I agree, very critical. 2 psi can change the handling drastically when on the edge.

 

If anything, you want to run them on the high side, not the low side. Get a good gauge and check the pressure before every ride.

 

Some use just plain air to fill their tires while others swear by nitrogen. Personally, I've found Pootoxygen works best for me and it's absolutely free! Never seems to leak out, but when it does, it has a strong trace odor, so you'll know you need to add a little more to your tires.

 

does anyone use/have the HD rubber coated tp gauge? Are they any good, or just more of the cheap made in china accessories the stealership is full of? I'll admit I haven't looked at them very close.

 

How important? ... You know your big *** motorcycle same weight as a small planet well all that weight is on two pieces of rubber approx 2" square ..... your call! ...

 

If you only have one cheap tire gauge, how do you know it reads 32 when it's actually 36?

I like this gauge, you can read air while you are filling or releasing air:
http://www.amazon.com/G-H-Meiser-EZ-...8678798&sr=8-1

 

I use a digital air pressure gauge and I check my tire pressure before every ride.

front = 36, rear = 40

 

+1 on this one i also got the extension with it to get to the back tire on the spoke rims works great.

 

Tire pressure is a critical factor in the safe operation of any vehicle, let alone a motorcycle with a "contact patch" which isn't as big as the heel of your shoe! Using your pressure readings you are off at least 10%. While that may not seem like much consider that the 10% you are off is affecting optimum performance, stability and reliability issues by the same factor. You are also compromising tire longevity! Low pressure will result in higher operating temperatures for the tires. Invest in a quality, name brand pressure gauge and use it regularly. Pressures can be affected by temperature changes, elevation changes, pourous aluminum wheels, and seeping valve stems among other things. Sorry if I got too carried away but ... pressure is important! Hope this helps.

 

The old saying, "you get what you pay for" applies more so to things like accurate tire pressure gauges. You have only 2 tires under you and it would be wise to keep the tires as well maintained as you can.

A couple of years ago I went riding with some friends up into the Kiamichi mountains about 1-1/2 hours away. I noticed one guy's tires looked low. I mentioned it to him and he said they were fine and like them a little soft for the ride. At a gas stop I mentioned it to another riding friend and he checked the guys tires pressure when he wasn't watching. The rear tire had 18 psi and front had 22 psi. It’s not only negligent but inconsiderate and just plan stupid for someone to ride like that.