Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: SaltLick on May 12, 2008, 05:59:45 AM

Title: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: SaltLick on May 12, 2008, 05:59:45 AM
what is the correct tire pressure for a M750 monster?  I weigh 210lbs.  I was reading that you shouldnt go by whats on the tires.
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: A.duc.H.duc. on May 12, 2008, 06:03:46 AM
It really depends on how you ride. If you don't ride the bike too hard, and you'd like a little more life out of your tires, try 40 front/40 rear.

Generally as you lower pressure, tires get hotter and stickier. This is of course within reason, when you go too low, the sidewall will fold, and you'll have all kinds of issues. The downside to this is that stickier tires leave a lot more rubber stuck to the road, so tread life can go down dramatically.

I usually run 38/36 or so.

Justin
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: Slide Panda on May 12, 2008, 07:04:52 AM
There's not good answer, since each tire manufacturer does things a little differently.  What might be a good pressure for one tire might be too low for another etc etc.  Most manufacturer will have the recommended pressures listed some place.  Some have different pressure specs for track vs street vs whatever.  So I'd go hunting around the tire manufactures web site

Why wouldn't you go by what's on the tires?  I would hope that the tire makers aren't just putting crap on their tires for the fun of it.  But, the numbers on the tires are probably the maximum pressure rating, as opposed to 'optimal' pressure for performance/traction that you're probably looking for
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: bdfinally on May 12, 2008, 07:33:10 AM
i've got a '00 M750 and i run about 32lb front , 34-35lb in rear.
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: ducpainter on May 12, 2008, 08:54:45 AM
The numbers on the tire sidewall are for max inflation...not recommended inflation.

That pressure is determined by the vehicle manufacturer...same for cars.

Ducati recommends 32 front 34 rear for Monsters.
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: hiero on May 12, 2008, 09:28:02 AM
+1 on dp's comments

probably the best thing for you to do is start at the recommended settings and then go up or down and see what feels right for you and your style of riding.

I run my 750 at 32.5/36.5
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: arai_speed on May 12, 2008, 09:44:41 AM
I'm with Yuu on this one.  Tire pressure depends on the tire you have on the bike.  Michellin Pilot Powers have a recommended tire pressure of 36 front and 36 rear.   Their pilot power race tires are 32 front 22 rear (huge difference).

Take a look at what tires you have on there now, see the max PSI for that tire and try the recommended setting and go out for a spin.

Remember, always set your tire pressure with COLD tires.
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: DEVO! on May 12, 2008, 02:27:28 PM
I have been trying different pressures and I am good at 33front (pot holes where I live) and 36 rear I am at 6500 miles on my current set of tires my rear is just starting to go bald down the center. The front looks fine lots of tread left
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: SaltLick on May 12, 2008, 02:33:57 PM
thanks guys, ive been running 34 front 32 rear, just checking to make sure.
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: ducpainter on May 12, 2008, 02:47:16 PM
Quote from: arai_speed on May 12, 2008, 09:44:41 AM
I'm with Yuu on this one.  Tire pressure depends on the tire you have on the bike.  Michellin Pilot Powers have a recommended tire pressure of 36 front and 36 rear.   Their pilot power race tires are 32 front 22 rear (huge difference).


Where did you get that info?

I called Michelin and asked for their recommended pressure and they specifically said they had none and to use Ducati recommended pressures for the street.

Also my Michelin guy says 30 for a power race.
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: He Man on May 12, 2008, 03:10:25 PM
I run 32front/34 rear though, i dont know the correlation between PSI and tread/traction.

Im assuming the trend is.

Higher pressure = less tread wear, but less grip
Lower pressure = more tread wear, but more grip

Now, for say a sport tire such as a Pilot Power, ive heard 32 is the lowest you want to go while maximizing tread life and grip. So  from 32psi to 33psi, to 34,psi, to 35psi, and up, whats the percent increase of tread life when my riding is consistent?,
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: arai_speed on May 12, 2008, 04:20:26 PM
Quote from: ducpainter on May 12, 2008, 02:47:16 PM
Where did you get that info?

I called Michelin and asked for their recommended pressure and they specifically said they had none and to use Ducati recommended pressures for the street.

Also my Michelin guy says 30 for a power race.

I got that from the West Coast Michellin rep.  Now, I'm didn't ask them "What is the recommended tire pressure for a 2007 Ducati Monster? when using the Pilot Powers and or the Pilot Race tires?"

