For motorsports applications—including racing, track day, and club events—inflation pressure recommendations take into consideration additional important factors beyond the scope of this guide.
See Bridgestone’s information for racing and track tire applications here:
Track Day Tire Pressure Recommendations Chart
Race Tire Operating Range Chart
This guide is broken down into five FAQs:
● Why is tire inflation pressure important?
● What are the proper inflation pressures for street applications?
● How do I check and set tire inflation pressure?
● What if inflation pressure is too low or too high?
● What about inflation pressure in other applications, like dirt or adventure riding?
Q:Why is tire inflation pressure important?
A:The inflation pressure carries the weight of the bike, helps prevent damage to the tire, and allows the tire to perform safely and as designed.
Pneumatic tires are dependent on inflation pressure to perform their most basic functions, including the following:
● Carry the load of the vehicle, passengers, and cargo.
● Transmit cornering forces and help direct the vehicle along a path.
● Provide acceleration and braking traction.
● Absorb road irregularities and provide ride comfort.
The right pressure in each tire helps optimize vehicle performance for these functions, and for things like tire wear and fuel economy. For instance, pressure is key to tire deformation and stiffness characteristics, and it governs the shape of the tire as it engages the road in the contact patch.
Tires are also dependent on inflation pressure for their own durability and for safe vehicle operation. Proper pressure is important to prevent the tire from becoming damaged or subject to failure, and for helping the vehicle perform as the manufacturer intended.
Q:What are the proper inflation pressures for street applications?
A:Vehicle manufacturers’ recommended inflation pressures are found on the vehicle placard or in the owners manual.
Vehicle manufacturers go through extensive testing and evaluations to determine various tire parameters and inflation pressure settings based on the specific motorcycle and its intended use. Tire manufacturers also have their own testing and performance requirements that depend on pressure to meet their own product expectations. Ultimately, it is the vehicle manufacturer that establishes and communicates the proper tire pressures for optimum vehicle performance, including for tire safety. These inflation pressure specifications can be found on a placard applied to the motorcycle frame as well as in the vehicle owners manual.
Vehicle manufacturer recommended inflation pressures are specific to the make and model of the motorcycle. Heavier motorcycles likecruisers, touring bikes, oradventurebikes tend to run higher pressures due to their own weight and rider and cargo capacity. On the other hand, dirt bikes tend to run lower pressures because they are much lighter in weight, have reduced load capacity, and have lower top speeds. Regardless of the type of motorcycle, check the frame placard and/or the owners manual for the proper tire specifications and inflation pressures.
The tire sizes and inflation pressure recommendations for the motorcycle are set to ensure that the load of the bike itself, rider(s), and cargo can be carried—and that the motorcycle will ride and handle safely—up to its maximum capacity. Overloading a motorcycle beyond vehicle manufacturer specifications is unsafe, regardless of whether the tires can carry the additional load
In addition, tire inflation pressure should not be increased beyond what the bike manufacturer recommends, including for attempts to accommodate excessive load. Bottom line: Don’t overload the motorcycle, and don’t exceed the pressures recommended by the motorcycle manufacturer.
What about the inflation pressure information that’s marked on the sidewall of the tire?This is the pressure necessary for the tire to carry its rated, maximum load. The motorcycle manufacturer’s tire pressure specifications may be lower than, or the same as, the pressure indicated on the tire sidewall. Check the motorcycle frame placard and/or the owners manual for the proper tire inflation pressures. <This will be a shaded box or sidebar, not necessarily in the body of the text.>
Q:How do I check and set tire inflation pressure?
A:Use a reliable gauge, and check and adjust the pressure only when the tires are cold.
The first step is to have a reliable gauge. An electronic or higher quality gauge may be worth the investment to some, but gauges don’t have to be fancy or expensive to get the job done. If you want to check the accuracy of your gauge, just ask your local tire shop to compare readings.
Check pressure when your tires are “cold.” A tire is considered “cold” if the motorcycle has been stationary for three hours or more. Tire pressure specifications established by the vehicle manufacturer on the frame placard and in the owners manual are for cold tires. Although riding causes tire inflation pressure to increase, if the bike was parked for at least three hours before travelling less than a mile at moderate speed, the tires are still considered cold.
To check tire pressure, remove the valve cap, place the end of the gauge over the valve, press straight and firm, and observe the reading. From there, you can adjust the inflation pressure to reach the motorcycle manufacturer’s specifications. Remember to reinstall the valve cap when you’re done. Never release pressure from a “hot” tire to reach the recommended inflation pressure—if you do, you may dangerously underinflate the tire.
