WHAT INFLATIONS ARE PEOPLE RUNNING?

[OB_Dirty Pete]

On OE tires, Suz calls for 41 psi on both ends.

Clearly, this is high. It's an inflation designed to maximize fuel efficiency for Suzuki's CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) rating and to increase the durability of Bridgestone's OE tire with the "average" (no sharp cornering and no heavy acceleration) rider.

I ran the bike on these inflations for the break-in period and found the tires very slippery. When I dropped them 5 pounds each, they became quite grippy...for Bridgestones.

I'm on aftermarket tires (ANYTHING but Bridgestone OEs please!!!) and run all brands at 35 pounds front and rear for street and track.

This gives me good grip (bigger contact patch) in all conditions and spreads everyday tire wear toward the edges of the tire.

What inflations are you using on your Busa for street and/or track?

 

[OB_blitzn]

on 2nd OEM back tire
34psi rear.....35psi front
they behave better for me at these pressures

 

[OB_VegasDude]

Man those tire pressures seems too low...........I run 42 front and rear and my bikes handles great...............

[This message has been edited by VegasDude (edited 05 September 1999).]

 

[OB_ducmanic]

O.E.M.: 42 x 42 psi. Lower preassure causes
heat buildup at high speed.

ducmanic
Los Angeles

 

[OB_Cisco San Jose]

Same here Front/Rear 42psi cold.

 

[OB_Dirty Pete]

Guys, just a suggestion, why don't try the lower inflations for a day, making sure to try a hard launch, a low speed power slide and some hard cornering.

I think you'll like the improvement. It gives you a bigger contact patch at all speeds and lean angles. And as we have discussed in the thread "Why bikes can't corner," your contact patch is what it's all about.

I understand the tire temperature concern, and I would probably return to 42/42 if I was going on a 600 miles-a-day trip. Sounds from Vegas' post in "Long distance riding" that given his climate and what he uses his Busa for, he has good reason to stay with 42/42.

Everyone at the track here on 80 - 90 degree days runs around 35/36 pounds and is not concerned about tire degradation due to overheating.

[This message has been edited by Dirty Pete (edited 06 September 1999).]