 Tyre Pressure
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Hi All I seem to get different answers when I ask this question from my tyre dealer and my service shop. IT says in the hand book (Triumph America 2009 model) front 30psi and rear 31psi. Tyre shop says 36psi front and rear. Can any one tell correct pressure or what you have found to be best from experence. 
Keep It Between The Hedges And Sunny Side Up
2009 Triumph America
1997 Honda ST1100
1983 Honda CX650 Eurosport
1972 MGB Roadster
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Ahhh yes.. the pressure question. The last I heard from Triumph it was 41 rear, 36 front... that's what I've used for the last couple of years and seems to work well.
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Asking about tyre (tire) Pressure is a bit like asking about oil
But my 2 bob,s worth is that bike manufactures advise low pressure for ride comfort and tyre (tire) manufactures recommend for handling and life of the tyre(tire)
Stare somewhere in the middle and work it out for your style of riding
I run 33 F and 36R mostly but depends where i am going to ride
Last edited by boof; 01/19/2010 6:44 AM.
What goes round comes round
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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I usually run about 34F/38R.
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Hi Folks. I asked Metzeler the same question. Here was their reply: Hello Please note one should always inflate tires to the correct tire pressure as indicated in the owner's manual. However Metzeler North America has found the air pressure suggestions listed in the brochure or on the web site will improve mileage and customer satisfaction. Check cold inflation pressure frequently. Correct tire pressure is crucial for safe handling. Over inflation may impair ride comfort and reduce the contact patch between the tire and the driving surface of the tires. Insufficient air pressure will result in poor handling and cause a tendency for the motorcycle to "wander". In addition, improper and insufficient tire pressure will cause accelerated tire wear, increased fuel consumption, less control and the possibilities for tire failure due to an overloaded/under inflated operating situation." Use this link to find out more about air pressures (mins and maxes) suggestions based on load http://www.us.metzelermoto.com/web/products/tire_pressures/default.pageTo see the tested and approved fitments please use this link to find the fitment guide at the lower left side of the page http://www.us.metzelermoto.com/web/default.pageTo find out the parameters of fitting tires with tubes please use either of these links http://www.us.metzelermoto.com/web/products/technology/maintenance/default.page http://www.us.metzelermoto.com/web/products/technology/faq/default.pageIn closing Metzeler finds that running higher pressures (up to the max as stated on the sidewall) will increase the life of the tire with no adverse effects. Thanks for the question and have a great day. NA Metzeler Consumer Affairs 877 202-4993 www.us.metzelermoto.comSo, after going to Metzeler's site, you end up 32F, 40R for the stock Speedmaster tires. 110/80 - 18 M/C 58H TL LASERTEC T Front - 32 PSI 170/80 B 15 M/C 77H TL ME 880 MARATHON - 40 PSI Fitment Chart TRIUMPH Speedmaster 900 (2003>2008) HTH, H.
Last edited by hyates; 01/19/2010 9:33 PM.
2010 Speedmaster Black/New England White
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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jeez louise I'm running 38F 40R with the lasertec/marathon combo per the tire installer I sure hope the tire sidewall doesn't say 32! Looking in the tech vault just now I found Quote:
Metzler:
110/80-18 ME330 - 38psi (ME330 are no longer being made and have been replaced by the Lasertech)
170/80-15 ME880 - 40psi
which doesn't actually quote a figure for the lasertech.
Last edited by Bill; 01/19/2010 10:56 PM.
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Quote:
I sure hope the tire sidewall doesn't say 32!
I don't know about the sidewall but the metzler site sure says 32. I'm probably lucky my front tire hasn't exploded.
http://www.us.metzelermoto.com/web/fitme...9&consent=Y
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Max PSI for the Lasertec T is either 41 or 42 PSI (I forget which). So, you were within limits, but probably not the best for handling.
H.
2010 Speedmaster Black/New England White
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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So far it looks to me like Chy is pretty close to the money as has been Moe. For instance, it "appears" (remember, nothing is like how it appears) that so far the Marathons should be up around 40psi for the rear and I reckon 36 may well be close for the front too. A bit more debate wouldn't hurt either on this topic though considering how both the Triumph and Haynes manuals have been so inaccurate. Whatever, I do think we are starting to get a better picture which probably explains why I was going through the lazertechs so quickly. Thanks for that Triumph. Maybe another way we could determine what not to inflate our tyres to is ask if there is anyone who have found their tyres not to be good in the wet? Then see if this marries up with their tyre life. Once this has been "ESTABLISHED", just don't inflate to their recommendations but add between 5 to 6 psi depending on which tyre we are talking about 
Last edited by Staffo; 01/20/2010 11:46 PM.
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Well here's mine...