If you ride regularly, check your motorcycle tire pressure at least once a week. Also check pressure before going an extended trip—and before going on any trip if you’re an infrequent rider. Always use a gauge. A tire can look like it is properly inflated, even if it is not.
While you’re checking pressure, inspect the tread and sidewalls. Make sure there is adequate tread depth and look for irregular wear, cuts, abrasions, bumps, bulges, or blisters. Although tires lose a small amount of pressure over time under normal conditions (and due to temperature drops) have your tire inspected by a tire service professional if a tire has unusual loss of inflation pressure or if you see any signs of damage. <This will be a shaded box or sidebar, not necessarily in the body of the text.>
Q:What if inflation pressure is too low or too high?
A:Pressure that is too low can lead to internal structural damage of the tire. Pressure that is too high can allow for more external damage to occur to the tire. Both of which could lead to tire failure, a crash, serious injury or death.
Under-inflation causes excessive heat build-up due to excessive flexing of the tire, and eventually causes internal structural damage to the tire components. Over-inflation makes it more likely for tires to be cut, punctured, or broken by sudden impact. These situations can cause a tire failure which could lead to a crash and serious personal injury or death.
In addition to tire damage, improper inflation pressure may also adversely affect the ride and handling characteristics of the motorcycle. Under-inflation may cause the motorcycle to handle less responsively and to feel “sluggish.” Over-inflation makes your ride harsher and may cause changes in handling predictability.
Both under-inflation and over-inflation can lead to rapid and/or uneven wear since the tire contact patch is not optimal. For instance, too little pressure can lead to rapid wear of the tread shoulders, while too much pressure can lead to rapid wear of the center.
Follow the motorcycle manufacturer’s specifications for proper tire inflation pressure. Check the frame placard and/or the owners manual for that information.
Q:What about inflation pressure in other applications, like dirt or adventure (ADV) riding?
A:Inflation pressure for focused applications like off-road riding can vary drastically. It is best to follow the vehicle manufacturers recommendations.
Proper tire inflation pressure is one of the most important maintenance items of a motorcycle regardless of the road surface. Following manufacturer recommendations is critical to the performance characteristics of the motorcycle.
In specialized applications, such asoff-road, it may be necessary to consult directly with the motorcycle and tire manufacturers to evaluate alternate tires and inflation pressures.
Dirt tires, especially motocross tires, are typically designed to operate at lower pressures than street tires. The size, shape, and tread patterns of these tires are optimized for, among other things, maximum contact with the loose terrain they encounter. However, low pressures can cause the tire to slip on the rim when subjected to high torque, which is why rim locks may be necessary.
The size and shape of adventure bikes varies almost as much as the type of terrain they cross. Lowering inflation pressure may give the tire more traction off-road to help conform to the terrain. Speeds in these conditions must be reduced so the tire does not generate excessive heat. When lowering pressure to gain additional off-road traction, it is important to have some way of inflating the tire before getting back on the pavement. If the tires are not set to proper inflation pressure for highway speeds, they will generate excessive heat which may lead to a tire failure.
Therefore, read the motorcycle owners manual carefully for off-roading recommendations. In addition, don’t hesitate to reach out to the motorcycle and tire manufacturers with any questions and to discuss options—your safety and enjoyment of their products is their top priority.
Need more information?
You can download Bridgestone’s Motorcycle Tire Maintenance, Safety and Warranty Guidehere.
Also, make sure to visit ourTechnology pageand ourMotorcycle Tire Data Book.
FAQs
What tire pressure should I run on my Bridgestone motorcycle? ›
Typically, street motorcycle tires are in the 28 to 40 psi range. A label like this may be on the bike that tells you what tire pressures to use for different load conditions. Another factor is the anticipated load conditions and road conditions.
Where is the best tire pressure for a motorcycle? ›The right place to start is with the recommended tire pressures found in your owner's manual and shown on a placard attached to the motorcycle frame. These recommendations always apply to cold tires. Refer to your motorcycle owner's manual for recommended tire pressures.
What is the recommended tire inflation pressure? ›If there's no sticker on the door, you can usually find the specs in the owner's manual. Most passenger cars will recommend 32 psi to 35 psi in the tires when they're cold.
What tire pressure for Bridgestone 29.5 r25? ›This 29.5R25 Bridgestone OTR tyre will meet your needs! This tyre is perfectly suited for loaders. This OTR tyre also has a pattern depth of 96 mm. It should preferably be used with a pressure of 6.5 bar.
