So how low can you run your tire pressure?

sanjuro

Rider
I’ve been keeping my GSXR1000 at my friend’s place and he took it out after 6 months of storage for a short ride. I took it home yesterday and the first thing I did was check tire pressure. Factory recommendation is 36psi front/42psi rear,
but both were just below 20.

So how low can you go? And still keep the rubber side down?
 

Junkie

gone for now
Depends a lot on the tire and how you're riding. At the track on the SM I'm around 20psi cold on a cooler day, but that's a light bike.

Around town? 20psi isn't gonna handle as nicely, but it won't be the end of the world by any means.
 

Kurosaki

Akai Suisei - 赤い彗星
Having friends new to bikes have me help them and finding pressures under 20 has happened more than once.
 

Climber

Well-known member
Tire pressure below 20 in the front tire will tend to pull the wheel in the direction you're turning towards. You'll find yourself working to keep it from turning further.
 

augustiron

2fast 2live 2young 2die
I run 7 to 13 psi in the rear depending on terrain and tire and 13 in the front.
 
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mototireguy

Moto Tire Veteran
Depends a lot on the tire and how you're riding.

+1 Depends depends...

What tire, race slick, street, dirt, bike weight, etc.

Race/trackday tires are built differently/special to run at unusual/lower tire pressures in order to generate more heat. Unlike street tires, race tires are engineered to need, embrace and leverage this extra heat. Reduced tire lifespan included.

Race/trackday tires on the street run at normal street pressures, they don't generate enough heat to operate properly. Race/trackday tires on the street with low tire pressures for heat generation and you risk dented wheels from potholes.

Sport and sport-touring street tires are engineered for the streets and to offer optimal grip over wider range of cold/warm/hot temperatures and conditions. Street tires are engineered to operate at normal street pressures, not trackday pressures. Run the pressure too low and they can generate too much heat, get greasy, potholes dent the wheels and wear out prematurely.

Tire pressures?

For track tires these numbers can be very specific to the tire/construction.

For street tires I usually recommend tire pressures based on the gross weight of the bike, sliding scale, x-heavy bikes 38-42psi. Middle weight bikes 32-37psi. Light weight bikes 24-29psi.

Dirt pressures are typically in the 14-19psi range, depending on the weight of the bike.
 

sckego

doesn't like crashing
That one video of an AFM guy discovering his warmers weren't on right before the race, didn't he have them set the pressure to 16psi or something like that?
 

kuksul08

Suh Dude
Of course that depends on the tire. A Bridgestone sport tire is super soft, whereas a T31 GT has such a stiff carcass it could probably run on 9psi and not even look flat!
 

Gary856

Are we having fun yet?
Both tires under 20 psi will make a street bike feels like it's wearing cement boots. How would any rider not know that something is off immediately?
 

295566

Numbers McGee
Both tires under 20 psi will make a street bike feels like it's wearing cement boots. How would any rider not know that something is off immediately?

Most riders are shit. :laughing

(statistically speaking, that is)
 

augustiron

2fast 2live 2young 2die
This is motorcycles we're talking about, not quads or drag race cars. :twofinger

You think I'm a freaking QUAD rider?!?!?
I'm trying to control my temper so I don't get suspended.

7 psi motorcycle tire....
 

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Junkie

gone for now
Both tires under 20 psi will make a street bike feels like it's wearing cement boots. How would any rider not know that something is off immediately?
the friend may not have been used to a leadrebike and figured the handling was normal
 

Climber

Well-known member
You think I'm a freaking QUAD rider?!?!?
I'm trying to control my temper so I don't get suspended.

7 psi motorcycle tire....
Chill, dude, the :twofinger meant I was teasing you. :ride

Remember that the OP was about a street bike, obviously you weren't talking about a street bike and street pressures.
 

bradlys

Well-known member
I've ridden at 6psi with the front tire. I think the rear was at a much more reasonable 14-15psi.

The bike wanted me to dive into the ground. The bike had been sitting for 4 years.
 
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