Tyres and Tyre pressures

[Cone]

Interesting topic, I have run mine quite low (not the same tyre)on the f800 and dont use a rim lock and never had a puncture less than 20psi.

But I always ponder over this question when riding on the road.

What is the balance point for pressure for optimum wear on the road. Ill elaborate a little.

So if you reduce the pressure the platform of tyre spreads on the road surface, ultimate spreading the power and load of the bike. Meaning that more of the knobbles are distributed on the black stuff evening out the wear.

Pump it up harder, the tyre is less flexible meaning the power is distributed ultimately through a couple knobbles resulting in them wearing faster and stripping the middle quicker..

Or have I lost my mind!

[Richard Simpson Mark II]

as is winding the valve-stem nut to the top of the stem to lock under the valve cap.

Well that's something I don't do at the moment, Richard. Thanks for the tip. So you have your valve stem nut almost totally undone right up to the dust cap?

Yes, that way, if the rim turns in the tyre (taking the tube with it) it doesn't rip the valve out of the tube. You just need to check that the valve is still perpendicular to the rim when you go over the bike after riding it. If not, you need to deflate the tyre, release the security bolt, break the beads on both sides of the rim and turn the rim back again. then reflate, and do the security bolt up tighter!

BTW...the best clamps I've found are the genuine Honda ones...but you'll probably need to go to a specialist Honda MX dealer for them.

[Richard Simpson Mark II]

Interesting topic, I have run mine quite low (not the same tyre)on the f800 and dont use a rim lock and never had a puncture less than 20psi.

But I always ponder over this question when riding on the road.

What is the balance point for pressure for optimum wear on the road. Ill elaborate a little.

So if you reduce the pressure the platform of tyre spreads on the road surface, ultimate spreading the power and load of the bike. Meaning that more of the knobbles are distributed on the black stuff evening out the wear.

Pump it up harder, the tyre is less flexible meaning the power is distributed ultimately through a couple knobbles resulting in them wearing faster and stripping the middle quicker..

Or have I lost my mind!

No, that's a sensible observation. Even with a car tyre, over-inflation = wear in the centre of the tread and under-inflation = wear on the edges of the tread.

But, run an underinflated tyre at high speeds/loads and the extra flex in the carcase makes the tyre overheat. Then tread wear is the least of your problems!

[Cone]

I agree, but you didnt have an answer!!

[daveuprite]

as is winding the valve-stem nut to the top of the stem to lock under the valve cap.

Well that's something I don't do at the moment, Richard. Thanks for the tip. So you have your valve stem nut almost totally undone right up to the dust cap?

Yes, that way, if the rim turns in the tyre (taking the tube with it) it doesn't rip the valve out of the tube. You just need to check that the valve is still perpendicular to the rim when you go over the bike after riding it. If not, you need to deflate the tyre, release the security bolt, break the beads on both sides of the rim and turn the rim back again. then reflate, and do the security bolt up tighter!

BTW...the best clamps I've found are the genuine Honda ones...but you'll probably need to go to a specialist Honda MX dealer for them.

Thanks Richard

[Richard Simpson Mark II]

I agree, but you didnt have an answer!!

Assuming you are on OE tyres, then stick with what's recommended by the vehicle manufacturer for road use...usually they will suggest going up by 10% of pressure on the rear at least if the bike is loaded or carrying a passenger.

But there are exceptions...for instance Mefo apparently suggest that I shouldn't let the pressure of the Super Explorer fall below 40 psi on the back of my KTM 950...I guess because is the carcase flexes too much with the weight and power of the thing the knobs will start to detach from the tyre.

I'd rather not find out if this is true.

[Cone]

Jeez.. I use the Karoo s and run them off road at 18 and 20 respectively. Great grip and never had an issue

[herman]

Just to throw a curve ball at you all I never ever deflate from road pressures. I do however run mooses on the enduros which equate at around 15psi. If in doubt gas it

[chunky butt]

Just to throw a curve ball at you all I never ever deflate from road pressures. I do however run mooses on the enduros which equate at around 15psi. If in doubt gas it

Too true....