Finding the correct tyre pressure

[Josh]

I'm looking to improve the handling of my bike as I feel I have low pressure in both of my tyres, the steering feels heavy and when rolling to a stop I sometimes feel like my rear wheel is squirming a little bit. Would this suggest that the pressures are low? They're both at 22 psi at the moment which is what is says in the handbook but i'm not sure if it the guide line for my tyres (honda xr125l with Pirelli mt60s) it's hard for me to trial an error with this being my first motorbike so I thought it would be easier to get a rough idea. Are my tyres drastically under inflated or just a few psi out? The rear tyre can hold 60psi and the front can hold 52.

Thanks!

[megawatt]

Sounds rather low for a road bike, but my be good for off road riding. Try increasing pressures in 5 psi increments and then try it. I wouldn't go over 40psi though

[Josh]

Ah yeah that's a good idea thanks, should i also keep the front tyre 5psi below the rear as well?

[Guest Hodgy]

Front tyres generally run less pressure than rears, so I'd say so, 22 does sound very low to me too

[megawatt]

Possibly, Don,t know what pressures dirt bikes normally use.

[eastanglianbiker]

i would try the front on about 26 and rear on 30-32 and see how you get on

[Stu]

i would try the front on about 26 and rear on 30-32 and see how you get on

 

and go up in 2psi increments not 5 as a small change wont make a huge difference to grip but you will feel the difference 5 could be too much especially in this weather!

[Roadtorque]

32 front 34 rear

[Grumpy Old Git]

For trials/off road, then drop down to 27 rear and 22 front (or even less).

[Chrissb6]

Hi are you sure you were not reading bar for your tyre pressure? 2.2 bar is as good as 33 psi which l would of thought would be much nearer the mark for your bike. Off road tyres can be run as low as 10 psi but never that low on tarmac