GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: vtlion on March 30, 2005, 12:39:17 PM

Title: When thawing out the bike for the year...
Post by: vtlion on March 30, 2005, 12:39:17 PM
Don't forget to check tire pressure!!!

My front end was being twichier than I remember from last year.  Lots of head-shake in the turns and it took alot of effort to keep a good line in the straights....

Well, I checked yesterday and the tire pressure was at 25psi... 33psi is recommended  :o Topped off the air pressure and she's rock stable again.

I know, it's a 'duh' thing, but just in case any of us forget during the winter months.  be safe, and remember to do your TCLOC list before bringing the beast out of hibernation for the year  :thumb:
Title: When thawing out the bike for the year...
Post by: pizzleboy on March 30, 2005, 12:46:06 PM
Damn straigt.  First thing I did was ride to the gas station about 3 blocks from my house.  Front was down below 15!!
Title: When thawing out the bike for the year...
Post by: weaselnoze on March 30, 2005, 02:46:20 PM
i rode my gs hard for the first time in awhile today cause the weather is spectaular.  as i become more comfortable with my control over the bike, i am leaning more and more.  well today i had a lot of head shake too.  not cool.  eek! better get to the gas station!
Title: When thawing out the bike for the year...
Post by: denman on March 30, 2005, 03:25:06 PM
keep a bicycle pump around and forget the gas station.  have fun out there.
Title: When thawing out the bike for the year...
Post by: crash on March 30, 2005, 08:00:48 PM
mine only went down a couple of PSI in each wheel.
Title: When thawing out the bike for the year...
Post by: milo on March 30, 2005, 11:31:45 PM
I bought those things that you stick onto your tires that show whether the pressure is low... the front is keyed to 33 psi, the back to 36. Put them in right before I winterized last fall, and they're both still green; but Gus is pretty squirrelly lately, I think I might hie me to a gas station and do a proper check.
Title: When thawing out the bike for the year...
Post by: mp183 on March 31, 2005, 04:13:14 AM
I ride my all year but you have to keep checking.
My tires are pretty good but I check every two weeks.
As the weather gets warmer your pressure will increase
and you have to let some air out.  In the Fall it's the other
way around.
Title: When thawing out the bike for the year...
Post by: rcepluch on March 31, 2005, 06:14:52 AM
Quote from: denmankeep a bicycle pump around and forget the gas station.  have fun out there.

I agree.

I have a pump that has a built in gauge in it so I don't have to keep checking the pressure when I get close.  I pump the tire up a little higher than the desired  pressure, then use a good dial type pressure gauge with a built in purge valve and depressurize to the desired pressure.  

This makes for a quick and accurate job, and I do it each day before I ride.  The ease of doing it this way helps me keep up with this chore on a regular basis.  I think the purchase of these two items is a good investment.

I feel this is very important.  I hardly ever check my truck and car tires (I know I should), but the motorcycle tires are sacred to me.


Bob
Title: When thawing out the bike for the year...
Post by: cheesy on March 31, 2005, 07:46:48 AM
Quote from: miloI bought those things that you stick onto your tires that show whether the pressure is low... the front is keyed to 33 psi, the back to 36. Put them in right before I winterized last fall, and they're both still green; but Gus is pretty squirrelly lately, I think I might hie me to a gas station and do a proper check.

those things aren't that accurate.  


Also, gas station pump gauges suck... and the make matters worse they also normally have water in the tank.  water in your tire is bad.
Title: When thawing out the bike for the year...
Post by: scratch on March 31, 2005, 01:22:42 PM
Bicycle pump and $20-50 dial guage with 1psi increments up to 50psi. Checked every week or two.
Title: When thawing out the bike for the year...
Post by: fettcols on March 31, 2005, 04:50:37 PM
Compressor in the shed... It's amazing the new and unusual tasks you'll take on when you bite the bullet and buy one...

You have to get the impact... the nail gun.. hell, I even have a spark plug cleaner that runs on air..

Not to mention it's pretty sweet to hose off the bike and blow the water off with 90 psi...
Title: When thawing out the bike for the year...
Post by: scratch on March 31, 2005, 09:36:47 PM
Got one (air compressor), but I find it easier to just whip out the bicycle pump.