Trying Different Air Pressures

My bike: 2001 VLX VT-600 with Federal 165/80/15 tire. Me: 5'10" tall and 275 pounds.

O.k., I have about 500 miles on the new c/t. I ran it at 39 p.s.i. and had very few complaints. The biggest issue is getting used to dealing with uneven pavement. Seems a little more difficult on the c/t but I am adjusting. I love the way the c/t handles in the rain and at high speed on the freeway dealing with cross winds and big trucks. Seems very solid. I notice very little difference in cornering either. I also took my daughter for a ride, two up, and even that felt noticibly better than a m/t.

Now for the question. I dropped the air pressure from 39 to 35 p.s.i. a few days ago. Noticed very little difference riding at lower speeds but, last night riding on the four lane above 50 m.p.h., the bike seemed squirley. Almost felt like I had a flat or the tire was going down. It was one of the few times on this bike that I was, not scared, but on very high alert for a mechanical issue.

Putting this all into writing, it seems obvious but I wanted to throw it out to the experienced c/t riders here. It seems like I need to pump the tire back up to the 39-41 p.s.i. range. Does that sound accurate?

What will I feel if I go to high on the p.s.i.? No more than 41 p.s.i., which is the max number that I have read on this board.

Your assumption sounds right to me.everyone has to play with air pressure until they find the one that feels right for them and their bike.try going a couple lbs at a time.I run mine at 32psi. but I am 5' 9" and weigh 160. running GYTT 205/60/16 found my pressure by trial and error.You will love it when you find your sweet spot and get used to it.

Like Larry said but my sweet spot is between 36 and 40 psi .
Everyone has there own.

215-45-18 here.
Running at 36 psi. Took some time but this is where its at for me. You just have to play with pressures for a bit. You already know how it handled at the higher pressure and at the lower pressure. I would shoot for the middle and go up or down depending on the way you ride.

My .02 cents. Hope you find the happy spot. It is great when you do.

Peace.
Moon

At 35 psi my tire seemed squirly too. I have mine about 40. I noticed the movement at slow speed cornering though. Seemed like it "walked" a bit during the lean. Doesn't do that at higher psi. I think all tires and all riders are different.

Steve-O wrote:At 35 psi my tire seemed squirly too. I have mine about 40. I noticed the movement at slow speed cornering though. Seemed like it "walked" a bit during the lean. Doesn't do that at higher psi. I think all tires and all riders are different.

It didn't walk in a lean! Trust me! We race asphalt and with our racing tires if you went up in pressure we got higher grip only until a certain extent it would NOT gain anymore grip. It's got to be mental! I just don't see it slipping! Maybe, that just me, but I can't make mine slip just leaning it thru a turn!


......................bobby


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I started out at 41lbs, got it right at 39lbs, but am considering going back to 41lb, I think that our lighter vlx 485lb(dry), i s a major contributor to the vlx needing the higher air presures. The markings on our tires (federal) shows max presure is 44lbs, most of the others here , really all of the others here are on heavier bikes.

mark f

Otis56 wrote:I started out at 41lbs, got it right at 39lbs, but am considering going back to 41lb, I think that our lighter vlx 485lb(dry), i s a major contributor to the vlx needing the higher air presures. The markings on our tires (federal) shows max presure is 44lbs, most of the others here , really all of the others here are on heavier bikes.

mark f

Yeah, I will go to 43 p.s.i. and then work back down toward 39.

I have a 1300R with the douglas xtra trak 205/65/15.....I first started at 35 and went to 41. Rode real good there for the first 20,000 miles. I am down to 32 in it now and it is a lot smoother ride.......So after 23,000 miles I am still playing with my pressure.....And the ride is great.

Jerry

jedishon wrote:I have a 1300R with the douglas xtra trak 205/65/15.....I first started at 35 and went to 41. Rode real good there for the first 20,000 miles. I am down to 32 in it now and it is a lot smoother ride.......So after 23,000 miles I am still playing with my pressure.....And the ride is great.

Jerry

You are just saying that because we pay you!!!!!! You are the best Una' Jerr!


.................bobby


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Yall heard if, Unk Jer said he is still playin with it. I think we all are still playin with it. It would be no fun if you could not play with it. I like playin with mine.

Moon

It is sure hard to take you serious anymore Moon,when I see that avatar

ya'll just aren't right

mark f

Badmoon wrote:Yall heard if, Unk Jer said he is still playin with it. I think we all are still playin with it. It would be no fun if you could not play with it. I like playin with mine.

Moon

Moon I think you have taken 1 to many frying pans to the head my brother..... And by the looks of your avatar, 1 to many hits from the golf club on the side of your head.

Jerry

twin1300 wrote:

jedishon wrote:I have a 1300R with the douglas xtra trak 205/65/15.....I first started at 35 and went to 41. Rode real good there for the first 20,000 miles. I am down to 32 in it now and it is a lot smoother ride.......So after 23,000 miles I am still playing with my pressure.....And the ride is great.

Jerry

You are just saying that because we pay you!!!!!! You are the best Una' Jerr!


.................bobby


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I'm still waiting for my cookie........

Jerry

jedishon wrote:

twin1300 wrote:

jedishon wrote:I have a 1300R with the douglas xtra trak 205/65/15.....I first started at 35 and went to 41. Rode real good there for the first 20,000 miles. I am down to 32 in it now and it is a lot smoother ride.......So after 23,000 miles I am still playing with my pressure.....And the ride is great.

Jerry

You are just saying that because we pay you!!!!!! You are the best Una' Jerr!


.................bobby


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I'm still waiting for my cookie........

Jerry

I bet Twin would gladly send you an empty box instead.

I know he would... I might have to run over there and get one from him personally some day....

Jerry

one thing that was been overlooked in this discussion is the shock bushings. Look at the shock bolt and see that they are centered in the shock. If they are off even a little change the bushings out and start the pressure game all over.

I run mine at 34 right now. Love the way it lays into the corners


See you out there
Smokey