile" tyres on Scorpio's?).

[Number One]

Beats me how people fail to notice.

From my perspective I still finding my feet and reconnecting with the biker within. Pleased that I did notice and recognised my riding differently to compensate - it was nice to be comfortable immediately once I'd topp and bottom filled my tyres :shutup:

Crashing can be a bit of a mindfuck.

[jrandom]

From my perspective...

Sorry, I should have been more specific; when I said 'people', I meant 'other than girls'.

:pinch:

[arj127]

I'm going to do it right now!

[skidMark]

If you know you bike you can tell when either tyre is down by even a couple of psi.

41 front and rear...


41!!! then again you do ride a whale.

[skidMark]

I'm going to do it right now!

Awesomo...

[Maha]

36 front and 42 rear..I carry a pressure gauge but should more onto it and check more often than I do...will do it this weekend, thanks FrOsTy you have possibly saved my life...:niceone:

[arj127]

Hmmmm, 23psi front, 21 psi rear, thought it was handling a little funny. Oh well, my bad.



Awesomo... Make sure you check the tyre pressures on that bmx skiddy

[skidMark]

I know full well this is an old chestnut. Pretty darn boring for most of ya.
But Please go check your bike tyre pressures.
Over the past few weeks I've been doing sneaky checks on bike tyre pressures from visitors to my car yard. All bar one had low pressure in at least one of their tyres.
Some were stupid low.
One was actually a rental bike from a reputable south Auckland bike shop.
Humour an old bugger would ya?


SO you are saying you touched peoples bikes without thier permission?

[Motu]

I hardly ever check my pressure,but I prefer low presures so it doesn't concern me.15 psi front and rear is my normal pressure on the XT600...12psi on the DT230 - this is for street use.

[Boob Johnson]

Just bought a lil gauge this week............after checking & discovering the pressure was soooooo far out it was almost laughable, ok not almost, it WAS laughable.

I was told the TL's have to be "riden" etc so was thinkin after the first open road ride........."geeez the reviews weren't wrong were they, this thing is a bloody handful"............front 16psi :innocent:



Note to self: next time I buy another bike make sure its the first thing that is checked before I ride :innocent:


ps: Good reminder Frosty :niceone:

[Pussy]

And remember to put fuel in your bikes... they won't go without it

[flyingbrick]

And wear pants when you ride. Always wear pants. Always.

[dipshit]

Every bike rider should have a foot pump and pressure gauge at home so they can check *and adjust* pressures cold regularly.

You can get this really nice Michelin foot pump for around $35 from supercheap auto, so there is no excuse.
http://www.quickshop.co.uk/detail/d=Michelin_Single_Barrel_Footpump/jumpToFirst=t/

[Katman]

And wear pants when you ride. Always wear pants. Always.

And always turn the fly to the front.

[zeocen]

I did my ZZR1100 at 40/42 also, with Avon Azaro's and 40/42 with Avon Storms on the Blackbird.. I'm also super anal about it, but I have been known to forget :(

My ninja is at 33/36.. just based on what I was told and what the manual says.. I always thought different tyres were different PSIs? I always ask my tyre guy what pressure I should put in them, more often than not they have given me tyre specific PSIs?

Never thought about different PSI in winter though, what's the deal on this? (yes, I skim read, forgive me if it's already answered :D)

/edit; I have that Michelen foot pump, very good! Quite accurate too as far as I can tell, well worth the cheapo $$ it goes for at Supacheap

[Mike748]

I check tyre pressure every ride, especially if it's been a while.
I now have three guages and I'm not happy with any of them.
Anyone know where I can get an angled analogue gauge.

[Stickchick]

Beats me how people fail to notice. I've always found that 2psi out is very noticeable.

Then again, maybe some riders are just used to low pressures?

Have you checked the tyres on the EL lately? Have ya huh huh huh? :Pokey:

[Movistar]

I check tyre pressure every ride, especially if it's been a while.
I now have three guages and I'm not happy with any of them.
Anyone know where I can get an angled analogue gauge.

I got myself a 'USA Specialty Products' analogue gauge, funnily enough from USA Specialty Products here in town. Was around $80, oil filled etc with a nice braided line, fancy chrome (well I didn't want to pay $80 for a plastic bastard!).

Checked it against another $140 gauge and readings were the same so I assume it's accurate...

Check mine everytime without fail, fire up the compressor if I need to an blow a bit of air in to keep 'em right.

Of course you can always go to your local Firestone Dealer get them filled with nitrogen and get some beautiful looking green tyre valve caps...

[pritch]

Checked it against another $140 gauge and readings were the same so I assume it's accurate...

Firestone etc are supposed to have calibrated gauges, as should shops that work with race bikes. My plastic fantastic checked out right on.

In the m/c mags the tyre experts say most bikes have under-inflated tyres.
Some because the owners are just slack, others because the owner imagines a performance advantage.

The tyre manufacturers are well aware of this but they aren't going to say too much because these guys (and gals) are cutting out tyres waaay faster than they need to... More money for Michelin, Metzeler, Avon, and all.

