Tires Pressures - Kawa v. Manufacture

This is an important topic and one I wish a few more of the experienced members would comment on. I don't know a lot about it but I know that if I run 42/38 in my 1100 "pilots" the bike corners a hell of a lot easier and seems a lot more nimble. But I also know that the tire patch connecting me to the road is a lot smaller than if I was running say 36/34. At a lower pressure I will have to work harder to throw the bike around, will wear the tires out faster ,but will have better traction.

What to do, What to do??

I run 41/41 mate, that's by the book and the 11 runs nicely at that. I am a big bloke though.

PC

I'm big too, 96 kg so I think I'll stick with the higher pressures. I am figuring that the boys who like to run them lower are the fangers and I aint no fanger. I will set them at 38/40 which is at the upper end of the scale and nice comprimise with the manuals 41/41 that you run ron and the lower pressures that the young guys at the shops wisper into my ear. I guess I wouldn't be me if I didn't want to run my own "personal" pressures

Last edited by chameleon on Sat Feb 04, 2006 8:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Sounds good mate, you will get a feel for when they're right or not. It's surprising the differences that you feel when you're getting the thing over.

Stay upright

PC

Whats the general rule that most follow?

Cheers
Skid

1. Don't go too low (ie 28psi) thats far too low for road use.

2. Don't go too high (ie max 42psi - this is for 2-up with panniers full of lead and a barge-arse as a pillion.)

The magic word is *compromise*...........for a 250, if you are <80-85kg, then a good place to start is 32fr 34rear.

If you are >85-90kg, then add a couple of psi to front and rear. (Say 34fr, 36rear)

If you plan on doing a long road run, then its always a good idea to have a couple of extra psi in the rear as well, this will help cool the tyre (in a manner of speaking) over many 100's of km...

These are only *starting* points, remember that the heavier your bike is, the more psi you will run in your tyres ( hence the 1100-runners up around the 40psi mark...) - mate my 12 runs 40/42 recommended, but I like a bit of a fang, so its 38/40 for me

Good luck

i have always run my tyres @ 36/41.....with so much discussion in other threads about tyre pressure etc i thought id try some lower pressures.......

well, i went back to the 36/41 yesterday morning on the way to work, didnt feel much different riding arong in suburbia. but this morning in nasho was a totally different story. i have decided thats where they will be staying.......the main difference was at any sort of "reasonable" lean angle the thing felt as if it was on rails as opposed to me just not having any confidence in the front end with the lower pressures.

it all subjective so IMHO just go with what feels right for you

Last edited by Phil on Sun Feb 05, 2006 11:13 am, edited 1 time in total.

Whats the general rule that most follow?

Cheers
Skid

1. Don't go too low (ie 28psi) thats far too low for road use.

with a radial yes but not cross plies......28-32 is the rec settings for the zeph

2. Don't go too high (ie max 42psi - this is for 2-up with panniers full of lead and a barge-arse as a pillion.)

The magic word is *compromise*...........for a 250, if you are <80-85kg, then a good place to start is 32fr 34rear.

Over the last few days ive played around with the various suggestions.

Tried 32/34 didnt really notice much diff. marginally better feel when leaned over. Next day I tried 36/36, i instantly noticed a change in handling.. Bike now turns itself into corners and I have much better feel of the front end..
Today I tried 36/40 cant say i notice much diff. from 36/36 so im dropping it back to 36/36 which seems to be the sweet spot for me..

I must say im bloody surprise at the difference the pressure make to handling..

Cheers
Skid

...I must say im bloody surprise at the difference the pressure make to handling..

It does indeed........its the first place to start when playing with *settings*.....once you have established a baseline tyre pressure that suits you ( and from the sound of things you have), then you start on the suspension......

One thing that is often overlooked is wheel alignment - get that right, and you will sure notice the difference as well.......

Hi,

I run 40 Rear 36psi on ZZR 1100 single rider

I was running 26psi front and rear.. um ok I'll check them more often