Tyre Pressures

[Magno]

Hello bikers,
I've just fitted Avon Roadriders on my 1976 T140v Bonneville and wondered if I should run them at different pressures to my old Dunlops (24 front, 25 back). I'm in London so expect to be riding in all weathers.
Any advice gratefully received.
Magno

 

[Rocky]

This can be like an oil thread - open to many opinions.
If they are the same sizes as Dunlop I would run the same pressures - although 25 on the rear seems a little low to me.
I weight 190 pounds and run 24 in the front 3:25x18, and 28 in the rear 3:50x18 on my bikes.
I've used these pressure for years in various brands of tires. The bikes handle and ride well with no apparent problems.

But in the end I would go to the source, Avon, and ask them.

 

[grandpaul]

Max operating pressure specs are molded into the sidewalls.

For extended highway use or higher speeds, bring them well up to temp, THEN adjust pressure (it will likely be a tad high).

 

[Magno]

This can be like an oil thread - open to many opinions.
If they are the same sizes as Dunlop I would run the same pressures - although 25 on the rear seems a little low to me.
I weight 190 pounds and run 24 in the front 3:25x18, and 28 in the rear 3:50x18 on my bikes.
I've used these pressure for years in various brands of tires. The bikes handle and ride well with no apparent problems.

But in the end I would go to the source, Avon, and ask them.

Many thanks Rocky. I'll give it a go.
Magno

 

[Magno]

Max operating pressure specs are molded into the sidewalls.

For extended highway use or higher speeds, bring them well up to temp, THEN adjust pressure (it will likely be a tad high).

Cheers grandpaul. I'll check those pressures on the tyres

 

[Magno]

Thanks to all who responded.
I did contact Avon and they have recommended 29 psi front and 33 psi back tyre pressures. Seems a bit high to me so I reckon it's a case of suck it and see.
Cheers
Magno

 

[Rocky]

Thanks to all who responded.
I did contact Avon and they have recommended 29 psi front and 33 psi back tyre pressures. Seems a bit high to me so I reckon it's a case of suck it and see.
Cheers
Magno

Avon knows best of course, but those pressures seem high to me too. Give them a go and see how the bike rides.
Both of my vintage bikes weigh less than 400 pounds and seem to do well on the lower pressures. A heavier bike might do better with more air.
I have the original owners manual for my 1970 Triumph tiger and 24 pounds is what is called for in both tires.

Some years ago I recall reading an article written by a well respected expert (the name escapes me now) that for every ten pounds in rider weight over 150 pounds add one pound of pressure to the rear tire.
That's why I run 24 and 28.
FWIW.

 

[George S.]

That 1 lb air for every 10 lbs body weight over 150 seems waaay too much. I suspect that certain riders would then exceed the tire manufacturer's maximum pressure quite easily.

Don't all bikes come with a sticker that specifies tire pressures? It's also in the owner's manual. I have found that I get the best handling and traction on my bikes by adding about 2psi to those recommendations. It doesn't matter if the bike is 450lbs weight or 650, adding those 2lbs works best for me. I'm 195lbs.

 

[Rocky]

That 1 lb air for every 10 lbs body weight over 150 seems waaay too much. I suspect that certain riders would then exceed the tire manufacturer's maximum pressure quite easily.

Agree 100%. Never exceed the maximum tire pressure shown on the tire sidewall.

 

[grandpaul]

I'm sticking to my first reply as a good, safe baseline for working tire pressures.