Tire Pressure

[SDRIDER]

Just got a BT010 to run up front on my SV650s. The old Metzler had 12000 (mostly freeway) miles on it. After driving the bike from the shop to work this morning, I am amazed at the difference this new tire has made. The difference is nothing like when I replaced the stock Metzler in the back 4000 miles ago. (i replaced it with a BT020)

When I ride the bike now it feels a little less stable, and when I turn, it really wants to turn, it wants to lean further down. Could this huge difference I am seeing be due to tire pressure? I am currently running 35psi up front and in the back. What does everyone else run? Should I be running a little more pressure? Anyway, I am very curious that its normal for a new front tire to alter the charecteristics of handling this much. I don't trust it quite yet, and I feel I really need to take it easy initally to get a feel for this new tire.

any comments would be appreciated.

--benjamin (sdrider)

[Setter32]

It's not your pressure..........35 psi is fine............it's your tyres.

Read the thread "tires".......

Also search for old threads relating to tyres......or "tires".....

But basically, you now have sportier tyres............. they will behave in a sporty manner. They will grip better........... and lean quicker than the Mez4s.

If this is uncomfortable to you, then you should think about going back to the Mez4s........................ack.....eek........ Can't believe I said that. :-&


:D

[dnakase]

I usually get this answer on tire pressure from mechanics: 32/36 or some times: 34/38

I keep asking, cause I forget and also some day it may change for no apparent reason. :D Who knows?

(Also there should be a sticker on your chain guard that tells ya to run 33 front 36 rear for the MZ4s)

My '02 comes stock with the new Dunlop 208s and the sticker states 42 psi front and rear .:-? ... must be good for milage.

[bwarbiany]

Okay... BT010's, I've heard run 33-35 front, and 36-38 rear... Lower end of that spectrum will give you more grip, higher will be more mileage... Avon's for example though, don't run well until it's 39-42... Each tire is different.

Regarding handling, the tire profile (how round it is) makes a big difference. A race tire is damn near triangular, you just fall into corners but due to the profile, have a bigger contact patch leaned over. The BT010's will have a more triangular profile than the MEZ4's, which will make it seem like it's "falling" into corners... It turns easier, but it's a good thing, not a bad thing. Take some time to get used to it, and you'll probably like it eventually...

Brad

[SDRIDER]

thanks for the input... I was hoping that it was a normal difference... it's not that I don't like it, it's that I wasn't ready for it. I am sure with a little time, I'll never want to go back.

--benjamin

[Setter32]

Dag nab it........

Can't believe how many people responded while I was writting my response..........

That will teach me to take my sweet time.

:D

[Kurt'sSV]

In regards to a PSI question:
I run 32 front/36 back in my Dunlop 207's because that's what it ways in the owner's manual. I have failed to pay attention to what it says on the tire. Though I have read you should run a little less PSI in your tires for better grip. The manufacturer's recomended PSI is best for tire wear, but maybe not the best for tire grip.

I don't know, it's makes sense.

[Golden_Eternity]

Originally posted by Kurt'sSV
Though I have read you should run a little less PSI in your tires for better grip.

This will cause the tire to "flatten" a little bit, so you will have a larger contact area. As bwarbiany said, this will reduce the life of your tires, though.

IIRC, people with RWD cars would sometimes put lower air pressure in their front tires than back, so you get the grip where you're turning and as the weight shifts to the rear of the car the tires would compress and smush out to the sides, increasing contact area on those (same thing happens to a motorcycle's tires in turns).

[NukleoN]

Hey dude what PSI do you run in your Sportec M1's? I've been running around 32/36...does that sound right? I don't see any PSI recommendations on the tire itself...

[Setter32]

Depends on you....... What are you comfortable with?.......... Don't be afraid to play around with the psi........ within reason of course.

The max psi for the M-1s....... I believe is 42.

If you want longer lasting tyres...........run them at 38 or 39.....or even 40. I have experimented with the the diff psi on the street and in the Canyons.........and to tell you the truth........I can't tell the diff (in terms of grip) between 32 psi and 40 psi.............. Therefore the psi I have for the street is about 38 or 39 for the rear, and a little less for the front.......... about 34 or 35.

