[mobilemike]

I have not gotten enough miles on mine to start playing with pressures yet. But I will this summer I will find out what I like. In the past I have adjusted pressure for different riding.

 

[maximrebel]

40/42

Running the front a little higher seems to help handling. Many of us run 40/42.

+4

It just feels better and wear is lower than factory specs.

 

[lagain]

Lagain, what gen is your bike? Mine's an 08 gen 2 and the swing arm sticker states 39 front 42 rear. Just wondering if different years changed. I think the gen 3s went to a lighter front end and a 36 psi front.

That is correct, but they went back to 36 for the gen 3.
Probably found that 39 was too high.
Front tyres never wear evenly though. The right edge may wear faster due to round - a - bouts

 

[RaYzerman]

I think we all have to remember the swingarm numbers are for the OEM tires/tyres that everybody dislikes, and is Yamaha's opinion. As soon as those are off, you should develop your own pressures with your chosen tires, your riding/handling preferences and the kind of ride you want in your environment. There should be no hard and fast rule, although some would say follow the tire manufacturer's recommendations (which undoubtedly will be much higher). Again just my opinion, but 36 psi is just ridiculously low except for anything but a track day with track tires.

 

[VCheng]

42/42. Also started with factory recommendations. At the moment running Pirelli Angel GT-A specs.

Same here. This combo works better.

 

[road1dog]

I think we all have to remember the swingarm numbers are for the OEM tires/tyres that everybody dislikes, and is Yamaha's opinion. As soon as those are off, you should develop your own pressures with your chosen tires, your riding/handling preferences and the kind of ride you want in your environment. There should be no hard and fast rule, although some would say follow the tire manufacturer's recommendations (which undoubtedly will be much higher). Again just my opinion, but 36 psi is just ridiculously low except for anything but a track day with track tires.

its been discussed / explained
the inflated tyre pressures are keyed to the Max GVW .......
liability issues

reasonable to think elevated pressures necessary to handle
extra loaded weight & interstate speeds

yet consideration for preference & varied circumstances
solo
no panniers
medium weight rider
Not given ink .......................

track days definitely stress tyres at higher temps & speeds
& a few heat cycles

droning down super slabs at Max GWV can overheat
that middle inch or so of rubber

the owners manual is never going to explore or devine
1/2 doz varied scenarios
especially 2 that are at the opposite end of the spectrum

1 size doesnt fit all ...................................

 

[fashby]

Pressure

2005 Manual says 36 front and rear for single rider.
Pillion and luggage - 36 front and 42 rear.

 

[FJR2005Rocket]

I'm a new-ish Gen I owner (4k miles), and my 2005 calls for 36/36. I ride solo, 165lbs (before gear), carry a couple lbs of stuff in the bags, and my rides average about 55mph with occasional speed runs to 90+. Running Pirelli Angel GTs with 5k on them, the tires appear to be wearing pretty evenly and I still have 40% tread (the guy before me was a straight-line commuter).

I haven't drug a peg yet, so obviously I don't press the tires hard and probably can't judge subtleties like many of you. FWIW the bike feels fine to me - it's never swimy or unsure whether in wet or dry.

What would running 40psi do for my riding style?

 

[JohnC]

. . . , and my rides average about 55mph with occasional speed runs to 90+.

Your rides average 55 mph? I ride faster than that in my driveway.

What would running 40psi do for my riding style?

Probably not much.

I am sure that most of us started with book values, then started experimenting.

Almost forgot. Where are you from?

 

[BruceFromOz]

Is there any scientific evidence available regarding optimum tyre pressures?

Ambient temperatures, loads, speeds, cornering techniques, braking all differ.

just askin....

 

[Smokin Joe]

The faster you go, the tighter the corner and harder you brake, the last thing going through your mind is how much air is in my tires. Scientific? NOT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[RaYzerman]

At 36 psi, that bike should be handling like a slug, so raising pressures would likely result in easier turn-in, stiffer sidewalls/less heat buildup, and a firmer ride. The aggressive rider on twisty roads will notice this more and I think it would actually be safer if the pressures were higher than 36, especially the rear. If this is a Yamaha recommended pressure, I'm gonna say they were out to lunch on that one.

Interesting question about optimum pressures. It will also depend on tires and what you intend the optimum to do.... handle better, wear longer, temperature rise, straight roads, twisty roads, etc.

 

[Mr_Ed]

I'm a new-ish Gen I owner (4k miles), and my 2005 calls for 36/36. I ride solo, 165lbs (before gear), carry a couple lbs of stuff in the bags, and my rides average about 55mph with occasional speed runs to 90+. Running Pirelli Angel GTs with 5k on them, the tires appear to be wearing pretty evenly and I still have 40% tread (the guy before me was a straight-line commuter).

I haven't drug a peg yet, so obviously I don't press the tires hard and probably can't judge subtleties like many of you. FWIW the bike feels fine to me - it's never swimy or unsure whether in wet or dry.

What would running 40psi do for my riding style?

It'd be very easy to find out. But if you're happy now, there's an old adage about not fixing what's not broken

 

[FjrjrF]

What would running 40psi do for my riding style?

Why ask... do! You can easily find out by going to 40psi. If you don't like, then let air out until your back down to 36psi.?! Heck, you can make the change while on the side of the road.

 

[mobilemike]

Tire pressure adjustments (within reason) is all about personal rider feel. I may not like the feel of the tires at 40psi, you may love it. It is all about rider comfort and how you like your bike to feel while you are doing different things. I like to adjust my tire pressures for different riding. Hard sport riding has a different number than highway touring. There is no reason you can not adjust your tire pressure often. Even sometimes in the same day. I carry a tire pressure gauge with me at all times. I will adjust a few pounds and re-ride a road just to test. There is no magic number or a single number that works in all areas. Sometimes I will turn around and do that same road 2more times if I like it.

 

[Mr_Ed]

Why ask... do! You can easily find out by going to 40psi. If you don't like, then let air out until your back down to 36psi.?! Heck, you can make the change while on the side of the road.

Tire pressures should be set on a cold tire. But you could check it on the side of the road and reduce it a couple of pounds from there.

 

[Pterodactyl]

Tire pressure recommendations and specifications are given for a tire that is at 20C or 68F. Pressure rises or falls at roughly 1.5 PSI for every ten degree change in temperature. Or so my rapidly failing memory tells me.

 

[Gary B.]

Tire pressure recommendations and specifications are given for a tire that is at 20C or 68F. Pressure rises or falls at roughly 1.5 degree F for every ten degree change in temperature. Or so my rapidly failing memory tells me.

You mean 1.5 PSI, correct?

 

[Pterodactyl]

You mean 1.5 PSI, correct?

Doh!!!! Yes, thank you.

 

[Odin]

The only thing missing from this air pressure thread is a side discussion about oil and oil filters...

If we throw them in we would have ourselves The Holy Trinity of forum threads. A true religious experience of enlightenment to be shared by one and all!