This may have been mentioned already, but I did not see it. What tire pressure do you guys run on? I have a '98 VFR 800 with new Dunlop 220 Sortmax. The label on the bike says max. pressure on rear is 42PSI, with 36 on the Front. I've been adjusting up and down as I go along, max pressures being awful hard, but very sharp in response, with more comfort but slower response in reduced PSIs. What do you guys recommend? Thanks, Spencer
I don't know about anyone else, Spencer, but I usually run 42psi in the back and 36psi in the front. That seems to work best in normal conditions. If I know I'm taking it on a very twisty road for a hard ride I'll drop the psi a couple of pounds in both front and back (40/34) to get more "stickiness". I feel like I have a little more traction with less psi's. Hope this helps but I guess it is all a matter of opinion. Tiffany
Spencer Hi, I agree with Tiffany that it’s all a matter of opinion. I always run 36/42 because response is more important to me than comfort. Moreover my Metzeler tent to flatten easily and low pressure makes cornering quite difficult Pantelis
Thanks for the input folks. I ran 42/36 on a trip earlier this month but after 1200 mi in 4 days the center on my new 220 rear looked as if it was wearing faster than it should, plus it was fricken uncomfortable on a bumpy/uneven sections of roadways. I have reduced to 38 rear and 32 front (cold) and it seems much better ;D I guess I will keep monitoring it and make adjustments as necessary. If I have the Dunlop tire reps inspect my tires next month at the Honda Hoot and advise, I'll pass it on. Take care, Spencer
Spencer, Hopefully you'll have enuff rear tire left to make it to the hoot! My rear 220 was shot at nearly 4000 miles with the cords starting show in the center,the bad part about it is I was running these tires in the cooler time of the year! supposedly these tires were a better replacement for the D205. I was getting close to 7k out the 205's on a st 1100 that was nearly 200 lbs heavier than my vfr.I think Dunlop missed the target with these tires.
Link, Thanks for the feedback-I'll keep it in mind and watch carefully. I was hoping to get least 5,000 out of the back, but I may not be able now. Bridgestones 010/020 have reasonable life? Spencer
Spencer,I had the 020 front and back prior to the 220's.I had close to 6k on the rear of the 020 with plenty of rubber left in the center but I picked up a nail and therefore decided to try the 220's before a trip to Arkansas last October,the trip to AK and back to IA was around1300 miles or so and I noticed then that the 220 was beginning to square off.I don't do smokie burnouts or any other antics as such, but it seems that once I hit around 3500 or so with the 220 the back disappeared before I knew it!. Thursday I had the 010- 020 combination put on with DP's Sport HH+ brake pads and life is better than ever on the y2k vfr! ymmv
Spencer, just one more thought here, I agree with Vifferchic on the tire pressures, also the best twisties in Iowa are in southern Missouri and sw,Wisconsin!
Just a quick tip tire pressures can vary a lot even with the same brand. Different batch different pressure. Where one will be fine at 36psi the next may need 46psi to get the same feel. If you can feel it rolling on the rim then increase it. If its bouncing around drop it but there is no hard and fast rule, if it feels good be happy
Hey Link, I live in southern Missouri and I agree that we have some of the best twisties around! ;D Can be a blast but you must be very careful! Lots of accidents around here with people missing corners even going slow! Tiffany
Stay near the recommended tire pressure and you will be most happy. Too low tire pressue and your tires will run hotter and wear out faster.
Tire preassure goes right along with brand, as some do better with more or less as was stated earlier. It's a try this try that thing. which sounds like you have.I agree to the bridgestone being a longer wear tire. but to make sure I'm trying the Pirelli Diablos Corsa Very nice tire, Like how they feel so far, Mad props over in the UK so figure since these were at a price that made it easy to try, fingers crossed I get the millage I'm looking for. the Bridgestone I had I saw 10-11K out of them both front and rear, wore out at the same time must be the riding I do cuz they were worn evenly across the tread section, love those twisties
