Correct Tire Inflation Pressure

Had a bike mechanic sternly-recommend keeping the tires inflated to 40lbs. indicated on the sidewall.
The ride @ 40lbs. feels pretty-harsh :pinch:, but...

A seat cushion for hemorrhoids stressed riders.



Do not inflate @40lbs. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

I believe you will find the pressure marked on the side indicates the MAXIMUM pressure for the tire. That generally is not the correct pressure for the bike. The correct pressure for the bike should be printed on a label on the bottom side of the stock seat and in the Kawasaki Owner's Manual. I would never run 40 PSI in my front tire. I generally follow the instructions and run 28 psi up front and 34 - 36 psi in the rear tire. Ed

Find a new mechanic.

What does the sticker on your seat say and manual Daveo...... I was surprised to see mine states 28F/32 rear 4 less than Ed's 77 650C ..... I trust the engineer's at Kawasaki and have good luck over the years so will stick with that.

Those pressures are for old school Dunlops

Some tire manufacturers have recommended pressures listed on their websites and catalogues. The max listed on the tire might be ok for max load at sustained max speed, but otherwise useless.

bluej58 wrote: Those pressures are for old school Dunlops

I'm not sure what that means.

To my knowledge all motorcycle tire manufacturers recommend using the tire air pressure specified by the motorcycle manufacturer. I use Pirelli Sport Demon tires. These are modern tires made for non-radial rims. In the past I used Michelin tires. Below you will find the tire pressure recommendation from their respective web sites. Notice they both state that the tire pressure specified by the motorcycle manufacturer should be followed. I don't know of any motorcycle manufacturer that recommends using the maximum tire pressure molded into the tire sidewall for normal street use. Ed

bluej58 wrote: Those pressures are for old school Dunlops

But, but...I've got Dunlop E3's :ohmy:




OOPS :whistle:

When in doubt use the 10% rule. Check tire pressure cold and then go for a spirited ride and check again. The ideal tire pressure will show a hot pressure 10% higher than cold. I've seen some recommendations for 10 front and 20 rear too so not sure which is correct.

Not to go against the grain but I have metzler 880s (Harley stock tires )

They are recommend to 40-45 PSi in both front and rear. More or less depending on rider weight etc.

I run them at 40 roughly and it may be a big rougher but each tire requires different. If you are stuck on the tires being at 30 psi or so then they would have to be stock or older style tires. These newer tires can handle more pressure.

Rattyblack650 wrote: Not to go against the grain but I have metzler 880s (Harley stock tires )

They are recommend to 40-45 PSi in both front and rear. More or less depending on rider weight etc.

I run them at 40 roughly and it may be a big rougher but each tire requires different. If you are stuck on the tires being at 30 psi or so then they would have to be stock or older style tires. These newer tires can handle more pressure.

NOT TRUE!!!! I don't know where you got that info, but it is totally bogus!!!

Metzeler and every other major motorcycle tire manufacturer recommends following the tire pressure recommendation of the motorcycle manufacturer. Many folks believe the old wives tales, urban legends, myths, etc, about using higher pressure in new tires on old bikes, but the fact is that the tire pressures for new tires are the same as those of old tires for the same model bikes. Here are images from the CURRENT web sites of motorcycle tire manufacturers. The tire manufacturers have a vested interest in ensuring their tires perform as well and as safely as possible, so they have no reason whatsoever to lie about what pressure to use. Ed

METZELER


DUNLOP


MICHELIN


BRIDGESTONE


PIRELLI


CONTINENTAL