Cold Handling

[Gipsy]

Not true, lowering the tyre pressure will allow the tyre to flex more, creating more heat, which in turn will increase the tyre pressure.

Incorrect. Dropping tyre pressure will make it more difficult for the tyre to reach it's optimum range. That's why in the summer on hot tracks the racing boys LOWER their tyre pressure. If your reasoning were to be followed they would be increasing their tyre pressure.

 

[Gipsy]

no offence ment but try reading the post gipsy, conti recommend 33/36, thats what i run...

Didn't you mention in your second paragraph that you dropped your tyre pressures by 3psi in the winter or did I misread your post.

By the way I'm pleased my advice regarding the correct tyre pressures for Conti's has helped the handling.

 

[Gipsy]

My 2005 standard GS (not the Adventure version), both in the owner's manual and on the handy guide under the left-hand side plastic cover, clearly calls for 2.2 bar or 32 psi (front) and and 2.5 bar or 36 psi (rear) for solo riding (no luggage or pillion). Suspecting that BMW development engineers might have put a bit of effort into this I respect the suggested figures and stick to them. The bike has always had excellent feel using the recommended pressures, irrespective of tyre choice. One time after returning from a trip with the missus I forgot to lower the pressures to the solo recommendation and the reduced feel was immediately noticeable and much more 'wooden'. For the past two years I've been using the Avon Azarro/Storm combo at the recommended pressures. They give superb grip and feel, rain or shine, all year round. Give your tyres a few miles to warm up.

Soften up the suspension a bit. Unless you're a heavyweight rider I'd consider backing the front spring preload right off. Although cooler weather can make suspension stiff in the first mile or so you really just want the rear set up properly for your weight (preload) and rebound. The standard rebound setting is 1 1/2 turns out and your ideal setting won't be far off that. If you're running the stock rear shock the preload adjuster can lose its range of adjustment over time but it's easy to fix.

When it's cold we tend to ride more tense. Any arm or shoulder tension goes straight into the handlebars with immediate effect on steering and handling. Stay as relaxed as possible. Do the 'flappy bird' thing and keep your elbows down. There is no substitute for good riding gear. You're got to stay warm and dry to stay loose. BMW's Phase Change thermal underwear is the next best thing to heated clothing.

If you haven't taken advanced rider training give it serious consideration. There are plenty of options and they're all good. You'll learn to ride smoother and more relaxed and better anticipate hazards, winter or summer.

Agree totally with the advanced training suggestion, but I take issue with the BMW reccomended tyre pressures as it will only refer to OE equipment. For all other tyres it is preferable to follow the tyre manufacturers recommended pressures.

 

[alimey4u2]

1. Maintain factory recommended tyre pressures.
2. Any standard tyres performance will fall off at an ambient temperature lower than 7 deg C, ride accordingly....

 

[Peak Rider]

Gipsy - "...but I take issue with the BMW reccomended tyre pressures as it will only refer to OE equipment. For all other tyres it is preferable to follow the tyre manufacturers recommended pressures."

In 2004 and 2005, when I was at Blue Bell, GSs were arriving at the dealership with any one of four brands of tyres. You could not specify which ones you might want from the factory, it was just luck of the draw whether you got Michelin, Metzeler, Bridgestone or Dunlop. The recommended cold inflation pressures were the same for all.

Now, I did go to the Avon web site and find that they recommend 36/42 whether it's for the Distanzia or the Azaro/Storm combo. But, they make no distinction regarding load so it seems to me they've simply gone for the safe option and specified the cold inflation pressures for a fully-loaded bike, 2-up with luggage. That way no one can come back to them and say, "You didn't tell my I needed more air in the tyres when my fat-assed mama and her hair-dryer are packed on board.". In my experience, when riding solo, the tyres (Avon or otherwise) lack all feel at these pressures and that is why I stick to the bike manufacturer's recommendations regarding inflation and load.

So, as I am going to the NEC next Wednesday I will make it a mission to get as many answers as possible from as many tyre company tech guys as I can. Perhaps one of them might see fit to post on this site. I will not be seeking the opinions of racers.

The latest issue of BIKE (January issue) has an extensive article regarding grip. That'll be tonight's reading.

 

[gsbiker]

I've just bought my GSA 58 plate. Only done 260 miles! I'm self employed and need my car so I don't get much chance to ride it at the moment I have had a few uncomfortable experiences though riding the bike. Recently before I bought my bike I had a final test ride on one and the front wheel nearly slipped right away when I went over a cattle grid. I was 2 up and slightly leaning and it was very damp. Very scary moment! Since owning my own bike I've noticed the bike can be twitchy when you go over small stones, it tends to wobble the wheel beyond what I was expecting. OK some of you may be thinking why go over stones? Well sometimes they look like mud? Anyways, I'm still getting used to my bike and I guess I am very cautious especially when cornering for fear of falling off! At the moment I'm not 100% confident handling my bike.

 

[colinw]

Didn't you mention in your second paragraph that you dropped your tyre pressures by 3psi in the winter or did I misread your post.

By the way I'm pleased my advice regarding the correct tyre pressures for Conti's has helped the handling.

yep dropped from 36 to 33 recommended pressure, get a life ass....

 

[pikeydave]

I normally adjust my tyre pressures in winter according to the Met Office pressure chart. Low pressure below 998Hpa (old school Mb) over the southern part of the UK I'd reduce by 3.2 psi (I have developed a graph to make things easier, available by PM)
The other fact I've noticed lately is that 98% of the posts on here are bollocks.
HTH.

 

[PC1]

Blimey opened a can of worms there then. Thanks for all your advice will try some of the options. Best bet maybe to move to southern Spain though.

Cheers

 

[Wapping]

I normally adjust my tyre pressures in winter according to the Met Office pressure chart. Low pressure below 998Hpa (old school Mb) over the southern part of the UK I'd reduce by 3.2 psi (I have developed a graph to make things easier, available by PM)
The other fact I've noticed lately is that 98% of the posts on here are bollocks.
HTH.

Noticed lately?

98% bollocks?

Things are getting better then.

 

[GreatScott]

I normally adjust my tyre pressures in winter according to the Met Office pressure chart. Low pressure below 998Hpa (old school Mb) over the southern part of the UK I'd reduce by 3.2 psi (I have developed a graph to make things easier, available by PM)
The other fact I've noticed lately is that 98% of the posts on here are bollocks.
HTH.

Best thread yet ! Let us know if you get any PMs !

 

[alimey4u2]

Noticed lately?

98% bollocks?

Things are getting better then.

I agree, now if only I can get my wellies up to working temperature...