Tire Pressure - The Ups And Downs

The owner’s manual says 36 PSI. The tire says 41 PSI. Which is correct? Ask ten different people; you’ll get twelve different opinions. Ask me, I’ll give you a thirteenth opinion. Before we can answer this question we need to go back to the beginning. When Gork first invented the tire his only concern was moving Brontosaurs steaks around. He could easily lower the tire pressure with the use of a hammer and chisel. Increasing the pressure usually meant a new tire. In that respect, Gork was a lot like us, the tire pressure keeps going lower and lower without much attention. Many years later, one of his ancestors invented the air compressor, which is now the preferred method of adjusting tire pressure. But hey, if the hammer and chisel method works for you…

So, that still leaves the question of which is right. The book or the tire? In all honesty, I don’t know. This seems to be matter of personal preference and opinion. Ride and handling characteristics vary tire-to-tire, bike-to-bike and rider-to-rider. Weather, ambient air temperature and extreme changes in altitude can also affect tire pressure. Years ago most bike tires were pretty much the same, so you used whatever you could find cheap. Today, with the weight, horsepower and stopping ability of modern bikes, tires take on a life of their own, and quite possibly your life. When deciding on replacement tires you will always be safe going with the tires the bike manufacture recommends. Although that can be expensive, as there are many choices today. But you be the judge of what you spend your money on.

Over the past thirty some odd years, I’ve ran tires both ways; by the book and by the max pressure sidewall spec. I’ve noticed no difference in wear either way. I have noticed improvement in handling with the higher pressure. It might be all in my head, but then there’s some strange stuff floating around in there.

The reason I started to run higher pressures was a study I read a few years back. Yea, I know. Studies can be pretty darn skewed to suit your agenda. For every study I find for my side, you can find two studies for your side. I don’t recall the who, when and where the study was conducted, but I do remember the content. The study, and actual on road tests were conducted by a group of riders that I consider some of the best riders you’ll find on the road. Motor Officers. Guys that will weave in and out of 80 MPH traffic and make it look like second nature. I admire the job they do, and I would rather have them in front of me. Don't like them in my mirror.
All of the tests were done with street tires on dry roadway. No off-road or racing tires. Those are a whole different animal. They used several brands of tires, all of identical size, ply construction, speed and load ratings. There was no noticeable difference in stopping distance or control during normal riding. What made me try the higher pressure were the two following results: 1) There was a decrease in the occurrence of high-speed wobble, or “death-wobble” as I prefer to call it. 2) There was a “very noticeable” increase in control while executing high-speed turns and tight maneuvers. The reason given was the extra stiffness of the sidewalls, under the higher pressure, caused the sidewalls to resist rolling side to side. I’m not advocating one pressure setting over the other. I am saying that I run the higher pressure because I feel it gives me better control. Sometimes just the perception in your mind that you have a slight advantage is all it takes to avoid a very bad situation. But as with all things motorcycle, my final words are always “Let those who ride decide”.