Tire pressure....

Davidb1986 · March 11th, 2010, 12:53 AM

Ok I misplaced my owner's manuel so I'm going to ask a really stupid question. What is the tire pressure suppose to be in my 09 ninjette?

Ramen · March 11th, 2010, 01:00 AM

28 up front, 32 in back.

It's also listed on that black plate attached to the swingarm.

Momaru · March 11th, 2010, 01:00 AM

Standard is 28psi up front, 32 in the rear. I think it's on the checklist sticker under the pillion seat. Also, here's a link for an electronic owners manual

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=38832

Davidb1986 · March 11th, 2010, 01:01 AM

I should have remembered that is was on the check list but had a brain fart. The pain meds I'm on for my back injury does that to me.

Reswob · March 31st, 2010, 08:38 PM

Is 28/32 for Kawi's so called "average" 150lb rider? I weigh a good bit more than that, I'm thinking I should set it a little higher?

kevlarorc · April 1st, 2010, 11:11 AM

Oh wow. I've had mine way too high. I had just looked on the sidewalls and I could swear it said 36 psi both front and rear. Gonna have to go adjust that lol

kkim · April 1st, 2010, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevlarorc

Oh wow. I've had mine way too high. I had just looked on the sidewalls and I could swear it said 36 psi both front and rear. Gonna have to go adjust that lol

you are reading the tire's max tire pressure. You should set the pressures to whatever the manufacture recommends on a sticker on the vehicle.

that being said, I run 28/28 on my bike.

Samer · April 1st, 2010, 06:15 PM

My dealer sets the pressure very high. 40 psi at the back wheel and slightly less at the front. I told them that the manual says 28/32 and they said the tire wear is reduced with higher pressure. Of course that is true but you get less traction too. So I've been setting my tires 2 psi more than the manual 30/34, roughly. The uncertainty on my gage is probably 1 or 2 psi anyway.

2WheelGuy · April 3rd, 2010, 10:28 AM

The manufacturers recommended pressure is for the most extreme conditions they expect the bike to see, i.e. max load, worst roads, extreme temperatures, etc. They are also chosen to maximize tire life. I many cases the pressures are higher than the typical American sport bike rider will need, i.e. solo rider, good roads, moderate temperatures, aggressive riding. Most of us will sacrifice a little tire life for additional traction. That being said the recommended pressures for the 250 Ninja with OEM type tires is very close. I run 28-29psi front and 30-32psi rear depending on conditions.

On the new-gens with quality aftermarket tires pressure requirements can change drastically. It is best to check with someone knowledgeable with your type of tire. (The manufacturer web sites are little help.) For example I use 25psi front and rear with my Bridgestone BT-003 tires. I don't think you will find that published anywhere.

Cedilla · April 3rd, 2010, 10:53 PM

I've been running 32 front, 34 rear. I had no idea what they were supposed to be. Seems to work fine for me. Should you run higher pressure in a radial, vs a bias ply?

backinthesaddleagain · April 4th, 2010, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samer

My dealer sets the pressure very high. 40 psi at the back wheel and slightly less at the front. I told them that the manual says 28/32 and they said the tire wear is reduced with higher pressure. Of course that is true but you get less traction too. So I've been setting my tires 2 psi more than the manual 30/34, roughly. The uncertainty on my gage is probably 1 or 2 psi anyway.

Wow is dealer charging by the pound?

ScorpionNinja · April 13th, 2010, 06:40 PM

Just dont use "Firestone tires"

wait... that was only Fords with Firestones years back!

As for me,

Im about 180lbs.

My tires PSI

Front 28
Rear 30

Momaru · April 13th, 2010, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScorpionNinja

Jwait... that was only Fords with Firestones years back!

Hehe, yeah... I remember that. Incidentally I've got a Ford with Firestone A/T tires on it at the moment, wonder if I should go check 'em

miks · May 21st, 2010, 02:16 AM

I've been checking my tire pressures once a week-fortnight, and I've noticed something that has got me quite disturbed. My rear tire goes from 32 psi to 17-20 psi whereas my front goes from 30 psi to 24-26 psi. I was just wondering if the drop in pressure from my rear tire was normal?

Alex · May 21st, 2010, 03:03 AM

Not normal. Something going on with that tire, either a leak somewhere near the tire surface, or perhaps a bad tire valve.

miks · May 21st, 2010, 04:01 AM

I assume there is only 1 fix, buy a new tire?

Thrak · May 21st, 2010, 04:56 AM

If the tire is bad, yes...

But it could be the valve stem leaking, in which case your tire is good.

miks · May 21st, 2010, 08:14 PM

If my valve stem was leaking, can this be fixed?