[Gremlin]

Pilot Road 2's are notorious for this... They will lose around 3 psi a week :blink:

The last few days, I could have sworn blind that something was wrong with the front, as it lost 4 psi each day, 2 days in a row. Then the next, it was holding fine... not getting these damn tyres again. Fantastic for everything but the most important thing... holding air :wacko:

[jrandom]

Pilot Road 2's are notorious for this... They will lose around 3 psi a week :blink:

I just put 13,000km on a pair of PR2s, and I could count the number of times I had to top up the pressure on the fingers of one hand.

I believe the experiences of other PR2 users would tend toward the same.


The last few days, I could have sworn blind that something was wrong with the front, as it lost 4 psi each day, 2 days in a row. Then the next, it was holding fine... not getting these damn tyres again.

You're quite sure your rims are true?

[Skyryder]

I know full well this is an old chestnut. Pretty darn boring for most of ya.
But Please go check your bike tyre pressures.
Over the past few weeks I've been doing sneaky checks on bike tyre pressures from visitors to my car yard. All bar one had low pressure in at least one of their tyres.
Some were stupid low.
One was actually a rental bike from a reputable south Auckland bike shop.
Humour an old bugger would ya?

Good call..................was going to go for a we 'squirt' today over to Akaroa checked tyres etc put in liners both trou and jacket and it starts to rain. Bugger. Oh well them's the breaks.............so it off to the groceries.:sleep:


Skyryder

[quallman1234]

it its a little bike you might be OK with the stuff they use to make non tubeless MTB tyres into tubeless tyres. I wouldnt use it on your R1 though!

http://www.notubes.com/

It held pressure no doubt, but simply because it was not a tubeless rim it would slowly leak over time. A sealent like that would probabaly work, i prefer tube's anyways!

[HenryDorsetCase]

I check tyre pressure every ride, especially if it's been a while.
I now have three guages and I'm not happy with any of them.
Anyone know where I can get an angled analogue gauge.

Mine is labelled Accu Gauge (with a name like that it MUST be accurate, right): got it from the tool merchants in town, about $40? ten years ago though.

I still have the very first accu gauge I bought which is >25 years old. I only upgraded because modern bikes with big discs and 17in wheels just about mandate somthing with a flexi hose attachment.

I use a Blackburn track pump to put air in, (I am a cyclist too, so Ive had it a while) but the gauge is not accurate.

[Kickaha]

Firestone etc are supposed to have calibrated gauges, as should shops that work with race bikes. My plastic fantastic checked out right on.


In my experience very few tyres shops go to the expense of having their gauges calibrated, we get it done yearly and it costs about $400 to have 5 gauges done

Re tyre pressures, just going off what it says on the wall of the tyre is not the correct way of doing it, the pressures quoted there are generally for maximum load the tyre can carry

[Skyryder]

I like them a bit softer in winter. About two clicks down.


Skyryder

[Gremlin]

I just put 13,000km on a pair of PR2s, and I could count the number of times I had to top up the pressure on the fingers of one hand.

I believe the experiences of other PR2 users would tend toward the same.

You're quite sure your rims are true?

Dang weird then mate... Zapf's other bike, a blackbird, when it had roads had the exact same issue... you either ride it or not, and the damn things still go down.

Re rims, I don't have any cause for concern, haven't had a buckled rim, so wouldn't know what to look for exactly, but I don't feel anything odd (other than when the pressures kept dropping) and I ride the bike a lot (as in, 6 days a week, and work involves riding around greater auckland whenever needed)

[TimeOut]

I just put 13,000km on a pair of PR2s, and I could count the number of times I had to top up the pressure on the fingers of one hand.

I believe the experiences of other PR2 users would tend toward the same.



PR front PR2 back 7000km only topped up twice less than 2 psi down

[PrincessBandit]

Very good point. We did check all 3 of our bikes just yesterday and the results were worthy of a :spanking:. Balu bought a pressure gauge and off we tootled to the nearest BP to remedy the situation. Will make sure it's part of the regular check in future!

[marioc]

Thanks for the heads up,mine were way out

[nico]

might sound stupit but what are the presures we should be looking for?? in our tryes

[Usarka]

might sound stupit but what are the presures we should be looking for?? in our tryes

From my (limited) experience most road bikes are around 35-39 for the front and 37-42 on the rear...

However lots of people believe lower pressures are better, personally on the road i'm fine with the recommended psi.

You should try to track down a manual for your bike.


ps - or look at a tyre website, eg Avon (http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle/?page=fitment&method=fitments&manufacturer=31&id=667&model=vfr%20750&year=1994)

VFR 750 F S-V (1994 - 1997)
Front Tyres
» Storm-ST
» Viper Sport
Size 120/70ZR17 (58W)
2.5 bar (36psi)

Rear tyres
» Storm-ST
» Viper Sport
Size 170/60ZR17 (72W)
2.9 bar (42psi)

[Pussy]

Also.... remember to check that your motorcycle actually has tyres on it

[Usarka]

Also.... remember to check that your motorcycle actually has tyres on it

The sparks and poor cornering qualities probably give it away... :bleh: but then again if people are riding around at 16psi and not realising then maybe you have a good point :lol:

[madbikeboy]

Also.... remember to check that your motorcycle actually has tyres on it

This is harder than it sounds if you own a gixer - the tires seem to disolve with use? :)

[scracha]

Timely reminder. Horses for courses though: I run my tyres on the street a full 10psi lower in the front and 6psi in the rear lower than makers recommendations. Honda say 42 front and rear for the Hornet, but I am running Diablo Corsas and they seem very happy at 32 F 36R on the street, and 29F 27R on the track.

