I’ve got a 2011 Harley Fat Boy Lo with stock tires. Jerry “Motorman” Palladino in his “Ride Like a Pro” DVD recommends running 40 psi tire pressure in the front tire to lighten steering loads and ease low-speed maneuvering.
The owner’s manual calls for 36 psi in the front tire. Will going to 40 psi cause any problems with the front end (i.e. excess wear or speed wobble), or will there be any problem with wear or damage to the front tire?
Thanks in advance,
Tom
Tom,
Over-inflating a tire may cause it to wear more quickly, and you will typically feel more of the road because of the tire being harder. Keep in mind, engineers spend many hours studying and testing these tires and motorcycles before they resolve to a number (36 pounds). This tire pressure is what has been determined to be best for longevity of the tires, quality of the ride, and rider safety.
Related Video & Article:
Check out a video we produced on tires. It’s everything you need to know about your bike’s tires.
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Here one for you. You air your tires in the morning when it is cold. You are at sea level and leave on your ride and go a few hundred miles to an altitude of 7500 feet above sea level. Now your tires pressure are way above maximum. Again in the morning when it is cold you readjust the pressure. You continue your journey and return to sea level several hundred miles later. Now your tires are under inflated. What would you consider the proper procedure?
Tire pressure is determined with tire cool. As you ride, and especially on a hot day, the tire will heat up and increase pressure. Starting at 40psi cool might push the tire to an unsafe pressure once hot. It will also cause the center of the tire to wear faster because the weight will be concentrated on a narrower strip of the tire. It might be okay if you are just bugging around town and you want it to be easier turning while parking and manuevering but I would not recommend it for a long run on the highway.
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