Tire pressure question?

I recently put Pirelli Stradas on my 6th gen and they both (front & rear) say max. pressure 42 PSI. My label on the chain guard states front tire should be 36 PSI & rear 42 PSI and that's about what I ran on my last set of tires (35-38). With this being a touring tire would I need to run a little higher tire pressure on the front?

 

If I'm not mistaken, the pressure that is on the chain guard is for factory (stock) tires. If you put something on the bike that is not factory, then you should go with what the manufacturer says. However, for tires, this can be a little tricky. I like to run a little lower on both the front and back to allow for better traction and grip. Label says 42, i'm running about 36 for both. Been doing that for about 4 months of actual riding time and I like it alot. I feel like I have better control in the twisties. So, my best advice is play around with it a little. Try running both at manufacturer specs for a little bit. Take it easy and get a feel for things. Then, loosen them up a little and see how they run. Some other people on the forum might have the same exact set up and be able to offer some better advice. Good luck.

 

I run diablos and found them to work best in the mid 30s... usually run 35 rear, 32 front (better feel). If you are riding 2 up, figure 2-4lbs more. In general if the difference between cold pressure and hot pressure (when fully to temp) is more than 15-20% you are running too high a pressure. On the track, 30/30 are the near ideal pressures (some go slightly lower).

 

MAX pressure is for a bike loaded to its max weight (passenger and any baggage) on a hot day at high speed, conditions that require higher pressure.

33-36 psi is about right for solo rider on the streets, maybe boost a bit higher for highway cruising.

 

The "max" tire pressure printed on the side of your tire is what the manufacturer has determined to be the maximum safe operating pressure for that particular tire if set when cold. This has to do with the build/structure of the tire and what kind of stress it can take. For instance, if you were to look at the side of your car or light truck tire it probably has a max rating of somewhere between 40psi and 50psi. If you were to look at the side of an E load rated truck tire (thicker tire, more ply's etc.) it has a max pressure rating of 80psi (normally from the ones I've seen) This does not mean that you should run the tires at max pressure normally without sufficient load on the tires (big girlfriend, saddlebags loaded to the gills) , it is just the high guideline for safe operation. + 1 to the previoius posters on what they run, I'm currently playing with mine to find a good fit for my weight and riding style. Also, 42psi in the front would make instant slip n slide of the front tire IMO unless it was really hot!