Air Pressure Motorcycle Safety Discuss Air Pressure in the Other Topics forums; I am amazed at how few riders check the air pressure in their tires on a regular basis. As I walk around and look at motorcycle tires I can see ...

[BaggerDad]

I am amazed at how few riders check the air pressure in their tires on a regular basis. As I walk around and look at motorcycle tires I can see how many of them look low.

Can't be safe, and it's so easy to check and fix.

[milindh]

A lot of the new generation of tires, like the Metzeler 880's are supposed to be run at higher pressure than the stock Dunlops were. The lighter construction of the side casings of the new tires make them distort a lot at the old air pressures causing premature wear and failure. I know if you look at Metzeler's website they show the higher pressures they recommend for their newer tires. If you aired up your Metzelers with the pressure recommended in you Harley owners manual they would look low and in fact be low.

[frisco-rigid]

I always used to start out at the highest recommended pressure stamped on the tire then release air to where I liked the ride most..

Now I just know where to keep it for me which is usually about 5 - 8 less in rear and 3 - 5 less in front..

[HarleyCruiser]

Yea, dont check mine near as much as I should, went to ride it yesterday and could hardy turn the wheel, checked the pressure and was like five.
checked them last month, but did not have a cover on the stem. hopping it leaked out there, dont see any nails. Dang I hate flat tires, especially on the front.
Usally run the max pres. Let them leak down to twenty.

Originally Posted by SteelRider

What do ya reckon it is that sucks the air outa them tires?

I been watchin mine real close like and I ain't seen a single varmint around them. I put my valve caps on with a pair of vice grips too and yet every 6 or 8 months I check mine and only have about 10 or 15 pounds of pressure in there...something is getting to me.

[milindh]

Actually I think the mysterious disappearance of air in tires is directly related to the unstable nature of the air molecule, global warming, and unchecked cell phone use. As near as I can tell there can be no other explanation. I used to suspect an undetermined liberal conspiracy in this matter but have since decided to blame it all on George Bush and his rogue air molecules. Of course he blames it all on faulty intelligence sources. It's hard to figure this stuff out.

[EZE RIDER]

It really is something. No matter what brand tire, tube or not, everyone that I know including myself (with a tubeless radial) loses air. Parked or ridden, hot or cold they will lose air.
To avoid the dreadded tire cupping and for good handling and gas mileage I keep them aired up.

[shovelmike]

Tires have a small amount or porosity; Just enough for a few molecules at a time to find their way out. Pressure should be checked frequently since the main cause of blowouts is underinflation ( the excessive flexing overheats the carcass). The side benefits will be crisper handling and much more mileage from the tire.