Tire Pressure

[Calboy]

Tire pressure goes up as the tires warm up. 4-5 psi increase I consider to be normal.
I run my Avons Cobra Chrome at 42 psi front and 43.5-44 rear after reading about it here on the website. Used to run them at 40 front and 42 rear.
Are there any reasons to worry about over inflating?

[hubcapsc]

Are there any reasons to worry about over inflating?

I like what this smart-alecky guy has to say about...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_j5bd5uIWY

-Mike

[Jess from VA]

No.  Regardless of vehicle type, all tire manufacturers build in the minor increases in PSI from operating temps into the MAX PSI printed on the sidewall.  As long as there is no other issue at work, you should be able to run MAX PSI in any tire, under extreme conditions and speed (so long as within the tire's speed rating), with no worry.  (Given the numbers of willing plaintiff's lawyers out there, you know they can't afford not to.) 

I doubt most motorcycle tires even gain 5psi from operational heat (though I have no experience riding in 120 degrees, and never will either).   More like 3. 

And remember, it is under-inflation that can result in big spikes in internal tire temps.



 

[Calboy]

No.  Regardless of vehicle type, all tire manufacturers build in the minor increases in PSI from operating temps into the MAX PSI printed on the sidewall.  As long as there is no other issue at work, you should be able to run MAX PSI in any tire, under extreme conditions and speed (so long as within the tire's speed rating), with no worry.  (Given the numbers of willing plaintiff's lawyers out there, you know they can't afford not to.) 

I doubt most motorcycle tires even gain 5psi from operational heat (though I have no experience riding in 120 degrees, and never will either).   More like 3. 

And remember, it is under-inflation that can result in big spikes in internal tire temps.



 

Left the house today and rode for about 15 miles at speeds between 65 and 80mph.
The outside temp was around 59F.
I checked the tire pressure before I left and the  rear was at 43 psi.
When I came back I checked it again and it was at 48psi. The tires felt warm but not out of the ordinary.
I am a bit paranoid because I got a nail in the rear tire which I plugged with a mushroom type plug -Stop N Go repair kit- while waiting for a Nealey Repair kit to arrive.

[Jess from VA]

OK.

My question is, what is the max psi printed on YOUR sidewall?

Most are 42, but some may be 44.

I suspect that the heat you felt with your hand (unscientific) would be about the same even if the gauge read the same 43 you left with. 

The better test might be putting some soapy water on your plug. 

My rear car tire has had a (strings) plug in it for 18 months or so, and is losing no pressure.  I'm way short of the 37K I got on my first one (same tire, just newer).

[RonW]

I 'think' the factory psi is a base number for a parked bike in the shade. Pavements are like 100°+ and increase the tire pressure in addition to the rolling friction and something obvious to tire manufacturers. The pressure increase is factored in the base psi number, which is probably on the conservative side. Again, I think. As long as you don't inflate a cold or frozen tire, the factory psi should be safe. Btw, just how accurate is your tire gauge?

[F6Dave]

I installed the Show Chrome TPMS on my F6B.  I'll see the front increase by a few PSI when riding on a hot day.  The rear increases even more; I've seen it jump by 8 PSI or more on really hot days.

The Show Chrome TPMS also displays the tire temperatures.  Up front, the temperature only rises a few degrees above ambient.  But the rear will often read +25 degrees or higher.  I've seen 130 degrees on very hot days at Interstate speeds.  No wonder they wear out so quickly!

[Calboy]

I replugged the tire yesterday with a sticky string type plug.
There is no air leak. There was no leak even when the mushroom plug was in there.

I have two air pressure gauges, both BMW brand. One digital, the other one analog. I believe they're very accurate.

I inflated the tires at 42f and 44 r because some people here were saying that running the Avons Cobra Chrome at that particular pressure make the tires wear more evenly than running them at 40 and 42psi, and the handling and gas mileage are better.

Now I keep them at 40f and 41.5 rear, cold.

Thank you all for your responses.

[Hooter]

I'd run a plugged tire to get home in an emergency but would replace it as soon as possible. I figure my ass is worth more than a plugged MC tire. Jesse's car tire is a different ball game. To each their own.

[wirral_biker]

Probably done to death but my handbook states  33psi front and 33 (36 with passenger ) at the rear.
I am on standard Cobra tyres.       Seem's to handle fine; do I assume these higher pressures ( or have I missed a Honda update? ) are for chrome tyres only ?
Just asking; genuinely confused  :-)

[hubcapsc]

Probably done to death but my handbook states  33psi front and 33 (36 with passenger ) at the rear.
I am on standard Cobra tyres.       Seem's to handle fine; do I assume these higher pressures ( or have I missed a Honda update? ) are for chrome tyres only ?
Just asking; genuinely confused  :-)

I'm going for 32 front, 36 rear. I've left the "pump them up rock hard" school.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_j5bd5uIWY

-Mike

[wirral_biker]

Good and proper vid; thanks Mike

Going with 36F  42R    

[cookiedough]

38 front and 42 to 45 rear IMO  We are heavier than most and if loaded down more so in rear riding 2up can feel it sagging just a tad.  I find 40 or 41 psi in front too jarring though as video suggests less comfort feeling road too much vibration thru handlebars, but see no difference from 36 to 38 psi in front tires.   If i go under 40 psi rear tire as have not checked psi like I should have driven 36 psi before feels to squishy and wallowing on the road not in control as much.  my 2 cents that means nothing.

33 psi front and 36 rear is too low IMO see no difference as 38 front and 42 rear

[Beer van Huet]

Avon determined pressures, based on the average rider weight & riding gear up to 200 lb/91 kg & no luggage
https://www.avontyres.com/en-us/tyre-care/technical/avon-general-tire-pressure-guidelines-1.pdf

[WintrSol]

In the Metzeler guide, it says:
GL1500 Valkyrie C,F 96-04 150/80R17 72V TL ME880 180/70R16 77H TL ME880 3.50 5.00 36/42 40/42

[Calboy]

Avon determined pressures, based on the average rider weight & riding gear up to 200 lb/91 kg & no luggage
https://www.avontyres.com/en-us/tyre-care/technical/avon-general-tire-pressure-guidelines-1.pdf

Max cold PSI pressure for the Cobra Chrome tires is 42psi.