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Tire Pressure

Post
Junior Member

Pat McSweeney

Ireland

2:24 pm March 16, 2010

posts 23

ridentoot  :

Yes….All the manufacturers manuals, for whichever bike you’re riding , will specify higher pressures for ‘high speed’ and ‘two up’ riding because of the principle that the speed/load will  cause more flexing of the tyre wall .

This flexing causes the tyre to heat, thus softening the rubber compound . While this softening increases the tyre grip – wear on the tyre will increase proportionately with the rise in temperate.

                         ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On your second point :

I have experience with heavy cruisers but none pulling sidecars or luggage trailers .

However, what I do know is that every tyre has a maximum load printed on its sidewall .

If your maximum weight (including your passengers) is even near this limit ,  you’d be gambling with a burst tyre , and it’s consequences , regardless of what pressure is in there.

I’m not skeptical  by nature but have never believed that dealers are the honourable, honest citizens they portray themselves to be . Putting unsuitable tyres on a bike to save a few bucks is not unknown. Not for nothing do we keep on hearing those famous two words "Buyer Beware"

For peace of mind it might be worth checking the load rating on your Goldwing’s tyres and compare it to total for bike/sidecar/trailer with your family onboard.

Hope this helps.

Ride Safe

Pat

Full Member

ridentoot

7:02 pm March 15, 2010

posts 37

When I started riding BMW motorcycles (pre-scooter years) I noticed in the manuals that an additional 4 psi (lbs. per square inch) was recommended for high speed solo riding (sustained speeds of 85 mph and above). The manual called for an additional 4 psi in the rear for carrying a passenger (which is consistent for the Suzuki manual for my Burgman 400), so if you were carrying a passenger at high speeds, at least an extra 8 psi would be called for. The tires will run cooler with more pressure, but you don't want to exceed the maximum posted on the tire's sidewall.

I also have a '99 Honda Goldwing, which is a dedicated sidecar puller, sometimes with a trailer. On that bike I consistently run the maximum rear tire pressure only because of the sidecar and trailer. With my wife on the back, our youngest daughter in the sidecar, and the weight  of a trailer tongue, I want to ensure the maximum load carrying ability of the tire. The maximum pressure = maximum load capacity.

Smile

Junior Member

Pat McSweeney

Ireland

9:43 am March 14, 2010

posts 23

oops….sorry about the typo's guys.

must confess to having over indulged on the large bottle of italian vino that accompanied our Mother's Day lunch here Wink

but I'm sure you all caught my drift.

best

Pat

Junior Member

Pat McSweeney

Ireland

9:30 am March 14, 2010

posts 23

Thought I did a write up on this before….but maybe not.

Anyway, this is how it works.

If the manual a particular bike/scooter says 33 front and 46 rear these are obviously just guide numbers because the physics dictates that the combined weight of scoot + rider are critical in getting the wear/grip balance correct .

Does it make sense that a big heavy guy and small light guy on identical machines should be using similar tyre pressures just because the manual says so….of course not .

How To :

Checking your pressures using the numbers in the manual as a starting point . Then take the scooter for a long run to heat up the tyres .

Check the pressures again.

The front should be 1 – 2 psi higher and the rear should be 2 – 4 psi higher.

When you get it right you'll know that right you'll know what the pressures that are specific to you , you scooter , and your riding style .

You'll be amazed at the noticeable improvement in handling , plus  the extra thousands of miles those tyres will last.

If anyone is interested in the in depth definition of how all this works I'll post it up but what's above is the bones of how it works.

Ride Safe

Advanced Member

rdinning

10:57 am March 12, 2010

posts 107

My sticker and manual both say 33 front 37 rear and 42 rear two up. Front pressure remains the same two up.

New Member

williamson

10:42 am March 11, 2010

posts 8

TexasKat said:The extensions to add and check air pressure are life savers.  Keeps me from cussing and swearing big time!


My 2007 manual page 7-22 states

solo: 33 front 36 rear (which is what I use)

Dual: 33 front 41 rear.

The OEM tire front and rear state max pressure 41PSI.

Radial tires are critical on pressure, running over 41PSI cold you risk high speed tire failure. Running 25 PSI on the low side risk tire failure.

Moderator
Moderator

Henry_C

The Sunrise Coast, Lowestoft, England

4:55 pm December 15, 2009

posts 447

TexasKat said:I was following the numbers listed under the seat.  Then the tech at the Suzuki dealer told me I wasn't putting enough air in the tires and that I should follow the number listed on the tires.  So I've been putting 42 psi in both front and back.  Sounds like I'm putting too much in both, especially the front by reading previous posts.


I have been putting the handbook figures in my 650, 31psi front and 33psi rear, and all seems well. Anyone know different? (I guess it's possible that tyres and suspension set-ups are different between the US and UK because of differing road types. Cars are CERTAINLY different.)