Alex · May 21st, 2010, 08:21 PM

Yup, they are cheap as heck and are often replaced every two or three tire changes anyhow. First thing to do is find where the leak is coming from.

kkim · May 21st, 2010, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miks

If my valve stem was leaking, can this be fixed?

where is the leak? If from the center portion of the stem, you can easily change the valve stem core with a new one and it should fix the problem.

If this is the problem, do you use valve stem covers/caps? If not, I highly recommend you do. This could very well be causing you your problems if you're not.

miks · May 21st, 2010, 09:24 PM

I don't know where my tire is leaking, I do have a couple of small indentations on my centre tire surface that could be the cause. I do use valve stem caps, but I might change them to see if it affects it somehow. Ill try take a couple of pics of what small indentations Im talking about.

Xoulrath · May 21st, 2010, 09:30 PM

I set my tires to 30 front and 32 rear. The front feels a bit soft if I don't set it higher and the rear seems to give me enough traction at that pressure and should keep tire wear at bay.

kkim · May 21st, 2010, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miks

I don't know where my tire is leaking, I do have a couple of small indentations on my centre tire surface that could be the cause. I do use valve stem caps, but I might change them to see if it affects it somehow. Ill try take a couple of pics of what small indentations Im talking about.

use a soap/water solution in a spray bottle or brush it on where you think the leak is. When you find it, you'll see a small stream of bubbles coming out. Let us know where it's leaking from.

miks · May 21st, 2010, 09:40 PM

Yeah I'll try it out now, but here are a couple of pics of the indentations on my tire. Sorry for the crappy quality, phone camera was used.

Is there anywhere where I can find out how to remove and replace valve stem caps?

miks · May 21st, 2010, 09:50 PM

Okay I found the leak, its coming from the exact same indentation pictured above. I checked all the other indentations but they were fine. Is there another way to fix this apart from buying a new tire?

Reswob · May 21st, 2010, 09:53 PM

Go to your local auto parts store and get get a valve core remover, and a new valve core. The remover is like a screwdriver with a special tip. You just stick it on the valve core and turn it counterclockwise and unscrew it.

Just remember, removing the valve will LET ALL THE AIR OUT OF THE TIRE!!! Have the bike up on rear stands before you do this.

EDIT: For a puncture in the tire, you can usually plug it. I wouldn't trust a tire plug on a motorcycle myself....

Alex · May 22nd, 2010, 01:36 PM

That type of puncture looks like new tire time to me. I'm fine with plugging nail/screw holes, but that looks like a cut from a larger piece of debris.

kkim · May 22nd, 2010, 01:40 PM

plug it for now (have someone very experienced at plugging tires do the work) and start shopping for a new set of tires. You wanted to get rid of those IRCs anyway, right?

miks · May 22nd, 2010, 08:12 PM

Would love to get rid of these IRCs but tires down here cost an arm and a leg. Will internally plug it for now at the shops and start looking around I guess.

If only there were people getting rid of some used tires down here

miks · May 23rd, 2010, 11:53 PM

Took it to the shop this morning to get it plugged, came back after Uni to pick it up and guess what ... the guy said there wasn't a leak. It was perfect, he did everything to check, put the tire in a crate of water, pumped it to 40 psi and left it for 2 hours to see if the pressure would drop, nothing. He was nice enough to do this all for free, but I seriously don't know now ... I'm going to check my pressures every few days for a while to suss it out.

kkim · May 24th, 2010, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miks

Okay I found the leak, its coming from the exact same indentation pictured above.

Quote:

Originally Posted by miks

Took it to the shop this morning to get it plugged, came back after Uni to pick it up and guess what ... the guy said there wasn't a leak. It was perfect, he did everything to check, put the tire in a crate of water, pumped it to 40 psi and left it for 2 hours to see if the pressure would drop, nothing.

how did you check it the first time?

miks · May 24th, 2010, 12:59 AM

2 methods.

1. Soapy water over the area
2. My spit over the area

Both times they were bubbling and showed signs of a leak.

EDIT: Let me make it more clear, the first time I would soapy water over the area, I could see bubbles forming and getting bigger, same with my spit.

March 11th, 2010, 12:53 AM	#1
Davidb1986 ninjette.org member Name: David Location: Waxahachie Join Date: Dec 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r SE green with Monster energy decals!!! Posts: 223	Tire pressure.... Ok I misplaced my owner's manuel so I'm going to ask a really stupid question. What is the tire pressure suppose to be in my 09 ninjette?

