Tire Presure?

[bowcop]

How many pounds do you guys run in your tires on your RT's. I am looking for what is optimum for me. I am 5-8 and 210 pounds....the load on the bike from "luggage" is 30 lbs max.

 

I currently have Dulop 220D's on........but is gonna change to ME880's before summer.

 

Thanks!

 

Tim

[upflying]

Somehwere around 40 front and rear. Checked B4 every ride BTW.

[IanW]

Tim

You will have a recommendation in your owners manual, and you will find a recommendation on the tyre manufacturers site. The one in the manual is for comfort and the one on the site is for tyre life. Work out what you want or just split it.

Ian

[bowcop]

Thanks Guys.........!

[RFW]

How many pounds do you guys run in your tires on your RT's.

So, what is wrong with putting in what the owners manual says? Seems to me that after exhaustive testing, BMW ought to know a lot more about what is the right pressure, than someone just experimenting.

[Rocket_Cowboy]

Seems to me that after exhaustive testing, BMW ought to know a lot more about what is the right pressure, than someone just experimenting.

 

BMW was able to test their bikes with all riders, all luggage options, and all conditions (and all permutations of the above) to come up with one number that is "right" for all circumstances?

 

I prefer to run 42/42 in normal spring/summer/fall weather for best tire life on road trips. I adjust from that baseline depending on conditions, ie severe cold, better handling, off-road, etc.

[JayW]

So, what is wrong with putting in what the owners manual says? Seems to me that after exhaustive testing, BMW ought to know a lot more about what is the right pressure, than someone just experimenting.

 

That's what I thought at first, but found that the front tire in particular was prone to cupping with the BMW recommended pressures. I raised mine to 38F/40R (one-up) and now seem to get better tire life and wear.

 

Jay

[BUSTED]

Most uneven/premature tire wear can be attributed to under-inflated front pressure and over-inflated rear pressure. Vehicle manufacturers' listed/suggested tire pressures are as likely to be influenced by their legal department as much as their engineering group and they don't buy your tires for you!.

[bowcop]

So what does BMW say should be the right pressure?....I did not get a manuel with my bike, hence all the dumb questions!

[ahirsch]

BMW says 36 front and 38 back. I found these pressures to be too low with cupping happening on the front. I switched them to a touch over 40 and the tire wear will be greatly enhanced. I have z6's with 5000 miles on them right now and I bet I am only 50% through with them. The z4's I had on previously lasted 5000 miles with the 36/38 pressure. Really they only lasted 4000 miles and I rode them thrashed for another 1000.

[bowcop]

So if I ran 40 in the front and 42 in the rear....that would be acceptable? Is there any handling advantage or disadvantage to having both tires at the same level?

[Wyn]

42 @ 42

[leikam]

I run them soft enough to be comfortable and hard enough that they're not squirmy. It's very scientific.

[philbytx]

Me at 220 plus topbox, tankbag and associated bike junk....38F 40R

With Deb on the back - 40F 42R

On the ME880's wear patter and wear has been excellent.

[CoarsegoldKid]

It depends on which gauge you use. Since a recent thread went on about how inaccurate gauges are, who really knows for sure what pressure they are using. They're using a number that appears on their gauge not your gauge. Start somewhere at or near the BMW recommended, and mess with it until you are satisfied that number is good for you or until you drop your gauge.

[Quinn]

Maybe at the next rally everyone should have a gauge-off and award prizes for the highest and lowest and most average reading. I'd use a car tire because it has enough volume of air to remain stable longer.

[JayW]

So what does BMW say should be the right pressure?....I did not get a manuel with my bike, hence all the dumb questions!

 

It depends upon what/who you are carrying. The BMW recommendations are listed on a label under the seat on my RT.

 

Jay

[AdventurePoser]

Hi guy,

 

FWIW, I run 40/42 for both single rider and double rider days. I seem to get great tire wear and performance out of my tires with this pressure.

 

Have fun!

 

Steve in So Cal

[tallman]

40/42 also ( tires), not pants.

[vfrman]

Wow... I'm shocked by the amount of pressure a lot of you guys are running in your front tires.

 

Maybe the increase in pressure indeed helps with the cupping... perhaps I should try it.

 

I've always had sportbikes, and the general rule for front tires on those bikes is 36 or below. On track days, I've ran my fronts down anywhere from 30 - 34 cold. Mainly to allow a larger contact patch, and to aid in overall traction.

