OK stupid question # 9000
- Thread starter ray23
- Start date
Usually it says the MAX tire pressure on the tire itself, small print. That means if you're fully loaded, with passenger, you need more pressure than if you're just cruising one up, then don't exceed this number. - I always put in as much as I feel comfortable with, a low pressure tire feels like you're riding in mud and the steering is heavy, a high pressure tire makes the bike bounce at every bump and you feel like you're on a pogo-stick. Try the high pressure, and if it bounces, take a bit of air out until it rides fine, then check with a gauge and remember that number.
Tires are part of the suspension, that's why some bikes have huge donuts and some sport bikes a low profile. Talking about suspension, I remember the last time I rode a 12 year-old 400cc Steed the front end was scary, I could hardly make a turn at slow speed. It was okay at higher speed in a straight. Try this: stand over your bike, pull the front brake and pull up on the handle bars - the bike mentioned "grew" a few inches. When I let go, it "sank" back down. Probably nobody ever checked what's inside the fork tubes since it was new.
I didn't want to mess with the oil so I just cut two 2-inch PVC pipe pieces, opened the forks at the upper triple clamp, squeezed them in and closed the patient up again. The guy was far way from home, so this was quite an improvement, but I told him to check the springs and the oil when he's back home. That was part of the service you got in my Coffee Shop!
Interestingly it's difficult to get used replacement springs, at Red Baron they sell only the complete (used) fork set, which is of course expensive. Otherwise they would have lots of empty fork legs sitting aroud and no springs...
I didn't want to mess with the oil so I just cut two 2-inch PVC pipe pieces, opened the forks at the upper triple clamp, squeezed them in and closed the patient up again. The guy was far way from home, so this was quite an improvement, but I told him to check the springs and the oil when he's back home. That was part of the service you got in my Coffee Shop!
Interestingly it's difficult to get used replacement springs, at Red Baron they sell only the complete (used) fork set, which is of course expensive. Otherwise they would have lots of empty fork legs sitting aroud and no springs...
You know Tropical John sent me a manual for the Star 650, I just couldn't find it until last night. I really mis him on the forum.
Front:
XVS650 200 kPa (29 psi) (2.00
kgf/cm²)
XVS650A 225 kPa (33 psi)
(2.25 kgf/cm²)
XVS650AT 225 kPa (33 psi)
(2.25 kgf/cm²)
Rear:
250 kPa (36 psi) (2.50 kgf/cm²)
I'm now running 28 and 34 so a pretty close guess.
I'll adjust it now. Or leave o it alone feels pretty good these days :lol:
I think my bike would about 15 Klgs heavier then yours a unles you have comparable equipment on it. It's nice to finally get to sweat the small stuff NOW. :wink:
Front:
XVS650 200 kPa (29 psi) (2.00
kgf/cm²)
XVS650A 225 kPa (33 psi)
(2.25 kgf/cm²)
XVS650AT 225 kPa (33 psi)
(2.25 kgf/cm²)
Rear:
250 kPa (36 psi) (2.50 kgf/cm²)
I'm now running 28 and 34 so a pretty close guess.
I'll adjust it now. Or leave o it alone feels pretty good these days :lol:
I think my bike would about 15 Klgs heavier then yours a unles you have comparable equipment on it. It's nice to finally get to sweat the small stuff NOW. :wink:
Ray,
Found this.
Tire Pressure
Custom up to 198lbs..29 front...33 rear
over 198lbs..29 front...36 rear
Classic up to 198lbs..33 front...33 rear
over 198lbs..33 front...36 rear,
* the 198lbs above is rider, passenger and baggage.
Ray,
You can download a free 650cc manual herehttp://www.carlsalter.com/motorcycle-manuals.asp
alas no 400.
Found this.
Tire Pressure
Custom up to 198lbs..29 front...33 rear
over 198lbs..29 front...36 rear
Classic up to 198lbs..33 front...33 rear
over 198lbs..33 front...36 rear,
* the 198lbs above is rider, passenger and baggage.
Ray,
You can download a free 650cc manual herehttp://www.carlsalter.com/motorcycle-manuals.asp
alas no 400.