Tyres

[RogerSB]

One thing to consider is that our steam-age suspension systems did rely on a bit of tyre flex to maintain decent roadholding. If you have considerably higher tyre pressures, you lose that tyre flex and reduce the contact patch.

I fully agree with that, tyre contact being smaller than the size of the palm of your hand.

I must admit I'm in a bit of a dilemma because I really haven't noticed anything amiss with my bikes handling and my tyres don't show any signs of wear on the outside edges, being a sure sign of under inflation, or the middle, being a sign of over inflation - but then I don't push it to the edge of the envelope.

I'm going by the general consensus of opinions both here and other places that I should increase my tyre pressures. I'm always two up so the rear has always been, and still needs to be near the max pressure of 32 psi for my tyres. It's the front tyre that's the contention for me, but I can't see adding a few extra pounds will hurt. I've always understood that a good guide to aim for is 80 - 90% of the tyres max tyre pressure if you're unsure.

By the way Wortluck, with wax cotton jackets, leather boots and helmets about 380 lbs (27 st) for the two of us.

[Worty]

"By the way Wortluck, with wax cotton jackets, leather boots and helmets about 380 lbs (27 st) for the two of us."


Wax cotton jackets and leather boots - I'd get them tyres pumped up good

[RogerSB]

I'd get them tyres pumped up good

OK Dad  .

[duTch]

  Wax-Cotton jackets work for me too-but only if if it's cold or wet.....

 With regard to the 'Steam-punk' suspension, I recall ol' mate Weeds at Lakeside Classics on a A10 Rigid smashing past a a Ronda Floor coming into the main straight, and he was running about 15lbs if I recall.......

[Angus]

Mine came from here
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-50-19-Dunlop-K70-57P-TT-Universal/272649046523?hash=item3f7b2649fb:g:gnIAAOSwMZJa~XHE
And although no mention of 'Gold Seal' in the listing that is what I got and wanted to replace the old one. I know no more 

Note to self replace front tyre on A10 it looks fine but the date of manufacture is week 29 of 2006 

[RogerSB]

Wax-Cotton jackets work for me too-but only if if it's cold or wet.....

I wouldn't ride in shorts, a t-shirt, no gloves and trainers like I see some doing - what I wear when riding is mainly as body armour - I don't like the thought of having nothing between me and the road if . . . .

[Worty]

Not mad on wax cotton, although I did have one once back in the day.  Was ok but wore out quickly, and not through sliding down the road (is this where the wax helps?).  Leather jacket (Ebay) and thick jeans for a good ride out.  Locally, I have been out in clothing that would be seen as dangerous on a beach, but I've always been happy to accept the consequences of my choices.

As a quick aside only, Mr Administrator, I once came off a Yam XS750 down the M6 at 75mph.  Went to overtake a car in the r/h lane and ran smack into a prop shaft that had been shed by an artic tractor unit.  Smashed the front wheel and sent me sliding with the bike well ahead of me.  Motorway stopped in a perfect row (credit to the drivers).  Five police cars and an ambo turned up with one young copper running up to me in a panic to ask where the bike was.  Thanks to the loads of layers I was wearing (despatch riding), I suffered a cut elbow and twisted knee.  The bike was worse, including a big hole worn in the engine casing.  You can't live your life in fear 'cause you never know what's round the corner (literally in our cases).

[LJ.]

One thing to consider is that our steam-age suspension systems did rely on a bit of tyre flex to maintain decent roadholding. If you have considerably higher tyre pressures, you lose that tyre flex and reduce the contact patch. Fine under most conditions but there are occasions on poor surfaces when cornering you may find the bike drifting (or rather bouncing) out on bends. With a rigid framed bike, the old recommended pressures are best otherwise on any bumpy bend it will skip happily towards the outside of the bend with potentially interesting consequences.

That's an interesting thought to those who like myself ride a rigid frame bike. My rigid being an girder M21 has interesting tyres at psi 20 front and 24 back... the comfiest ride, along with full confidence of their grip on the road.

[RogerSB]

For anyone interested, I emailed Dunlop again on Friday to do a little more probing. I didn't really expect anything back the second time but I received this today.

(Edit): The pressures they recommend are no doubt for solo riding so for me I need to add some front and rear for a pillion - so not so far out for what's already been determined here by consensus.

[Worty]

I reckon Pete's caved in under pressure   Seriously though, I reckon you could do 25/29 solo but I'd go to 28/32 two up with the missus.

[RogerSB]

I reckon you could do 25/29 solo but I'd go to 28/32 two up with the missus.

Yep! After receiving that from Dunlop today I've upped the front from the 26 I set it at yesterday to 28. Rear was already on 32.

Trouble is, with all this messing around with tyre pressures, I keep getting my hands dirty .

[Worty]

You wanna have my beast Rog, my hands are never clean

[muskrat]

Ha, with 6 bikes, 2 cars and floorsanding & polishing for a living the only time my hands are clean are after two weeks in hospital I have a reminder chart on the shed wall for pressures. A7 = 32/34, A10 = 34/36, CB1100F = 36/38, XT500 = 15/18, Ag175 = 18/18, Ford 1 tonner 40. Magna 36 and project CB900 hard enough to push around.
A while back I had too much in the XT and fell off about 5 times, the front wouldn't go where pointed. Dropped 4Lb out and it was a different bike On my A7 racer I could feel the difference 1Lb would make.
Cheers

[Worty]

Jeez Musky, that seems a lot of pressure for the A10.  By the way, have you had any rain yet in NSW?  Fancied a XT for years but maybe there's more offroad space in Oz you can ride on without bother from the Law (and angry landowners).  My sister lives south of Perth, maybe an extended stay may do the trick?

[muskrat]

G'day wortluck.
That's what I ran when racing her. My road riding ain't much different/slower
After 1Km of tar I can ride all day (100's of Km's) without seeing a soul.
Wife came over from Perth as a kid. Maiden name Yardley, related to the Aussie cricketer and that Pommy perfume mob.
Cheers