On the track, I could care less how long my tires last. I want them to stick like glue.

 

I guess I've carried that philosophy over to the RT as well.

I'm a very aggressive rider, so I've never considered airing up the front tire past 36.

 

Do you guys think that at 40-42psi in the front that the RT can still be hustled aggressively in the corners without low-siding?

If so, I'll make the adjustment and see how it goes.

 

I've had great luck with the bike so far. It handles amazingly well for it's size. Although you'd never think it, knee-down silliness is not out of the question.

Problem is, front tires only last me about 2500 miles - if that. The stock D220's were pieces of garbage. The Conti Road Attack C's on there now are plenty sticky... but showing signs of cupping after only 2000 miles.

 

If I can increase the pressure while retaining good traction, AND get better tire life... I'm all for it.

 

Thanks!

[Linz]

Patrick, I wondered the same thing. I run 36-42 one up and 36-44 two up.

 

I can't get close to 40 up front without some serious head shaking on bumps in bends. I rode A grade for many years on track in Australia and like to punt my bikes along as well. I don't get cupping on the front on any of my bikes which I put down to the fact that I don't push the front on bends (and I see that most riders do). I'm pretty much on the throttle early in a turn and quite seriously so, which lifts the weight off the front tire and slows the scrubbing.

 

I don't want to come across as any kind of hero but I think that front end cupping is due to rider style rather than tire pressure, just my experience...

 

Also, I've tried upping from 36 front on long freeway journeys in an attempt to extract lower fuel useage and whilst that has worked, the ride quality was compromised...too hard in the front made for a jarring experience. It might be different with aftermarket shocks which might allow me to adjust the compression damping but I run stock shocks.

 

Cheers,

 

Linz

[Mister Tee]

Wow... I'm shocked by the amount of pressure a lot of you guys are running in your front tires.

 

Maybe the increase in pressure indeed helps with the cupping... perhaps I should try it.

 

I've always had sportbikes, and the general rule for front tires on those bikes is 36 or below. On track days, I've ran my fronts down anywhere from 30 - 34 cold. Mainly to allow a larger contact patch, and to aid in overall traction.

On the track, I could care less how long my tires last. I want them to stick like glue.

 

I guess I've carried that philosophy over to the RT as well.

I'm a very aggressive rider, so I've never considered airing up the front tire past 36.

 

Do you guys think that at 40-42psi in the front that the RT can still be hustled aggressively in the corners without low-siding?

If so, I'll make the adjustment and see how it goes.

 

I've had great luck with the bike so far. It handles amazingly well for it's size. Although you'd never think it, knee-down silliness is not out of the question.

Problem is, front tires only last me about 2500 miles - if that. The stock D220's were pieces of garbage. The Conti Road Attack C's on there now are plenty sticky... but showing signs of cupping after only 2000 miles.

 

If I can increase the pressure while retaining good traction, AND get better tire life... I'm all for it.

 

Thanks!

 

I've always run lower pressures on a sportbike too, although on the street I've always run 36/42, even for aggressive riding. An RT weighs a lot more than a sportbike, so one should expect to run correspondingly higher pressures. It makes sense to me.

[marcopolo]

I run 38/40 one-up, and 38/42 two-up on my R12RT.

[tallman]

I have Wilbers Sport Suspension F/R and Steering Damper.

I weigh well over 200# and the bike (GT) is big.

If you think 4 more pounds of air pressure will lead to a low side, by all means, don't do it.

I've put 76,000 miles on BMW's the past 3 1/2 years.

Never once, rain, wind, cold, heat, have I had the slightest negative feedback from a front tire.

I've run Z-6's for the majority of the miles.

 

Cupping is a factor of tire pressure, crown, suspension, and riding style.

Most of the bad cupping I've seen is related to tire PSI deficits.

YMMV.

[BUSTED]

I've run 42 psi in my front radials for sport touring since 1995. The lowest milage on any of these has been 9800 miles. I usually get between 16/17,000 per front tire. I never run 42 in the rear tire unless loaded and 2up. I adjust the rear pressure for load. On my rear tires I usually average near 11/12,000 miles.

 

tire pic attached shows a D204 with 10,855 miles, a MEZ1 with 14,216 miles, and a D205 with 16,842 miles.

