Newbie Tire Question

[Crinum]

Hey everyone.

I just bought myself a 2002 GS with 8000Km on the clock.  I've had it now for about a month and have made a conscious effort each ride to check the tires lights etc.

I'm just wondering what the correct tire pressure should be for the GS?

Thanks.

Ben

[Black Snowman]

I ride mine with just under the max pressure listed on the tires. The best pressure to run is going to be effected by a few things but I believe if you have the stock tires the recomendation is 29 psi front 31 psi rear. It should say on a sticker under the seat.

Higher pressure will give you lighter stearing and generally reduced tread wear but if the front springs haven't been upgraded you could bottom out the suspension a little more often. If the springs are upgraded you may have a slightly rougher ride.

Low preassure will make steering more difficult and a slightly softer ride. It can also increase tire wear.

Hope that helps.

[Crinum]

Thanks for that.

I'll check it out this afternoon.

[glenn9171]

The "suggested" tire pressure recommendation on my '01 model is 33/36 front/rear.

[Black Snowman]

I didn't have it in front of me and there's a good chance it's changed over the years which is why I said where to check  

Thanks for the update Glenn.

[Kerry]

The recommended tire pressures on both my '96 and '99 are the same as Glenn said:  33 front, 36 rear.

With a passenger: 33 front, 41 rear.

[Crinum]

Thanks guys.

I won't have to worry about the pressure with a passenger.  I can't carry one for 12 months.

[glenn9171]

Unless it's been removed, there should be a sticker on the left side of the swingarm with this information on it.  At least there was on mine before I pulled it off.

[Rema1000]

Ah! There was  no tag on my swingarm when I bought the bike.  So I was using the the numbers on the VIN plate, which say 33 front, 41 rear. But I guess the 41 psi rear tire is only necessary/appropriate when carrying a passenger or gear?

That brings-up another question: what kind of pressure guage do you like?  I looked at motorcycle-superstore.com and found some El Cheapo "Slime" brand guages: about half digital ($15) and half analog ($4).  They had only one dial guage, and it covered 10-65 psi, which seemed a tad broad (maybe 10-50 would be more suitable).  

So where did you buy your guage?

[pantablo]

about half digital ($15) and half analog ($4).  They had only one dial guage, and it covered 10-65 psi, which seemed a tad broad (maybe 10-50 would be more suitable).  

So where did you buy your guage?

Bought a digital guage at Radio shack for $10. Works great. Digital is the way to go.

There should be one sticker on the swingarm (which many take off for appearances) and one under the seat that specifies the tire inflation. 33/36 on my 01. Best to also check the tire sidewall for info specific to the tire.

[TheGoodGuy]

I bought mine from autozone.. its a small rule gauge.. i like it and for just a buck fifty its a steal.. its accurate too.

[davipu]

havn't seen one of these threads in a while, I guess the noobs are out noobinating thier bikes.

[pandy]

What's your 'scuse?  

havn't seen one of these threads in a while, I guess the noobs are out noobinating thier bikes.

[davipu]

noobinating: in reference to motorcycles; preforming beginer mistakes due to a lack of experience.

so everyone when was the last time you checked your tire pressure?

[My Name Is Dave]

noobinating: in reference to motorcycles; preforming beginer mistakes due to a lack of experience.

so everyone when was the last time you checked your tire pressure?

The flood of '91.

Dave  

[pandy]

Last weekend...and checked my oil yesterday.  

pandy  

[RVertigo]

That bored huh?  Me too...  

I was gonna check this morning, but I woke up when I was supposed to be leaving... So, I skipped it.

Last time was Monday.  The old tires were only screwed 'cause the old owner never checked the pressure (well, that's what the shop guy told me it looked like...  He started to lecture me about how I wasn't checking the pressure often enough).

I check my oil a lot too...  I keep expecting it to be lower, since I tend to rev to 10k a lot.  But, it's not lower...  Although, the smoking this morning was nice... Maybe it'll be lower now.  

[mp183]

You have to watch the digital guages.  Some are hard to align over the valve due to clearance issues.  I have one and I have to pull the valve at an angle to get the guage to come down square on the valve.