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Post by grimsby53 on Dec 21, 2010 16:17:28 GMT -5
What's the prevailing wisdom on tire pressures? I checked mine today, and they were both at 23.0 psi. The sidewall says the max is 36, which is quite a bit higher, but I decided not to air-up, since the thing rides fine now and I didn't know what to aim for anyway.
So what do you guys and gals prefer? The tires are 12" (I think).
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Post by 90GTVert on Dec 21, 2010 17:06:05 GMT -5
I usually use 36psi in my tires. I think 28-32 is more common. It depends on the tire. Don't exceed the max pressure on the tire. Heavier riders or riding two up is best with a bit more pressure. You can adjust tire pressure to tune the feel of the handling a little. Lower pressures tend to feel more stable or sluggish. Higher tire pressures make the scoot feel more nimble or faster responding.
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Post by Fox on Dec 21, 2010 18:05:01 GMT -5
Tire pressure should be checked often. Riding on extremely low or flat tires is not only dangerous at high speeds but it wears out the tire(s) faster but most people don't seem to think about it much however. Practically every scooter I work on has low tires and very often a completely flat tire and the customers are shocked when told about it. Most tires have such thick side walls that the tire supports the scooter's weight even with no air but if you were to hit a pot hole at high speed on a curve it's probably gonna break the bead and you'll most likely wipe out. I always bring a bicycle pump and a pressurized can of slime sealant along on jobs because it's such a common occurrence. I kick my tires before every ride.
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Post by stepthrutuner on Dec 21, 2010 20:07:02 GMT -5
I'm a fist pounder myself (did that come out sounding right ? :rofl: ) It gives me a little more 'feel'. I kick the tires no my truck though.
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Post by erictheviking666 on Dec 21, 2010 20:10:55 GMT -5
I go with 28-32psi as well especially in the back. An added bonus is it will help your top speed. I see you were a little disappointed with your 5G sliders, try pumping the tires up to 30-32psi and see what kind of top speed you get after that.
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Post by grimsby53 on Dec 21, 2010 23:20:04 GMT -5
Alright, I will. I'll report back tomorrow.
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Post by erictheviking666 on Dec 22, 2010 0:03:47 GMT -5
Cool, it will be interesting to see the results.
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Post by Goosey on Dec 22, 2010 9:21:27 GMT -5
I can tell a big difference when the tires are low. Even feels draggy backing into a parking space. I go the max on my tires 36psi.
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Post by 2strokd on Dec 22, 2010 15:58:55 GMT -5
25-30PSI on the street, 45-50 at the track, (dragstrip that is).
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jimh
Scoot Enthusiast
Posts: 198
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Post by jimh on Dec 22, 2010 17:44:38 GMT -5
I try to keep mine at 36# pressure. It feels better all around. The guy who had it before me never checked the pressure and the front tire has worn unevenly so I had a good excuse to buy some new boots for it, Michelin Boppers, but haven't put them on yet.
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Post by grimsby53 on Dec 23, 2010 0:15:43 GMT -5
I aired-up to 32 psi front and rear. I like the feel in the corners better, just because there is way more feel. It inspires more confidence. Top speed, however, is unaffected. The weather is awesome right now, so I'll go carve it up more tomorrow. I may drop the front to 30 and keep the rear at 32 or even raise it to 33 or 34. I like the front end planted, and the rear to feel more lively.
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Post by erictheviking666 on Dec 23, 2010 0:34:36 GMT -5
Yeah I keep about 4 psi less in the front than in the back.
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Post by Goosey on Dec 23, 2010 8:32:30 GMT -5
My Baron came with those bad valve stems in '05. I could tell the pressure was low when it became harder to turn. Changing those out was one of my first scooter repairs
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Post by 2strokd on Dec 23, 2010 17:05:25 GMT -5
My Baron came with those bad valve stems in '05. I could tell the pressure was low when it became harder to turn. Changing those out was one of my first scooter repairs Those elcheapo metal to rubber ones? I dislike those very much! Still got em on my Cobra and i suspect thats why i get a low rear tire every week or so... Good idea swapping those first :thumb:
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Post by Goosey on Dec 25, 2010 19:12:32 GMT -5
I think it was '04'05 a batch of bad rubber valve stems were everywhere. They cracked almost new. Was that the same time those car tires were blowing out? Anyway, I'de guess my valve stems were from that bad batch, cuz I discovered the cracks within weeks of getting the scooter brand new from the distributer. Actually almost every rubber part of that thing was just rotten within the year. Except the tires, the tires are still good :lol: Slow leek was/is definately a sign of cracked valve stems.
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