Note: I am only talking about the M-1s now.......... can't say that this is true for other brand of tyres. The M-1s stickiness is exceptional for street tyres. This may explain why I can't tell the diff on the streets. Basically the M-1s stick..... and stick....and stick...... no matter what psi you have it at........ for reasonably sporty riding.

But...... and a big ass BUT!!!........ on the track........it's a whole different story. I definitely notice the difference there....... in terms of the tyres feeling planted and having a better feel. At the track, I run my tyres at about 31or 32 at the rear........and 28 at the front. Some guys I know even goes lower, but these numbers works for me. On the track you're gonna push your bike alot harder than on the streets or in the canyons............. so I highly recommend you lower your pressure for the track. This holds true for all brand of tyres.

:D

[Gmoney]

im with Setter on those psi numbers. i have had about the same experiance with the m-1s. For canyon carving i set both tires at 37 psi. I dont have a good reason why 37 and not 38 or 36, i guess i have never gotten a ticket or crashed with a psi of 37. Thats as good a reason as any.

[Setter32]

I like your reasoning............ It makes perfect sense to me.


:D

[Gmoney]

Thanks Setter, I thought you could relate

[Rocko]

Yo,

Does anyone else have Dunlop D207ZRs on their bike? I just got some put on at lee's and the dudes had my tire pressures set at 36 front, 36 rear. I looked at the dunlop website and they recommend 36f/42r. This sounds kinda high to me, but I rode with them at those pressures last night and it seemed fine.

Thanks,

R

[bwarbiany]

Some tires are like that... Avon's should be run about 39 front, 42 rear... BT010's should be minimum at 33/36... Stick with what Dunlop says, they know what they're doing...

Brad

[Kurt'sSV]

I always had 36/33 on my Dunlop 207's. I just had 208's put on this weekend, but haven't checked the air pressure yet (shame on me). I should do that and post what it is tonight.

[Rocko]

Kurt,

How many miles did the 207s last you?

R

[Kurt'sSV]

Not sure, but quite a while. I had that rear on for over a year. Of course I didn't do nearly as much riding in the canyons as I did before I met this group in early August. But the wear on the 207's is much better than say the M1's.

[airman9]

I feel stupid for even asking but I went to the Dunlop web site and it only will tell me the pressure for the 208's.. What am I supposed to be running in my 207's??? I put it at 36F 38B but I am not sure that is correct.. The guy at the shop only put 30F and 28B... No wonder it felt weird coming home.

Thanks in advance...

[Kurt'sSV]

That 30/28 combo is good for a track which maybe is why the bozo at the shop did it like that, but he was probably just lazy.

What did the website say for pressure for the 208's? I've always just ran 33/36 in my tires like it says for the stock Metzers and that has worked fine in both my 207's and 208's.

[airman9]

Dunlop says 36F 42R for both one and two up riding... That is for the 208. I just don't like putting max pressure in the rear?? can't be good for it. Oh well, I will just keep it at what I have...

[Kurt'sSV]

Maybe for freeway wear that would be good, but in a canyon you'd low side really quick with tires that hard.

[bwarbiany]

Not true... Different tires work better or worse at different pressures. The 33/36 is only for the MEZ4. Avon, for example, I believe recommends 39/42, and someone I know who had them on his SV said they're right, as he'd tried 33/36 and was unhappy, but at 39/42 they stuck like glue. Follow the (tire) manufacturer's recommendation on your tires, after all, they designed them.

Brad

[Kurt'sSV]

Don't run 39/42, you'll fall down.

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by bwarbiany
Follow the (tire) manufacturer's recommendation on your tires, after all, they designed them.

Brad

Suzuki makes our bikes and in the owners manual don't they recommend shifting out of first at something like 8 mph and you should be in 6th by 35 mph?

Manufacturer recommendations aren't always practical to fallow.

[Punkbrad]

a fallow is a type of tilth or uncultivated land.

however, i don't always follow the manufacturers recommendations either.

Kurt, we gotta go riding soon man.. all this tension is making me a prick... a good ride and a kick in the nuts should do it..

http://www.geocities.com/punkbrad/pblight.JPG

[bwarbiany]

Originally posted by Kurt'sSV
Suzuki makes our bikes and in the owners manual don't they recommend shifting out of first at something like 8 mph and you should be in 6th by 35 mph?