March 11th, 2010, 01:00 AM	#3
Momaru ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Paul Location: Roanoke, VA Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Candy Plasma Blue 250R Posts: A lot.	Standard is 28psi up front, 32 in the rear. I think it's on the checklist sticker under the pillion seat. Also, here's a link for an electronic owners manual http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=38832 __________________________________________________ Proud member of the Blue Army

April 1st, 2010, 11:11 AM	#6
kevlarorc noob motovlogger Name: Gareth Location: Austin, TX Join Date: Dec 2009 Motorcycle(s): Black 2009 250r Posts: 328	Oh wow. I've had mine way too high. I had just looked on the sidewalls and I could swear it said 36 psi both front and rear. Gonna have to go adjust that lol __________________________________________________ My Motovlog "Damn, either shimming the needles fixes 90% of any problems with the 250Rs, or kkim owns stock in a washer manufacturer." -DmbShn41

April 3rd, 2010, 10:28 AM	#9
2WheelGuy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Craig Location: Silicon Valley, CA USA Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): '98 EX250, '02 EX250, '08 250r, '03 SV650, '98 GSXR750 '03 Hayabusa, '87 YSR50, '84 ZX900, +MORE Posts: A lot.	The manufacturers recommended pressure is for the most extreme conditions they expect the bike to see, i.e. max load, worst roads, extreme temperatures, etc. They are also chosen to maximize tire life. I many cases the pressures are higher than the typical American sport bike rider will need, i.e. solo rider, good roads, moderate temperatures, aggressive riding. Most of us will sacrifice a little tire life for additional traction. That being said the recommended pressures for the 250 Ninja with OEM type tires is very close. I run 28-29psi front and 30-32psi rear depending on conditions. On the new-gens with quality aftermarket tires pressure requirements can change drastically. It is best to check with someone knowledgeable with your type of tire. (The manufacturer web sites are little help.) For example I use 25psi front and rear with my Bridgestone BT-003 tires. I don't think you will find that published anywhere. __________________________________________________ CraigHarris.org Pacific Track Time CraigsWeb See you at 2014 MotoGP Laguna Seca! We'll be camping on Fox Hill. AFM #278

April 3rd, 2010, 10:53 PM	#10
Cedilla ninjette.org sage Name: Chris Location: Huntsville, AL Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: 755	I've been running 32 front, 34 rear. I had no idea what they were supposed to be. Seems to work fine for me. Should you run higher pressure in a radial, vs a bias ply? __________________________________________________ The Ninjette is not a disposable bike. You are not ever supposed to get rid of it. It is like a [friendly] herpes virus.... once you got it, you get keep it forever. Originally posted by-Headshrink

March 11th, 2010, 01:00 AM	#2
Ramen Frak It Name: Sean Location: SWFL Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: 199	28 up front, 32 in back. It's also listed on that black plate attached to the swingarm.

March 11th, 2010, 01:01 AM	#4
Davidb1986 ninjette.org member Name: David Location: Waxahachie Join Date: Dec 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r SE green with Monster energy decals!!! Posts: 223	I should have remembered that is was on the check list but had a brain fart. The pain meds I'm on for my back injury does that to me.

March 31st, 2010, 08:38 PM	#5
Reswob ninjette.org sage Name: Josh Location: Richmond VA Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Triumph Bonneville Black Posts: 627	Is 28/32 for Kawi's so called "average" 150lb rider? I weigh a good bit more than that, I'm thinking I should set it a little higher?

April 1st, 2010, 06:15 PM	#8
Samer ninjette.org guru Name: Samer Location: Jupiter, Florida Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R SE Posts: 376	My dealer sets the pressure very high. 40 psi at the back wheel and slightly less at the front. I told them that the manual says 28/32 and they said the tire wear is reduced with higher pressure. Of course that is true but you get less traction too. So I've been setting my tires 2 psi more than the manual 30/34, roughly. The uncertainty on my gage is probably 1 or 2 psi anyway.

April 13th, 2010, 06:40 PM	#12
ScorpionNinja ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Dave Location: Michigan Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650RTE & 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (SOLD) Posts: A lot.	Just dont use "Firestone tires" wait... that was only Fords with Firestones years back! As for me, Im about 180lbs. My tires PSI Front 28 Rear 30

May 21st, 2010, 02:16 AM	#14
miks I'm lovin' it. Name: Mike Location: Melb, Australia Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Black 250R Posts: A lot.	I've been checking my tire pressures once a week-fortnight, and I've noticed something that has got me quite disturbed. My rear tire goes from 32 psi to 17-20 psi whereas my front goes from 30 psi to 24-26 psi. I was just wondering if the drop in pressure from my rear tire was normal? __________________________________________________ Son: When I grow up I want to ride a motorbike. Father: You can't do both son.

May 21st, 2010, 03:03 AM	#15
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	Not normal. Something going on with that tire, either a leak somewhere near the tire surface, or perhaps a bad tire valve. __________________________________________________ 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 21st, 2010, 04:01 AM	#16
miks I'm lovin' it. Name: Mike Location: Melb, Australia Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Black 250R Posts: A lot.	I assume there is only 1 fix, buy a new tire? __________________________________________________ Son: When I grow up I want to ride a motorbike. Father: You can't do both son.

