Tyre Pressures

[cc mac]

The handbook recommends 2.2 bar front and 2.5 bar rear (31.9 and 36.3 psi). I have read in Ride Mag's tyre supplement that they are 2.5 bar and 2.9 bar. I have also heard of other riders running higher than standard pressures. I am currently running at 32 and 36 psi on Pilot Powers. Is the handbook right or is it common knowledge that higher pressures are the way to go?

[gus]

Hi
Use tyre pressures recomended by the tyre manufacture.I know that bridgestone recommend a higher pressure than the handbook.
gus

[Gromit]

What Gus said - ignore the BMW-recommended pressures.

Also ignore what DiRE said and go with the tyre maker's pressures.

Is it me or is DiRE full of even more duff gen these days?

[RoLoo]

...the RT : 2.5 front, and 2.85 at the back (Metzeler ME Z4) - alone, and with two up...
...the S : 2.5 front, and 2.9 at the back (Metzeler Z6) - alone, and with two up...

...IMO 2.2 / 2.5 is too low... 2.5/2.9 works fine (not doing trackdays, only road use)...

[cc mac]

Thanks for the advice.

[Rods]

ditto this advice.

i'm using avon azaros at the moment. recommended pressures are 42 psi front and back - way of bmw's 32 an d 36!!

[cc mac]

Tried the 2.5 2.9 bar pressures the last couple of days. I think it feels better. More precise, and much better braking. What have I been doing these past three years?

[bobbit]

Off topic I know but .........

Anyone have any experience with tyre pressures for a 2003 K1200RS with Battlax BT 20's fitted.
BM's literature says 42psi rear and 36psi front, which is what I ran on
my S . But they quote the same pressures for solo or with passenger and
luggage .
E mailed Bridgestone and they came back with 42 psi both front and rear for all loads. I know Bridgestone should know what they are talking about but in all my time on bikes (which goes back to the mid 70's) I've never had a bike than ran on the same pressures front and rear.
Anyone with any observations .

Bob.

[Rods]

my blackbird, when running on avon azaros, is supposed to be 42 front AND rear. the same advice for the r1100s from avon for this tyre.

is would listen to the tyre manufacturer rather than the bike manufacturer myself...

[oyster]

With Battleaxe 010 fitted, I tried the book pressures of 32 and 36 and found the handling inaccurate and wobbly. I read here a while back of others using highr pressure so I increased both tyres by 3 psi, 35 and 39. Excellent improvement, handling was more precise and the ride was more stable. Too late now to try equal - 39 psi - in both, changed my tyres now.