Tyre pressure?

**Breed777** · 12th June 2009, 23:19

The guy I bought my GSXR from says 28psi..... is this right?

also, how accurate are the air pumps at petrol stations or should I be going to a proper tyre place?

Cheers

**Mom** · 12th June 2009, 23:23

28 psi where? In the front maybe, bit more in the rear as a rule. And no, I dont trust the guages at petrol stations as a rule. The one at our local Mobil is hopeless, the one at the shell a little bit more reliable. Take a pressure guage with you to be sure.

**Ragingrob** · 12th June 2009, 23:25

Buy a tyre pressure pen or the like from repco for like 10 bucks just to check after using gas station pumps in case. If you do a quick google for your bike's pressures you should be able to find out. 32r 28f was what I used to run on the 250, I think.

**MyGSXF:Me** · 12th June 2009, 23:28

Have you got a manual for your bike? do a google search.. or check the Suzuki website. Also check under the seat or on the side of your bike for a sticker, that shows the correct pressures. Bikes/tyres will vary depending on whether it's a sports/cruiser style etc. So get the correct pressures for 'your' bike!

Go to Repco & buy yourself a decent tyre pressure gauge (approx $20) to keep in your pocket & a foot pump to keep in your garage. Always check your tyres when they are cold. If you ride the bike on a daily/weekly basis.. check the tyres weekly! Tyres are porous & air does evaporate out of them!

Don't trust the pumps at garages! & you don't "need" to go to a bike shop/tyre shop to check them.. do it yourself!

You'll be surprised what even 10lb more/less can make to the handling/performance & braking capabilities of your bike!!!!!!

Happy riding!!

**MSTRS:Me** · 13th June 2009, 11:35

Originally Posted by MyGSXF

You'll be surprised what even 10lb more/less can make to the handling/performance & braking capabilities of your bike!!!!!!

10lb? Cor blimey. That could make the difference in living or dying!
I agree with all the other comments re tyre gauges etc. And 28f/32r would sound about right. Your tyres' performance is controlled by their temperature, and the harder they are the cooler they stay, and vice versa. Some experimentation is needed to find the optimum cold (starting) pressure for your bike/tyres/riding style.

**p.dath** · 13th June 2009, 17:12

Originally Posted by Ragingrob

Buy a tyre pressure pen or the like from repco for like 10 bucks just to check after using gas station pumps in case. If you do a quick google for your bike's pressures you should be able to find out. 32r 28f was what I used to run on the 250, I think.

I have to say I don't trust those cheap devices either. All it means is that you'll be consistently putting in the wrong pressure. :-)

**MSTRS:Me** · 13th June 2009, 17:18

Originally Posted by p.dath

I have to say I don't trust those cheap devices either. All it means is that you'll be consistently putting in the wrong pressure. :-)

Ah...as I said, some experimentation will find the ideal pressure. The trick is to ensure that one adheres to that. Accuracy in the pressure is less important than consistency. Using a 'reasonable' gauge (the same one every time) helps with that. Relying on fuel station gauges etc, you will be getting readings all over the place.

**cowboyz** · 13th June 2009, 17:55

unless you go to the same servo all the time. you get 100 people and you will get 100 different answers from 25-45psi. Generally, max pressure will be stamped on the tyre. more pressure = longer lasting tyre, less pressure= more grip. find your balance.

**sil3nt** · 14th June 2009, 09:58

But more pressure should make the bike feel better to lean in for a newbie right?

**one fast tl1ooo** · 14th June 2009, 10:24

Read the manual - or the bike normally has it on the swingarm.....

**Jenral** · 14th June 2009, 12:47

The sticker on my GSX recommends 28.5psi in the front, and 32psi in the rear tyre.

That feels pretty good when riding for me.

**MSTRS:Me** · 14th June 2009, 12:59

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Relying on fuel station gauges etc, you will be getting readings all over the place.

By this, I mean you may use a servo gauge to put 32psi in the rear. Go to another servo, wait for your tyre to cool, check the pressure with their gauge...I guarantee that the reading will be different from the first servo.
Case in point: - I have a needle dial gauge which I carry with me at times. I put 42psi in a rear tyre, using the servo gauge. I checked it with my gauge and it gave a reading of 55psi.
How do you think that servo-pressure-gauge fill would affect the handling?

**mossy1200** · 14th June 2009, 13:01

Surely tyre pressure should be in relation to how the bikes used.
If tyre goes blue after brisk ride(not enough air got to hot)
If tyre stays grey(to much air didnt get hot enough)
If tyre is silky black(air pressure is good)
Specs are a good starting point but dont allow for load weight.The heavier you are or adding passanger will increase load and heat.Tyres have optimium operating temp not air pressure.Low pressure causes larger contact patch and increased temp.Higher temp will increase the pressure in the tyre.Going on a loaded bike tour add some pressure to keep the tyre at operating temp that isnt to high.Short trips on a lighter bike remove pressure to get the temp up to operational range.

**jono035** · 14th June 2009, 13:04

Some of the digital gauges should be a bit more accurate... Most of the pressure sensor elements should come out to within 1psi and shouldn't vary over time/temperature by much more than that (assuming they're properly implement of course, sigh...)