Tire Pressure Issues Motorcycle Safety Discuss Tire Pressure Issues in the Other Topics forums; First, congrts and thanks to the guys at American Iron for starting a safety section. I read the section in the magazine and hope to find even more tips here. ...

[47knuck]

First, congrts and thanks to the guys at American Iron for starting a safety section. I read the section in the magazine and hope to find even more tips here. I've been riding for a lot of years and am always learning more safety things.

I am amazed at how many Harley riders do not check their tire pressure. I've seen some guys overinflate the tires knowing they aren't going to check them for a while. Then they wonder why the bike handles bad.

Come on guys, read your owners manual and start at the recommended pressures. Then experiment with 2 lbs higher, then 2 pounds lower then recommended and see what you like best.

I can't recommend any more or less then 2 pounds from factory recommended pressures, but often run a pound or two less on my bike.

How do others feel about this?

I agree with the importance of proper tire pressure. The contact patch is smaller than many realize. I live on a gravel road and a few extra psi makes a difference when traction is already minimal. That said, my wife and I ride an Ultra and I am experimenting to see if 2 to 4 psi extra will help me get more than 7-8 thousand miles per rear tire. I'll keep you posted.

Possibly the number one reason for tire failure is improper pressure. Most tire makers will tell you that you will get your best mileage, handling, and duration if you maintain their recommended pressures for your make of bike, model of tire, and weight (total -cargo, bike, & bodies). Most manufacturers have websites that will list an abundance of info relating to your specific tires.

The time it takes to check your pressures before each ride could be a lot less than the time spent on the side of the road, or in an ambulance, or worse. Alway inspect your pressures when the tires are cold - not after riding to the gas station 10 miles away. While you're at it, might as well take a look at the sidewalls for any cracks, check tread wear, and give the bearing/axle area a visual once over.

As a side note; as Harley owners, most of us spend a little more time making our rides sparkle than other riders. When doing so remember to keep cleaning and/or shining solutions (e.g. Armorall) away from the treads of the tires - may become slippery and lose valuble traction. Also check and be sure what you are wiping those tires down with will not cause any reaction/damage to the tire compound/material. And finally, remember that new tires are extremely slippery for the first 50 miles or so. That's because of the lubricant the makers use to remove the tires from their molds.

Always check your tires. Use specs specified for the bike or tire as a general guide. The new Avon tires I have now have a softer compound then the Dunlops. I did not like the feel on the road. Sloppy. I added a few pounds. Never go over the max. Tire go boom!

Very good points GOMO. I haven't seen you here before, therefore welcome. Good day to you JCOURNEYAP, also a good post. Thanks for starting the thread 47 Knuck, this is an often neglected aspect of riding. Y'all ride safe. Sincerely Shovelmike.

[94flhtcu]

I check the tires on both bikes each time they go out, even if we had just ridden the day before. I also check them for any cuts, etc. I've had a blowout, and it ain't fun.

Originally Posted by shovelmike

Very good points GOMO. I haven't seen you here before, therefore welcome. Good day to you JCOURNEYAP, also a good post. Thanks for starting the thread 47 Knuck, this is an often neglected aspect of riding. Y'all ride safe. Sincerely Shovelmike.

Thanks for the welcome. Looking forward to going over safety and skills related items. Unfortunately many H-D riders fall into the stereotype of being more concerned about image and chrome than riding skills and safety. Perhaps we can make a few here find out that it's all good.

[fxst-rider]

I still follow the TCLOCKS routine, with a tire pressure check and general look-over. It is just a quick and re-assuring safety check. There is plenty to go wrong on the roads, just not my tires too.

[Ratty]

Hi folks, new to this site, but thought I would add to this post...

Originally Posted by JCOURNEYAP

Always check your tires. Use specs specified for the bike or tire as a general guide. The new Avon tires I have now have a softer compound then the Dunlops.

My Softail Standard has Avom Venomx's, but there is such a wide variance in suggested tire pressures! For the 21" front, The main dealer I got bike from says 30psi, another dealer says 32, Avon says 39 ...

I have tried all, 30 is way too soft, 39 is, well, silly, I find it best at 35-36. My point is, its not always possible to get the right pressure from data sheets, you have to experiment! Friends suggested 36 ish for a 21" and I now keep it at that.

[soulman13]

This is an important item on the checklist. As fellow bagger riders know the back tire is not the most convenient to check, but do it anyway. When on the twisties you will appreciate the fact that your tires are grabbing. I have a Street Glide and I always run 40 in the front and rear. The bike handles well for as big as it is and I make all adjustments (for one up or two up) to air in the rear shocks instead of tire pressure. After my visit to The Dragon my chiken strips are minimal on the tires. I may do as some here have suggested and go with some sticky Avons at the next change to see how much better they are.