Tire Pressures

[Mopar-Man]

You guys are gonna get a kick out of this!

Ever since I bought my new Kat, which was about 45 days ago, I have not been happy with the ride or handling. I have read a lot of posts on here about suspension settings, preload, rebound dampening, ect. I made sure mine is at stock settings. It road like a truck over railroad track. In turns, it dropped in quickly while the rear wallowed and felt unsafe. So, I checked the tires. The looked fine. I heard the stock tires were crap and thought I might just buy some Metzlers. This morning I was about to back it out of the garage when it dawned on me.

I HAVE NEVER CHECKED THE TIRE PRESSURES!!!

Good God... guess what I found?

Front: 52psi
Rear: 14psi

Gee, wonder why it handles funny?

Since I weigh 200lbs, I set it at:

Front: 34
Rear: 38

It now rides nice and smooth and handles predictably.

I still can't figure how the dealer delivered it with over 50psi in the front tire. But still, lesson learned!

Now that I have the pressures correct I don't think I need to make any adjustments.

[oohhbehave]

That's crazy...speaking of which, I have never checked my tire pressure. I think I'm going to do that when I get home today. Thanks!

[GSXF]

wow, I am amazed that the tires held out at such high and low pressure!

Also, I would like to suggest a producet called "Ride-On" which is a self sealant for the tires; so less worry about leaks and small punctures.

[thetable]

And from here on out, you ARE going to check it at least once a week, RIGHT?

[Uloset]

Since I weigh 200lbs, I set it at:

Front: 34
Rear: 38

You should probally go up 1 or 2 up on eahc of them. Stock recomendation is for someone who is 140lbs with gear. And I think you are suppose to add 2psi for ever 50 lbs over that.

[Mopar-Man]

And from here on out, you ARE going to check it at least once a week, RIGHT?

Hell yes! I could have crashed hard because of this. I guess because it is my first NEW bike I was in the "gas it and ride it" mentality.

[StevieB]

Man, don't rag on yourself, and certainly don't because it's your first bike. I am doing minor repair on an 01 Bandit, and could not ride it for months because the shifter was broken when i got it. When I finally rode it for the first time, it was squirrly as hell- wanted to turn in big time, it was a minor fight in every turn. I was freaking out- could not figure out what was causing it- the front end was completly undamaged. Guess what it was? Yep. Tire pressure. Didn't think about it myself, I came here, and read another post about... tire pressure.

Even a seasoned rider can forget.

[katman05]

You should probally go up 1 or 2 up on eahc of them. Stock recomendation is for someone who is 140lbs with gear. And I think you are suppose to add 2psi for ever 50 lbs over that.