Having said that because I am an old bastard as well, i religiously check tyre pressures before every ride, and once a week in the car...... anal, I know.

All in your head mate. These tyre companies and motorcycle manufacturers do a LOT of testing so they don't just come up with figures like 42psi out of thin air.

[HenryDorsetCase]

All in your head mate. These tyre companies and motorcycle manufacturers do a LOT of testing so they don't just come up with figures like 42psi out of thin air.

Even if it is all in my head, just because I feel better about it then it IS better if you get my drift. The stock tyres on the bike were some shitty pieces of Bridgestone crap, and as I said I am running decent sticky rubber. I didnt just decide to run the pressures I did for shits and giggles, I arrived at the pressures for me, my weight, for the roads I road and my riding style, based on empirical experiments. Trust me, it is better. It might not be better for you, but it definitely is better for me.

How is it better you ask? Well, its a street bike that sees the occasional trackday and two up riding: lower front tyre pressure gives better front end feel, better small bump compliance and better turn in than stock pressures did.

Rear is better small bump compliance (though my Ohlins shock was the biggest improvement there) and certainly better mid corner feel especially at a medium (i.e. street riding) pace.

[Kickaha]

ps - or look at a tyre website, eg Avon (http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle/?page=fitment&method=fitments&manufacturer=31&id=667&model=vfr%20750&year=1994)

VFR 750 F S-V (1994 - 1997)
Front Tyres
» Storm-ST
» Viper Sport
Size 120/70ZR17 (58W)
2.5 bar (36psi)

Rear tyres
» Storm-ST
» Viper Sport
Size 170/60ZR17 (72W)
2.9 bar (42psi)

And at what load are those pressures for?

[Motig]

But its better to have really low tyre pressures so that you dont notice those annoying bumps isn't it ?
Seriously I see the Warehouse has those Michelin single pumps for $29.99 (in Oamaru anyway).

[klingon]

Re tyre pressures, just going off what it says on the wall of the tyre is not the correct way of doing it, the pressures quoted there are generally for maximum load the tyre can carry

Yeah I just had this experience... took my bike in for a warrant and while I was there the helpful man checked my tyre pressures. He said they were low (he didn't say how low) and pumped them both up to 40psi. Turns out 40psi is the max that's written on the tyre so the helpful man over-inflated them.

I need to get myself a reliable gauge so I can set the pressures easily at home while the tyre's cold.

[Usarka]

Re tyre pressures, just going off what it says on the wall of the tyre is not the correct way of doing it, the pressures quoted there are generally for maximum load the tyre can carry

Not trying to be a smart-arse, but what IS the best way of doing it then?


Is there a general rule of thumb ie subtract 2-3psi?

edit:
from the Conti site (http://www.conti-tyres.co.uk/contibike/tyresafety.php)

Advice on tyre pressure
Motorcycle manufacturers always go into the subject of air pressure in great detail in their vehicle manuals. It is possible to find instruction on air pressure for every driving situation. In addition it is usually possible to find a sticker on the vehicle with the necessary information written on it.

The manufacturers make a distinction between load (riding solo or with a pillion passenger, with or without luggage) and speed (on secondary roads or motor-ways).

Naturally in such a short fitment guide it is not possible to give the necessary tyre pressure details for every motorbike and because of this we refer you to the recommendations of the motorcycle manufacturers.

From years of experience we are aware that motorcyclists sometimes ride on tyres for which the air pressure is not suited to the driving conditions. We do however advise that you always ride at the highest pressure level given in the manual.

Some amount of comfort will be lost, but that loss will be outweighed by improved safety. In addition the rolling resistance will be lower which will help to save fuel.

Incorrect inflation pressure reduces the service life and may have a negative influence on the riding characteristics of the motorcycle.

Under-inflated tyres flex excessively, easily overheat and can suffer damage. Over-inflation can cause uneven wear. Improper inflation, either too high or too low, can adversely affect overall handling and ride quality.

Tyre pressure will be measured when the tyres are cold. During riding the tyre becomes warm and the tyre pressure is there-fore higher (up to 0,5 bar). This excess pressure should not be let off as it will automatically be balanced out as the tyre cools down again.

If you possess no tyre pressure recommendations for your motorcycle follow air pressure recommendations shown in the Continental fitment guide.

As a rule the tyre pressure for motorway riding should be 0.2 bar higher. The same also applies to a bike with a fully laden rear axle.

[pritch]

Seriously I see the Warehouse has those Michelin single pumps for $29.99 (in Oamaru anyway).

Umm I wrote nice things about my Michelin pump whan I bought it but after very little use the hose has broken off. Currently I am a lot less pleased with my purchase and was thinking of getting a suitable cycle track pump...