What happens if you put too much air in your motorcycle tires? ›Pressure that is too low can result in sluggish handling and high tire temperatures. Pressure that is too high can result in worn-out center tread, reduced grip and a rougher-than-average ride.
Should you check motorcycle tire pressure cold or hot? ›The correct time to check your motorcycle tire pressure is when they're cold—meaning the motorcycle hasn't been ridden for at least three hours. Manufacturer inflation specifications are based on cold readings and take into account the pressure increase that happens as tires warm up on the road.
What is the 4 psi rule? ›The 4 PSI Rule Applies to Bitumen Road Use Only
Ideally, they should be 4psi above the cold pressure. For Light Truck and 4×4 tyres, use 6psi as a guide, but rough and corrugated roads cause more flexing, and your tyres may rise more than 4 or 6psi. In which case, applying this “rule” is not recommended.
For instance, if 35 psi is recommended, and the maximum safe pressure listed on your sidewall is 44 psi, you can safely put 38 or 40 psi in your tires. You can even go to 44 psi. You'll experience a harder ride, but you won't create a blowout danger. You may even experience sharper cornering and increased fuel economy.
Is it OK for your tire pressure to be 40 psi? ›The turns also tend to work the sidewalls more and wear more on the edges of the tire. In most of these cases, 40 psi should be more than enough, and since most modern tire designs will allow up to 44 psi (in some cases more) this is not a problem.
What pressure should a 29.5 29 tire be? ›About this tyre
It should preferably be used with a pressure of 4.25 bar. The 29.5-29 Triangle should ideally be mounted on a 25.00/3.5 rim.
What PSI should a Bridgestone 20.5 r25 be? ›
About this tyre
It should preferably be used with a pressure of 6.5 bar. The 20.5R25 Bridgestone should ideally be mounted on a 17.00/2.0 rim.
For a 29 inch tire, the critical range is likely between 18 and 28 psi, depending upon your weight, your skills and the terrain. For Plus tires, that range is around 11 to 15 psi, and for fat tires (4-inch and wider), the sweet spot might be between 6 and 10.
Does high tire pressure cause bumpy ride? ›If the pressure is excessively high or exceeds the manufacturer's recommendations, the tire might blow out, particularly at high speed. An over-inflated tire will also cause you to feel every bump and crack in the road.
How often should I inflate my motorcycle tires? ›If you ride regularly, check your motorcycle tire pressure at least once a week. Also check pressure before going an extended trip—and before going on any trip if you're an infrequent rider. Always use a gauge. A tire can look like it is properly inflated, even if it is not.
How do you tell if bike tires are properly inflated? ›Most every bike tire lists its recommended pressure right on the edge of the tire's sidewall. It's usually a range, say from 35 to 80 psi (that stands for “pounds per square inch”). The only way to know how much pressure you have is by using a pressure gauge — squeezing your tire isn't accurate enough.
How much does motorcycle tire pressure increase when hot? ›An approximate rule of thumb. If your tyre pressures are around 100 PSI (e.g. road bike), each 3°C of warming causes about 1 PSI pressure increase (and 3°C cooling decreases pressure by 1 PSI).
What is the 6 PSI rule? ›The 6 psi test for 4WD tyres*
Drive for at least 30 minutes to warm them up then pull over and check all the pressures again. If the tyres are correctly inflated, the pressure should have increased by around 6 psi above the cold pressure. If the pressure increase is more than 6 psi then your tyres are under inflated.
If your vehicle's tires are underinflated by only 5 psi (pounds per square inch) it could lead to tire failure. You can also experience a loss of steering precision and cornering stability. While 5 psi doesn't seem excessively low, remember, 5 psi is usually about 20% of the tire's recommended pressure.
What is an unsafe PSI? ›If you have standard passenger tires (ninety percent of vehicles do) the lowest tire pressure you can generally drive with is 20 pounds per square inch (PSI). Anything under 20 PSI is considered a flat tire, and puts you at risk for a potentially devastating blowout.
What is the average psi of a bike tire? ›Narrow tires need more air pressure than wide ones: Road tires typically require 80 to 130 psi (pounds per square inch); mountain bike tires, 25 to 35 psi; and hybrid tires, 40 to 70 psi. To find your ideal pressure, start in the middle of these ranges, then factor in your body weight.
