Check air pressure on new tires

[bgpoole]

I took my front tire in last Friday to have a new one installed and was not able to ride all weekend afer putting it back on my bike Saturday morning.

I had a lower profile tire put on to get a better feel from the front end; well the first few corners I went around on my way to work Monday it felt like I was riding on glass, then I remembered what the guy at the shop said about inflating the tire to around 41 PSI. Duh. After I lowered it down to the 35 PSI I usually run it was amazing how much front end feel I actually had.

Lesson: Always double check tire pressure when you get a new one installed, and no matter what, make the time to take a quick run to make sure everything is good before you head out for a real ride.

[Saleenguy]

Originally Posted by bgpoole

I took my front tire in last Friday to have a new one installed and was not able to ride all weekend afer putting it back on my bike Saturday morning.

I had a lower profile tire put on to get a better feel from the front end; well the first few corners I went around on my way to work Monday it felt like I was riding on glass, then I remembered what the guy at the shop said about inflating the tire to around 41 PSI. Duh. After I lowered it down to the 35 PSI I usually run it was amazing how much front end feel I actually had.

Lesson: Always double check tire pressure when you get a new one installed, and no matter what, make the time to take a quick run to make sure everything is good before you head out for a real ride.

I work on a lot of bikes for people....from customers to friends.
And I bet that 70% or more of the tires I check are over-inflated.

The pressure on the side wall is the max amount the tire can possibly handle....not what the tire should have in it for normal use.

Most people I bet would feel improved handling, and braking, if they simlpy had correct tire pressures.
It takes 1 minute to check, and can save a rider from a crash....is that not worth 1 minute.

[gr8ride]

What does everyone suggest for the Ninja 250? I know the manual gives the minimum and the tire gives the max but where in between does traction become the best?

[soc_monki]

i just run what the manual states at the moment (36 front, 42 rear) however i do know people run that at 32/32 or 32/36. i make sure to have 32 in the front and around 36 in the rear before every ride. temperature plays a factor so in the morning itll be a little lower than what i normally put in, but during the day it heats up and increases the pressure. havent had any problems so far

[stevend135]

I run 32/36 and check the pressure daily

[GeorgiaRider]

I check mine before each ride. I keep them at recommended manual pressure or a little higher.

[barry5k]

Do you notice that the manual tire pressure is way under the max tire pressure stamped on the tire?
From Gadget's FAQ page:
FAQ's

Yes and yes. It is generally agreed that Kawasaki's recommended tire pressures are a little on the soft side, especially in front which seems to cause cupping (especially on the left side which wears more quickly than the right). A good rule of thumb would be 'when in doubt go with the tire manufacturers recommendation for your bike. For instance, Metzeler recommends a minimum pressure of 36 front and 40 rear on the Nomad with the 880 tire. Many have found 39/41 offers great handling and wear Vary that front pressure by a pound up or down until you have a neutral handling machine. The amount of 'stuff' you're carrying in your bags will have some effect on the best pressure as will your weight and the weight of your passenger. You can always return to the manufacturers recommendations if you aren't happy with the change.

By the way, when I brought back my new bike from the dealer, the back tire only had 18 psi in it!!!!

[Jaysin]

I ride with 32f/36r on a 500ex with stock tires.