[vfrman]

Well, I upped my front tire pressure from 36 to 38, and I already notice a positive difference. Not in the wear (as I haven't ridden enough to notice) but in the handling. The steering is much more responsive, and needs a lot less muscle for slow speed stuff.

I seem to get better gas mileage too.

 

I may try a pound or so higher, but I can't see going higher than 40; especially since I'm only 160 lbs with gear on.

[RBowen]

I was told by Avon and Metzler reps 42 front 42 back ! I'm

6'1" 260# and have not experienced cupping since adherring to those recommendations!

[vfrman]

I was told by Avon and Metzler reps 42 front 42 back ! I'm

6'1" 260# and have not experienced cupping since adherring to those recommendations!

 

While that may be true, if you go on both their websites, they specifically state 36 front, 42 rear.

[tallman]

I was told by Avon and Metzler reps 42 front 42 back ! I'm

6'1" 260# and have not experienced cupping since adherring to those recommendations!

 

While that may be true, if you go on both their websites, they specifically state 36 front, 42 rear.

 

And BMW advises a rider not to exceed 80 mph w/saddlebags on the bike.

A question was asked.

It has been answered, numerous times.

If you didn't want an answer that was different from the manufacturer websites, why ask?

Not being contentious, but this is curious behavior.

[vfrman]

I simply made a statement, just as you and everyone else does on this forum... as we have a right to. He states that the reps for these manufacturers suggest 42 - 42.. which contradicts what their site says. If you're employed by the company, maybe it's best to be consistent with what they recommend.

 

Next time, if you don't like what I have to say, click your way to the next topic.

 

[Heck]

Next time, if you don't like what I have to say, click your way to the next topic.

 

 

Boys, boys.. Take a Midol.

[Agent_Orange]

Touchy, touchy.

Sounds like someone needs a ride.

[tallman]

Like?

Has nothing to do with it.

Metzler Website.

"Where are your air pressure listings, and can I run different pressures then you suggest?

We list the minimum air pressures for most bikes sold in the North Amercian on the web site in the brochure download area. We also have a chart in the brochure that gives suggestions for running corrected air pressures for when you add a load and or a passenger. A simple rule of thumb is to always run the pressures on your street motorcycle tires towards the maximum listed on the sidewall. By doing this you will increase the life of the tire over it's useful life. "

My tires are rated at max 44 psi cold, so 42 is certainly within the range the manufacturer recommends and their employees are following the company's recommendation.

This information is just that. Information.

As I said before, not being contentious.

If you think I am, you are mistaken.

[mefly2]

Good stuff- it is always good to hear (and see) what others have experienced with their rides. Thanks for taking the time to post and evaluate tire pressure variations.

[SCed]

On my old R1100RT I run 42/40 with Metzler Z6's. This works for me. A lot of tire pressure opinions out there. Here is a link to recommended pressures I absolutely can not understand.

BTW, I have been inflating MC tires for over 42 years LOL. web page

[Channa]

Well as others have mentioned the manufacturers tyre pressures ar under the seat 32 and 36 as I recall on a uk bike. Are Uk measurements different I know there can be a difference between US and Imperial.

 

Even soI have inflated my front to 34 and rear to 38 psi. In my experience prevents squaring off.

 

In addition I do find a slightly higher pressure on the front assists slow speed handling

 

Channa

[Quinn]

Remembering back to a tire guage thread, it doesn't really matter because your guage is probably wrong anyway. What you see isn't going to be what you get.

[Linz]

I have the BMW digital gauge and whilst it may not be right, it's consistent.

 

Over the life of the tires, I can judge the wear rate at the pressures I choose to run but I guess this is only any real use if I stay with the same brand and type each change.

 

I've been running Bridgestones since I bought the bike (they were already fitted and new) and have done just on 10,000Km with them and the front is good still (no cupping) and the rear is down to the minimum tread marks. I'll push it for another 1,000km and then change to Metzeler 880's to attempt to get better mileage.

 

I don't really do sport riding on the R1150RT, it's mainly a freeway and country backroads blaster to visit family so I need hard rubber IMO.

 

My Triumph Daytona on the other hand is only vertical between corners and I run Michelin Pilot Powers for grip.

 

The edges of the tire on the rear of the Beemer look scuffed but almost as new, the center is flattened and worn. I've been running 36 and 42 (44 with load and passenger). I find that any more pressure in the front makes the ride harsher and makes the bike shake it's head on bumps.

