Tire PressuresFollow inflation recommendations shown on the Dunlop Motorcycle Tire Application Guide. Contact Dunlop if year and model not shown on current Guide and Dunlop tires with corresponding pressures are not specified in owner's manual. Keep in mind that hard cornering, passengers, heavy loads and sustained high speeds will require higher pressures (up to that indicated on the tire sidewall.)
Checking of tire pressures is the most important tire maintenance function you may perform.
For high speed, fully loaded or dual riding touring motorcycle applications, inflate front tires to maximum recommended by vehicle manufacturer for Dunlop fitment and rear tires to maximum load inflation pressure on sidewall. Rear touring tires must be inflated to a minimum of 36 psi for light to medium loads and 40 psi for dual riding and other loads. Never exceed maximum load indicated on tire sidewall or vehicle capacity load found in owner's manual.
Underinflated tires can result in imprecise cornering, higher running temperatures, irregular tread wear at the edge of the contact patch, fatigue cracking, overstressing and eventual failure of the tire carcass.
Overinflating tires does not increase load carrying capacity, but will result in a hard ride and accelerate tire wear in the center of the contact patch.
Check cold tire pressure frequently with a good quality gauge that holds a reading and always before extended trips.
Loss of pressure may be due to worn out or badly seated valve cores. Check valve cores. If necessary, tighten for correct seating, or remove and replace. A metal or hard plastic valve cap with an inner gasket should be used and installed finger tight to protect the valve core from dust, moisture and to help maintain positive air seal.
Repeated loss of inflation pressure may result from undetected tire damage. Visually inspect tires for punctures, cuts, abrasions, cracks, bulges, blisters or knots. It will be necessary to demount the tire to complete an inspection for internal damage and any permissible repair. See Tire Repair section. Only certain punctures in the tread area may be repaired, if no other damage is present.
Tires with non-repairable damage must not be used again. Damage caused by impacts, penetrations or continued underinflated/overloaded use is progressive and can result in sudden and complete tire failure and accident.
Always seek expert inspection of the demounted tire following curb, chuckhole, or other impacts; evidence of penetration beyond the tire surface; bulges or low pressure. Do not continue riding on such tires.
Inspect tires frequently for damage and always heed warnings such as vibration, handling instability, rubbing or tire noise that occurs during operation of the motorcycle.
Excessively worn tires are more susceptible to penetrations. Always remove tires from service before they reach the tread wear indicator bars (1/32 if an inch tread pattern depth remaining). Worn/unworn tire combinations and worn tires used in wet conditions can result in deteriorated handling. |