So take that for what it's worth.
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: Major Slow on May 12, 2008, 04:31:01 PM
from the 2007 s4r shop manual

Front Tyre pressure (Cold) 2.1 bar - 2.3 kg/cm2

Rear Tyre pressure Cold 2.2 bar - 2.4 kg/cm2   
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: arai_speed on May 12, 2008, 04:36:10 PM
Quote from: rose_guy on May 12, 2008, 04:31:01 PM
from the 2007 s4r shop manual

Front Tyre pressure (Cold) 2.1 bar - 2.3 kg/cm2

Rear Tyre pressure Cold 2.2 bar - 2.4 kg/cm2   

Same info is found on the maintenance manual, now if someone could tell me just what that means I'll be a happier person  :)
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: Speeddog on May 12, 2008, 04:41:04 PM
1 bar = 14.7 psi

So, 2.1 bar is 30.9 psi
2.2 bar is 32.3 psi
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: bdub on May 12, 2008, 04:41:34 PM
I run 38/36 in my Diablo Corsa 3.  Tryed 35 up front the day and that was okay. Didn't notice a differance.
I want to run more in the back but they end up feeling squimy around 40 so I just leave it at 38. It's getting squared up.

bdub
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: arai_speed on May 12, 2008, 04:49:38 PM
Quote from: Speeddog on May 12, 2008, 04:41:04 PM
1 bar = 14.7 psi

So, 2.1 bar is 30.9 psi
2.2 bar is 32.3 psi

Thanks!  That's some mighty low tire pressure, I don't even run that on the track! 
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: ducpainter on May 12, 2008, 05:42:45 PM
Quote from: arai_speed on May 12, 2008, 04:49:38 PM
Thanks!  That's some mighty low tire pressure, I don't even run that on the track! 
You should try it.

Tire life isn't optimal, but traction is.
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: Speeddog on May 12, 2008, 06:00:05 PM
Depends on the tires too.

I run 31/33 F/R with my diablos, but I'm about 160# without gear, on pretty good roads.

People seem to like running the Pilot Powers higher, which makes sense as they're a pretty light carcass.
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: ducpainter on May 12, 2008, 06:01:42 PM
Quote from: Speeddog on May 12, 2008, 06:00:05 PM
Depends on the tires too.

I run 31/33 F/R with my diablos, but I'm about 160# without gear, on pretty good roads.

People seem to like running the Pilot Powers higher, which makes sense as they're a pretty light carcass.
If 32/34 is higher, then I agree.
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: Augustus on May 12, 2008, 06:52:15 PM
36 front and rear, it seems to work fine and is easy to remember.
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: duc996 on May 13, 2008, 04:08:18 AM
32/34 on mine. [thumbsup]
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: Augustus on May 13, 2008, 06:35:15 PM
Hey, how do I become a hero member?
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: mstevens on May 13, 2008, 06:46:03 PM
Quote from: Augustus on May 13, 2008, 06:35:15 PM
Hey, how do I become a hero member?

I think your best bet for that is to found the board.
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: duc996 on May 13, 2008, 07:00:07 PM
Quote from: mstevens on May 13, 2008, 06:46:03 PM
I think your best bet for that is to found the board.
Off topic here,but is that your vespa in your avatar? :)
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: ducpainter on May 13, 2008, 07:04:55 PM
Quote from: mstevens on May 13, 2008, 06:46:03 PM
I think your best bet for that is to found the board.
He already found the board..... ;D
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: hiero on May 13, 2008, 08:08:42 PM
Quote from: ducpainter on May 13, 2008, 07:04:55 PM
He already found the board..... ;D

hey, I'm close, just an extra 'i'... does that count?
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: thruxton on May 14, 2008, 09:36:43 PM
Quote from: Augustus on May 12, 2008, 06:52:15 PM
36 front and rear, it seems to work fine and is easy to remember.

that's what my suspension guru set me up with for street riding. i got no complaints with grip, compliance and mileage.
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: Hollywood on May 14, 2008, 11:02:53 PM
I was using the pressure that is stated in my 07 S2R owners manual.
2.1bar up front (+.3bar to handle rough/bumpy roads) or 35.3psi and 2.2bar or 32.3psi for the rear.

Then I noticed that on the frame there is this silver sticker. [roll]  What do ya know! The front and rear tire pressures are listed on it. :o 
32.7psi front and 36.9psi rear
If this is like its four wheel brethern. That sticker lists the recommended pressure for the tires that came on the bike when it left the factory.
It is more recent than the manual.

So, if your bike is new look at that sticker.

If your bike is an older model, and the sticker is still on the frame, then you can use it as a reference point. Since you probably don't have the same tires on now that came with it. If that sticker is long gone, well, there is always the owners manual.

As a rule I don't go higher than 3psi less than the max cold pressure,
What ever pressure you use just make sure it is not more than the max cold pressure on the side of the tire.

Hope this helps
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: 64duc on May 15, 2008, 10:44:44 AM
Quote from: arai_speed on May 12, 2008, 04:36:10 PM
Same info is found on the maintenance manual, now if someone could tell me just what that means I'll be a happier person  :)


Handy little converter. Convert almost anything.

http://joshmadison.com/article/convert-for-windows
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: arai_speed on May 15, 2008, 10:55:36 AM
Quote from: 64duc on May 15, 2008, 10:44:44 AM

Handy little converter. Convert almost anything.

http://joshmadison.com/article/convert-for-windows

I'm on a mac. But I have used that pg before.
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: ICON on May 15, 2008, 11:13:36 AM
Pilot Power 2ct-  32/32 summer and 34/34 winter.
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: arai_speed on May 15, 2008, 11:18:25 AM
Quote from: thruxton on May 14, 2008, 09:36:43 PM
that's what my suspension guru set me up with for street riding. i got no complaints with grip, compliance and mileage.

