Interesting article about tire pressures

[the Ferret]

How to find the best tire pressure for your motorcycle

How to Find the Right Tire Pressure | American Sport Touring

Motorcycle tire pressure is important for predictable handling and safety. Read how to find the right tire pressure for your motorcycle.

americansporttouring.com

not saying it's right, not saying it's wrong, just saying it's interesting

 

[CYYJ]

It's a thoughtful and well-written article. The only thing I found "odd" was that the rear tire pressure on my two STs only goes up about 3 or 4 PSI from stone cold to after an hour of highway riding - that's a lot less than the 20% that the write suggests might be encountered. I use OEM recommended cold pressures, and total payload (not counting fuel) when I ride is about 220 pounds.

Michael

 

[Uncle Phil]

My rear on the ST1100s (according to my TPMS) usually go from 42 PSI to 50-51 PSI under normal conditions.
But then my 'payload' is a lot more than 220 lbs ...

 

[the Ferret]

Interesting UP. 42 to 50 would be 20%. I was wondering what TPMS users saw on their units wonder why its so much different than CYYJ's

 

[Uncle Phil]

Interesting UP. 42 to 50 would be 20%. I was wondering what TPMS users saw on their units wonder why its so much different than CYYJ's

I would think it would have a lot to do with the amount of 'payload' - I'm baby water buffalo size and pack a lot of stuff.
I know the more you load up a trailer, the 'hotter' the tires get - which I believe the rising temps cause the pressures to rise.

 

[DeanR]

My rear on the ST1100s (according to my TPMS) usually go from 42 PSI to 50-51 PSI under normal conditions.

That's what I usually see as well.

 

[Dave Pitman]

I would think that the wide ranging temperature of the asphalt would be another factor in tire temps.

 

[Uncle Phil]

I have seen on a very hot day where the tire pressures dropped quick enough during a cold downpour (lots of water on the road) to trigger a TPMS alarm a couple of times.

 

[ColinW1981]

Oh thank goodness. I read the article and panicked as I'm in the upper 40's to low 50's. But, then I read Uncle Phil's experience. Since I've retired I can give the baby water buffalo a run for it's money. In other words, I've gained some weight.

 

[RaYzerman]

Pavement temperature and pressure are related, I monitor TPMS pressures.... 42 going up to 50 isn't unusual when it's hot out.... up your rear to 44 is what I'd do on a heavier ST.... it will keep that down a bit as the tire flex will be less and less heat, a little bit longer tire life too (not a lot). Brand of tire makes a difference too..... Bridgestones have stiff sidewalls, Michelins are soft... up your pressures with the Michelins.