 

I think this is a very individual thing...

 

Linz

[RBowen]

I simply made a statement, just as you and everyone else does on this forum... as we have a right to. He states that the reps for these manufacturers suggest 42 - 42.. which contradicts what their site says. If you're employed by the company, maybe it's best to be consistent with what they recommend.

 

Next time, if you don't like what I have to say, click your way to the next topic.

 

 

The recommendations for those tire pressures can be varified by The service Manager at Victory BMW, Chandler AZ. The Dealership routinely recommends those pressures as well on all there sport touring tires. again I've had great results after adherring to those pressures (religously). This is just conversation about our preference and experience DO WHATEVER YOU LIKE! and please don't go over 80 the the panniers on (it's in the book)

[ShovelStrokeEd]

Summary so far on a thread that has nothing to do with riding technique and should have been moved to motorcycle talk.

 

12 posts with no data just philosophical musings on tire pressure in general or snippy comments.

 

2 guys say go with the tire manufacturer

3 guys say whatever the bike manufacturer recommends.

The rest

Front - rear

34-1

36-5

38-4 and 1

40-5 and 7

42-5 and 9

44-0 and 1

 

The conclusion? Run whatever feels good to you and never an odd number.

[smiller]

and never an odd number.

Now that's the important point. And it must be true because I've never once seen anyone recommend one!

[tobyzusa]

Running with odd tire pressure results in final drive failure.

[Lawman]

Running with odd tire pressure results in final drive failure.

 

Brad,

Before learning this I was running either 39.7 or 41.3 in both front and rear depending on road surface. Now I've switched to 38.8 or 40.2 both front and rear depending on road surface and so far no problems with the final drive..

[tobyzusa]

Running with odd tire pressure results in final drive failure.

 

Brad,

Before learning this I was running either 39.7 or 41.3 in both front and rear depending on road surface. Now I've switched to 38.8 or 40.2 both front and rear depending on road surface and so far no problems with the final drive..

 

Good man, quick learner.

[BUSTED]

Not true!

 

http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/showthreaded.php?Number=703397

 

The 37 psi rear tire pressure is with no gear/tankbag/luggage on board. I've also posted further in the past that I run 39 psi with luggage and some gear and 41 psi 2-up. I run 42 psi 2-up with full load. My front,(42) and varied rear pressures keep the tire wear even and long. What I run is no endorsement to any rider, just my choice for my use.

[mefly2]

Running with odd tire pressure results in final drive failure.

Now that just seems odd to me ...

[Beemr69]

 

 

Next time, if you don't like what I have to say, click your way to the next topic.

 

 

HUH ? wtf ?

[sardineone]

I read through the facts and opinions and there are many points of veiw for sure. I think it's about riding styles and priorities. I weigh around 240 and I run 36F, 41R(yes an odd #). I adjust these #'s down 1/2 to 1 pound in colder weather for grip. And there you have my preference, grip with sport touring tires(yes, I'm conflicted). I was running Avon Azzaro's 10 years ago on a Triumph Daytona while traveling in Canada. The temps dropped a bit and so did my tire pressure. What resulted was dialing in the grip especially on my front tire. I was very surprised how connected all of a sudden my bike felt in turns. I don't doubt that the higher pressures are right for ultimate tire life and quick turn in. From what I've heard, racers would use noticeably less than I. Fits right in as I want as much grip as possible with milage. I'm entirely open to this open exchange of info and opinions though. I'm never too old to learn something even if by accident!

PS. I'm running Michelin Pilot Roads and as usual would like just a bit more milage. PR2's are on my shopping list.

[vfrman]

I'm also looking forward to slipping on a set of the Pilot Road 2's. I've always had good luck with Michelin's.

I'm running Conti Road Attacks now, and they seem ok.

 

Dunlop has just released a new sport touring tire called the Roadsmart. They're received stellar reviews. In a handful of comparison tests, they've come out on the top of the list in wet and dry grip testing compared to the current crop of sport touring tires.

 

I've never had great luck with Dunlops; although, the D607's that came on the 12GS were nothing short of amazing.

I just might give these Roadsmarts a shot.

[Rob_Mayes]

I always look on the side of the tire and put in that amount as tested by the tire manufacurer, assuming the tire is at about 80 degrees F. (cars, motorcycles, and bicycles)

 

You will get the best fuel and tire mileage.