After seeing many of the motorcycles coming into our shop with severely underinflated tires, we thought it may be a good idea to explain the importance of mantaining proper tire inflation pressures. In addition we can give you some guidelines to help you do that!
Be aware that underinflated tires flex more, causing excessive heat build up. This causes accelerated tire wear, loss of fuel economy, and can cause tire failure! (Trust me, you do not want this to happen on your motorcycle)
Note that not all replacement tires of the same size have the same load range rating as original. When replacing tires never install a tire with a lower rating than original! Also different tires than "original" somtimes have different recommended pressures.
All tires have "maximum" inflation pressures on the sidewall. These pressures are safe to use (especially for two-up, loaded, or high speed) Lower pressures (but within recommended) can be used when riding solo for improved ride comfort.
Below is a Manufacturer pressure chart for the most popular tires we use.
Ride safe and have a great summer!
MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURES
METZELER ME880
Front: Rear:
130/90-16 38-42 PSI 130/90-16 44-50 PSI
MT90B16 36-40 PSI MT/90B16 38-40 PSI
100/90-19 38-42 PSI 140/90B16 44-50 PSI
90/90-21 38-42 PSI MU90B16 38-40 PSI
MH90-21 36-40 PSI 150/80B16 40-42 PSI
DUNLOP
Front: On (Dunlop) tires, use the Harley recommended pressures as found in the owners manual and/or on the tag on the right front frame tube.
Typically on the FL bikes it is 36 PSI front and 36-40 PSI in the rear.
On FX bikes and XL's with 19 or 21 Inch front wheels the pressure is 30 PSI front, and 36-40 PSI in the rear.