Air in The Tires - Quite the Bounce!

[mcgovern61]

Having just installed Progressive fork springs in my '82, I have been running around with no air in them and it seems to run fairly smooth. Thought I would add 6-10 lbs of air just for comparison. Then it occurred to me, time to air up the tires too!

Always seems to be a spring issue for me to forget to air up the tires. I ride nearly year round so the bike doesn't sit in the same place for more than two weeks. Check the air and sure enough, 30 lbs in both tires. Sidewall calls for 41 lbs max so I put in 39 lbs average.

Jump on the road and the bike is surely rolling a lot easier! But the bumps seem much harsher. Let the air out of the forks and keep going. Still pretty harsh? Maybe 39 lbs is just too much??

Today I am going to try lowering the pressure to 32 lbs and see if she smooths out again. Seems I might be trading a smooth ride for lower gas mileage by letting air out.

This got me to thinkin; how much air do you guys run with compared to the sidewall listed air?

 

[dan filipi]

I run 40 rear, about 30 front so it's smoother.

 

[julimike54]

Don't know off hand what tire says. Run 36-37 front, 37-40 rear

 

[Ansimp]

I run 36 in the front and 42 in the rear

 

[zman]

Whatever the owners manual says never mind the tire`s max pressure, think it is the same as what Tony said...36-42

 

[AApple]

41 rear 32 front....that's what my OM states, so that's what I run.....and I've real gud luck with tires..... :blush:

:smilie_happy:

 

[Terry]

1 up, 32 psi front and 38 psi rear.

if ever 2 up I'd bump the rear up to 40-42 psi.

Over inflation can definitely cause a harsher ride and dartiness (road imperfections) with the front tire, depending on tread pattern some do better or worse.

Under inflation can produce a somewhat more sluggish handling feel, and a cushier ride and if low enough, tire overheat and failure.

 

[mcgovern61]

Over inflation can definitely cause a harsher ride and dartiness (road imperfections) with the front tire, depending on tread pattern some do better or worse.

Definitely feeling that now! I am supposing the Progressive springs I took out must be well worn because I normally refilled the air to 38-39 lbs in the past and the front end was smoother. When I drop the air tonight I'll give another ride report.

 

[mcgovern61]

Looks like 32 lbs is the magic number for smoothness! :yes: :moped:

 

[dan filipi]

mcgovern61 » 16 minutes ago[/url]":2srv2nsc]
Looks like 32 lbs is the magic number for smoothness! :yes: :moped:

How much fork air and what weight fluid is in the forks?

 

[mcgovern61]

No fork air and just ATF for the fluid.

 

[Omega Man]

I check the air in my tires religiously... every year. :rocks:

~O~

 

[detdrbuzzard]

even with the same tires how your wing rides will be different than mine. I had e3's on the 1200 wing ( sold to my niece ) and my 1500 wing. I kept them both at 42 rear and 38 front and overall the 1200 seem to have a softer ride. both bikes have progressive springs and shocks too

 

[Winger 82]

30 frt./40-42 rear

 

[Denver]

36 front 40 rear :salute: