BT020 tire pressure

[Jan Draper <ddraper@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

These days I'm running 32 lbs front 36 lbs rear.  Earlier I ran
34 lbs front 38 lbs rear (cold pressures).

I do very little highway riding.  I do a lot of slightly aggressively
riding in the mountains and take advantage of the RS's engine
braking a lot.  I suspect that may be eating up the rear tire some.

The owner's manual recommends 36 lbs front/42 lbs rear for
one up or two up.  I'd be willing to try those pressures bu
haven't because-

(1) I've never heard such high pressures recommended for radial
      motorcyle tires anywhere else, ever.  For instance Reg Pridmore,
      in his class school, recommends no more than 32/34 lbs.

(2) Such stiff tires would make for a punishing ride.  I suppose I
      could help that somewhat by adjusting the suspension.  But
      on my Nighthawk I notices that stiffer tires meant sorer wrists.

(3) The worst wear is in the center of the rear tire.  On my cars,
      higher pressure accelerates wear in the center and saves the
      edges.  Would it be different for a bike?

(4) I do a lot of riding on twisty, dirty, bumpy, and sometimes damp
      roads where I need the tires to stick as well as possible.  My
      impression is that lower tire pressures work better for road
      holding.

I'm open to ideas and suggestions.

- -Don

P.S. Hope your Sprint gets well soon!

- ----- Original Message ----- | Date: Sat, 15 Jul 2000 22:25:50 -0400
| From: "Kelley & David" <kdgaske@xxxxxxxxx>
| Subject: RE: st-digest V2000 #345
|
| What pressure are you running on the BT020's.  When I wrecked the bike I
was
| up to 5k miles and tread wear was not noticeable.  Do you do alot of high
| speed hwy?
|
| David "Lost Dawg" Gaske
| '00 Sprint RS (Yellow) (Hospitalized)
| Fredericksburg, Va. USA



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