That's good for best fuel economy. Not like any of us will ever do it though... But seriously, different tires work at different pressures. It's a function of the tire, not the bike. Perhaps if you want to be like Kurt (ugh) you can run them at the MEZ4 pressures, but the manufacture has a reason for telling you to run at higher pressure.

Try this: Go to a canyon road that you know well, and ride it with your tires at the higher, manufacturer recommended tire pressure. Then reduce pressure to "Kurt's Recommended Tire Pressure" (patent pending), and see if it's an improvement or not. I'd recommend not riding the full 100%, as you might not be sure how the tires will respond, but it'll be best to ride at a spirited pace to make the observation.

Brad

[airman9]

I'll try the caynon thing... I am a big woooooosssss so I don't think I will push the tires hard enough to lowside but I will be very careful.. I can't complain about having to go through the twisties twice :D Thanks for the help I just wish Dunlop had the damn pressure so I wouldn't have to guess...

[bwarbiany]

Call them or send them an email? They should be able to give you that info...

Brad

[airman9]

Originally posted by bwarbiany
Call them or send them an email? They should be able to give you that info...

Brad

Wouldn't that be smart or the easy way as some would call it?? Why the hell did I not think of that?? So, Well off to E-mail I go.. Boy do I feel like a :geek:

Thanks for the help bwarbiany :D

[peaty]

just fill it up till no more goes in. thought that's the way we did it on the helo's.

god im such a smart ass.


tom:cool:

[idukes]

Yes, some call them treads, but to me they're just unsightly wrinkles. I fill my tires up 'til they're nice and smooth all the way around. You'll be surprised at how large they become when fully inflated.

Ian

[Aufaber]

Originally posted by Kurt'sSV
Maybe for freeway wear that would be good, but in a canyon you'd low side really quick with tires that hard.

Thats the stock pressures for my tires, 010's. 36 Front 42 Rear..
The F4i come with 207's also and they have the same recomended pressure.
If I let the rear pressure get down to around 35 PSI the rear end of the bike starts to rotate on low speed turns. Feels super creepy.

[airman9]

ya, who needs that stuff considered tread anyway huh... Just keep filling and filling...

On a more serious note I am going to run 36F 42R until Dunlop tells me different.. I really appreciate all the help you all gave me...

This board rocks.. :cool:

[peaty]

aww that just brings a tear to my eye. *sniff sniff :sad:

[airman9]

For those of you interested I promised I would post....

Matthew,

Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding the recommended tire
inflation pressures for your '02 Suzuki SV650S. If your running the
correct tire sizes, i.e. 120/60-17 front and 160/60-17 rear, we suggest
inflating to 36 psi front and 42 psi rear. We'll be happy to send a
motorcycle tire product brochure out with today's mail.


So there it is from the makers mouth...

[CaliSVs]

Dumb question: i just put on new Sportec m-1's and was wondering if the recommended inflation pressure stays the same as the stockies. The website says the recommended pressure is per the bike manufacturer, but I wanted to be certain.

thanks,
Matt

oh yeah - so the comedians have to be original:
"There are no dumb questions, only dumb people"

[zzzwillzzz]

pressures vary w/ speed the faster you go the lower pressure. make sure to measure the tires cold. different people use different pressures, i normally run 32 psi front and 32-34 psi rear. for alot of highway riding i will bump the back up to 36 psi will will reduce grip but also reduce wear. i don't bother with changing the front pressure because even when the sides are completely fried the center looks like it has another 5000 miles left.

i'm guessing this thread will be merged

it was merged even before i could finish responding

[CaliSVs]

aha, merged indeed - cool wit me.

Thanks zzzzzzzzwwwwwwwwlllllllllzzzzzzzzzzlllllzzzz for the info, and to whoever merged :D

[bwarbiany]

Originally posted by CaliSVs
aha, merged indeed - cool wit me.

Thanks zzzzzzzzwwwwwwwwlllllllllzzzzzzzzzzlllllzzzz for the info, and to whoever merged :D

I normally keep 33-35 psi up front (less for better grip, more for reduced wear), and anywhere between 35-37 in the rear (again lower for better grip, higher for reduced wear)...