May 21st, 2010, 04:56 AM	#17
Thrak ninjette.org member Name: None Location: Atlanta Join Date: Feb 2010 Motorcycle(s): Lots Posts: 55	If the tire is bad, yes... But it could be the valve stem leaking, in which case your tire is good.

May 21st, 2010, 08:14 PM	#18
miks I'm lovin' it. Name: Mike Location: Melb, Australia Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Black 250R Posts: A lot.	If my valve stem was leaking, can this be fixed? __________________________________________________ Son: When I grow up I want to ride a motorbike. Father: You can't do both son.

May 21st, 2010, 08:21 PM	#19
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	Yup, they are cheap as heck and are often replaced every two or three tire changes anyhow. First thing to do is find where the leak is coming from. __________________________________________________ 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 21st, 2010, 09:24 PM	#21
miks I'm lovin' it. Name: Mike Location: Melb, Australia Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Black 250R Posts: A lot.	I don't know where my tire is leaking, I do have a couple of small indentations on my centre tire surface that could be the cause. I do use valve stem caps, but I might change them to see if it affects it somehow. Ill try take a couple of pics of what small indentations Im talking about. __________________________________________________ Son: When I grow up I want to ride a motorbike. Father: You can't do both son.

May 21st, 2010, 09:30 PM	#22
Xoulrath ninjette.org sage Name: T Location: U.S. Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): Current: '11 ZX-6R; Previous: '09 Ninjette; '08 ZX-6R (Ex-Wife '09 TU250X) Posts: 981	I set my tires to 30 front and 32 rear. The front feels a bit soft if I don't set it higher and the rear seems to give me enough traction at that pressure and should keep tire wear at bay.

May 21st, 2010, 09:50 PM	#25
miks I'm lovin' it. Name: Mike Location: Melb, Australia Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Black 250R Posts: A lot.	Okay I found the leak, its coming from the exact same indentation pictured above. I checked all the other indentations but they were fine. Is there another way to fix this apart from buying a new tire? __________________________________________________ Son: When I grow up I want to ride a motorbike. Father: You can't do both son.

May 21st, 2010, 09:53 PM	#26
Reswob ninjette.org sage Name: Josh Location: Richmond VA Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Triumph Bonneville Black Posts: 627	Go to your local auto parts store and get get a valve core remover, and a new valve core. The remover is like a screwdriver with a special tip. You just stick it on the valve core and turn it counterclockwise and unscrew it. Just remember, removing the valve will LET ALL THE AIR OUT OF THE TIRE!!! Have the bike up on rear stands before you do this. EDIT: For a puncture in the tire, you can usually plug it. I wouldn't trust a tire plug on a motorcycle myself.... __________________________________________________ '08 Bonneville Black sold->'08 Ninja 250R \| OES Swingarm Spools \| EBC HH brake pads \| reflector delete \| no-cut brake light modulator \| DIY fender eliminator

May 22nd, 2010, 01:36 PM	#27
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	That type of puncture looks like new tire time to me. I'm fine with plugging nail/screw holes, but that looks like a cut from a larger piece of debris. __________________________________________________ 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 22nd, 2010, 01:40 PM	#28
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	plug it for now (have someone very experienced at plugging tires do the work) and start shopping for a new set of tires. You wanted to get rid of those IRCs anyway, right?

May 22nd, 2010, 08:12 PM	#29
miks I'm lovin' it. Name: Mike Location: Melb, Australia Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Black 250R Posts: A lot.	Would love to get rid of these IRCs but tires down here cost an arm and a leg. Will internally plug it for now at the shops and start looking around I guess. If only there were people getting rid of some used tires down here __________________________________________________ Son: When I grow up I want to ride a motorbike. Father: You can't do both son.

May 23rd, 2010, 11:53 PM	#30
miks I'm lovin' it. Name: Mike Location: Melb, Australia Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Black 250R Posts: A lot.	Took it to the shop this morning to get it plugged, came back after Uni to pick it up and guess what ... the guy said there wasn't a leak. It was perfect, he did everything to check, put the tire in a crate of water, pumped it to 40 psi and left it for 2 hours to see if the pressure would drop, nothing. He was nice enough to do this all for free, but I seriously don't know now ... I'm going to check my pressures every few days for a while to suss it out. __________________________________________________ Son: When I grow up I want to ride a motorbike. Father: You can't do both son.

May 24th, 2010, 12:59 AM	#32
miks I'm lovin' it. Name: Mike Location: Melb, Australia Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Black 250R Posts: A lot.	2 methods. 1. Soapy water over the area 2. My spit over the area Both times they were bubbling and showed signs of a leak. EDIT: Let me make it more clear, the first time I would soapy water over the area, I could see bubbles forming and getting bigger, same with my spit. __________________________________________________ Son: When I grow up I want to ride a motorbike. Father: You can't do both son.

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