That's what I'm running now and the thing is on rails.  I think I'll try the lower pressure and see how it feels, if I don't like it I'll go back to 36/36.

Also, this is the first Monster I've owned so forgive my ignorance, but this is the first time I've heard of a lower front tire pressure then the rear tire pressure.

Since the steering is handled by the front wheel, you want that the tire in the front slightly harder to do all the tracking and steering  and the rear softer so you can get better grip/drive out of corners.

At least that's what I've run on my R1 when using Bridgestone's or Dunlops on the track.


Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: optiato on May 15, 2008, 01:37:19 PM
What's the adjustment for weight generally?  Say for someone around oh 130-135 pounds... with gear.....
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: Augustus on May 15, 2008, 07:30:53 PM
After thinking about this post I decided to go halfway between the recommended range which equates to 37 psi for the front and 42 psi for the back on Stradas.  I'll see how the bike feels, since I don't take it to the track I think it will be fine.
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: arai_speed on May 18, 2008, 01:19:40 PM
So I went out this morning to the local canyons and tried the recommended tire pressure.  31pst front and 32psi rear (as listed on the frame of my bike).  The bike is on Michelin Pilot Powers.

In short, lowering the pressure caused my bike feel really bumpy.  Places that I didn't know had bumps because very apparent.  It seems that suspension was doing more work then normal so I'm not sure I dig the "recommended" PSI.

I'll be setting the pressure back to 36F/36R and take it out again and see if I'm imagining things or if indeed the lower psi had that much of an effect on the bike.

If it did have that effect, I don't like it.  Recommended or not.  [drink]
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: arai_speed on May 20, 2008, 09:18:29 PM
Quote from: arai_speed on May 18, 2008, 01:19:40 PM
So I went out this morning to the local canyons and tried the recommended tire pressure.  31pst front and 32psi rear (as listed on the frame of my bike).  The bike is on Michelin Pilot Powers.

In short, lowering the pressure caused my bike feel really bumpy.  Places that I didn't know had bumps because very apparent.  It seems that suspension was doing more work then normal so I'm not sure I dig the "recommended" PSI.

I'll be setting the pressure back to 36F/36R and take it out again and see if I'm imagining things or if indeed the lower psi had that much of an effect on the bike.

If it did have that effect, I don't like it.  Recommended or not.  [drink]

Afterwork I headed up to the local canyons to test out the bike running the higher PSI on my Pilot Powers and sure enough, all the bumpiness and cadillac suspension feelings I experienced on Sunday were all gone.

Now, I realize this may not work for all of you, but I'm at 6'1 and 215lbs so a higher pressure makes for a better ride (for me).

I'll be sticking to 36/36  [moto]
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: uclabiker06 on May 21, 2008, 09:15:32 AM
QuoteTire life isn't optimal, but traction is.

+1.  I would rather have the confidence that comes from the extra grip and the extra cost of changing out my tire  a bit earlier.  In his book "Smooth Riding" Reg Pridemore recommends 32psi for front and back for all tires on the street.  I don't weigh much so I run 34/33 and it works out fine. 

QuotePilot Power 2ct-  32/32 summer and 34/34 winter.

Why would you run a lower PSI in the summer?
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: Slide Panda on May 21, 2008, 09:23:00 AM
The theory being that the tires will get hotter in the summer and raise the internal pressure.  In the winter it's pretty hard to get any rear heat in the tires (if you have a winter)

Next time you go for a ride on a warm day - bring a tire guage with you.  Take your pessure when the tires are cold, and then right after you finish up some twistys.  You'll find the pressures gone up a few psi.
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: uclabiker06 on May 21, 2008, 09:26:51 AM
In the summer the pavement is hotter and the tires get hotter resulting in better grip.  If anything you would need less PSI in the winter to get better grip.
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: Wanwo on July 22, 2008, 03:00:07 PM
Quote from: 64duc on May 15, 2008, 10:44:44 AMHandy little converter. Convert almost anything.

http://joshmadison.com/article/convert-for-windows

Just what I needed.

My manual quotes tire pressure in bar and kg/cm2

The tire wall has it in psi

I went to the garage yesterday and the guy's pressure gauge is in KPa! :o
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: Major Slow on July 22, 2008, 05:47:29 PM
Quote from: optiato on May 15, 2008, 01:37:19 PM
What's the adjustment for weight generally?  Say for someone around oh 130-135 pounds... with gear.....

I'd say about 160 big macs [bacon]
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: EEL on July 22, 2008, 07:43:32 PM
So long as the tire pressure is not higher than the maximum listed on the sidewall and no so low that the tire folds in on itself, you're fine. Nuff said. OEM recommendations are for the following

1) OEM Tires
2) To cover the company from getting sued for safety violations. Thats it
Title: Re: Correct tire pressure for ducs
Post by: LA on July 26, 2008, 07:30:30 AM
I have found the recommended pressures to be perfect too. 32/30

The Pilot powers will run fairly well with far less pressure though. I rode home some 20 mi. with about 5 psi on two days last week due to punctures.

If you're going to defer to anyone, it makes sense to defer to the manufacturer.

LA