Will rides faster than I do (and weighs less), so he might be getting away with lower pressures, but I've never had the tires do anything but grip like a mo-fo at 34 front 36 rear... They slide quite a bit for me at lower pressures though (damn near lost the front a few times on my last GMR ride)...

[Dom]

I just got super corsas but I've run BT010's a lot usally 32 front 36 rear maybe a little higher for commuting and then 30-31 front 32-33 rear for the canyons

[BluBallz]

okay, i know ive asked this question before... but what the F is on dominators avatar????

[rb643]

Originally posted by BluBallz
okay, i know ive asked this question before... but what the F is on dominators avatar????

You really wanna know?

http://hypercycles.ucsd.edu/forums/showthread.php?threadid=2014

[SVelocity]

The question I have is: What kind of air gauge are people using? I don't really know how accurate the standard "pen" gauges are (silver ones with the white plastic rod that slides in and out). I have read about the electronic gauges but they seem pretty expensive.

Sometimes the air pump will have a dial so you can set the PSI limit you want to put in your tires. The pump will "ding" until you have reached that limit. After filling my tires I've checked it and my "pen" gauge seems to read the same as the pump. So I don't know...

Any thoughts?

[rb643]

I hear that pen type guages are pretty accurate. I have two of them, and they both give the same readings. I also have a dial type guage, and it reads 2 psi higher than the pen ones, so I go by the pen ones.

[slowpoke]

Stick.

Try several people's gauges on the same tire (eg. when waiting at the gas station or at the next maintenance day) and if one doesn't match, then it is bad.

Hopefully there will be more gauges that have the same readings than ones that don't.

[Loyolan]

I use a digital gauge. It's precise, but I haven't yet checked its accuracy.

[bwarbiany]

Originally posted by SVelocity
Sometimes the air pump will have a dial so you can set the PSI limit you want to put in your tires. The pump will "ding" until you have reached that limit. After filling my tires I've checked it and my "pen" gauge seems to read the same as the pump. So I don't know...

I've heard these are *notoriously* inaccurate... You may have found some good ones that agree with your pen gauge, but I know a lot of those automated ones at gas stations that will be nowhere near the intended pressure.

[SVelocity]

Originally posted by bwarbiany
I've heard these are *notoriously* inaccurate... You may have found some good ones that agree with your pen gauge, but I know a lot of those automated ones at gas stations that will be nowhere near the intended pressure.

Yeah I would agree. I can't imagine the pump would be very accurate. This is what is causing my concern about the pen gauge...cuz they do agree with each other! lol...:rolleyes:

Btw, I think its kinda funny the spell checker doesn't know the word gauge...

[Chicago_SV]

Taken from another site:

"A lot of tire wear is blamed on suspension but in a significant number of cases, it is due to the incorrect pressure in the tire. There are easy ways to check that the tire pressure is correct, so that if there is a suspension issue, it can be accurately identified.

This really only applies to track days/racing where speeds are consistently very high both in corners and straight lines. When taking tire pressures, you need to use a quality gauge and have that gauge calibrated so you know how to read the gauge accurately (some will be + or - 1lb).

All manufacturers have recommended tire pressures that put you in the ballpark for the day. However, these pressures do not reflect track or ambient temperatures that change throughout the day. At the start of the day when the tires are truly cold, set the tire pressure to the recommended amount. When you go return from the ride (track or street), immediately take the tire pressure. You should have a gain of 6-7lbs. :eek: If you do not have that, then the tire pressure must be adjusted again, but you have to wait until the tire is cold again to do this right.

- You make get the symptoms of the tire sliding as it is overheating and therefore losing traction, and you may also see the tire “hot tearing” as the rubber shreds in a band around the tire
- You make get the symptoms of the tire sliding as it is not reaching the correct operating temperature and therefore losing traction, and you may also see the tire “cold tearing” as the rubber shreds in a band around the tire
· If you have a gain of more than 7 lbs, then you have too little air in the tire. :mad: You will need to increase tire pressure by half to one pound, and then go ride the bike again. Once you come back in, immediately take the tire pressure again. Adjust as necessary until you reach the correct gain.
· If you have a gain of less than 6lbs, you have too much air in the tire.:mad: Conversely you will need to decrease tire pressure by a half to one pound and then go ride the bike again.

