My motorcycle's manual tells me that the optimal tire air pressure is 25psi for the front wheel. At what level of discrepancy in psi reading should I be concerned that I need to adjust tire pressure? Is a difference in +2 / -2 OK? What if it is +5 / -5? How exact should this be?
2007-02-14 09:48:42 · 10 answers · asked by Perpetual Traveller 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
+/- 2psi is not too bad, but its best to be right on, the air pressure is probably the most important handling factor on a motor cycle considering it controls everything from contact patch to side wall flex. Keep it as close to what is recommended! Good luck hope this helps!
2007-02-14 09:57:16 · answer #1 · answered by Dina B 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Tire pressure +/- 2 is no big deal. The pressure changes with the ambient temp as well as the friction from riding.
I can speak for sport bikes when I say you should never run the recommended pressure. The recommended pressures are way too high. For example the recommended pressure on my bike is mid 40s. If I run that the tire does not warm up, the patch is small; loosing traction and wearing out the tire prematurely.
I run 36-37 front and rear street and 29-32 on the track.
For a cruiser I would have to say run near recommended pressure and you should be fine. The tires are not under any serious conditions like at the race track. Exact pressures are not that important but stay within 5 for consistant feel.
The tires on cruisers will rarely if ever truly be pushed to their limits. You can lower the pressure on cold days for more traction if you want to get technical but its not necessary.
You should regularly check the preasure to be safe.
2007-02-14 11:15:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Boy these guys answers' are as clear as mud! Still Confused huh? Well as the guys have said, 35 psi is just fine if you use this truck like a car, but if it's a work truck that is loaded with heavy gear, you will definitely want 50 psi. As one guy said it's your decision/choice! I'd contact the shop again or go by and remind them that it's the customer who is always right! Let me guess these are a "Lt" Light truck tire? probably a "C" load range tire? And remember that little tag on the driver door is a recommendation, It's not gospel. I hope this cleared this matter up for you
2016-03-29 06:40:17 · answer #3 · answered by Lynne 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I difference of -1 or +2 will not make to much of a difference in your ride. Remember the manual reads, "optimal tire pressure", it's OK to be a little off. If it is to much you will feel the difference. So be aware of the feel when your ridding - you'll know what works and what doesn't. I did.
Enjoy the bike!
2007-02-14 10:00:35 · answer #4 · answered by Feather 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you want to get them as acurate as possible, why should you consider % when you can get it spot on everytime? Your tyre is the only contact with the road surface and safety depends on it, you can get a digital gauge from halfords for £2 or £3, what tyres do you run that are 25psi?
remember to check the pressures when the tyres are cold otherwise you will get an inacurate measurment.
Keep it shiney side up!!
2007-02-14 10:03:28 · answer #5 · answered by marslarky 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm going to add a caveat here. Dirt bikes are very pressure sensitive, and since they only run about 12psi, +-2 psi is a devastating difference. Most racers adjust pressure in 1/4lb increments. If that's a street bike, I'm sure you're fine.
2007-02-14 11:03:09 · answer #6 · answered by Ryan K 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A good answer from Dina, The psi is calculated to give maximum of grip/handling/wear/fuel consumption.
Any deviation, either up or down, affects one or more of these.
It also affects the tire walls, putting more pressure on them when cornering or breaking.
+/- 2 is OK but don't let them drop below that - except if you have to ride on snow/ice.
You'll get more grip with the softer tire.
2007-02-14 10:03:35 · answer #7 · answered by Froggy 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
go out & buy a set of ultra seal tyre pressure monitors,ie dust caps,
you can then check at a glance,
http://www.tyrepressuremonitor.biz
tyre preasure goes up and down with tyre heat
2007-02-14 10:26:11 · answer #8 · answered by quasar 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
+or - 2psi is OK and if you check your tyre pressure every week you will be OK .
2007-02-14 10:17:58 · answer #9 · answered by Mick 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If I have a low tire:
I give it a few shots of air.
I punch the tire with my knuckles.
If it still feels soft, I go with more
air, punch it again etc.etc.
Then, when the tire feels firm,
I roll up the hose (which is usually
a tangled mess by now) and roll on.
2007-02-14 09:58:10 · answer #10 · answered by kyle.keyes 6 · 2⤊ 6⤋