I got only 6600kms out of the the lasertech running at 29-31 psi. Down to the wear marker (2mm). The front was never an issue in the wet.
The rear ME880 running at 34-36 psi, is not yet half worn at 6600 kms but is SCARY in the wet so it's getting replaced now with Dunlop 404 front and rear (I couldn't get the Avon front I wanted - not a very good distributor in Australia).
Cheers, Richard
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09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Breathe, Hagon Nitros, AI & O2 removed, tune 20184 (modified), MTX-L a/f gauge
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
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Geeze, I don't know... there really isn't any 'established' tire pressure per se. Consider the variables... loaded weight of bike, weight of rider and/or pillion, weather (hot/cold), driving conditions (wet, dry, straight, curvy), riding style (aggressive, non-aggressive), city/highway, blah, blah, blah and on and on and on. Over-inflation will wear the centre out prematurely, yet pressurizing slightly higher than manufacturer's recommendations may prevent cupping ( see article on the subject of cupping. Experience will tell you the optimum pressure for your bike. But I find if I generally go by the manufacturer's recommendations, I'm at least in the ball park. Add some air for weight... take a little out for hot weather/pavement and so on. In time we all develop a 'feel' for optimum tire pressure... or we just dial in something close and ride, baby ride!!!!!!  
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Gidday Richard, as a matter of fact my front lasertechs were getting similar sad longevity results at much the same pump up pressure, which is why I went to the marathons.
Btw the rear was lasting longer but probably about 10k Max using 34psi which is still disgraceful and not looking promising that Staffo will ever return to them.
Mind you they did seem to be a good wet weather tyre with no real scares there and I wonder how they would have been if I'd given them more psi.
Now I'm trying out the 880's but whilst I've not yet had any wet weather issues, there have been a few times which made me wonder whether a slight shift underfoot hadn't occured.
Time will tell but I've only been running the rear on 36psi so before my next ride I'll be increasing that by 4 Psi.
Same as the front but it'll be going up by 2 to 36psi for now. I'm also getting a lot more k's out of the Marathons but like others it means to naught if I find their wet weather performance doesn't stand up to scrutiny.
I guess I'm hoping the wet weather issues some have experienced is more associated with them wanting more air more than anything else. Which is why I'd like to hear from anyone like Moe or anyone else who may have ridden the marathons with the recommended pressures in some testing wet weather conditions and hear what they think.
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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The tire manuf. HAVE NO CLUE what bike their tires are being installed on. Their a fit for any and all bikes that spec. a certain size. No clue as to weight, distribution, characteristics, etc.
The official triumph shop manual spec's 30/31 for solo, as does the Haines shop manual. But what do they know?
Mine weighs less than stock, and I'm always solo, so I'll stay with my 30/28, thank you. It feels perfect for me, and mileage plays second fiddle to feel and road gripping/handleing capability.
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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I'm trying to follow all these tire threads, and its a bit challenging to keep up. To set me straight, did you replace the LaserTec T front tire with a Marathon 880?
As I mentioned in a another thread, I had Marathon 880s on my V-Star and just loved them. Handled GREAT wet and dry. I'd buy them again. They DO like their air though. Metzeler told me to run them 40F/40R unladed and 40F/42R laden. The V-Star 650 is about 40 lbs heavier than the Speedmaster.
Regarding the LasterTec T. That is supposed to be a specially designed/made tire for the Triumph. What's so special about it? Super sticky compound? Quiet? More expensive?
H.
2010 Speedmaster Black/New England White
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Last edited by Staffo; 01/21/2010 10:32 PM.
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Complete Newb
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You may find this interesting. http://www.triumph.co.uk/images/ecards/900_Cruisers_OHB_UK.pdfTriumph have put an owners manual up for download (EFI version), and in here it says that pressures (cold) should be 36/42 ! I am puzzled as I have a 2007 America and I cannot see why there should be such a huge difference - even the tyres are the same Lasertecs.
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Graham, That IS weird ! I noticed your post say's "handbook", is copyrighted 8/2009, and part #3856501. I have the Service Manual, copyrighted 1/2006, and part # T3859909, issue 2 Mine doesn't have page numbers like yours, mine has sections, and page numbers based on sections. But mine states, section 14, page 14.8, that the America is; front- 30 lb/in2, rear- 31. solo front- 31 lb/in2, rear- 36. FULLY LADEN Mine is a 790. Not the 865 as in your book, but the tire sizes seem the same. Heck, the original Bridgestone tire states "max load / max inflation 36 lb/in2 ! Aside from being a 790, mine also came with spokes, which means tube tire. But the SM for '05 has the same pressure spec's (except for the front, solo, being 31) and it's a cast wheel, 865, tubeless. I've NEVER had a motorcycle (or car) that ever spec'ed tire pressurs over 32 lb/in2. (till now)  42 must be like ridin' on SOLID RUBBER TIRES. Heck, lets just go have a beer (with Obama even) 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Second Wind
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Second Wind
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I just go by the numbers stamped onto the side of the tire. Different tire makers have different recommendations. So I go by the tire not the book.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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I do know that the last me880 front tire that I kept tween 36 to 38psi lasted 20,050 miles. Tread was still showing when I replaced it to.  All the other times when at the lower pressures I was lucky to get 13K.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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I don't go by what's stamped on any tire as that is the maximum pressure recommended for that tire. Depending on the load, in most cases it should be less. Running too much pressure can wear your tires out sooner just like too little.