Once you come back in, immediately take the tire pressure again. Adjust as necessary until you reach the correct gain.
Throughout the day whether at a track day or a race event the track temperature and the ambient temperature will change, so at regular intervals throughout the day, you will need to check both cold and hot tire pressures and adjust accordingly."



I found this bit while looking for suspension info. Is this true? To get these kinds of numbers i had to go to 23/25 on a BT10/20 combo. Seemed to work once the tires "came in" (heated up)
closes I could get was +6

Anyone heard of this before??

Thanks

M_Hamer

[Tillers_Rule]

I dont have any hard evidence either way, but I have heard similar stories.

When I had my bike in Mach 1 the tech set my advised me to set my (recommended 42) to 32.

Im sure this is great for the track when the variables are more constant, but on the street I'll stick with whats on the side of the tire.

[BioTek]

Originally posted by SVelocity
The question I have is: What kind of air gauge are people using? I don't really know how accurate the standard "pen" gauges are (silver ones with the white plastic rod that slides in and out). I have read about the electronic gauges but they seem pretty expensive.
Any thoughts?


Check out Target, I got a digital guage on sale the other week for 10 bucks. It's dead accurate.
My pen type was 2psi out, the dial I had showed different EVERYTIME! I'm sure it's all relevant to how much you spend though, I shouldn't of expected the dial to be that good for less than 3 bucks.

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by Tillers_Rule

Im sure this is great for the track when the variables are more constant, but on the street I'll stick with whats on the side of the tire.

What is on the side of the tire is the MAXIMUM recommended tire pressure, which seems to always be 42 psi. Don't run your tires with that much psi in the canyons. They won't heat up.

Of course if you ride uber slow, then it doesn't really matter. You could have stone tires and you'd be fine.

[linp]

Originally posted by S.D.SV
Check out Target, I got a digital guage on sale the other week for 10 bucks. It's dead accurate.


I got two at Sears on sale for some ridiculously cheap price too a long time ago. Very small, keychain type digital tire pressure guage. Accutire brand, supposed to be very good.

[vDragon]

Tire psi.
Just wondering what PSI you guys were running Fr/Rr on the street.
I know its different for twisties vs. highway, but I'm still curious.
Thanks!

[RACERX]

0 psi, oh I thought u meant my truck, 29fr 30r for the bike

[vDragon]

Ah, I've been merged!

33/36 huh?
Little higher than what I thought, but sounds OK to me.

I have the Sharper Image Digital Tire Gauge w/ Flashlight.
Got it on eBay for like $10 total. Cool shiet!

[DOC]

Originally posted by Chicago_SV




I found this bit while looking for suspension info. Is this true? To get these kinds of numbers i had to go to 23/25 on a BT10/20 combo. Seemed to work once the tires "came in" (heated up)
closes I could get was +6

Anyone heard of this before??

Thanks

M_Hamer I got the same info from an article in a magazine but they suggested a3-4# rise in pressure. I don't think I would run my tires at 23/25, that's pretty low.
DoC

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by DOC
I don't think I would run my tires at 23/25, that's pretty low.
DoC

That's flat.

[Tillers_Rule]

I concur

[Tillers_Rule]

I concur

[DOC]

Originally posted by Kurt'sSV
That's flat. Ha-ha! Yeah!
DoC

[DOC]

Originally posted by DOC
I got the same info from an article in a magazine but they suggested a3-4# rise in pressure. I don't think I would run my tires at 23/25, that's pretty low.
DoC I went to the tire section on the SportRider web site and they reccommend a3-4# increase on your front and a 4-6# increase on your rear tire. However, this is a track only technique and not suggested for street use as you will end up cooking your tires when you go for a long freeway ride.
I'm currently running Diablos and the Pirelli web site says 33 F & 36 R for an SV on Diablos. I've been running a bit lower than that and just changed it and ran up the canyon right now. I liked it , turn-in was much quicker and smoother, I'm going to keep them that way.
DoC

BTW: That is the factory recommended pressure for my bike also.

