A newbie question from a newbie rider...
I see from the sticker on my bike that 36psi is reccomended for both the front and rear Dunlops on my bike. Currently, I have 32psi on both. How much psi leeway does one really have? Can I still ride safely on 32psi? I'm going to try and get them up to 36 at the gas station today, but I wanted to know for future reference.
Also, this is another supremely newbie question... but when I fill up on gas at a gas station, what should my fuel selector be at... On, Off, or Reserve?
Thanks in advance :)
Since motorcycle tires are a lot smaller than a car tire tire pressure does make a difference. I don't have my manual handy but I think it recommends 36 psi for the front and 42 psi max for the rear (slightly less if the load is less than 200 lbs). 32 psi will not hurt a thing until you get to a station.
As for the fuel selector, it don't matter. Personally for me it's a habit that before I take off the cap I check to be sure the petcock is in Run. That way I don't get a "surprise" when I try to switch to Reserve on the road :wink:
I've been keeping my tires closer to 40 psi... could also be because my rear (tire) has a slow leak. But, my new back tire arrived the other day so I'll be burning that old leacky sucker down to wire anyway - need to make sure I get my money's worth, ya know?!?
Nevertheless, I would like ot hear others' input on this rather hackneyed topic.
The gas fill up/reserve works this way: there is a tube that sticks up from the pepcock/switch. When the fuel gets below that tube it starts to sputter and run ugly, switch it to reserve and it allows the rest of the gas to flow through the petcock to the engine. Therefore it does not matter what position it is in when you fill up, it still fills up. It does make sense to check it and make sure it is in the run not reserve position so you do not run out by accident.
Bob
I use the pressure rating from the side of the tire. My bike handles better when I keep the tire at the maximum rated cold pressure. This may be because I have radials on instead of the stock bias-ply.
Anthony