Michelin Pilot Street, any experience with good pressures?

verboten1 · May 13th, 2014, 08:11 AM

I know the pressures I run on my KLR, but I have no clue what kind of pressures people run on sticky tires.

without even thinking I would probably go 26/28

but what should I run? 275 pound rider, slightly lightened bike (it needs fairings lol)

Thanks for any input you may have!

Alex · May 13th, 2014, 12:13 PM

I'd start significantly higher for the street. (32F/36R) But adjust to taste. It can go several PSI higher or lower from that without getting into the unsafe areas, so it comes down to optimizing steering feel and wear patterns.

csmith12 · May 13th, 2014, 12:22 PM

what he said

verboten1 · May 13th, 2014, 12:44 PM

Thanks guys, I knew you would have the answer!

Now if only it would quit raining!

Sirref · May 13th, 2014, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by verboten1

Thanks guys, I knew you would have the answer!

Now if only it would quit raining!

believe me, these tires grip amazingly in the rain.

kennetht · May 13th, 2014, 01:16 PM

is there a certain pressure (besides the recommend pressure) to have the tires constantly at to increase their longevity?

verboten1 · May 13th, 2014, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirref

believe me, these tires grip amazingly in the rain.

Haha, yeah, but I need to get everything ready to get down to TN tomorrow!

Alex · May 13th, 2014, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennetht

is there a certain pressure (besides the recommend pressure) to have the tires constantly at to increase their longevity?

Generally, the higher pressure you run, the better the longetivity. But - if you go way too high, it can actually start making it a bit worse and causing a flat spot a bit quicker, as the tire won't deform at all and will just wear that exact center down no matter what's going on at the time.

verboten1 · May 13th, 2014, 02:55 PM

Well, I rode it about 150 feet, it felt way different, the front is lowered a touch, so it was already quick. But wow, this will be fun!

kennetht · May 14th, 2014, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

Generally, the higher pressure you run, the better the longetivity. But - if you go way too high, it can actually start making it a bit worse and causing a flat spot a bit quicker, as the tire won't deform at all and will just wear that exact center down no matter what's going on at the time.

i guess I should check my pressures then. I havent checked them since I got the tires installed. I am sure they are no longer at the higher pressures.

tubarney · May 14th, 2014, 10:04 PM

I've run as low as 8 psi in the rear.

25-35 psi for commuting

15-25 psi for the twisties.

The lower pressure you go:
The less miles you will get.
Your turn in will get worse (tire will become 'flat')
Your contact patch will be the largest, hence most grip more wear.
Less air, more contact patch - tire heats up quicker
Suspension may need re-adjusting

ninja250r81 · May 15th, 2014, 03:52 AM

******WARNING TO AUSTRALIANS******

Went to buy some street pilots this week in Ozzie Land.

Guess what

They don't meet Australian Standards.

So there is a few container loads of Michelin tyres ready for scrap.

Alex · May 15th, 2014, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninja250r81

They don't meet Australian Standards.

Que? What does that mean, are they mislabeled in some way?

ninja250r81 · May 16th, 2014, 05:39 PM

Some sidewall failure's, construction failure.

Not one tyre lasted through the testing period.

But, Michellin are said to be working on the problem's

roc0487 · June 2nd, 2014, 12:29 PM

What's up guys?

New to the forum, ran a search and came upon this thread... any definitive answers on recommended psi for these tires? I just got off the phone with Michelin and I'm waiting for their return call. Last weekend, I was checking pressures and my gauge failed... put a bit of air back into the front and on the ride the front felt shakey, haven't rode since.

Someone mentioned (can't refer to the member) that it was 32/36 I believe?

Any help appreciated.

kennetht · June 2nd, 2014, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roc0487

What's up guys?

New to the forum, ran a search and came upon this thread... any definitive answers on recommended psi for these tires? I just got off the phone with Michelin and I'm waiting for their return call. Last weekend, I was checking pressures and my gauge failed... put a bit of air back into the front and on the ride the front felt shakey, haven't rode since.

Someone mentioned (can't refer to the member) that it was 32/36 I believe?

Any help appreciated.

ive been running mine at 32F/36R and find it to be perfect.

roc0487 · June 2nd, 2014, 01:59 PM

Just checked them, 32F/36R... man were they off. No wonder the ride was sketchy. Thanks Ken

csmith12 · June 2nd, 2014, 02:03 PM

Welcome Mike!

verboten1 · June 2nd, 2014, 02:11 PM

32/36 was awesome for me!

roc0487 · June 2nd, 2014, 02:14 PM

Thanks C! I'm glad to be here. I was curious after reading a few other posts... I am only about 130lbs, should I decrease by a few psi?

When I checked the pressures with my new gauge (slime) about 3 times a piece to make sure the gauge is consistent... I got 22F 24R, the last ride was very shady... now I know why. Now we're 32F 36R!

csmith12 · June 2nd, 2014, 02:21 PM

Your tire pressures will be a personal thing. Now that you know the ballpark numbers, play with them a bit until you find what you like. @130lbs you should be able to find a happy place between tire pressure and rear preload adjustment. Are you gunna be 10lbs lower than everyone else? Most likely not.

roc0487 · June 2nd, 2014, 02:27 PM

I appreciate the input, I'll see what happens in the morning on my way to work. I assume the wobble or wander in the front comes from low psi, if they are too hard... the ride will be hard also? Afterwards I'll take a couple psi from each if need be, I would rather be on the upside judging from the scare the other day.