There are old pilots and there are bold pilots – but there aren't many old bold pilots!

New Member

TexasKat

Georgetown, Texas

4:45 pm December 15, 2009

posts 9

The extensions to add and check air pressure are life savers.  Keeps me from cussing and swearing big time!

New Member

TexasKat

Georgetown, Texas

4:44 pm December 15, 2009

posts 9

I was following the numbers listed under the seat.  Then the tech at the Suzuki dealer told me I wasn't putting enough air in the tires and that I should follow the number listed on the tires.  So I've been putting 42 psi in both front and back.  Sounds like I'm putting too much in both, especially the front by reading previous posts.

Advanced Member

Burgermiser

Gosport Peninsula-England.

2:31 pm October 20, 2009

posts 127

I didn't realize you were not suppose to ride with those extensions still connected.  Not that I ever did, though.  I've always screwed them on, put slightly more air in, than required (because you loose some, when taking it off, again), then check it with my own pressure gauge.

But thanks for the warning, Chet.     (1930 hrs. B.S.T. Tues. 20th.)

Alan. T.

Moderator
Moderator

Henry_C

The Sunrise Coast, Lowestoft, England

8:35 am October 20, 2009

posts 447

I got my extension from here and it works a treat!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/90-DEGRE…..33559dd7ac

Laugh

There are old pilots and there are bold pilots – but there aren't many old bold pilots!

Full Member

Dan Forsley

5:28 am October 20, 2009

posts 40

Chet

Much appreciated!!

Dan

Moderator
Moderator

Chet

Blountville, TN

8:15 pm October 19, 2009

posts 433

http://www.motorradzubehoer-ho…..apter.html

NOTE:*Do not operate your vehicle with this piece installed as doing so may cause valve stem failure. This failure may cause loss of control of the vehicle.

From the hills of Tennessee welcome to another beautiful day the Lord has made.
I own a 2005 Silver Burgman 400 and 1982 Honda Silverwing GL500I

Full Member

Dan Forsley

7:00 pm October 19, 2009

posts 40

B-miser

Find 'em if you can and get back to me with their location…. before I make for the hills.Wink

Dan

Advanced Member

Burgermiser

Gosport Peninsula-England.

6:40 pm October 19, 2009

posts 127

Hi, Dan.

Valves!

I know you have a 650, and I have a 400, but it's just as difficult, getting air into the tyres, especially with our petrol station air lines. There are brass 90 degree angled valve extentions on the market, that you screw onto the standard valve, that you can buy, which solves the problem. I know, because, I've got two of them. The trouble is, I can't find them, anywhere….lolLaugh

Full Member

Dan Forsley

5:53 pm October 19, 2009

posts 40

Chet

Thank you.

Also there seems to be very few readers at this forum. Other than Steve helping me on "turning from a stop" I see that responses to Burgman rider querys here is very slight.

Anyway…..winter is coming.

Oh yes……….I have not seen a reply photo of the Stebel Air Horn install to date after I said that my Suzuki dealer told me it was not possible….and I even offered to pay for that photo.

Dan

Moderator
Moderator

Chet

Blountville, TN

5:19 pm October 19, 2009

posts 433

Some of the 90 degree angle valve stem are known to leak. i sold my 650 and no longer have a problem but the hose I used had only the small end piece and worked fine.

From the hills of Tennessee welcome to another beautiful day the Lord has made.
I own a 2005 Silver Burgman 400 and 1982 Honda Silverwing GL500I

Full Member

Dan Forsley

3:14 pm October 19, 2009

posts 40

Thank you Chet, I'll go with 33 and 41.

While we're on the subject I'd like you and anyone's thought on the "difficulty" of actually adding air to those tires.

The valve (stock) on the front tire is almost impossible to access due to the brakes blocking your hands.

The rear tire has a 90 degree angle valve so it is somewhat better.

What do riders do to make this supposedly simple deal from being an issue? I'll call it a royal pain in the butt.

But maybe I am the only Burgman owner who has ever noticed this.Surprised

Dan

Moderator
Moderator

Chet

Blountville, TN

1:02 pm October 19, 2009

posts 433

Dan if you weight as much as two people no problem. Laugh

Either way I think the 46 psi is two much. Solo would not hurt to go a little less than 42.

From the hills of Tennessee welcome to another beautiful day the Lord has made.
I own a 2005 Silver Burgman 400 and 1982 Honda Silverwing GL500I

Full Member

Dan Forsley

8:58 am October 19, 2009

posts 40

rdinning

Interesting. I am reading my manual now (K9) and it says the following:

Cold Inflation Tire Pressure

Solo:   33 psi front  41 psi rear

Dual Riding:   33 psi front   41 psi rear.

The same settings.  page 7-24

Are these manuals different? 


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