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Tire pressure in cold weather

  1. #1
    Lifer SwiftTone's Avatar
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    Tire pressure in cold weather

    Hey guys, as the temperature cools it's gotten me thinking about what tire pressure to use. I have Dunlop Q3+ that I've been happily running 34/36 on the street. It gave me plenty of grip and surprising mileage before the front had uneven wear and the rear was at the wear bar.

    Now the temperature has dropped, I'm thinking 34/36 will not allow the generate enough friction/heat to get traction.

    What are your thoughts on tire pressure in the cold to balance traction and longevity?

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  2. #2
    Wizard loudbeard's Avatar
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    Re: Tire pressure in cold weather

    Use the same pressures, just exchange the summer air for winter air.

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    I went to MMI I know what Im doing here chief

  3. #3
    Super Moderator TheIglu's Avatar
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    Re: Tire pressure in cold weather

    Take temps with an IR thermometer during a ride. See how warm they are getting. Only way to know for sure.

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  4. #4
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    Re: Tire pressure in cold weather

    Quote Originally Posted by SwiftTone View Post
    Hey guys, as the temperature cools it's gotten me thinking about what tire pressure to use. I have Dunlop Q3+ that I've been happily running 34/36 on the street. It gave me plenty of grip and surprising mileage before the front had uneven wear and the rear was at the wear bar.

    Now the temperature has dropped, I'm thinking 34/36 will not allow the generate enough friction/heat to get traction.

    What are your thoughts on tire pressure in the cold to balance traction and longevity?
    I was thinking new tires if you are at the wear bars.

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  5. #5
    Lifer SwiftTone's Avatar
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    Re: Tire pressure in cold weather

    Quote Originally Posted by TheIglu View Post
    Take temps with an IR thermometer during a ride. See how warm they are getting. Only way to know for sure.
    What am I looking for when I gather the cold/hot temperature variance ?

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    Four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul.

    Current: 2016 S1000XR. Past: S1000R, Streefighter S, Monter S2R1000, RC51, CBR600

  6. #6
    Lifer SwiftTone's Avatar
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    Re: Tire pressure in cold weather

    Quote Originally Posted by Rambunctous View Post
    I was thinking new tires if you are at the wear bars.
    Yes, got new tires.

    Previous set I got 7400 miles on hypersport tires. Very impressed!

    Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

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    Current: 2016 S1000XR. Past: S1000R, Streefighter S, Monter S2R1000, RC51, CBR600

  7. #7
    Lifer golden chicken's Avatar
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    Re: Tire pressure in cold weather

    I run the same pressures in cool weather, except I set them when the tire is warm rather than when the tire is cold.

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  8. #8
    Awesomeness, Inc. MattR302's Avatar
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    Re: Tire pressure in cold weather

    Quote Originally Posted by loudbeard View Post
    Use the same pressures, just exchange the summer air for winter air.
    Is a drain and fill ok, or do I need to do a full flush?

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  9. #9
    Soul Rider Paul_E_D's Avatar
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    Re: Tire pressure in cold weather

    Quote Originally Posted by MattR302 View Post
    Is a drain and fill ok, or do I need to do a full flush?
    It's really best to flush them with spring air. You saved some, right?

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  10. #10
    Angry Gumball RandyO's Avatar
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    Re: Tire pressure in cold weather

    I generally drop pressure a psi or 2 in cold weather, but it ain't cold yet, day temps are still above freezing

    COLD AIR = FREE HORSE POWER

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  11. #11
    Is this thing on? Mr. Kurtz's Avatar
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    Re: Tire pressure in cold weather

    Quote Originally Posted by MattR302 View Post
    Is a drain and fill ok, or do I need to do a full flush?
    Quote Originally Posted by Paul_E_D View Post
    It's really best to flush them with spring air. You saved some, right?
    I've got some spring air in my R6 tires.

    It's from spring 2017, but still, spring air.

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  12. #12
    Lifer backinthesaddle's Avatar
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    Re: Tire pressure in cold weather

    Quote Originally Posted by SwiftTone View Post
    Hey guys, as the temperature cools it's gotten me thinking about what tire pressure to use. I have Dunlop Q3+ that I've been happily running 34/36 on the street. It gave me plenty of grip and surprising mileage before the front had uneven wear and the rear was at the wear bar.

    Now the temperature has dropped, I'm thinking 34/36 will not allow the generate enough friction/heat to get traction.

    What are your thoughts on tire pressure in the cold to balance traction and longevity?
    I've been very happy with my Q3+ at 33F/37R (per my gauge), I don't change them when it gets colder, I just be more careful. Actually its probably time for new ones for me, but not until the spring.

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