Tyre pressure?

**xgnr** · 9th February 2009, 20:43

Originally Posted by Paul_C

By all accounts a foot pump is a way to go. I always thought that due to the size of the tyre a foot pump wouldn't provide enough pressure. But then again I have a road bicycle which push past 50 so 36 shouldn't be a problem.

I use a "Joe Blow" pump (one of the stand up type ones.... pedestal?) for pushbike, car and motorbike. Easier than a hand pump and I suspect easier to use than a foot pump.

Amazing how much tyres lose air over just a week hmmm

**NZJONESY** · 11th February 2009, 22:37

I highly rate these little buggers.
What you do is kind of estimate the pressure with any old shitty pump, but pump a bit more in before you disconnect the pump.

Then grab one of these and stick it on the valve for a perfect reading.
They have a tiny little clicker/valve release so you just click and release tiny amounts of pressure until its perfectly where you want it.

I think most release a quarter or half a psi per click.

The super fancy one
http://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/T...tal-Tyre-Gauge

Not so fancy, but still fancy
http://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/T...Pressure-Gauge

**imdying** · 12th February 2009, 07:51

No, it doesn't matter, so long as you always check them when they're either hot or cold, then all your readings will be relative to one another, and you'll soon learn what pressures you prefer. Do check them both hot and cold though, then you'll know exactly what the difference really is (and thus how much it actually matters).

**Mr Triple** · 12th February 2009, 14:18

Originally Posted by Owl

You could always take a cold reading at home, take your pressure guage with you and check pressure again at servo. Note the difference and adjust accordingly!

I do the same as Owl, or sometimes I will put 3-4 psi at the servo at the end of my ride when tyres are hot and adjust next morning when cold.

**rocketman1** · 12th February 2009, 18:38

If I have 33psi in my tyres it feels like-yuk ( at speed) but with 36psi feel like its on rails, so much so that I know if the tyres are down by the way it rides.
Very important to stick to the right pressure.

**NZJONESY** · 13th February 2009, 08:33

Most bikes have a recommended pressures for them right?
For example on my 250 it states the front should be 28psi and the rear 32psi.

How important are these numbers?
Do you have to stick with them religiously??

**Cajun** · 13th February 2009, 08:36

Originally Posted by NZJONESY

Most bikes have a recommended pressures for them right?
For example on my 250 it states the front should be 28psi and the rear 32psi.

How important are these numbers?
Do you have to stick with them religiously??

different tire brands often require different tire pressure settings.
Often the recommended settings are also for getting the best milage out of the tire.

Recommended pressure is a good starting point, have a play go up and down a 1-2 psi on the tires and see if you prefer it or not.

**NZJONESY** · 13th February 2009, 09:00

Originally Posted by Cajun

different tire brands often require different tire pressure settings.
Often the recommended settings are also for getting the best milage out of the tire.

Recommended pressure is a good starting point, have a play go up and down a 1-2 psi on the tires and see if you prefer it or not.

Say if you didn't care about mileage, more performance and grip, Would you run them harder or softer generally??

Logically that makes total sense why kawi would place those numbers, I was wondering if it was something like that.

**Racin Jason** · 13th February 2009, 16:40

Originally Posted by NZJONESY

Say if you didn't care about mileage, more performance and grip, Would you run them harder or softer generally??

Logically that makes total sense why kawi would place those numbers, I was wondering if it was something like that.

If you wanna go really fast lower the pressures, (this is because the greater heat will cause greater pressure), if you want tyres to last for touring or pillion riding raise the pressures.

Tyre pressure are funny. they depend on type of bike, type of tyre, and suspension settings. Touring tyres work better with high pressures and race tyre dont work at all with high pressures.

Lower pressures means more grip, but its a fine balance between lowering pressure to provide greater grip, and lowering them to far to the point that the tyre deflects excesively.

My advice for road riding is start with manufactures specs. If you go for a stickier tyre and ride faster - lower pressure a bit (a few psi only). If youre gonna tour on harder tyres, raise them a bit.(about 6 psi rear for pillions and a couple clicks of compression dampning and preload).

if you ride on the track you will need to adjust pressures so that the front is higher than the rear. Ask the tyre distribitor as they have the benefit of lots of riders/racers testing their product.

On the track we run conti race attacks no higher than 26 psi in the rear, or they slide. Similar for pirelli, dunlop etc.

ALWAYS measure tyre pressures when cold. Hot pressures are only applicable when racing, and even then tyre temperature is much much more important.

Hope this helps guys

PS. i bought a foot pump from M10 mega for $9. It has never let me down

**3umph** · 13th February 2009, 17:17

Originally Posted by Owl

You could always take a cold reading at home, take your pressure guage with you and check pressure again at servo. Note the difference and adjust accordingly!

yip thats one of the best ways