I got over 21,000 miles (still ok tread left) on my original Bridgestones running 32/36 psi. The recommended pressure by Metzler for the tires I replaced with (Lasertec 110/80/18 and ME880 170/80/15) on the America or Speedmaster is 32/40 which is what I'm running now.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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you mean we have to check the tyre pressures???? 
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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I live in the sun downunder
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I live in the sun downunder
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Quote:
you mean we have to check the tyre pressures????
Yes Stevie, They are those black round things.
One at the front and one at the back. 
FrankW
Ex Speedmaster rider, went to the Dark Side now riding an America.
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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I'm suprised Dwight hasn't chimed in about the difference between tyre and tire?  That normally drives him bonkers..... Kind of like the infamous "U". Maybe he doesn't know what the difference is and is speechless. That would be a first.  Badda boom...badda bing....baamm....tell him Frank.
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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I live in the sun downunder
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I live in the sun downunder
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Now Greg don't be unkynd to Dwyght. After seeyng hys byke wyth that bobbed fender and gyvyng me another ydea for my Speedy, he does have taste. I'm not one to be pycky aboUt the odd spellyng and ommysyion yn hys posts.
FrankW
Ex Speedmaster rider, went to the Dark Side now riding an America.
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Stickman Yogi
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Y Frank... y would you do it!!!  
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Quote:
you mean we have to check the tyre pressures????
Yes Stevie, They are those black round things.
One at the front and one at the back.
Well, pretty much one at each end, but only the "drab, tasteless" ones are "black round things".
Mine are chrome, strange lookin' things. 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Joined: Sep 2010
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Second Wind
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Second Wind
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
you mean we have to check the tyre pressures????
Yes Stevie, They are those black round things.
One at the front and one at the back.
Well-known, pretty much one at each end, but only the "drab, tasteless" ones are "black round things".
Mine are chrome, strange lookin' things.
your tires are chrome? Where did ya get those?
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Quote:
I don't go by what's stamped on any tire as that is the maximum pressure recommended for that tire. Depending on the load, in most cases it should be less. Running too much pressure can wear your tires out sooner just like too little.
I got over 21,000 miles (still ok tread left) on my original Bridgestones running 32/36 psi. The recommended pressure by Metzler for the tires I replaced with (Lasertec 110/80/18 and ME880 170/80/15) on the America or Speedmaster is 32/40 which is what I'm running now.
I concur,I have 21000 miles on my rear ME880. I run 38-41 psi rear and 34/36 front. Mostly commuter miles no passenger. I am going to replace the tire because of its age,not tread. I believe its the original from 04. I bought it used with 4000 miles 4 years ago,that makes the tire(if it is the original) 9 years old....yikes! Its in good shape(no cracks or bulges).
Bill.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
-George Best
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Second Wind
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Second Wind
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Bill you need to get out and ride more.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Look at the DOT stamp to discern date of manufacture. No guessing involved.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
you mean we have to check the tyre pressures????
Yes Stevie, They are those black round things.
One at the front and one at the back.
Well-known, pretty much one at each end, but only the "drab, tasteless" ones are "black round things".
Mine are chrome, strange lookin' things.
your tires are chrome? Where did ya get those?
Yes.
Dave.
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Quote:
Bill you need to get out and ride more.
I ride most days to work (40 mile round trip).On my days off I don't have a lot of time(3 kids)to go out riding just for fun. It is however time for me and Bigbill to go for a longer spin,what do you say Bill?
Bill.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
-George Best
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Quote:
Look at the DOT stamp to discern date of manufacture. No guessing involved.
Yes I know how to read the tire date. It was made in 04 ,that's why I believe its the OEM tire. Either way I got over 20,000 miles out of it
Bill.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
-George Best
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Those Exedras last a long time for sure.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Tyre Pressure
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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I try and keep them as follows:
Front 36-38 PSI
Rear 38-40 PSI
For every 10 degrees increase in tire temperature the tire pressure will go up about 1 PSI. Correspondingly for every 10 degrees decrease in tire temperature the tire pressure will go down about 1 PSI.
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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