Lower Tyre Pressures

[tspivey]

My new’ish to me R1250GS’ tyre pressures are 2.5 front and 2.9 rear regardless of load, which to me is odd, not adjusting for load. I know the suspension sorts itself out for load, so presumably the tyres stay at the hardest.
Anyway, during the time I’ve had it the pressures have gone down to 2.3 and 2.7, which is different for me as my previous GS on spoked wheels never altered, this bike is on alloys with Michelin Road 5 Trails.
Anyway, it feels better at the lower pressures. Anyone else adjusted the pressures down or should I pump them up to what it says in the book and put up with it.

 

[Stevie4scoops]

If it were me, I'd pump them back up to the recommended pressure then see how it feels to ride.

If it's better with lower pressure I'd go back to that.

Manufacturers have to recommend a pressure which is a balance for many variables so the slightly lower pressure may suit you better?

 

[Pablo1]

Id keep tyre pressures as recommended and perhaps explore the various driving modes, e.g. I always up until recently left the bike in dynamic setting all the time, Ive found on ROAD setting the suspension is noticeably softer and the ride more comfortable on my old arse. Just my opinion.

 

[Dougie Danger]

I ride a 2019 1250 GSA. and at the recommended pressure for me it’s too hard riding solo. I think it also compromises the grip in the wet but that’s just my opinion. I’m 86kg and ride at 2.3 & 2.7. When I carry a pillion or camping stuff its back up to recommended pressure.
Most other vehicles state adjust the tyre pressure to suit the load. Some car manufacturers also suggest higher tyre pressure when going on a long run to get more mpg.

Cheers

 

[Mr Bean]

My new’ish to me R1250GS’ tyre pressures are 2.5 front and 2.9 rear regardless of load.

Tyre pressures don't significantly change with load. To check it, measure the pressure of the rear tyre when on the centre stand. Then measure the pressure when the bike is upright, off the stand and it will likely be the same.

 

[DJ123]

Id keep tyre pressures as recommended and perhaps explore the various driving modes, e.g. I always up until recently left the bike in dynamic setting all the time, Ive found on ROAD setting the suspension is noticeably softer and the ride more comfortable on my old arse. Just my opinion.

That's be cause dynamic mode, being the sporty mode, stiffens up the suspension. You cna have the throttle mapping in dynamic, but lower down the suspension to road/comfort levels.

 

[DJ123]

My new’ish to me R1250GS’ tyre pressures are 2.5 front and 2.9 rear regardless of load, which to me is odd, not adjusting for load. I know the suspension sorts itself out for load, so presumably the tyres stay at the hardest.
Anyway, during the time I’ve had it the pressures have gone down to 2.3 and 2.7, which is different for me as my previous GS on spoked wheels never altered, this bike is on alloys with Michelin Road 5 Trails.
Anyway, it feels better at the lower pressures. Anyone else adjusted the pressures down or should I pump them up to what it says in the book and put up with it.

It'll also depend on the tyres too, if they perform better having a bit more allowable movement in the surface/carcass.

I've only had my GS about 6 months and not played with the pressures yet - even when loaded. But the bike feels fine to me at the MFR recommendation.

 

[tspivey]

Tyre pressures don't significantly change with load. To check it, measure the pressure of the rear tyre when on the centre stand. Then measure the pressure when the bike is upright, off the stand and it will likely be the same.

I think you misunderstood because the way I wrote it wasn’t as clear as it could be. I was meaning the recommended pressure is 2.5/2.9 regardless of load.

 

[stever1]

I think you misunderstood because the way I wrote it wasn’t as clear as it could be. I was meaning the recommended pressure is 2.5/2.9 regardless of load.

Remember. The pressure is relative to the atmospheric pressure. It’s possible that on 2 days you’ve checked , the atmos pressure was different leading to the change in tyre pressure.

 

[tspivey]

Remember. The pressure is relative to the atmospheric pressure. It’s possible that on 2 days you’ve checked , the atmos pressure was different leading to the change in tyre pressure.

The onboard TPMS tells me what it is and it exactly matches my PCL pressure gauge.
One of our cars also just has one recommended pressure, which appears to be because very few people consider their tyre pressures much nowadays, so to be one the safe side manufacturers just quote the higher pressure. Pumping tyres up and letting them down accordingly isn’t acceptable to customers. I don’t even have to think about suspension settings now, solo, two up or two up with luggage, the bike adjusts itself, so setting the tyres the hardest pressure needed for two up with luggage makes sense. But not when most of my riding is solo/top box.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

Tyre pressures are a bit like tyres or oil - a personal preference !

I run mine a little softer than manufacturers recommendation of 36 rear 34 front so am currently on 34 rear 33 front which is perfect IMO

Start at recommendation then ride and adjust to where you are happy, comfortable and confident and then keep them at that with a good accurate gauge rather than a petrol station " have a guess" gauge