EngineNoO9

ok I've been running about 34psi on the street for a very long time on Pilot Powers. Most of my riding is backroads riding hard but well within the limits of the street. Is this too low or should I bump it up just a tad to like 36psi front and rear? Reason I bring this up is cause I noticed in the track prep thread people run 40-42psi which is absurd to me... The manager at Duncan Honda in Christiansburg, VA who rides track days and I'd ride with on weekends recommended about 32-35 for the rides we'd go on (mountain roads going.... fast )

superhawk22

The only problem with running lower psi is it heats up the tire more so it won't last as long. Some run higher psi for one because that's what the manufacture suggest and it will save on gas and mileage. I usually run about 35-36 street and 29-31 on the track,32-35 should be fine. You don't want it too low or it will move around on you though.

marmaladedad

Tire psi varies a lot depending on weather, tire manufacturer, riding style, etc. From what a Michelin tire rep has suggested, run 38/38 on the Pilot Powers. I think that's an absurd number, but a friend of mine has tried it and says it grips well.

As an odd comparison, the Pilot Race are supposedly at 31/18. =O

EngineNoO9

damn. maybe i'll bump them up to 36/36

marmaladedad

An old(er) rider once suggested to me to start at a base setting, and come in after the tires get hot. The change in psi should be no more than 3-5psi, and you would raise or lower your tire psi accordingly. That's too much work for me.

superhawk22

Have you noticed any problems, are they wearing fast? If yes then change if not go with what works. With any tire you can call them up and tell them the compound # and they'll tell you what thebest psi is for the conditions you tell them.

superbikemike

Doesn't the placard on the bike say 42 rear?

superhawk22

Yeah for those 204's.

EngineNoO9

Never had any excessive wear. When I did a long trip over the summer with about 1000 highway miles I got a big flat spot on my rear. That was with I believe was about 33psi front and rear. My front is in pretty good condition still with around 5000 miles on it. my rear only has about 600 miles on it and is in great condition still. If the rear wears a little quicker then normal then no biggie... I honestly haven't checked the pressure in a few though. Specially since after getting the new rear. They filled them up last time to 35psi... Need to find a place around here with an air pump is the biggest thing

marmaladedad

I totally missed the title, where it says "for the street." Forget what I said about the track pressures. :X

EngineNoO9

haha I don't care. I know for the track most people on Pilot Powers have done around 30psi. the 38/38 that you were recommended though was for the street right?

marmaladedad

38/38 was recommended for track-riding. Weird, right?

Randman

Lowes, I picked one up for about $89.00 though you can get one a lot cheaper.... I constantly have to change the presure in my bike, car, truck etc....

MisterMohawk

Campbell-Hausfield makes a great little compressor that has a cord, hose and fittings all enclosed in the compressor case. I think it was around fifty bucks at Home Depot. It plugs into your cigarette lighter but has an internal battery that charges up so you don't have to rely on a power point.

RonVTR

I though I was the only one that got big flat spots on my *** when I ride 1000 miles. LOL