KLR riders: air pressure question

N

Nucking Futs

Well-known member
I'm riding from Lafayette through Napa and into Mendo NF for a two night camp trip. I've got a loaded KLR and just one question:

What tire air pressure to run on the street to get there and then when I'm on the fire roads and trails what should I reduce the air pressure to?

I will be able to pump the tires back up also.

Thanks guys!
 
ScottRNelson

ScottRNelson

Mr. Dual Sport Rider
This should be titled "dual sport riders", not "KLR riders". :x

I typically go with 32/34 front/rear pressure for street riding and I'll leave it there for easy dirt roads. For the trickier stuff in the Sierras and on single-track trails, I'll go down to about 22 psi. That happens to be the recommended all around pressure for the XR650L, but I like more on the street. :cool
 
Lunch Box

Lunch Box

Useful idiot
On a fully loaded heavy bike like a KLR, I would go no lower than 20psi. If it is rocky, maybe 23-26psi. Dented rims are not fun.
 
ScottRNelson

ScottRNelson

Mr. Dual Sport Rider
I'm curious which tires you have on your KLR. Some do better off road at higher pressures than others.

Still, the bike will track a lot better over loose stuff with lower tire pressures on pretty much any dual sport tire.
 
N

NoTraffic

Well-known member
I've actually been in your exact situation. Loaded 2011 KLR running D606s. Street - 30psi, Anything in dirt there - 20-24. You have no idea what you will come across in Mendo, so pressure down once and you're set.
 
Hybridchemistry

Hybridchemistry

Not dead yet
ScottRNelson said:
And something to get the tires off and back on again with, and something to pump them up with....
Click to expand...

+1
I think I try to keep at least 30 psi on the road, but I have some shit tires on mine right now, been meaning to pick up some Shinko 705s that suit my needs better than the freebie 60/40 tire on the back :|
 
N

NoTraffic

Well-known member
It will also be very dry there this time of year. I would bring an extra bandana in case you have to go cowboy and wear it around your mouth. Lots of dust gets kicked up there, I still had dust remninants on my KLR after 2 yrs and lots of power washing.
 
A

antidote

Well-known member
NoTraffic said:
I've actually been in your exact situation. Loaded 2011 KLR running D606s. Street - 30psi, Anything in dirt there - 20-24. You have no idea what you will come across in Mendo, so pressure down once and you're set.
Click to expand...

I did pretty much the same when running D606 tires-front 18-20 dirt, 20-24 street, rear 20-24 dirt, 28 street. :dunno

OP do you have full knobby tires, 50/50, or street tires? It all makes a difference....
 
N

Nucking Futs

Well-known member
I have Bridgestone TW101 front and TW152 rear, which are mostly on road tires.

FWIW I do have a shitload of dual sport experience, having ridden the last five years Sheetiron 300 and many other shorter rides. Those rides were on my KTM though, and not my new-to-me KLR.

I'm bringing so much crap camping this week it's gross. I should just take my pick-up! I'll have to take a picture, you guys will laugh. So far mounted in two milk crates and a huge Bilt dry bag: sleeping pad, sleeping bag, tent, stove, fuel, waterproof clothes, tarp, tarp poles, soft cooler with dry ice and a twelve pack of beer, food, whiskey, water, tools, spare tubes, firewood! A lot of smaller stuff also.

Thanks for all the help guys!
 
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