My local dealer told me to run my bike's tires at max stated on the sidewall and to ignore HD's manual specs.

Sound advice? Where do you guys run yours?

 

I'm running 44 in the rear and 40 in the front......
Changed the rear at @ 16k and the front has @23k.
Just about half my riding is 2-up.

 

Run mine at the max 10,000 miles and still going strong.

 

Something just tells me the maker of the tires know more about their product.

 

I inflate the tires as per the Owners Manual...gauge check them a couple of times a week and tirebat check the other days when just using for around town or short rides.

TM

 

I believe at max pounds, there would be hardly any flex and it would ride very stiff......But, to each his own.....

 

I run mine according to the manual and sticker on the frame which are the same.

 

Owners manual. The MAX pressure on the sidewall doesn't account for suspension and other aspects of the vehicle.

 

Maximum pressure on the tire sidewall: This is different for a tires recommended tire pressure. This number is the maximum cold pressure necessary to carry the maximum load for which the tire is rated.


Maximum Load Limit & Air Pressure

Maximum Load Limit - "635 kg [1400 lbs]"
This indicates the tire's maximum load-carrying capabilities when the tire is inflated to its maximum inflation pressure, as indicated on the sidewall. Max load is based on standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Maximum Air Pressure - "300 kPa [44 psi]"
This indicates the maximum operating inflation pressure of the tire. It does not indicate the manufacturer's recommended inflation pressure, nor does it indicate the proper air pressure based on the vehicle the tire is mounted on. This category is also based on NHTSA standards.

Note - Some tires are marked 'Extra Load', 'XL', or 'RF' (for reinforced). This simply denotes that the tire's indicated maximum load and air pressure are higher than a standard load tire.


As per above, the maximum load number tells you the maximum amount of weight a tire can support when cold. Exceeding either or both (max pressure and/or load can result in catastrophic failure of the tire).

 

The manual.

You don't run the motor at redline all the time, do you? Maximum means maximum, not optimal.