Tire pressures

[schpiff]

Hi all,
I have been experimenting with tire pressures.
I am currently running Dunlop 491 elite II's.
My clymer manual says 40psi front and rear. But i found that I got a much better ride (less wandery) when I ran about 35-38psi.
I contacted Dunlop to ask just what is the correct pressure to run.
Here is their response.

Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding the proper inflation pressures for the Dunlop 491 Elite II tires fitted to your '81 Yamaha XS 1100 Special. Based on tire constructions of the early '80's, it would not be unusual to have tire inflation recommendations of 40 psi front and rear. However, with today's tire technology, lower inflation pressures can be used. For the 491 Elite II (MM90-19 and MT90-16) fitted to this vehicle, we suggest inflating your tires to 30 psi front and 32 psi rear.


Does this sound right to you all?

[Lord Grizzlon]

after readin post, i decided to check my pressure....both chen shin tires, 30 in the front and get this, 10 in the rear. she rides fine, but i think i should pump up the rear

[Jerry]

There is a discrepancy on the Dunlop site. In the fitment (K491 Elite II front and back) recommended pressures are 32 psi rear and 30 psi front. In the tire specs the load rating is given at 40 psi front and back. I run 40 psi rear and 36 front on my K491 Elite IIs, but I also run a full fairing, saddlebags, and weigh in at 250. Have had excellent mileage and handling at these pressures since 2000 when I went to Dunlops. The 30 / 32 sound a little low to me.....

In the general notes page (Tire Tips) Dunlop recommends the 36/40 pressures for a"high speed, fully-loaded, or dual-riding touring motorcycle" but does say to check the fitment guide for your bike.

Try a couple different pressures, starting with their recommendations, and see what suits you the best.

Tire Tips page is at:
http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/info...s.asp?id=8#tip

[MartyA]

My Clymers says 26 front 28 rear up to 198lb load (lets me out)
28 front 36 rear up to 337lb.

I run 32 front 36 rear.

[TopCatGr58]

I'm running the 491 EliteII on my rear tire, about 32psi, but mine is stripped basic bike, no bags or luggage rack, and I'm only 215!
The contact patch looks pretty good. A harder pressure might reduce the contact patch, make a bumpier ride?! The lower pressure seems to make it a little stickier.
T.C.