The other day I spent a couple of hours at work reading up on tires for the GS. Started thinking about my next set of tires although I only have about 1500 miles on the stockers. During my routine afterwork riding, I notice in several turns I feel the tires feel very unstable. I think to myself "I've never had any issues with the tires before, did I spoil myself by hearing how much better the tires can get?"
Anyways I go home, check tire pressure, both front and back are around 5 psi low. Add air to each, take some more turns, instant improvement.

Moral of the story: Check your tire pressure!   

   Every time I fill up the gas tank.(usually once a week)

   1-check oil

   2-check tires

   3-check chain

   4-check brake fluid

   5-check brake/clutch cables

thats a good idea about checking it every fillup!

what's the normal psi?

Quote from: jackiei26 on July 31, 2006, 12:12:38 PM
what's the normal psi?

It says on the frame decal.  33f 36r for a single rider unless I'm confusing the front and rear.

Quote from: Budrick320 on July 31, 2006, 12:00:11 PM
thats a good idea about checking it every fillup!

Possible problem with that.  You're supposed to check the tires cold.

  So I should what until November.

  Really your right, but its usually at the gas station about 1/4 mile straight down the road from home. They still have free air, with a decent pressure gauge, and always have paper towels in the dispeser.

Front: 33
Rear: 36

Normally you can find this information on the swingarm.


doh! sry Egaeus

Checked mine this morning before my ride to work.  27 front and 31 rear.  Need to check more often.   

I had that same occurence just a couple of days ago.  I was taking corners and it felt unstable, I even kept checking to see if my tire had popped.  I checked the pressure to be 33 [on hot asphalt after riding] and about 37 on the back.  I pumped it up a few PSI high and it rode great.  I checked again when it was cold and it was pretty close, but wow, what a difference!

Ed

Guess I should try to make a routine out of this. In addition to checking out the chain and the oil.
I was reading on the board that you should reduce your tire pressure to about 30 psi when going to the track, anyone else ever hear of this? What's the reason?

I believe people lower pressures in attempt to increase the contact patch of the tire, ideally increasing grip, sometimes at the expense of feel and stability, and possibly overheating.