Chris-CJ
Well-known member
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Tires, much discussed and often misunderstood!
- Thread starter Chris-CJ
- Start date
I still have yet to see a good explanation as to why 36/42 are the magic numbers for 98% of bikes on the road with radial tires, or why it's not worth taking rider weight into account. "Factory engineers know what they're doing" blah blah, why is it always the same?
Two outliers that make me wonder how this is determined:
-Suzuki TL1000S, manual recommends 36/36 whether you're riding two up or solo. Why? Michelin still recommends the same 36/36.
-Kawasaki ZX11D, manual recommends 42/42, probably due to radials being a nascent technology at the time. Michelin recommends 36/42.
Two outliers that make me wonder how this is determined:
-Suzuki TL1000S, manual recommends 36/36 whether you're riding two up or solo. Why? Michelin still recommends the same 36/36.
-Kawasaki ZX11D, manual recommends 42/42, probably due to radials being a nascent technology at the time. Michelin recommends 36/42.
Just changed tires and also came across this video:
Contact Patch: Recommended Motorcycle Tire Pressures are Wrong
planning to go by the recommendations and just test out different pressures for my riding, see how they feel.
Don't know scientifically if there is a reasoning for always 36/42 but I also don't feel like the large variation of bike + rider weight would all fit the exact same tire pressures.
Are tire sizes the same on bikes you are comparing? Manufacturers may be keeping pressure constant but changing tire size to adjust contact patch.
Just off memory, all larger displacements (<1000cc) sport and sport touring bikes use the same tire sizes. but there is a big difference in weight. ex: loaded Concours 14 vs modern superbike. Maybe it has to do with OEM tires.
Remember pressures can go way up with speed and heat. One reason I like a TPMS.
Lets me know when it's below a certain level and what the pressure comes up to.
I'm still deciding on bias versus radial on the CB300F. In my case I'm looking for durability and to a degree wet weather performance ...leaning to the Michelin Street Pilot.
Lets me know when it's below a certain level and what the pressure comes up to.
I'm still deciding on bias versus radial on the CB300F. In my case I'm looking for durability and to a degree wet weather performance ...leaning to the Michelin Street Pilot.
I know for my Busa on Sportmax Q3+ its recommended 42/42.
33/36 solo, 33/41 duo for my WeeStrom. The Vee is 36/36, 36/41, I would assume the difference is due to the extra weight of the engine.
Max527
Well-known member
I have the same contraption from China. Amazing how accurate it is. Tires definitely heat up when riding fast and in heat.
Increased psi is required to accomodate a rider and passenger for two up riding.
Probably the same reason bikes are set up from the factory for no more than a 150 pound rider. Japanese are weird or they're extremely tiny.
That I don't complain about, because it works out very well for me
Sorry, I was speaking of the difference between the Wee and the Vee in the front tire.
Wee is 33 front, and Vee is 36.
The rear is the same for both Wee & Vee 36 solo, 41 duo.
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