Why do dealers overinflate tires? ›
Tires are overinflated during the shipping process, so as to help prevent the flat spot from forming in the tire as it sits for days on in during the shipping process. It is supposed to be part of the delivery check process that the service department deflates the tires to the proper pressure.
Is it okay to over inflate tires by 2 psi? ›Try not to over inflate your car's tires by more than just a few PSI. Any more and you'll run the risk of tire damage and increased wear.
What should tire pressure be if Max is 50 psi? ›Press. 340 kPa ( 50 PSI)”. This means that the tire will safely carry up to 1477 lbs. and can be safely inflated up to 300 kPa (Kilopascal) or 50 psi (pounds per square inch).
What is the maximum safe tire pressure? ›35 PSI. ' (pounds per square inch). That number tells you the maximum cold pressure needed for your tire to carry its maximum load. Most typical tires require about 32 to 35 pounds per square inch (PSI) of air, says Rod Tate, owner of highly rated Colony One Auto Center in Stafford, Texas.
Is 40 psi too high for bike tires? ›Most mountain bike tires are rated for 25-50 PSI. Road tires are usually 80-120 PSI. Gravel tires are often 40-80 PSI. While they are a good starting point, those ranges are too broad and conservative for most riders.
What is the tire pressure for Bridgestone Battlax s21? ›Front tire pressure is set at 29 psi cold to have 33 psi warm and rear tires at 26 psi cold to get to 29 psi warm.
What is the recommended tire pressure Bridgestone Dueler? ›| UTQG | MAX. LOAD | Max. Inflation Pressure |
|---|---|---|
| 400 B B Treadwear: 400 Traction: B Temperature: B | 2,337 lbs | 51 psi |
| 400 B B Treadwear: 400 Traction: B Temperature: B | 2,679 lbs | 51 psi |
| None | 2,470 lbs | 50 psi |
| 400 B B Treadwear: 400 Traction: B Temperature: B | 2,679 lbs | 44 psi |
In most of these cases, 40 psi should be more than enough, and since most modern tire designs will allow up to 44 psi (in some cases more) this is not a problem. If you have a heavily loaded vehicle, up to 44 or even higher is ok if the tire allows it, but this is a little high for most vehicles.
How do I know if my bike tire has enough air? ›Most every bike tire lists its recommended pressure right on the edge of the tire's sidewall. It's usually a range, say from 35 to 80 psi (that stands for “pounds per square inch”). The only way to know how much pressure you have is by using a pressure gauge — squeezing your tire isn't accurate enough.
Is 50 psi good tire pressure? ›Fifty psi is a lot of pressure for a passenger-car tire. That number is on the sidewall because it's the tire's maximum allowable pressure. That means you can put up to 50 pounds of air in that tire without worrying about the tire exploding or deforming to the point where the car won't handle safely.
What is the tire pressure on a Harley Davidson motorcycle? ›
| AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE | MOTORCYCLE NOT RIDDEN FOR 2 HOURS OR MORE: ADD TO FRONT AND REAR PRESSURES IN SPECIFIED TIRES TABLE | MOTORCYCLE RECENTLY RIDDEN: ADD TO FRONT AND REAR PRESSURES IN SPECIFIED TIRES TABLE |
|---|---|---|
| 37 °C (99 °F) | 21 kPa (3 psi) | 55 kPa (8 psi) |
| 42 °C (108 °F) or higher | 28 kPa (4 psi) | 62 kPa (9 psi) |
Most mountain bike tires are rated for 25-50 PSI. Road tires are usually 80-120 PSI. Gravel tires are often 40-80 PSI. While they are a good starting point, those ranges are too broad and conservative for most riders.
Should my tires be at 40 psi? ›Normal tire pressure is usually between 32~40 psi(pounds per square inch) when they are cold. So make sure you check your tire pressure after a long stay and usually, you can do it in the early morning.
How do I know my recommended tire pressure? ›Your vehicle's recommended tire pressure can typically be found on a sticker inside the driver's door. It's also usually listed in the owner's manual, says Cars.com. Tire pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). You may also notice that the sidewall of the tires lists a tire pressure.
What psi should my 10 ply tires be? ›All load range “C” tires (the old “6-ply” rating) can be inflated to 50 psi, “D” (8-ply) to 65 psi and “E” (10-ply) to 80 psi.
How do you tell if your tires are overinflated? ›A tire bulges in the center of the tread when you overinflate it. The only part of the tire touching the road is a small, skinny patch down the middle. In theory, "this should mean less rolling resistance and increased mileage," notes Popular Mechanics.