6th gen Tire Pressure, concen/question

I have an '02 VFR. It came with brand new Dunlop Sportmax Qualifiers on it. I have really enjoyed these tires. I had Michelin Pilots on my last bike and came to prefer these. I realize they are much sportier/stickier and that really came across.

The concern: I use the bike about 50%-60% of the time on the freeway commuting. I got good service out of this recent rear, nearly 10,000 miles. Yesterday the center wore through. The front still looks nearly brand new

The question: I originally set my pressures at 36 psi, front and rear, this was what my last bike called for. I had NO problem on the freeway riding and since I was "growing" into this bike (much higher performance envelope than the last one) I did not notice any lack of handling in canyons. When I went to the track with it, I adjusted the pressures per the "Tire Guys" specs (lower still). I would readjust the pressure for the street 36/36, no problem. Then I got clued into the 42psi rear, set for that, did a 300 mile canyon day with Outstanding handling on Thanksgiving and Presto, center worn to cord the next time out (200 mile freeway trip). So, did I get this much service from this rear because I under inflated for the first 9000 or so miles? Secondly, what is the downside of this under inflation for freeway use? Thanks all in advance for your input...

 

On your frame by the rear tire it states 36 F / 42 R. That is max pressure. You will get better mileage closer to that you are. Better grip if you drop a few Lbs of pressure.

32/38 ISH

I get 5K a tire (bt016) and I am happy .... I ride tires for performance not mileage so that is all I can offer.

 

You need to look at the max pressure for the specific tire. Get closer to max pressure when you're riding heavy or for touring/interstate. That will provide for maximum mileage. Keep in mind you'll never get 10,000 miles out of an agressive/sticky tire.

Drop pressure for better handling and/or colder weather. Usually you'll want to keep the rear tire inflated a few pounds heavier than the front.

I use Metzler M3 sport-tec's with a max pressure of 42 psi. I never commute, so most of my riding is very spirited canyon stuff with some track and I will usually ride 37 psi front with 40 psi rear. Those numbers will change a c-hair down when I'm on a track or the temp is below 70 degrees.

Most important is to do what you find comfortable. I see some guys ride 34 front and 40-42 rear while others prefer max pressure in both all the time. One thing I've found is that the higher the front pressure, the more nuetral the front feels. If you're not driving hard out of corners that could actually be a good thing.

 

I agree on the rear, but I keep my front higher to lessen cupping. 42 in the rear will wear the center faster. 38 is a good compromise. I have heard that if your pressure is too low the case will heat up and damage the tire. your tires should be warm, but never too hot to touch.
The more you twist your wrist, the fewer miles you get out of your back tire.
I have not found any way around this.
5K on a rear is good. ".... I ride tires for performance not mileage so that is all I can offer." -BP

Mac

 

Resolved....

Thanks to everyone who responded! I scored a virtually new Michelin Road 1 off Craig's list for $50. I am going to run this for commuting and whatever during the winter. If I go to the track I will put something more sporty on for the track day. When the front Dunlop (still pristine) wears I will replace both with a set of Road 2's. Thanks Again