Searched the forums, RTFM, Michelin guides, the interweb, read the tyrewalls but no luck!

I bought a new 2011 XL1200C with the fat front Michelin scorcher 31 tyre (similar fatties front and back, as in the 2012 I believe). The HD manual I got doesnt have pressure tables for these new tyres, and the Michelin manual didnt either. I tried to read the tyre walls, and can see that the rear tyre is stamped with a max of 42psi, but for the life of me I cannot find the same info for the front.
Would really, Really, REALLY appreciate if someone can give me the straight dope on this. Also, knowing the nuances of hot vs cold, loaded vs unloaded, I'm guessing that for the 42 rear, running on 40 (filling while warm) would be OK as I mostly ride solo? And a similar 2 psi lower for the front once I get an answer to what that max is?
Appreciate the help compadres!

 

Welcome from Florida (I read your other, introduction post )

You're correct. Same tires on the 2012 1200C. I found the pressure table on page 32 of my manual.

Front 36 psi, cold
Rear 40 psi, cold

Hope this helps you.

 

Many thanks kind sir, and since you have taken the proverbial nibble, allow me to fish a bit more!
1.Guess you have the 2012 XL?
2.Same tyres would mean the 130 front and 150 rear Michelin Scorcher 31's? (dont have the manual with me, but I guess you know what I'm saying)
3. Could you post the exact tyre number you have in the manual?
4. Does the manual explicitly state 36 and 40 "cold"? Is there such a big difference front and rear even though they seem to be the same type of tyre?
5. I've been "guesstimate" filling the tyres to approx 36 and 40 thus far after a few miles of riding - does that mean I'm over or underfilling vs the recommendations?

Many, many thanks in advance!

 

The tire pressure is also stated on the VIN label attached to the right side on the front of the frame.

 

Thanks Modular - I've been reading some of your posts and figure you're one of the helpful 'uns on these boards!
I've been trying to read the label as you suggest, but for the life of me I couldnt find it! Any pointers on where exactly to look?
Also, refer my questions 1 through 5 in my previous post, can you help me out with number 5?

 

The lettering is small and ample on the label. It is mixed in about middle of all the wording. It is indeed 36psi Front/40psi Rear-COLD. Maybe the VIN label's are different for bikes on the other side of the pond? Best practice is to check and adjust tire pressure after the bike has sat overnight. Riding just a few miles heat the tires up and raise the pressure if only by a few PSI. Heck, I use a bicycle floor pump to top mine off. With you being in Europe you probably have the spoked rims as stock, correct? If so, spoked wheels normally loose more pressure than the cast aluminium wheels.

 

Ari, the difference is because the rear of a Sportster is much heavier than the front, also you sit much closer to the rear wheel. Tire inflation recommendations are always for cold, inflating warm invites guessing which you don't want to do. Sorry about the lousy picture. It does show where the info is.

 

Thanks Modular and 1200Cdriver - appreciate the inputs.

Modular - yep, I do have spoked wheels. So I'm guessing if I do a "hot" fill, the 36, 40 should be more like a 38, 42 correct? I dont have a garagesince I live downtown Stockholm, and hence am sadly bereft of tech marvels such as pressure gauges and even the humble bicycle pump - so end up having to ride to the nearest gas station for air - hence will always be somewhat of a "hot fill".

1200driver - sorry bud, but cant seem to open the attached pic?

 

Sorry Ari, its just a simple JPeg, do you just see a red X, Thanks, Dave

 

The better way;

If you don't have a tire pressure gauge, buy one.
Check your tire pressure before you ride the bike and make a note of how low they are.
If the back tire is 2 lbs low, then add 2 lbs when you get to the air pump.