[corsastrada]

http://www.drivegreen.com/Motorcycle_Pressure_Data.shtml
The most common for sport bikes is 34/36
I noticed a trend that the heavier cruiser bikes have higher numbers.

[SV650sk3]

I run mine at 36/38 as recomended by the place that put them on. Then again, they didn't put on the carter key for the rear axle back on correctly...

[DOC]

Cotter pin.
DOC

[BioTek]

Originally posted by DOC

I'm currently running Diablos and the Pirelli web site says 33 F & 36 R for an SV on Diablos. I've been running a bit lower than that and just changed it and ran up the canyon right now. I liked it , turn-in was much quicker and smoother, I'm going to keep them that way.
DoC




That'll inflate it more and make it super round so yeah it'll turn quicker, but running a lower pressure gives a better contact patch on the road no?? I run my Diablos at 31/33 on the street and ran 30/30 at the track.

[DOC]

Originally posted by BioTek
That'll inflate it more and make it super round so yeah it'll turn quicker, but running a lower pressure gives a better contact patch on the road no?? I run my Diablos at 31/33 on the street and ran 30/30 at the track.
Yeah, I'm willing to give up a little bit of grip to get better mileage. Tire mileage is killing me right now.
DOC

[BioTek]

Originally posted by DOC
Yeah, I'm willing to give up a little bit of grip to get better mileage. Tire mileage is killing me right now.
DOC

Gotcha. My bikes now a toy so I dont mind rubbing out the rubber as it's a weekend play thing and they seemingly last forever.

[2002r6]

I run my Diablos at 31/33 on the street and ran 30/30 at the track.

diablos are recommended to be run at somewhat higher pressures, especially at the track - minimum 32/24. that's what i ran on mine and they worked well.

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by 2002r6
diablos are recommended to be run at somewhat higher pressures, especially at the track - minimum 32/34. that's what i ran on mine and they worked well.

Yeah, while I don't think the tire vendors at WSIR would set Diablos at that on their own, a guy who raced (very well) on Diablo Corsas would run his tires around that PSI. He would always set it himself 'cause the tire vendors would set it low like slicks.

[DOC]

Originally posted by 2002r6
- minimum 32/24.
You didn't really run your rear tire at 24 psi, did you?
DOC

[2002r6]

Originally posted by DOC
You didn't really run your rear tire at 24 psi, did you?
DOC

oops -typo. i meant 34. but you know what i meant.

Kurt did

[Dragonhawk]

I just checked my tire pressure today on the stock Dunlops that came on my SV.

I noticed that the tire said to run 42PSI and the sticker on the chainguard says to run 33PSI.

Being confused as hell, I decided to consult the good old SV forum. I found this thread and now ... I'm just as confused as I was before.

:D

[Kurt'sSV]

Seriously, you read the whole thing and you're question wasn't answered?

If you read what it says on your tire more closely (maybe take a course in phonics), you would have seen that it says max load, 42psi. That's the most you can, safely, put in the tire, but it doesn't mean that's an optimum psi for street riding.

Run what the chain guard says.

[Dragonhawk]

Originally posted by Kurt'sSV
Seriously, you read the whole thing and you're question wasn't answered?

If you read what it says on your tire more closely (maybe take a course in phonics), you would have seen that it says max load, 42psi. That's the most you can, safely, put in the tire, but it doesn't mean that's an optimum psi for street riding.

Run what the chain guard says.
Ohhhhhhh. Okay. That's simple enough. Nobody else put it so succinctly. I'll do that then. Thanks.

[Phalcon51]

Whoops, looks like I've been merged. Hope this isn't too redundant.

Just curious what other people are running, particularly on the Michelin Pilot Sports. The sticker on the bike calls for 36 fr. and 42 rear, but I found that I've been running on 28 fr. and 32 rear. That's how it came from the dealer and, stupid me, I didn't bother to check it. Seems a bit low, but I've been running the bike moderately hard and haven't noticed any problem. I've since bumped it up to 34 and 40 figuring they might be recommending 36/42 for two-up riding. What pressures do you all run? What handling differences do you find with different pressures?

[dogcatcher]

I run the reccommended, 36/42 and I have not had any problems.