Tyre Pressures

[Steve Peake]

I was wondering what tyre pressures the rest of you run your GS's at. I've got a 2000 model 1150 GS, with Tourance tyres.

The manual has a huge range (32/36 solo upto 36/42 with pillion and luggage).

Metzeler just quote the top range (36/42 psi) - tried this solo, and it felt horrible.

Some advice would be appreciated - I'm not getting out on it regulary enough at the moment to experiment properly.


Cheers

Steve

 

[Simon Eassom]

Steve:
I'm 18 stone kitted out (110 kilos) and I have my tyres at a maximum 36/39 with luggage but usually lower 33/36. Plus, I find my T66s perform better on slightly high pressures.
But . . . you might want to check the pre-load settings. They're more likely to have an effect, especially noticeable if you run your tyres hard.
Simon E.

 

[Mick Fagan]

Steve, remember that BMW give a large range of pressures but mostly the range of pressure changes, according to the speed that you are intending to travel at.

I myself am 95Kg and my 1100 runs Metzeler Enduro 4's for road work and I run the top end of the range which is 2 and 2.5Bar for the rear approximately.

I think Simon is correct in that pre-load settings seem to make more of a difference than actual pressure. At least that's what I notice more.

Mick.

 

[Bumble Bee]

I use 32/36 solo with pre-load at minimum. 34/38 with pre-load at midway when loaded up for camping.
Works for me!

 

[Steve Peake]

Thanks for the advice.

Looks like I better have a fiddle with my pre-load.

Cheers

Steve

 

[Muddy]

All suspension set-up sessions should begin with checking tyre pressures, shouldn't they?

 

[Mick Fagan]

Muddy, look at it this way. If you don't know the tyre pressure then it isn't a constant and therefore any change you make to the suspension will be altered when and if you change your tyre pressure.

Mick.

 

[Rob Farmer]

I use performance bike tyres in Leicester for my tyres. The owner rang Michelin while I was there and they recommended 40 rear and 36 psi front for the T66. These pressures work fine on my bike.

Cheers

Rob Farmer