Metzeler Z6 - tyre pressures

Originally Posted by Caddy2000

Really? So the chap from Bridgestone was talking rubbish when he said that running a tyre at different pressure than that stated by the manufacturer will cause the tyre to behave potentially in a very dangerous way.

No that is Mr Bridgestone saying if you crash your motorcycle and your tyre pressures are not what we recommend, do not think about suing me.

Actually run my Diablos at 36, 40 and find the bike handles better at slow speeds with the turn in not being as sharp or a little unpredictable.

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Caddy2000

Really? So the chap from Bridgestone was talking rubbish when he said that running a tyre at different pressure than that stated by the manufacturer will cause the tyre to behave potentially in a very dangerous way.

That's a touch excessive.

I (have) run the same tyres on my ZX6R and my SV650. Both come rated for 33/36 on the SV and 36/42 on the Kawasaki. Now granted the tyre sizes are slightly (but not excessivly) different. When on track, if it's a very hot day I often end up dropping up to 10psi out of a rear tyre.

Bridgestone's BT021's will have different pressures reccomended for different bikes. This will depend on their weight as much as anything.

There is a reasonable scope for personal choice. Clearly 20psi front & rear will feel awful, and not let the tyre react properly. 50psi will also be exceedingly harsh. So a little common sense is required when playing with pressures.

Jambo

[northwind]

I like 36/39 with Roadtecs, at 33/36 they felt a bit squiggly at times. I've never noticed any lack of grip, etc. If Mr Bridgestone comes and tells me that it's dangerous, I'll laugh in his face.

I just don't see the point in mucking about with tyres when I've got a whole suspension system to iron out first.
Unless you've got your suspension perfectly set up then why bother with your tyres? You'll get much more improvement from a decent set up than changing tyre pressure.
Personally my tyres have never felt squiggly and in kit I weigh 14st.
Also, call me daft or what, but if someone has spent a money and time to come up with some settings then I'll use them, and if I have an accident and crash investigators check my pressure at least they can't tug me for due care...
... They'll probably tug me for something else - I do live in Essex where the bike is hated after all.

Originally Posted by Caddy2000

I just don't see the point in mucking about with tyres when I've got a whole suspension system to iron out first.
Unless you've got your suspension perfectly set up then why bother with your tyres? You'll get much more improvement from a decent set up than changing tyre pressure.

Tyres and their pressures are as an important part of the suspension as springs and damping.

Cheers

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Caddy2000

I just don't see the point in mucking about with tyres when I've got a whole suspension system to iron out first.

There's absolutly nothing wrong with running the reccomended pressures. They work just fine. But so do the standard suspension settings on a bike. People do, however, adjust them within the allowed limits, and some people use this oportunity to make a pig's ear of it. I can't see how you can argue that suspension settings need adjusting from factory settings
(which have been developed by the same people who reccomended your original tyre pressures) but to try 3 or 4 psi different in your tyres is somehow both dangerous and irrelivent.

Just my 2p

Jambo