Tire pressure Classic 1500

mxz600 · 08-01-2006

What tire pressure are mosting of you running with? I know the book says 28 for the front and 36 for the back. Going on my first long trip and was wondering if running at a little higher pressure and if so what. Thanks

*jukief* · 08-01-2006

I run both of mine at 40psi. I used that pressure with my stock tires and, now, with my Metzlers.

mxz600 · 08-01-2006

Does the bike seem to handle better at 40psi

*jukief* · 08-01-2006

It handles WAY better, and your tires will last longer, too. A lot of the 1500 owners on this forum use the same pressure (that's where I learned about it!).

**Spok** · 08-01-2006

yep, count me in on the 40 psi gang. i find that pressures as low as the book calls for make for a slippery slidy ride, too much flex in the tires to give a good line

uechi kid · 08-01-2006

I run m mine at 36psi, both front and back.

ppark · 08-01-2006

Whatever you do, don't exceed the max pressure stated on the tire.
Also, when you are checking the pressure in the morning and planning on riding in the afternoon, account for the tempreature increase which will increade the tire pressure.

anrfknm · 08-01-2006

40 front, 41 rear. lower presures don't handle the loads.

Frankt07 · 08-01-2006

im running 40 psi on both my tires

BigJohn · 08-01-2006

40 psi in both ends. Handles much better than factory recommendations.

kaw4me · 08-01-2006

Ok, we're all talking about tubed tires/spoked wheels on a 1500 Classic, right? I've been running 28F/36R on my '99 1500 Classic w Dunlop Cruisemax's with tubes. So jacking up the pressure to 40+, but not exceeding tire mfr's maximum is ok? Never thought about increasing the pressure, but if it's working for you guys, I'll give it a try. Even though I've got no problems with handling (I'm a very conservative rider), mpg should increase, and if tire wear is reduced, I'm all for the idea.This should be a real test for my fork oil and springs. BTW, not meaning to hijack this, but any recommendations for maintaining/changing fork oil and possible spring replacement...I've got 11k on the clock, and I don't know if the prev owner had this done. Is this stuff a dyi job, or should I let a dealer wrench do it?

**Spok** · 08-01-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaw4me

Ok, we're all talking about tubed tires/spoked wheels on a 1500 Classic, right? I've been running 28F/36R on my '99 1500 Classic w Dunlop Cruisemax's with tubes, and jacking up the pressure to 40+, but not exceeding tire mfr's maximum is ok? Never thought about increasing the pressure, but if it's working for you guys, I'll give it a try. Even though I've got no problems with handling (I'm a very conservative rider), mpg should increase, and if tire wear is reduced, I'm all for the idea.

when i was running low pressures in my tires the sidewalls had so much slack in them it felt like the tire was a bit rolley or rolling over as it flexed, made for a very squishy ride thru the turn.

when I went to higher pressures the line feels more steady and rail like. Now like everyone here, i sometimes go longer between pressure checks and they fall off after time and i know when its time to get the gauge and the air hose and pump em up. It starts to getting squishy at around 36 or so...for me anyway.

NY_Guy · 08-01-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaw4me

Ok, we're all talking about tubed tires/spoked wheels on a 1500 Classic, right? I've been running 28F/36R on my '99 1500 Classic w Dunlop Cruisemax's with tubes. So jacking up the pressure to 40+, but not exceeding tire mfr's maximum is ok? Never thought about increasing the pressure, but if it's working for you guys, I'll give it a try. Even though I've got no problems with handling (I'm a very conservative rider), mpg should increase, and if tire wear is reduced, I'm all for the idea.This should be a real test for my fork oil and springs. BTW, not meaning to hijack this, but any recommendations for maintaining/changing fork oil and possible spring replacement...I've got 11k on the clock, and I don't know if the prev owner had this done. Is this stuff a dyi job, or should I let a dealer wrench do it?

I'd look on the side of the tires. The owner's book recommends less pressure than stated on most mfg sidewalls. Don't know why-- these are not Ford Explorers. With Nomads, low front tire pressure is asking for trouble and serious tire wobble, esp cornering. Classics use a 130/90, so it might not be as bad, but there's no logical reason to underinflate (from mfg recommendation on sidewall). Pressure should be measured cold (not literally).

Re: fork oil change: check Gadget's web site.

kaw4me · 08-01-2006

I'll check the sidewalls on my Dunlops, and I'll also check for Gadget's info on the fork oil change. Thanks for the info.

kaw4me · 08-01-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by spok

when i was running low pressures in my tires the sidewalls had so much slack in them it felt like the tire was a bit rolley or rolling over as it flexed, made for a very squishy ride thru the turn.

when I went to higher pressures the line feels more steady and rail like. Now like everyone here, i sometimes go longer between pressure checks and they fall off after time and i know when its time to get the gauge and the air hose and pump em up. It starts to getting squishy at around 36 or so...for me anyway.