Thanks again guys

May 13th, 2014, 08:11 AM	#1
verboten1 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Monroe, MI Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - June '15	Michelin Pilot Street, any experience with good pressures? I know the pressures I run on my KLR, but I have no clue what kind of pressures people run on sticky tires. without even thinking I would probably go 26/28 but what should I run? 275 pound rider, slightly lightened bike (it needs fairings lol) Thanks for any input you may have! __________________________________________________ '82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less.

May 13th, 2014, 12:13 PM	#2
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	I'd start significantly higher for the street. (32F/36R) But adjust to taste. It can go several PSI higher or lower from that without getting into the unsafe areas, so it comes down to optimizing steering feel and wear patterns. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

May 13th, 2014, 12:22 PM	#3
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	what he said __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

May 13th, 2014, 12:44 PM	#4
verboten1 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Monroe, MI Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - June '15	Thanks guys, I knew you would have the answer! Now if only it would quit raining! __________________________________________________ '82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less.

May 13th, 2014, 02:55 PM	#9
verboten1 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Monroe, MI Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - June '15	Well, I rode it about 150 feet, it felt way different, the front is lowered a touch, so it was already quick. But wow, this will be fun! __________________________________________________ '82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less.

May 13th, 2014, 01:16 PM	#6
kennetht ninjette.org member Name: Ken Location: Central New Jersey Join Date: Oct 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 219	is there a certain pressure (besides the recommend pressure) to have the tires constantly at to increase their longevity?

May 14th, 2014, 10:04 PM	#11
tubarney ninjette.org sage Name: Brad Location: Sydney Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r 2010 SE Posts: 573	I've run as low as 8 psi in the rear. 25-35 psi for commuting 15-25 psi for the twisties. The lower pressure you go: The less miles you will get. Your turn in will get worse (tire will become 'flat') Your contact patch will be the largest, hence most grip more wear. Less air, more contact patch - tire heats up quicker Suspension may need re-adjusting

May 15th, 2014, 03:52 AM	#12
ninja250r81 ninjette.org guru Name: scott Location: australia Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 ninja 250r se Posts: 435	****WARNING TO AUSTRALIANS**** Went to buy some street pilots this week in Ozzie Land. Guess what They don't meet Australian Standards. So there is a few container loads of Michelin tyres ready for scrap.

May 16th, 2014, 05:39 PM	#14
ninja250r81 ninjette.org guru Name: scott Location: australia Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 ninja 250r se Posts: 435	Some sidewall failure's, construction failure. Not one tyre lasted through the testing period. But, Michellin are said to be working on the problem's

June 2nd, 2014, 12:29 PM	#15
roc0487 ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Pennsylvania Join Date: Jun 2014 Motorcycle(s): 08 250 Posts: 22	What's up guys? New to the forum, ran a search and came upon this thread... any definitive answers on recommended psi for these tires? I just got off the phone with Michelin and I'm waiting for their return call. Last weekend, I was checking pressures and my gauge failed... put a bit of air back into the front and on the ride the front felt shakey, haven't rode since. Someone mentioned (can't refer to the member) that it was 32/36 I believe? Any help appreciated.

June 2nd, 2014, 01:59 PM	#17
roc0487 ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Pennsylvania Join Date: Jun 2014 Motorcycle(s): 08 250 Posts: 22	Just checked them, 32F/36R... man were they off. No wonder the ride was sketchy. Thanks Ken

June 2nd, 2014, 02:03 PM	#18
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Welcome Mike! __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

June 2nd, 2014, 02:11 PM	#19
verboten1 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Monroe, MI Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - June '15	32/36 was awesome for me! __________________________________________________ '82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less.

June 2nd, 2014, 02:14 PM	#20
roc0487 ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Pennsylvania Join Date: Jun 2014 Motorcycle(s): 08 250 Posts: 22	Thanks C! I'm glad to be here. I was curious after reading a few other posts... I am only about 130lbs, should I decrease by a few psi? When I checked the pressures with my new gauge (slime) about 3 times a piece to make sure the gauge is consistent... I got 22F 24R, the last ride was very shady... now I know why. Now we're 32F 36R!

June 2nd, 2014, 02:21 PM	#21
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Your tire pressures will be a personal thing. Now that you know the ballpark numbers, play with them a bit until you find what you like. @130lbs you should be able to find a happy place between tire pressure and rear preload adjustment. Are you gunna be 10lbs lower than everyone else? Most likely not. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

June 2nd, 2014, 02:27 PM	#22
roc0487 ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Pennsylvania Join Date: Jun 2014 Motorcycle(s): 08 250 Posts: 22	I appreciate the input, I'll see what happens in the morning on my way to work. I assume the wobble or wander in the front comes from low psi, if they are too hard... the ride will be hard also? Afterwards I'll take a couple psi from each if need be, I would rather be on the upside judging from the scare the other day. Thanks again guys

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