I've got to try upping the pressures. Maybe what I always thought was a "plush" ride was just what you're describing. That's partly why I ride so conservatively in the turns...just not much suspension response.

bluestringer · 08-01-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaw4me

I've got to try upping the pressures. Maybe what I always thought was a "plush" ride was just what you're describing. That's partly why I ride so conservatively in the turns...just not much suspension response.

You may not notice much in the ride itself, but the handling will be much better. Gas mileage and tire life will increase also.

Dukey · 08-01-2006

stock tires on my '05 1500 40 psi in both!

08-01-2006	#1 (permalink)
mxz600 Finally Got Into First Gear BTK Beginner Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 52	Tire pressure Classic 1500 What tire pressure are mosting of you running with? I know the book says 28 for the front and 36 for the back. Going on my first long trip and was wondering if running at a little higher pressure and if so what. Thanks

08-01-2006	#2 (permalink)
jukief I miss you, Deron Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 18,181	I run both of mine at 40psi. I used that pressure with my stock tires and, now, with my Metzlers. __________________ In memory of my friend Deron Harden. Life isn't going to be the same without him.

08-01-2006	#4 (permalink)
jukief I miss you, Deron Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 18,181	It handles WAY better, and your tires will last longer, too. A lot of the 1500 owners on this forum use the same pressure (that's where I learned about it!). __________________ In memory of my friend Deron Harden. Life isn't going to be the same without him.

08-01-2006	#5 (permalink)
Spok RIP Deron - 1400Pilot Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mount Vernon, Washington Posts: 34,605	yep, count me in on the 40 psi gang. i find that pressures as low as the book calls for make for a slippery slidy ride, too much flex in the tires to give a good line __________________ In Memory of Deron Harden - 1400 Pilot. You are missed.

08-01-2006	#6 (permalink)
uechi kid Forum Supporter Forum Supporter Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Antioch, Ca. Posts: 1,788	I run m mine at 36psi, both front and back. __________________ "Carpe Diem"

08-01-2006	#3 (permalink)
mxz600 Finally Got Into First Gear BTK Beginner Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 52	Does the bike seem to handle better at 40psi

08-01-2006	#7 (permalink)
ppark Way Too Much Free Time BTK Expert Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,158	Whatever you do, don't exceed the max pressure stated on the tire. Also, when you are checking the pressure in the morning and planning on riding in the afternoon, account for the tempreature increase which will increade the tire pressure. __________________ 1600 Mean Streak ZRX1200

08-01-2006	#8 (permalink)
anrfknm humble pie consumer BTK Expert Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: california mountains Posts: 3,538	40 front, 41 rear. lower presures don't handle the loads. __________________ vroc #13815 - rolling blunder #182 AMA member http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/anrfknm

08-01-2006	#9 (permalink)
Frankt07 Ridden like a Ford! BTK Expert Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Miami, Fl Posts: 4,020	im running 40 psi on both my tires __________________ 2001 Black Mustang GT 2005 Phantom Silver 1500 Classic Royal Purple synthetic oil in both

08-01-2006	#10 (permalink)
BigJohn Power Hungry V2K Rider Forum Supporter Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Posts: 6,289	40 psi in both ends. Handles much better than factory recommendations. __________________ '00 Nomad '06 V2K LT Because RED is the fastest color...

08-01-2006	#11 (permalink)
kaw4me Finally Got Into First Gear BTK Beginner Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Aurora, Illinois Posts: 65	Ok, we're all talking about tubed tires/spoked wheels on a 1500 Classic, right? I've been running 28F/36R on my '99 1500 Classic w Dunlop Cruisemax's with tubes. So jacking up the pressure to 40+, but not exceeding tire mfr's maximum is ok? Never thought about increasing the pressure, but if it's working for you guys, I'll give it a try. Even though I've got no problems with handling (I'm a very conservative rider), mpg should increase, and if tire wear is reduced, I'm all for the idea.This should be a real test for my fork oil and springs. BTW, not meaning to hijack this, but any recommendations for maintaining/changing fork oil and possible spring replacement...I've got 11k on the clock, and I don't know if the prev owner had this done. Is this stuff a dyi job, or should I let a dealer wrench do it? __________________ 1999 Vulcan 1500 Classic Blue/Silver Last edited by kaw4me : 08-01-2006 at 02:22 PM.

08-01-2006	#14 (permalink)
kaw4me Finally Got Into First Gear BTK Beginner Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Aurora, Illinois Posts: 65	I'll check the sidewalls on my Dunlops, and I'll also check for Gadget's info on the fork oil change. Thanks for the info. __________________ 1999 Vulcan 1500 Classic Blue/Silver

08-01-2006	#17 (permalink)
Dukey I want mine Diesel! BTK Beginner Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Millbury, MA Posts: 119	stock tires on my '05 1500 40 psi in both! __________________ *2005 -1500 CLASSIC* Kawasaki Windshield

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